<p>The Union Health Ministry has issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for epidemiological surveillance and response in the context of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in the United Kingdom (UK) in which it has stated that all international travellers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks will be required to declare their travel history of past 14 days and fill up the Self Declaration form to be screened for COVID-19.</p>

<p>"All international travellers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks will be required to declare as per existing procedure, their travel history (of past 14 days) and fill up the Self Declaration form to be screened for COVID-19," the Health Ministry stated in the SOPs issued for actions to be taken at international airports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-strain-of-coronavirus-not-seen-in-india-so-far-government-351602" hreflang="en">New strain of coronavirus not seen in India so far: Government</a></strong></p>

<p>The SOPs further describe the activities to be undertaken at the point of entry and in the community for all international passengers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks (from November 25 to December 23, 2020). Any reference to testing in this SOP implies RT-PCR testing only.</p>

<p>The Health Ministry has issued SOPs separately for actions to be taken at international airports, Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and for surveillance by state governments/Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).</p>

<p>The Health Ministry said that the respective state governments shall ensure that all passengers travelling from or transiting through airports in the UK and disembarking in India would be subjected to RT-PCR test on arrival. In the case of a positive sample, it is recommended that spike gene-based RT-PCR test should also be performed by an appropriate laboratory.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bharat-biotech-recruits-13000-volunteers-for-phase-iii-trials-of-covaxin-351568" hreflang="en">Bharat Biotech recruits 13,000 volunteers for Phase III trials of Covaxin</a></strong></p>

<p>It further said that passengers testing positive shall be isolated in an institutional facility in a separate (isolation) unit coordinated by the respective state health authorities. They would earmark specific facilities for such isolation and treatment. necessary action to send the samples to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune or any other appropriate lab for genomic sequencing will be initiated at the facility level.</p>

<p>The persons testing negative will be advised home quarantine.</p>

<p>Informing about the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK, the Health Ministry briefed: "A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus [variant under investigation (VUI)-20212/01] has been reported by the Government of United Kingdom (UK) to World Health Organization (WHO). This variant is estimated by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) to be more transmissible and affecting the younger population."</p>

<p>"This variant is defined by a set of 17 changes or mutations. One of the most significant is an N501Y mutation in the spike protein that the virus uses to bind to the human ACE2 receptor. Changes in this part of the spike protein may result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people," it added.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday had announced in the light of the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK that the flights from and to the UK stand temporarily suspended from December 23 to 31, 2020 or till further orders.</p>

<p>The government has also issued a direction that all the passengers coming from the UK during the intervening period from December 21 to 23, 2020 will have to undergo RT-PCR tests at the airports of arrival.&nbsp;</p>


The Union Health Ministry has issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for epidemiological surveillance and response in the context of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in the United Kingdom (UK) in which it has stated that all international travellers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks will be required to declare their travel history of past 14 days and fill up the Self Declaration form to be screened for COVID-19.

The Union Health Ministry has issued standard operating procedure (SOP) for epidemiological surveillance and response in the context of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus detected in the United Kingdom (UK) in which it has stated that all international travellers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks will be required to declare their travel history of past 14 days and fill up the Self Declaration form to be screened for COVID-19. "All international travellers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks will be required to declare as per existing procedure, their travel history (of past 14 days) and fill up the Self Declaration form to be screened for COVID-19," the Health Ministry stated in the SOPs issued for actions to be taken at international airports. Also read| New strain of coronavirus not seen in India so far: Government The SOPs further describe the activities to be undertaken at the point of entry and in the community for all international passengers who have travelled from or transited through the UK in the past four weeks (from November 25 to December 23, 2020). Any reference to testing in this SOP implies RT-PCR testing only. The Health Ministry has issued SOPs separately for actions to be taken at international airports, Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and for surveillance by state governments/Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP). The Health Ministry said that the respective state governments shall ensure that all passengers travelling from or transiting through airports in the UK and disembarking in India would be subjected to RT-PCR test on arrival. In the case of a positive sample, it is recommended that spike gene-based RT-PCR test should also be performed by an appropriate laboratory. Also read| Bharat Biotech recruits 13,000 volunteers for Phase III trials of Covaxin It further said that passengers testing positive shall be isolated in an institutional facility in a separate (isolation) unit coordinated by the respective state health authorities. They would earmark specific facilities for such isolation and treatment. necessary action to send the samples to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune or any other appropriate lab for genomic sequencing will be initiated at the facility level. The persons testing negative will be advised home quarantine. Informing about the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK, the Health Ministry briefed: "A new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus [variant under investigation (VUI)-20212/01] has been reported by the Government of United Kingdom (UK) to World Health Organization (WHO). This variant is estimated by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC) to be more transmissible and affecting the younger population." "This variant is defined by a set of 17 changes or mutations. One of the most significant is an N501Y mutation in the spike protein that the virus uses to bind to the human ACE2 receptor. Changes in this part of the spike protein may result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people," it added. Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday had announced in the light of the new strain of coronavirus found in the UK that the flights from and to the UK stand temporarily suspended from December 23 to 31, 2020 or till further orders. The government has also issued a direction that all the passengers coming from the UK during the intervening period from December 21 to 23, 2020 will have to undergo RT-PCR tests at the airports of arrival.

Passengers who transited through UK in last 4 weeks to declare travel history of past 14 days: Centre

<p>China’s fight against the coronavirus was mostly over, but Zhang Xiaochun, a doctor in Wuhan, was sinking into depression, convinced she had failed as a daughter and mother. She agonized over her decision to keep working even after her father fell critically ill. She worried about her young daughter, whom she had frequently left alone at home.</p>

<p>But rather than hide those feelings, as would have been common just a few years ago in a country where mental illness has long been stigmatized, Zhang consulted therapists. When friends and colleagues checked in on her, she openly acknowledged that she was struggling.</p>

<p>“If we can face such a huge disaster as this outbreak, then how could we not dare to talk about something so small as some mental health problems?” said Zhang, an imaging specialist.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-milestone-us-administers-first-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-351449" hreflang="en">Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines</a></strong></p>

<p>The coronavirus pandemic, which started in China, has forced the country to confront the issue of mental health, a topic long ignored because of scarce resources and widespread social stigmas. In the Mao era, mental illness was declared a bourgeois delusion and the country’s psychiatric system was dismantled. Even today, discrimination persists, and many people with mental illnesses are shunned, hidden at home or confined in institutions.</p>

<p>But after the coronavirus outbreak, that kind of neglect has become increasingly untenable. The uncertainty of the pandemic’s early days has combined with the grief and terror of the subsequent weeks to leave a trauma both personal and collective.</p>

<p>At the height of China’s outbreak, more than a third of people around the country experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia or acute stress, according to a nationwide survey by a Shanghai university. An expert in Beijing recently warned that the effects could linger for 10 to 20 years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>Because of the Chinese government’s top-down leadership, officials have mobilized quickly to provide help. Local governments have set up hotlines. Psychological associations have rolled out apps and held online seminars. Schools are screening students for insomnia and depression, and universities are establishing new counseling centers.</p>

<p>But the country also faces serious challenges. There is a dearth of therapists for the country’s 1.4 billion people, with fewer than nine mental health professionals for every 100,000 residents as of 2017, according to the World Health Organization.</p>

<p>China’s centralized political system, for all its strengths in mobilizing resources, may also create problems of its own. The government has curbed public mourning and suppressed calls for accountability over early missteps, pushing a simplified narrative of China’s triumph over the virus.</p>

<p>Still, the hope is that the pandemic could propel a long-term shift in the conversation around mental health in China, with advocates pointing in part to high-level government orders to improve treatment.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-uk-australia-detects-new-fast-spreading-coronavirus-strain-351398">After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain</a></strong></p>

<p>“Because of the pandemic, they are braver in coming to ask for help,” Du Mingjun, a psychologist in Wuhan, said of the influx of people she had seen seeking treatment this year. “More and more people are accepting this. That is new.”</p>

<p>Du was one of the first witnesses to the crisis’ mental health toll. On Jan. 23, the day that Wuhan locked down, she and her colleagues at the provincial psychologists’ association helped launch a government-backed 24-hour hotline, placing ads in newspapers and posting on WeChat to reach a city suddenly convulsed by fear.</p>

<p>Immediately, they were inundated. A woman called because her parents were in separate hospitals, and trying to run between the two had left her on the verge of collapse. A man was taking his temperature every 30 minutes, terrified of falling ill. A 12-year-old boy dialed on behalf of his mother, explaining that he was worried about her. At the peak, the hotline managed between 200 and 300 calls each day, Du said.</p>

<p>As the situation improved, the calls tapered off. By late October, there were around 10 a day. Some callers were still seeking help for trauma related to the outbreak, brought back by news reports, or old photos glimpsed on cellphones. But others have come looking for help with more mundane issues, such as academic pressure or arguments with family.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346">India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</a></strong></p>

<p>“I think this change is here now, and there’s no way to stop it,” Du said. “We all lived through this together, and it was continuously unfolding around us. So the collective consciousness of our community is very deep.”</p>

<p>Around the country, schools have expanded mental health counseling and encouraged students to take time to unwind, as the Ministry of Education has warned of “post-epidemic syndrome.” Officials have said that after months of stressful lockdowns, students might be more likely to have conflicts with parents and teachers.</p>

<p>Even before the pandemic, the trends in students’ mental health were worrying. A Shanghai official said in May that suicides among K-12 students were on the rise, with stress arising from academic pressure and domestic disputes.</p>

<p>While the rollout of services has been spotty, educators and students say the campaign has helped break stereotypes about mental health. In the northern province of Hebei, officials have produced cartoons to help students understand trauma. In the southern city of Guangzhou, students are writing letters about anxiety and practicing breathing exercises.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-variant-not-out-of-control-says-who-351463" hreflang="en">New coronavirus variant not out of control, says WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>Xiao Zelin, a junior at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said he suffered anxiety and insomnia when he returned to campus this fall. After months of being cooped up at home, he struggled adjusting to crowds of people. His appetite was poor and he couldn’t seem to relax.</p>

<p>Xiao had never visited a therapist before, but he spoke with a counselor provided by his university. The counselor, he said, helped him understand what he was going through and to be patient with himself. Xiao suggested his classmates sign up as well.</p>

<p>“In the beginning I was lost,” he said. “Now I’m feeling much better.”</p>

<p>Liang Lingyan, a psychologist in Shanghai, said the government there had also arranged more community services, such as home visits for seniors who live alone.</p>

<p>“After the epidemic, people are paying much more attention to health, especially mental health,” she said. “This will be a long-term change.”</p>

<p>Despite the efforts, cracks in the system remain.</p>

<p>There are signs that those who need help have difficulty finding it. One survey by Chinese researchers found that only 7% of patients with mental disorders had sought online help during the pandemic, despite the introduction of apps and websites by the government.</p>

<p>There are also too few high-quality training programs for mental health professionals, said Yu Lingna, a psychologist from China who is now based in Tokyo. Even if those were expanded, training people would take time.</p>

<p>“I expect we will be in a state of inadequacy for our lifetimes,” she said.</p>

<p>For Zhang, the imaging specialist who worked in Wuhan, the feeling that she had betrayed her family lingered, even as state media feted frontline doctors for their contributions. Her father recovered but her parents treated her coldly.</p>

<p>Studies suggest that medical staff may be particularly vulnerable to the pandemic’s aftershocks, with one study finding that over half of Chinese health care workers surveyed showed symptoms of depression. While many of those symptoms faded as the epidemic ebbed, others, such as a sense of guilt over losing patients, could persist, experts said.</p>

<p>Zhang said she found therapy unhelpful, but she eventually found other sources of comfort. She immersed herself in the writings of Wang Yangming, a Ming dynasty philosopher.</p>

<p>“It is easy to catch the thief that lives in the mountain, but hard to catch the thief that lives in the heart,” he wrote.</p>

<p>She also eventually left her job at the Wuhan hospital and is now living in Chengdu, in the country’s southwest, spending time with her husband and daughter. She is hopeful that one day her parents will understand her decisions.</p>

<p>Zhang has often emphasized that her experience is not unique. Many of her former colleagues are also still grappling with the scars of the outbreak, she said, and she was heartened that many of them had also turned to friends or therapists.</p>

<p>“Any big crisis like this is bound to leave people with some sort of pain,” she said. “There’s nothing shameful about it.”</p>

<p><em>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://aasra.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aasra</a>&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://snehaindia.org/new/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sneha</a>&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://sumaitri.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sumaitri&nbsp;</a>(Delhi) 011-23389090,<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://cooj.co.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Cooj</a>&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://jeevanhelplinesuicideprevention.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeevan</a>&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.maithrikochi.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maithri&nbsp;</a>(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://roshnitrusthyd.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roshni&nbsp;</a>(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://parivarthan.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parivarthan</a>&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602</em></p>

<p><br />
<em>WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations</em></p>


China’s fight against the coronavirus was mostly over, but Zhang Xiaochun, a doctor in Wuhan, was sinking into depression, convinced she had failed as a daughter and mother.

China’s fight against the coronavirus was mostly over, but Zhang Xiaochun, a doctor in Wuhan, was sinking into depression, convinced she had failed as a daughter and mother. She agonized over her decision to keep working even after her father fell critically ill. She worried about her young daughter, whom she had frequently left alone at home. But rather than hide those feelings, as would have been common just a few years ago in a country where mental illness has long been stigmatized, Zhang consulted therapists. When friends and colleagues checked in on her, she openly acknowledged that she was struggling. “If we can face such a huge disaster as this outbreak, then how could we not dare to talk about something so small as some mental health problems?” said Zhang, an imaging specialist. Also read| Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines The coronavirus pandemic, which started in China, has forced the country to confront the issue of mental health, a topic long ignored because of scarce resources and widespread social stigmas. In the Mao era, mental illness was declared a bourgeois delusion and the country’s psychiatric system was dismantled. Even today, discrimination persists, and many people with mental illnesses are shunned, hidden at home or confined in institutions. But after the coronavirus outbreak, that kind of neglect has become increasingly untenable. The uncertainty of the pandemic’s early days has combined with the grief and terror of the subsequent weeks to leave a trauma both personal and collective. At the height of China’s outbreak, more than a third of people around the country experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia or acute stress, according to a nationwide survey by a Shanghai university. An expert in Beijing recently warned that the effects could linger for 10 to 20 years. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Because of the Chinese government’s top-down leadership, officials have mobilized quickly to provide help. Local governments have set up hotlines. Psychological associations have rolled out apps and held online seminars. Schools are screening students for insomnia and depression, and universities are establishing new counseling centers. But the country also faces serious challenges. There is a dearth of therapists for the country’s 1.4 billion people, with fewer than nine mental health professionals for every 100,000 residents as of 2017, according to the World Health Organization. China’s centralized political system, for all its strengths in mobilizing resources, may also create problems of its own. The government has curbed public mourning and suppressed calls for accountability over early missteps, pushing a simplified narrative of China’s triumph over the virus. Still, the hope is that the pandemic could propel a long-term shift in the conversation around mental health in China, with advocates pointing in part to high-level government orders to improve treatment. Also read| After UK, Australia detects new fast-spreading coronavirus strain “Because of the pandemic, they are braver in coming to ask for help,” Du Mingjun, a psychologist in Wuhan, said of the influx of people she had seen seeking treatment this year. “More and more people are accepting this. That is new.” Du was one of the first witnesses to the crisis’ mental health toll. On Jan. 23, the day that Wuhan locked down, she and her colleagues at the provincial psychologists’ association helped launch a government-backed 24-hour hotline, placing ads in newspapers and posting on WeChat to reach a city suddenly convulsed by fear. Immediately, they were inundated. A woman called because her parents were in separate hospitals, and trying to run between the two had left her on the verge of collapse. A man was taking his temperature every 30 minutes, terrified of falling ill. A 12-year-old boy dialed on behalf of his mother, explaining that he was worried about her. At the peak, the hotline managed between 200 and 300 calls each day, Du said. As the situation improved, the calls tapered off. By late October, there were around 10 a day. Some callers were still seeking help for trauma related to the outbreak, brought back by news reports, or old photos glimpsed on cellphones. But others have come looking for help with more mundane issues, such as academic pressure or arguments with family. Also read| India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread “I think this change is here now, and there’s no way to stop it,” Du said. “We all lived through this together, and it was continuously unfolding around us. So the collective consciousness of our community is very deep.” Around the country, schools have expanded mental health counseling and encouraged students to take time to unwind, as the Ministry of Education has warned of “post-epidemic syndrome.” Officials have said that after months of stressful lockdowns, students might be more likely to have conflicts with parents and teachers. Even before the pandemic, the trends in students’ mental health were worrying. A Shanghai official said in May that suicides among K-12 students were on the rise, with stress arising from academic pressure and domestic disputes. While the rollout of services has been spotty, educators and students say the campaign has helped break stereotypes about mental health. In the northern province of Hebei, officials have produced cartoons to help students understand trauma. In the southern city of Guangzhou, students are writing letters about anxiety and practicing breathing exercises. Also read| New coronavirus variant not out of control, says WHO Xiao Zelin, a junior at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said he suffered anxiety and insomnia when he returned to campus this fall. After months of being cooped up at home, he struggled adjusting to crowds of people. His appetite was poor and he couldn’t seem to relax. Xiao had never visited a therapist before, but he spoke with a counselor provided by his university. The counselor, he said, helped him understand what he was going through and to be patient with himself. Xiao suggested his classmates sign up as well. “In the beginning I was lost,” he said. “Now I’m feeling much better.” Liang Lingyan, a psychologist in Shanghai, said the government there had also arranged more community services, such as home visits for seniors who live alone. “After the epidemic, people are paying much more attention to health, especially mental health,” she said. “This will be a long-term change.” Despite the efforts, cracks in the system remain. There are signs that those who need help have difficulty finding it. One survey by Chinese researchers found that only 7% of patients with mental disorders had sought online help during the pandemic, despite the introduction of apps and websites by the government. There are also too few high-quality training programs for mental health professionals, said Yu Lingna, a psychologist from China who is now based in Tokyo. Even if those were expanded, training people would take time. “I expect we will be in a state of inadequacy for our lifetimes,” she said. For Zhang, the imaging specialist who worked in Wuhan, the feeling that she had betrayed her family lingered, even as state media feted frontline doctors for their contributions. Her father recovered but her parents treated her coldly. Studies suggest that medical staff may be particularly vulnerable to the pandemic’s aftershocks, with one study finding that over half of Chinese health care workers surveyed showed symptoms of depression. While many of those symptoms faded as the epidemic ebbed, others, such as a sense of guilt over losing patients, could persist, experts said. Zhang said she found therapy unhelpful, but she eventually found other sources of comfort. She immersed herself in the writings of Wang Yangming, a Ming dynasty philosopher. “It is easy to catch the thief that lives in the mountain, but hard to catch the thief that lives in the heart,” he wrote. She also eventually left her job at the Wuhan hospital and is now living in Chengdu, in the country’s southwest, spending time with her husband and daughter. She is hopeful that one day her parents will understand her decisions. Zhang has often emphasized that her experience is not unique. Many of her former colleagues are also still grappling with the scars of the outbreak, she said, and she was heartened that many of them had also turned to friends or therapists. “Any big crisis like this is bound to leave people with some sort of pain,” she said. “There’s nothing shameful about it.” If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

China long avoided discussing mental health. The pandemic changed that.

<p>President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Monday, an event that was broadcast live as part of efforts to reassure the American public about its safety.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-milestone-us-administers-first-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-351449"><strong>Also read | Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines</strong></a><br />
<br />
Biden was administered the vaccine at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware, saying "I'm ready" as he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm before getting his shot.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And just like that, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> has received the COVID-19 vaccine! 💪 <a href="https://t.co/4Zl72lzrN8">pic.twitter.com/4Zl72lzrN8</a></p>
— Young Americans for Biden &amp; Harris (@YAFBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/YAFBiden/status/1341117577788092421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Biden told Americans "there's nothing to worry about" when they get vaccinated and that in the meantime they should keep wearing masks and "listen to the experts."</p>

<p>"Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it," he tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine.<br />
<br />
To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot.<br />
<br />
And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it. <a href="https://t.co/QBtB620i2V">pic.twitter.com/QBtB620i2V</a></p>
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden/status/1341185434408415233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>High-profile political figures in the US publicly joining the first wave of vaccinations aimed at stopping a pandemic that has killed almost 318,000 Americans.</p>

<p>Vice President Mike Pence and his wife got vaccinations last week but President Donald Trump has yet to take part in the drive.</p>

<p>The president-elect gave credit to the Trump administration for its efforts accelerating the development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines through Operation Warp Speed and said: "This is just the beginning."</p>

<p>"This is great hope," he said. "I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine. There's nothing to worry about. I'm looking forward to the second shot."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Monday, an event that was broadcast live as part of efforts to reassure the American public about its safety.

President-elect Joe Biden received his first dose of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine Monday, an event that was broadcast live as part of efforts to reassure the American public about its safety. Also read | Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines Biden was administered the vaccine at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware, saying "I'm ready" as he rolled up the sleeve on his left arm before getting his shot. And just like that, @JoeBiden has received the COVID-19 vaccine! 💪 pic.twitter.com/4Zl72lzrN8 — Young Americans for Biden & Harris (@YAFBiden) December 21, 2020 × Biden told Americans "there's nothing to worry about" when they get vaccinated and that in the meantime they should keep wearing masks and "listen to the experts." "Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it," he tweeted. Today, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. To the scientists and researchers who worked tirelessly to make this possible — thank you. We owe you an awful lot. And to the American people — know there is nothing to worry about. When the vaccine is available, I urge you to take it. pic.twitter.com/QBtB620i2V — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 22, 2020 × High-profile political figures in the US publicly joining the first wave of vaccinations aimed at stopping a pandemic that has killed almost 318,000 Americans. Vice President Mike Pence and his wife got vaccinations last week but President Donald Trump has yet to take part in the drive. The president-elect gave credit to the Trump administration for its efforts accelerating the development and distribution of coronavirus vaccines through Operation Warp Speed and said: "This is just the beginning." "This is great hope," he said. "I'm doing this to demonstrate that people should be prepared when it's available to take the vaccine. There's nothing to worry about. I'm looking forward to the second shot." (With inputs from agencies)

‘Take it, there is nothing to worry about': Biden receives vaccine live on television

<p>A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday.</p>

<p>One of the cardinals who tested positive is one of the most beloved cardinals who is also known as the "Robin Hood". The 57-year-old&nbsp;Konrad Krajewski is in charge of the charities managed by the Pope.&nbsp;Krajewski was showing symptoms of&nbsp;pneumonia and was put under&nbsp;surveillance in a hospital in Rome.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-always-have-your-jobs-pope-francis-assure-vatican-employees-351447">'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees</a></strong></p>

<p>The 'Robin hood' of Vatican is reported to be someone who is usually in close contact with the Pope. Whether or not, he has been in contact with the Pope recently has not been made clear yet.</p>

<p>Another cardinal is 78-year-old&nbsp;Italian cardinal Giuseppe Bertello. He is&nbsp;president of the governorate of the tiny state of Vatican City. Bertello tested positive for the deadly virus around the same time.</p>

<p>The Pope has often been criticised for refusing to wear masks in public and during, however, his habits have now changed drastically, especially with the second wave taking over the world.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-it-is-morally-acceptable-to-get-virus-vaccines-using-abortion-cell-lines-351439" hreflang="en">Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Pope has promised the Vatican employees that the state will retain their jobs and will keep paying their salaries on time, regardless of the economic condition of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."</p>


A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday.

A day after the Pope addressed a Christmas gathering, two cardinals close to Pope Francis have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, sources from the Vatican revealed on Tuesday. One of the cardinals who tested positive is one of the most beloved cardinals who is also known as the "Robin Hood". The 57-year-old Konrad Krajewski is in charge of the charities managed by the Pope. Krajewski was showing symptoms of pneumonia and was put under surveillance in a hospital in Rome. Also read| 'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees The 'Robin hood' of Vatican is reported to be someone who is usually in close contact with the Pope. Whether or not, he has been in contact with the Pope recently has not been made clear yet. Another cardinal is 78-year-old Italian cardinal Giuseppe Bertello. He is president of the governorate of the tiny state of Vatican City. Bertello tested positive for the deadly virus around the same time. The Pope has often been criticised for refusing to wear masks in public and during, however, his habits have now changed drastically, especially with the second wave taking over the world. Also read| Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines Meanwhile, the Pope has promised the Vatican employees that the state will retain their jobs and will keep paying their salaries on time, regardless of the economic condition of the state. "You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."

Two cardinals close to Pope Francis test positive for coronavirus

<p>After battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the French government has decided to reward their frontline workers in a way that speaks volumes and also helps the workers.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the French government announced that the hundreds of immigrants&nbsp;who have been working tirelessly in France for the last few months to help the country battle the pandemic will be gifted French citizenship as a 'thank you'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-macron-still-presenting-same-covid-19-symptoms-france-351022">President Macron still presenting same COVID-19 symptoms: France</a></strong></p>

<p>"Health professionals, cleaning ladies, childcare workers, checkout staff: They all proved their commitment to the nation, and it is now the turn of the republic to take a step towards them,"&nbsp;the interior ministry said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The process for this started in September when the ministry invited all immigrant frontline and healthcare workers to apply for the fast-track naturalisation process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the announcement, nearly 3,000 people responded to the offer and 74 had already obtained citizenship while the nearly 693 were in the final stage of completing the process,&nbsp;the office of Marlene Schiappa, the junior minister for citizenship, said in a statement.</p>

<p>This 'thank you' gift was appreciated by many who feel this has not only given them an appreciation for their work but has also motivated them to do more for the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-depression-rate-among-youths-increased-due-to-covid-19-lockdowns-351048"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-depression-rate-among-youths-increased-due-to-covid-19-lockdowns-351048/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In addition to this, the ministry also urged the officials to&nbsp;reduce the residency period in cases of "great services rendered"&nbsp;that is required to obtain citizenship. As of now, the period is five years which will be reduced to two years.</p>

<p>The order has come at a time when France's President Emmanuel Macron is battling his personal fight against the novel coronavirus, but he claims to be "doing well".</p>


After battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the French government has decided to reward their frontline workers in a way that speaks volumes and also helps the workers.

After battling the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the French government has decided to reward their frontline workers in a way that speaks volumes and also helps the workers. On Tuesday, the French government announced that the hundreds of immigrants who have been working tirelessly in France for the last few months to help the country battle the pandemic will be gifted French citizenship as a 'thank you'. Also read| President Macron still presenting same COVID-19 symptoms: France "Health professionals, cleaning ladies, childcare workers, checkout staff: They all proved their commitment to the nation, and it is now the turn of the republic to take a step towards them," the interior ministry said on Tuesday. The process for this started in September when the ministry invited all immigrant frontline and healthcare workers to apply for the fast-track naturalisation process. After the announcement, nearly 3,000 people responded to the offer and 74 had already obtained citizenship while the nearly 693 were in the final stage of completing the process, the office of Marlene Schiappa, the junior minister for citizenship, said in a statement. This 'thank you' gift was appreciated by many who feel this has not only given them an appreciation for their work but has also motivated them to do more for the country. WATCH| × In addition to this, the ministry also urged the officials to reduce the residency period in cases of "great services rendered" that is required to obtain citizenship. As of now, the period is five years which will be reduced to two years. The order has come at a time when France's President Emmanuel Macron is battling his personal fight against the novel coronavirus, but he claims to be "doing well".

France to reward COVID-19 frontline workers with citizenship

<p>Actor Rakul Preet Singh who has been shooting for Ajay Devgn`s `MayDay` on Tuesday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19.<br />
<br />
The `De De Pyaar De` actor took to Instagram to share a statement about her COVID-19 diagnosis and also informed that she has quarantined herself. "I`d like to inform everyone that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have quarantined myself," the statement read.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJF_7j_hom4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJF_7j_hom4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJF_7j_hom4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJF_7j_hom4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The 30-year-old actor also shared that she has been feeling fine and also urged anyone who came in her contact to get tested. "I am feeling fine and will rest up well so that I can be back at shoot soon. Request everyone who met me to kindly get yourself tested. Thank you and Please stay safe," the statement further read. Rakul Preet Singh had started shooting for `MayDay.`<br />
<br />
Directed and produced by Ajay Devgn, the film also stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan.&nbsp;</p>


Actor Rakul Preet Singh who has been shooting for Ajay Devgn`s `MayDay` on Tuesday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19. The `De De Pyaar De` actor took to Instagram to share a statement about her COVID-19 diagnosis and also informed that she has quarantined herself.

Actor Rakul Preet Singh who has been shooting for Ajay Devgn`s `MayDay` on Tuesday revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19. The `De De Pyaar De` actor took to Instagram to share a statement about her COVID-19 diagnosis and also informed that she has quarantined herself. "I`d like to inform everyone that I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have quarantined myself," the statement read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) × The 30-year-old actor also shared that she has been feeling fine and also urged anyone who came in her contact to get tested. "I am feeling fine and will rest up well so that I can be back at shoot soon. Request everyone who met me to kindly get yourself tested. Thank you and Please stay safe," the statement further read. Rakul Preet Singh had started shooting for `MayDay.` Directed and produced by Ajay Devgn, the film also stars megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

Rakul Preet Singh tests positive for coronavirus

<p>Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata)&nbsp;of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
"Five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a flight which arrived at Delhi airport from London last night have tested positive for COVID-19. Their samples have been sent to NCDC for research and they have been sent to the care centre," said a Nodal officer for COVID-19.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bans-flights-from-uk-over-new-covid-19-variant-spread-351346"><strong>Also read | India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread</strong></a><br />
<br />
"Two passengers from the UK were Found positive for COVID-19 after they arrived at the Kolkata airport here," health department officials said.</p>

<p>A flight carrying 222 passengers from the UK arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport on Sunday night, they said.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-finds-patient-with-new-coronavirus-strain-which-uk-said-is-out-of-control-351333"><strong>Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'</strong></a></p>

<p>"Twenty-five passengers did not have COVID reports with them. So they were taken to a nearby quarantine centre, and their coronavirus tests were conducted. Two tested positive," the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194"><strong>Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</strong></a><br />
<br />
According to COVID-19 protocols, all international passengers coming to India will have to remain in isolation for seven days.</p>

<p>Moreover, passengers coming from the UK through flights till Tuesday midnight would be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at airports "as a measure of abundant precaution", it added.</p>

<p>This comes as flight services from the UK to India have been suspended till December 31 over the spread of a new strain of coronavirus in London and England.<br />
<br />
However, India has not yet detected the new strain of coronavirus that has spread to some parts of the UK. Virology experts who have been performing genome sequencing have confirmed saying that they have not come across this particular strain as of now.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, scores of passengers arriving from the UK in Mumbai on Tuesday morning have been sent for institutional quarantine in the wake of the new virus strain.<br />
<br />
On December 20, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had informed the public that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in the UK.</p>

<p>"Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he had tweeted.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata) of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday.

Amid rising concerns over the discovery of a new strain of coronavirus in the UK, seven passengers (5 in New Delhi and 2 in Kolkata) of two UK to India flights have tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday. "Five out of 266 passengers and crew members of a flight which arrived at Delhi airport from London last night have tested positive for COVID-19. Their samples have been sent to NCDC for research and they have been sent to the care centre," said a Nodal officer for COVID-19. Also read | India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread "Two passengers from the UK were Found positive for COVID-19 after they arrived at the Kolkata airport here," health department officials said. A flight carrying 222 passengers from the UK arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport on Sunday night, they said. Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control' "Twenty-five passengers did not have COVID reports with them. So they were taken to a nearby quarantine centre, and their coronavirus tests were conducted. Two tested positive," the West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary According to COVID-19 protocols, all international passengers coming to India will have to remain in isolation for seven days. Moreover, passengers coming from the UK through flights till Tuesday midnight would be tested for COVID-19 on arrival at airports "as a measure of abundant precaution", it added. This comes as flight services from the UK to India have been suspended till December 31 over the spread of a new strain of coronavirus in London and England. However, India has not yet detected the new strain of coronavirus that has spread to some parts of the UK. Virology experts who have been performing genome sequencing have confirmed saying that they have not come across this particular strain as of now. Furthermore, scores of passengers arriving from the UK in Mumbai on Tuesday morning have been sent for institutional quarantine in the wake of the new virus strain. On December 20, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had informed the public that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus has been found in the UK. "Given the early evidence we have on this new variant of the virus, and the potential risk it poses, it is with a heavy heart that I must tell you we cannot continue with Christmas as planned," he had tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid new virus strain scare, 7 flyers from UK test Covid-19 positive at Delhi, Kolkata Airports

<p>The Union Health Ministry data showed on Tuesday that the number of daily new coronavirus infections reported in the country was recorded below 20,000 nearly after six months while the COVID-19 active caseload fell below 3 lakh.</p>

<p>India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,00,75,116 with 19,556 new infections being reported in a day.</p>

<p>The death toll increased to 1,46,111 with 301 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.</p>

<p>The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 96,36,487 pushing the national recovery rate to 95.65 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.</p>

<p>The COVID-19 active caseload has fallen below 3 lakh.</p>

<p>There are 2,92,518 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.90 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.</p>

<p>India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.</p>

<p>It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, &nbsp;90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.</p>

<p>According to the ICMR, 16,31,70,557 samples have been tested up to December 21 with 10,72,228 &nbsp;samples being tested on Monday.</p>

<p>The 301 new fatalities include 55 from Maharashtra, 41 from West Bengal, 27 each from Kerala and Delhi.</p>

<p>A total of 1,46,111 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 48,801 from Maharashtra followed by 12,016 from Karnataka, 11,995 from Tamil Nadu, 10,304 from Delhi, 9,401 from West Bengal, 8,212 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,078 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,212 from Punjab.</p>

<p>The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.</p>

<p>"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Union Health Ministry data showed on Tuesday that the number of daily new coronavirus infections reported in the country was recorded below 20,000 nearly after six months while the COVID-19 active caseload fell below 3 lakh.

The Union Health Ministry data showed on Tuesday that the number of daily new coronavirus infections reported in the country was recorded below 20,000 nearly after six months while the COVID-19 active caseload fell below 3 lakh. India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,00,75,116 with 19,556 new infections being reported in a day. The death toll increased to 1,46,111 with 301 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 96,36,487 pushing the national recovery rate to 95.65 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent. The COVID-19 active caseload has fallen below 3 lakh. There are 2,92,518 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.90 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the ICMR, 16,31,70,557 samples have been tested up to December 21 with 10,72,228 samples being tested on Monday. The 301 new fatalities include 55 from Maharashtra, 41 from West Bengal, 27 each from Kerala and Delhi. A total of 1,46,111 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 48,801 from Maharashtra followed by 12,016 from Karnataka, 11,995 from Tamil Nadu, 10,304 from Delhi, 9,401 from West Bengal, 8,212 from Uttar Pradesh, 7,078 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,212 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: India records lowest daily new cases after gap of nearly six months

<p>The new coronavirus variant discovered in Britain with a higher transmission rate is not yet out of control and can be contained using existing measures, the World Health Organization said on Monday.</p>

<p>"We have had a much higher (contamination rate) at different points in this pandemic and we've got it under control," WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan told a press conference.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>"So this situation is not in that sense out of control. But it cannot be left to its own devices."</p>

<p>British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had earlier claimed the new variant was "out of control", with British officials saying it was 70 percent more transmissible than the main strain.</p>

<p>"The measures we currently have in place are the correct measures," Ryan said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-milestone-us-administers-first-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-351449" hreflang="en">Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines</a></strong></p>

<p>"We need to do what we have been doing, we may just have to do it with a little more intensity and for a little longer to make sure we can bring this virus under control."</p>

<p>Roughly 30 countries shut their borders to people travelling from Britain or South Africa — where another variant has emerged — to stop any further spread.</p>

<p>"In some senses, it means we have to work harder," Ryan said. "Even if the virus has become a little bit more efficient in spreading, the virus can be stopped."</p>


The new coronavirus variant discovered in Britain with a higher transmission rate is not yet out of control and can be contained using existing measures, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

The new coronavirus variant discovered in Britain with a higher transmission rate is not yet out of control and can be contained using existing measures, the World Health Organization said on Monday. "We have had a much higher (contamination rate) at different points in this pandemic and we've got it under control," WHO's emergencies chief Michael Ryan told a press conference. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine "So this situation is not in that sense out of control. But it cannot be left to its own devices." British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had earlier claimed the new variant was "out of control", with British officials saying it was 70 percent more transmissible than the main strain. "The measures we currently have in place are the correct measures," Ryan said. Also read| Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines "We need to do what we have been doing, we may just have to do it with a little more intensity and for a little longer to make sure we can bring this virus under control." Roughly 30 countries shut their borders to people travelling from Britain or South Africa — where another variant has emerged — to stop any further spread. "In some senses, it means we have to work harder," Ryan said. "Even if the virus has become a little bit more efficient in spreading, the virus can be stopped."

New coronavirus variant not out of control, says WHO

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In another historic moment, the US administered first&nbsp;Moderna Inc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> to a&nbsp;nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday.</p>

<p>Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital. She was administered a shot of the Moderna vaccine&nbsp;around 11:40 am (1640 GMT), according to a live feed of the event.</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-nurse-passes-out-after-getting-pfizer-biontechs-covid-19-vaccine-350712">US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>"I am excited. I feel privileged," she said after getting the shot of the vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Her enthusiasm and courage were met with a round of applause by the people around her.</p>

<p>The shot has been administered a few days after the Moderna vaccine became the second in the US to receive&nbsp;emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the first one being&nbsp;Pfizer-Biotech's vaccine.</p>

<p>The Moderna vaccine can be stored at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), much lower than Pfizer's vaccine which must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit), making it easier to distribute.</p>

<p><strong>Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-truth-about-coronavirus-vaccines-8-myths-busted-351294">The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted!</a></strong></p>

<p>Local authorities are hoping these vaccines will be able to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected the US in the worst way.</p>

<p>"With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of COVID-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each day,"&nbsp;FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D, said in a statement.</p>


In another historic moment, the US administered first Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine to a nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday. Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital.

In another historic moment, the US administered first Moderna Inc's coronavirus vaccine to a nurse at a hospital in Connecticut on Monday. Mandy Delgado works as a nurse for the Hartford Healthcare hospital. She was administered a shot of the Moderna vaccine around 11:40 am (1640 GMT), according to a live feed of the event. Also watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine "I am excited. I feel privileged," she said after getting the shot of the vaccine against the novel coronavirus. Her enthusiasm and courage were met with a round of applause by the people around her. The shot has been administered a few days after the Moderna vaccine became the second in the US to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with the first one being Pfizer-Biotech's vaccine. The Moderna vaccine can be stored at -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), much lower than Pfizer's vaccine which must be stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit), making it easier to distribute. Have a look| The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted! Local authorities are hoping these vaccines will be able to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus, which has affected the US in the worst way. "With the availability of two vaccines now for the prevention of COVID-19, the FDA has taken another crucial step in the fight against this global pandemic that is causing vast numbers of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each day," FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D, said in a statement.

Another milestone: US administers first Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

<p>As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic.</p>

<p>Talking to the employees and families of Vatican, Pope Francis thanked them for their continuous efforts and assured them of financial security in these tough times.</p>

<p>"You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic."</p>

<p>The 84-year-old religious leader addressed a gathering to extend wishes of Christmas. The event was organised in the cavernous Paul VI Audience Hall, in a socially-distanced manner with everyone, including the Pope, wearing a face mask to avoid the spread of COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-it-is-morally-acceptable-to-get-virus-vaccines-using-abortion-cell-lines-351439" hreflang="en">Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines</a></strong></p>

<p>The Vatican is considered to be the world's smallest state which does not provide any unemployment fund. However, the state has been paying full wages to its workers, which is in direct contrast to the majority of the governments of the developed and developing countries around the world.</p>

<p>The state has incurred several economic losses due to a months-long lockdown followed by a steep decline in tourism. This has also led to the closure of the Vatican Museums. However, the Pope has made sure the workforces of the Vatican are paid their dues on time.</p>

<p>"The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world," he said.</p>

<p>He also talked about social inequality and injustice is an even greater virus than the coronavirus and called it "a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation and the lack of protection for the weakest."</p>

<p>The Vatican also allowed scientists to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines. On Monday, the Vatican said it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.</p>


As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the coronavirus pandemic.

As the world is battling with a downward spiral in economies, Pope Francis has assured the Vatican employees that their jobs will be safe even during the coronavirus pandemic. Talking to the employees and families of Vatican, Pope Francis thanked them for their continuous efforts and assured them of financial security in these tough times. "You are the ones who count the most," he said while extending Christmas wishes to the employees and their families. "No one should lose their jobs (or) suffer the brutal economic consequences of this pandemic." The 84-year-old religious leader addressed a gathering to extend wishes of Christmas. The event was organised in the cavernous Paul VI Audience Hall, in a socially-distanced manner with everyone, including the Pope, wearing a face mask to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Also read| Vatican permits use of COVID-19 vaccines despite abortion cell lines The Vatican is considered to be the world's smallest state which does not provide any unemployment fund. However, the state has been paying full wages to its workers, which is in direct contrast to the majority of the governments of the developed and developing countries around the world. The state has incurred several economic losses due to a months-long lockdown followed by a steep decline in tourism. This has also led to the closure of the Vatican Museums. However, the Pope has made sure the workforces of the Vatican are paid their dues on time. "The pandemic has exposed the plight of the poor and the great inequality that reigns in the world," he said. He also talked about social inequality and injustice is an even greater virus than the coronavirus and called it "a larger virus, that of social injustice, inequality of opportunity, marginalisation and the lack of protection for the weakest." The Vatican also allowed scientists to get virus vaccines using abortion cell lines. On Monday, the Vatican said it was ''morally acceptable'' for Roman Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines based on research that used fetal tissue from abortions.

'You will always have your jobs': Pope Francis assure Vatican employees

<p>The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194"><strong>Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</strong></a></p>

<p>A number of European countries have banned flights from the UK as the British government warned that the potent new strain of the virus was "out of control" and imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) will hold a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the issue of the mutated variant of the coronavirus reported from the UK. WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin, who is also a member of the JMG, is likely to participate in the meeting," a source said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a></strong></p>

<p>A surge in the infection rate caused by the new variant of the coronavirus has led to millions entering a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown in the UK from Sunday, with non-essential shops and businesses now closed.</p>

<p>British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.</p>

<p>Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control".</p>

<p>Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control."</p>

<p>While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this.</p>

<p>"It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months."</p>

<p>Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations.</p>

<p>Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there.

The Government of India has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group of Health Ministery on Monday to discuss the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary A number of European countries have banned flights from the UK as the British government warned that the potent new strain of the virus was "out of control" and imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant "The Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) chaired by the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) will hold a meeting on Monday morning to discuss the issue of the mutated variant of the coronavirus reported from the UK. WHO's India representative Dr Roderico H Ofrin, who is also a member of the JMG, is likely to participate in the meeting," a source said. Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly A surge in the infection rate caused by the new variant of the coronavirus has led to millions entering a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown in the UK from Sunday, with non-essential shops and businesses now closed. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses. Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control". Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control." While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this. "It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months." Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations. Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian health ministry calls urgent meet after new mutant coronavirus spreads rapidly in UK

<p>Following a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19.</p>

<p>Welwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Grant Shapps, took to Twitter to urge people to stay at home and cancel all travel plans, until and unless it is situation of emergency.</p>

<p>The decision has been taken after the French government closed their borders for all incoming travellers from the UK, fearing a spread of the new strain of coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-government-issues-advisory-do-not-travel-unless-essential-351421"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-uk-government-issues-advisory-do-not-travel-unless-essential-351421/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Following the French Government's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48hrs, we're asking the public &amp; particularly hauliers not to travel to Kent ports or other routes to France,"&nbsp;Shapps said. "We expect significant disruption in the area."</p>

<p>In addition to France, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-blocked-travel-from-uk-after-the-emergence-of-new-strain-of-coronavirus-351376">several other have closed their borders to all incoming flights from the UK</a>. As of now, South Africa, Italy and Australia, too, have reported a case each of the new variant of coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-works-against-new-variant-too-eu-approves-pfizer-biontech-coronavirus-vaccine-351418" hreflang="en">'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>Shapps also assured locals they will be entitled to a full refund if their tickets were booked after the announcement of a nationwide lockdown was made by the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson.</p>

<p>"If you booked a train Steam locomotive or coach Oncoming bus journey for the 23rd - 27th travel window (after it was announced), I've made sure you’re entitled to a full refund. No-one should be left out of pocket for doing the right thing. Please speak to your operators to find out how to claim," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;France’s Minister of Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has assured people his government will soon come up with a solution to help travellers cross borders without transmitting the deadly virus. "In the coming hours, at a European level, we will put a solid health protocol in place so that the flow from the United Kingdom can resume," he said.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron, who himself is battling COVID-19 right now, told in his cabinet meeting that the government is "looking at systematic testing upon arrival".</p>


Following a surge in coronavirus cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Following a surge in coronavirus cases after a new strain of the deadly virus was identified, the UK government has issued a 'do not travel' advisory for the locals to contain the spread of COVID-19. Welwyn Hatfield MP and Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Grant Shapps, took to Twitter to urge people to stay at home and cancel all travel plans, until and unless it is situation of emergency. The decision has been taken after the French government closed their borders for all incoming travellers from the UK, fearing a spread of the new strain of coronavirus. WATCH| × "Following the French Government's announcement it will not accept any passengers arriving from the UK for the next 48hrs, we're asking the public & particularly hauliers not to travel to Kent ports or other routes to France," Shapps said. "We expect significant disruption in the area." In addition to France, several other have closed their borders to all incoming flights from the UK. As of now, South Africa, Italy and Australia, too, have reported a case each of the new variant of coronavirus. Also read| 'It works against new variant too': EU approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine Shapps also assured locals they will be entitled to a full refund if their tickets were booked after the announcement of a nationwide lockdown was made by the UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "If you booked a train Steam locomotive or coach Oncoming bus journey for the 23rd - 27th travel window (after it was announced), I've made sure you’re entitled to a full refund. No-one should be left out of pocket for doing the right thing. Please speak to your operators to find out how to claim," he tweeted. Meanwhile, France’s Minister of Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has assured people his government will soon come up with a solution to help travellers cross borders without transmitting the deadly virus. "In the coming hours, at a European level, we will put a solid health protocol in place so that the flow from the United Kingdom can resume," he said. The French President Emmanuel Macron, who himself is battling COVID-19 right now, told in his cabinet meeting that the government is "looking at systematic testing upon arrival".

UK government issues 'do not travel' advisory after new strain of coronavirus

<p>Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.</p>

<p>“I feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in a position to give first Covid-19 vaccine shot to people of India,” Vardhan told ANI. He added that the government does not want to compromise on the safety of the vaccine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Central government along with state governments has been making preparations at state, district and block levels for the past 4 months," he said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-theme="dark">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Our first priority has been safety &amp; effectiveness of vaccines. We don't want to compromise on that. I personally feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in position to give first COVID vaccine shot to people of India: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to ANI <a href="https://t.co/PEtMgqptYJ">pic.twitter.com/PEtMgqptYJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1340841829307011072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We've formed task forces at state, district &amp; block levels. Thousands of master trainers have been trained across the country. We've conducted training at state level &amp; trained over 20,0 00 workers in about 260 districts," he added.</p>

<p>"It was scientifically possible to eradicate polio. Ultimately, coronavirus will also subside &amp; we will come across its sporadic occurrences," he said.</p>

<p>"After consultation with experts, we've prioritized 30 crore people for COVID vaccine. It includes health workers, frontline workers like police, military &amp; sanitation staff, people above 50 yrs &amp; those who are below 50 yrs but are suffering from certain diseases."</p>

<p>This comes days after India’s total caseload crossed 1 crore. India has the second-highest number of total coronavirus cases after the US, which kick-started vaccinations last week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. “I feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in a position to give first Covid-19 vaccine shot to people of India,” Vardhan told ANI. He added that the government does not want to compromise on the safety of the vaccine. "The Central government along with state governments has been making preparations at state, district and block levels for the past 4 months," he said. #WATCH | Our first priority has been safety & effectiveness of vaccines. We don't want to compromise on that. I personally feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in position to give first COVID vaccine shot to people of India: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to ANI pic.twitter.com/PEtMgqptYJ — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2020 × "We've formed task forces at state, district & block levels. Thousands of master trainers have been trained across the country. We've conducted training at state level & trained over 20,0 00 workers in about 260 districts," he added. "It was scientifically possible to eradicate polio. Ultimately, coronavirus will also subside & we will come across its sporadic occurrences," he said. "After consultation with experts, we've prioritized 30 crore people for COVID vaccine. It includes health workers, frontline workers like police, military & sanitation staff, people above 50 yrs & those who are below 50 yrs but are suffering from certain diseases." This comes days after India’s total caseload crossed 1 crore. India has the second-highest number of total coronavirus cases after the US, which kick-started vaccinations last week. (With inputs from agencies)

India may start Covid-19 vaccination in January, says Harsh Vardhan

<p>Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-finds-patient-with-new-coronavirus-strain-which-uk-said-is-out-of-control-351333"><strong>Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'</strong></a><br />
<br />
"Considering the prevailing situation in the UK, Indian govt has decided that all flights originating from the UK to India shall be temporarily suspended till 11:59 pm, 31st December. This suspension to start w.e.f. 11.59 pm, 22nd December," the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As a measure of abundant precaution, passengers arriving from UK in all transit flights (flights that have taken off or flights which are reaching India before 22nd Dec at 23.59 hrs) should be subject to mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival at the airports concerned.</p>
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoCA_GoI/status/1340956288688168961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>On December 19, the British government had alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.</p>

<p>The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-all-flight-from-the-uk-as-concerns-grow-over-new-virus-strain-351363"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-all-flight-from-the-uk-as-concerns-grow-over-new-virus-strain-351363/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans.</p>

<p>WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain.

Government of India on Monday announced that it will temporarily ban flights from the UK to the country after the emergence of a new and highly infectious strain of the coronavirus in Britain. Also read | Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control' "Considering the prevailing situation in the UK, Indian govt has decided that all flights originating from the UK to India shall be temporarily suspended till 11:59 pm, 31st December. This suspension to start w.e.f. 11.59 pm, 22nd December," the Ministry of Civil Aviation tweeted. As a measure of abundant precaution, passengers arriving from UK in all transit flights (flights that have taken off or flights which are reaching India before 22nd Dec at 23.59 hrs) should be subject to mandatory RT-PCR test on arrival at the airports concerned. — MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 21, 2020 × On December 19, the British government had alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains. The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”. Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant. WATCH| × Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans. WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

India bans flights from UK over new Covid-19 variant spread

<p>After one of the biggest outbreaks of coronavirus in the famous seafood market, Thailand's&nbsp;Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has passed a controversial statement blaming the migrants for it.</p>

<p>Thailand reported one of the biggest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country after a&nbsp;67-year-old prawn seller from Mahachai market tested positive for coronavirus. The market was out on high alert immediately after nearly 800 people were found to have been infected through contact tracing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-set-to-test-10000-after-biggest-outbreak-in-seafood-market-351212">Thailand set to test 10,000 after biggest outbreak in seafood market</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the infection rate, Thailand&nbsp;decided to test more than 10,000 people from the market and the surrounding areas. While the authorities were busy inf finding the origin of this outbreak, the Prime Minister seems to have made up his mind that the low-paid migrants are the sole reason behind this massive outbreak.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"They snuck out and came back in,"&nbsp;Prayut said referring to migrant workers who arrived in Thailand from neighbouring Myanmar to look for work.</p>

<p>Earlier, authorities had asked the market workers and residents to not leave the area at any cost. "We are locking and banning them from moving," the health ministry's permanent secretary, Kietphgum Wongit said.</p>

<p>Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce had immediately started tracing the communities in and around the market.&nbsp;"The (Department of Disease Control) will do active tracing in several communities of about 10,300 people," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="After one of the biggest outbreaks of coronavirus in the famous seafood market, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has passed a controversial statement blaming the migrants for it.  Thailand reported one of the biggest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country after a 67-year-old prawn seller from Mahachai market tested positive for coronavirus. The market was out on high alert immediately after nearly 800 people were found to have been infected through contact tracing.  Following the infection rate, Thailand decided to test more than 10,000 people from the market and the surrounding areas. While the authorities were busy inf finding the origin of this outbreak, the Prime Minister seems to have made up his mind that the low-paid migrants are the sole reason behind this massive outbreak.   &quot;They snuck out and came back in,&quot; Prayut said referring to migrant workers who arrived in Thailand from neighbouring Myanmar to look for work.  Earlier, authorities had asked the market workers and residents to not leave the area at any cost. &quot;We are locking and banning them from moving,&quot; the health ministry's permanent secretary, Kietphgum Wongit said.  Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce had immediately started tracing the communities in and around the market. &quot;The (Department of Disease Control) will do active tracing in several communities of about 10,300 people,&quot; said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce.   However, the PM has asked authorities to come up with a stricter way to handle the situation. &quot;I have told authorities there must be a system to trace workers,&quot; he said.  Prayut's statements have attracted criticism from the locals, especially the migrants, who feel this will act as fuel to the fire as it will add to the anti-Myanmar sentiment on social media.">WATCH</a>|</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-witnesses-surge-in-covid-19-cases-as-many-people-test-positive-351338/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, the PM has asked authorities to come up with a stricter way to handle the situation. "I have told authorities there must be a system to trace workers," he said.</p>

<p>Prayut's statements have attracted criticism from the locals, especially the migrants, who feel this will act as fuel to the fire as it will add to the&nbsp;anti-Myanmar sentiment, especially on social media.</p>


After one of the biggest outbreaks of coronavirus in the famous seafood market, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has passed a controversial statement blaming the migrants for it.

After one of the biggest outbreaks of coronavirus in the famous seafood market, Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha has passed a controversial statement blaming the migrants for it. Thailand reported one of the biggest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country after a 67-year-old prawn seller from Mahachai market tested positive for coronavirus. The market was out on high alert immediately after nearly 800 people were found to have been infected through contact tracing. Also read| Thailand set to test 10,000 after biggest outbreak in seafood market Following the infection rate, Thailand decided to test more than 10,000 people from the market and the surrounding areas. While the authorities were busy inf finding the origin of this outbreak, the Prime Minister seems to have made up his mind that the low-paid migrants are the sole reason behind this massive outbreak. "They snuck out and came back in," Prayut said referring to migrant workers who arrived in Thailand from neighbouring Myanmar to look for work. Earlier, authorities had asked the market workers and residents to not leave the area at any cost. "We are locking and banning them from moving," the health ministry's permanent secretary, Kietphgum Wongit said. Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce had immediately started tracing the communities in and around the market. "The (Department of Disease Control) will do active tracing in several communities of about 10,300 people," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's COVID-19 taskforce. WATCH| × However, the PM has asked authorities to come up with a stricter way to handle the situation. "I have told authorities there must be a system to trace workers," he said. Prayut's statements have attracted criticism from the locals, especially the migrants, who feel this will act as fuel to the fire as it will add to the anti-Myanmar sentiment, especially on social media.

Thailand's PM Prayut blames migrant workers for COVID-19 outbreak

<p>If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>A Malaysian ex-MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor decided to take the safest road and ditched the traditional wedding venue for his son's wedding.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-wins-lawsuit-against-parents-for-discarding-his-pornography-collection-351200" hreflang="en">Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection</a></strong></p>

<p>The couple,&nbsp;Tengku Muhammed Hafiz Tengku Adnan and&nbsp;his bride Oceane Cyril Alagia decided to host a 'drive-thru' wedding to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Scheduled on December 20 in Malaysia's&nbsp;Putrajaya, the Malaysian couple had invited nearly 10,000 guests. So, in order to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions set by the Malaysian government, the couple asked the guests not to step out of their vehicles.</p>

<p>"The drive-through concept was my father's idea. He wanted my wedding to be celebrated by all the people in Putrajaya as they are also my family as I grew up here," said&nbsp;Tengku Muhammed Hafiz.</p>

<p>The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI-wQztnF3f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI-wQztnF3f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI-wQztnF3f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CI-wQztnF3f/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Oceane Alagia (@oceanealagia)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A stage was specially set up near the famous&nbsp;Palace of Justice where the couple was earlier seated to wave at their guests. However, the couple decided to ditch the distanced approach and stood by the road to greet the guests from a smaller distance.</p>

<p>The guests, after exchanging greetings with the hosts, drove to a tent which was set up nearby to get their already-packed food packets by rolling down their windows.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/posts/4140180619344029" data-show-text="true" data-width="500">
<blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/posts/4140180619344029" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore">
<p>Alhamdulillah acara akad nikah anakanda saya Tengku Muhammed Hafiz dan Oceane Alagia telah berjalan lancar pagi tadi....</p>
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/">Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialkunan/posts/4140180619344029">Saturday, December 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
</div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"In estimation, I am informed that there are more than 10,000 Drive Thru vehicles here since this morning," the minister said on a Facebook post. "Alhamdulillah, me and my family are very honored. Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made by drive-thru attendance without getting out of the vehicle. My family and I are very grateful and appreciate all your support. Thank you."</p>


If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If you thought it is a long drive to the wedding venues, you will be surprised to see what this couple decided to do for their wedding amid the coronavirus pandemic. A Malaysian ex-MP Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor decided to take the safest road and ditched the traditional wedding venue for his son's wedding. Also read| Son wins lawsuit against parents for discarding his pornography collection The couple, Tengku Muhammed Hafiz Tengku Adnan and his bride Oceane Cyril Alagia decided to host a 'drive-thru' wedding to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. Scheduled on December 20 in Malaysia's Putrajaya, the Malaysian couple had invited nearly 10,000 guests. So, in order to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions set by the Malaysian government, the couple asked the guests not to step out of their vehicles. "The drive-through concept was my father's idea. He wanted my wedding to be celebrated by all the people in Putrajaya as they are also my family as I grew up here," said Tengku Muhammed Hafiz. The Malaysian politician along with his wife and the newly-wedded couple dressed up for the special day and stood at a designated point from where they waved and shared greetings with the guests who were seated in their cars. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oceane Alagia (@oceanealagia) × A stage was specially set up near the famous Palace of Justice where the couple was earlier seated to wave at their guests. However, the couple decided to ditch the distanced approach and stood by the road to greet the guests from a smaller distance. The guests, after exchanging greetings with the hosts, drove to a tent which was set up nearby to get their already-packed food packets by rolling down their windows. Alhamdulillah acara akad nikah anakanda saya Tengku Muhammed Hafiz dan Oceane Alagia telah berjalan lancar pagi tadi.... Posted by Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on Saturday, December 19, 2020 × "In estimation, I am informed that there are more than 10,000 Drive Thru vehicles here since this morning," the minister said on a Facebook post. "Alhamdulillah, me and my family are very honored. Thank you all for understanding and adhering to all procedures made by drive-thru attendance without getting out of the vehicle. My family and I are very grateful and appreciate all your support. Thank you."

Malaysian ex-MP hosts drive-thru wedding for son; 10,000 people participate

<p>As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft.</p>

<p>Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Stock, on Monday, warned there can be an alarming increase in crimes as several criminal organisations will try to get their hands on the vaccines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-truth-about-coronavirus-vaccines-8-myths-busted-351294" hreflang="en">The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted!</a></strong></p>

<p>"With vaccines rolling out, crime will increase dramatically," Stock warned. "We will see thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments."</p>

<p>He has also predicted a sharp increase in cases of graft related to the coronavirus vaccines. He says the crime will increase as criminals would want to get the vaccine quicker, and in an easier way.</p>

<p>"Corruption will be rampant in many places to get the valuable vaccine quicker," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-country-just-gave-its-nurses-a-50-wage-hike-351263" hreflang="en">This country just gave its nurses a 50% wage hike!</a></strong></p>

<p>Following the warning, Germany has decided to deploy federal police to secure the transportation process of the vaccines. The government has also decided to not reveal the storage location of the vaccines, and keep the locations well-guarded and a secret.</p>

<p>Stock has also issued warning against the possibility of sabotage by various groups of anti-vaxxers.</p>

<p>This&nbsp;statement has come a few days after several countries, such as the UK, US and 15 other countries have approved and started vaccine drives, with many countries planning to approve it soon.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK, Italy and South Africa have reported a new variant of coronavirus, following which majority of European countries have banned all incoming flights from the UK.</p>


As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft. Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

As the world awaits their shot at getting the coronavirus vaccine, security experts are warning governments to protect their shares of vaccine from theft. Interpol chief Juergen Stock has warned the world about a possible 'dramatic' increase in the theft and other crimes related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Stock, on Monday, warned there can be an alarming increase in crimes as several criminal organisations will try to get their hands on the vaccines. Also read| The truth about coronavirus vaccines - 8 myths busted! "With vaccines rolling out, crime will increase dramatically," Stock warned. "We will see thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments." He has also predicted a sharp increase in cases of graft related to the coronavirus vaccines. He says the crime will increase as criminals would want to get the vaccine quicker, and in an easier way. "Corruption will be rampant in many places to get the valuable vaccine quicker," he said. Also read| This country just gave its nurses a 50% wage hike! Following the warning, Germany has decided to deploy federal police to secure the transportation process of the vaccines. The government has also decided to not reveal the storage location of the vaccines, and keep the locations well-guarded and a secret. Stock has also issued warning against the possibility of sabotage by various groups of anti-vaxxers. This statement has come a few days after several countries, such as the UK, US and 15 other countries have approved and started vaccine drives, with many countries planning to approve it soon. Meanwhile, the UK, Italy and South Africa have reported a new variant of coronavirus, following which majority of European countries have banned all incoming flights from the UK.

Crime will increase 'dramatically' with COVID-19 vaccine rollout: Interpol

<p>A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds.</p>

<p>The scientist also suffered a stab wound, police said.</p>

<p>Police believe there was a scuffle before Kagansky fell from the building, reports said.</p>

<p>Russian police say they are investigating Kagansky’s death as a possible homicide and questioning a 45-year-old man as a potential suspect, e2news.com said.</p>

<p>The biologist had close links to Edinburgh University and had been working in the city for 13 years until at least 2017.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg. Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds.

A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg. Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds. The scientist also suffered a stab wound, police said. Police believe there was a scuffle before Kagansky fell from the building, reports said. Russian police say they are investigating Kagansky’s death as a possible homicide and questioning a 45-year-old man as a potential suspect, e2news.com said. The biologist had close links to Edinburgh University and had been working in the city for 13 years until at least 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian scientist working on Covid vaccine found dead with stab wounds

<p>A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194"><strong>Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary</strong></a></p>

<p>The patient and his partner had been in the UK and returned on a flight at Rome's Fiumicino airport earlier this week, the Italian health ministry said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a></strong></p>

<p>"The patient and their partner returned from the United Kingdom several days ago, landing in Rome`s Fiumicino airport. They are now isolated and have observed, together with family and close contacts, all procedures proscribed by the health authorities," Sputnik quoted the ministry`s statement.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the communication, the genome of the UK coronavirus strain has been established by experts of the Celio military hospital in Rome. The new strain of Covid-19 is "out of control", said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sunday.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/several-nations-ban-uk-flights-fearing-new-covid-19-variant-351273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The only way you can do that is by restricting social contacts and essentially, especially in Tier 4 areas, everybody needs to behave as if they may well have the virus and that is the way that we can get it under control and keep people safe," he added.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-what-we-know-about-the-uks-new-covid-strain-351327"><strong>Also read | Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain</strong></a><br />
<br />
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday announced new tier-4 Covid-19 restrictions in parts of England, including London, due to the rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus, limiting the celebrations.</p>

<p>A growing number of countries on Sunday halted flights from the UK following the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19, which is said to spread faster than other versions of the virus.</p>

<p>According to CNN, Italy Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Malo on Sunday informed that the country will also suspend flights to and from the UK citing the new strain of the coronavirus, although he did not provide more details.</p>

<p>CNN reported that the Netherlands government is banning all passenger flights coming from the UK from Sunday morning until the New Year in order to minimise the risk of the new strain from spreading in the country as much as possible, according to a press release.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England.

A coronavirus patient in Italy found with the same new strain of the deadly virus which the UK said is "out of control" and behind a severe surge in infections London and southeast England. Also read | New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary The patient and his partner had been in the UK and returned on a flight at Rome's Fiumicino airport earlier this week, the Italian health ministry said. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant "The patient and their partner returned from the United Kingdom several days ago, landing in Rome`s Fiumicino airport. They are now isolated and have observed, together with family and close contacts, all procedures proscribed by the health authorities," Sputnik quoted the ministry`s statement. Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly According to the communication, the genome of the UK coronavirus strain has been established by experts of the Celio military hospital in Rome. The new strain of Covid-19 is "out of control", said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Sunday. "The only way you can do that is by restricting social contacts and essentially, especially in Tier 4 areas, everybody needs to behave as if they may well have the virus and that is the way that we can get it under control and keep people safe," he added. Also read | Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday announced new tier-4 Covid-19 restrictions in parts of England, including London, due to the rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus, limiting the celebrations. A growing number of countries on Sunday halted flights from the UK following the discovery of a new variant of Covid-19, which is said to spread faster than other versions of the virus. According to CNN, Italy Foreign Affairs Minister Luigi Di Malo on Sunday informed that the country will also suspend flights to and from the UK citing the new strain of the coronavirus, although he did not provide more details. CNN reported that the Netherlands government is banning all passenger flights coming from the UK from Sunday morning until the New Year in order to minimise the risk of the new strain from spreading in the country as much as possible, according to a press release. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy finds patient with new coronavirus strain which UK said is 'out of control'

<p>The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.</p>

<p>The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant.</p>

<p>However, "there's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," or that vaccines would be less effective against it, he said.</p>

<p>Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans.</p>

<p>The new strain first occurred in September in the South East London and by November, it accounted for 28 per cent of all new Covid infections in the capital, rising to 62 per cent by December 9.</p>

<p>According to the reports, it has also spread to at least three other countries.<br />
According to the WHO, apart from UK, nine cases of the new strain have been reported in Denmark, as well as one case in the Netherlands and another in Australia.</p>

<p>WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In response to the surge, Boris Johnson announced a stay at home order for the British capital and southeast England, until at least December 30, to slow the spread of the disease.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains.

The British government on December 19 alerted the World Health Organisation about a new variant of the coronavirus that the Prime Minister said maybe “up to 70 per cent” more transmissible than earlier strains. The new strain – now officially named VUI-202012/01 – showed a “substantial increase in transmissibility”. Over 60 per cent of new infections in London were now accounted for by the new variant. However, "there's no evidence to suggest it is more lethal or causes more severe illness," or that vaccines would be less effective against it, he said. Several countries have banned flights from the UK over fears about a new coronavirus variant that has forced millions of people in Britain to cancel their Christmas plans. The new strain first occurred in September in the South East London and by November, it accounted for 28 per cent of all new Covid infections in the capital, rising to 62 per cent by December 9. According to the reports, it has also spread to at least three other countries. According to the WHO, apart from UK, nine cases of the new strain have been reported in Denmark, as well as one case in the Netherlands and another in Australia. WHO has also advised all its members in Europe to step up measures against coronavirus. In response to the surge, Boris Johnson announced a stay at home order for the British capital and southeast England, until at least December 30, to slow the spread of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: What we know about the UK's new Covid strain

<p>A few days after the UK announced identifying&nbsp;a new variant of coronavirus, several European countries are thinking of banning all incoming flights from the country.</p>

<p>Belgium has become the first country to impose an immediate ban which will commence from midnight (2300 GMT) on Sunday. The decision was announced by the Belgian&nbsp;Prime Minister Alexander De Croo who has claimed the ban will be in place at least for the next 24 hours.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Netherlands and Ireland have also followed the path and decided to ban all flights from Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a></strong></p>

<p>Italy and has announced a similar ban. "The United Kingdom has issued an alert concerning a new strain of Covid-19," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio wrote on his Facebook account. "As the government, our duty is to protect Italians and for this reason... we will sign, with the health minister, a decree suspending flights to and from Britain."</p>

<p>Germany, too, has imposed ban on all incoming flights from the UK and South Africa due to the new variant of coronavirus. The top officials are observing the situation in the UK and working with other European countries to impose a ban and safeguard the lives of their own citizens from the new coronavirus variant.</p>

<p>These bans have come a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another lockdown in the capital city of London after the new variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/after-uk-south-africa-identifies-new-strain-of-coronavirus-amid-second-wave-351049" hreflang="en">After UK, South Africa identifies new strain of coronavirus amid second wave</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) has assured everyone that their researchers are already closely working with the officials of the UK and South Africa to identify and detect the new variant of coronavirus. "They'll (UK officials) continue to share info &amp; results of their analysis &amp; ongoing studies. We'll update Member States &amp; public as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant &amp; any implications", WHO said in a tweet.</p>

<p>As per the initial investigations, the new strain is 70 per cent more infectious. However, whether or not it is deadlier has not yet been established. A few scientists, however, believe the existing vaccines should still be effective against the new variant.</p>

<p>For now, the UK PM Boris Johnson has announced that Tier 4 restrictions will now apply in London and other parts of England from Sunday till further notice.</p>


A few days after the UK announced identifying a new variant of coronavirus, several European countries are thinking of banning all incoming flights from the country.

A few days after the UK announced identifying a new variant of coronavirus, several European countries are thinking of banning all incoming flights from the country. Belgium has become the first country to impose an immediate ban which will commence from midnight (2300 GMT) on Sunday. The decision was announced by the Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo who has claimed the ban will be in place at least for the next 24 hours. The Netherlands and Ireland have also followed the path and decided to ban all flights from Sunday. Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly Italy and has announced a similar ban. "The United Kingdom has issued an alert concerning a new strain of Covid-19," Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio wrote on his Facebook account. "As the government, our duty is to protect Italians and for this reason... we will sign, with the health minister, a decree suspending flights to and from Britain." Germany, too, has imposed ban on all incoming flights from the UK and South Africa due to the new variant of coronavirus. The top officials are observing the situation in the UK and working with other European countries to impose a ban and safeguard the lives of their own citizens from the new coronavirus variant. These bans have come a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced another lockdown in the capital city of London after the new variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the city. Also read: After UK, South Africa identifies new strain of coronavirus amid second wave Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has assured everyone that their researchers are already closely working with the officials of the UK and South Africa to identify and detect the new variant of coronavirus. "They'll (UK officials) continue to share info & results of their analysis & ongoing studies. We'll update Member States & public as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant & any implications", WHO said in a tweet. As per the initial investigations, the new strain is 70 per cent more infectious. However, whether or not it is deadlier has not yet been established. A few scientists, however, believe the existing vaccines should still be effective against the new variant. For now, the UK PM Boris Johnson has announced that Tier 4 restrictions will now apply in London and other parts of England from Sunday till further notice.

European countries ban flights from UK over new coronavirus variant

<p>The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding.</p>

<p>This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons. Many believe this warning has been provided without any proof and forces women to choose between the health of their baby and their own wellbeing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194" hreflang="en">New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary</a></strong></p>

<p>NHS, till now, has not been able to provide any evidence about the COVID-19 vaccine being unsafe for new mothers. "There’s no evidence it’s unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. But more evidence is needed before you can be offered the vaccine," NHS claims.</p>

<p>However, the NHS website also adds that the warning is just a precaution. "precautionary until additional evidence is available to support the use of this vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding," the website reads.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-coronavirus-strain-who-appeals-for-strong-action-for-containment-in-europe-351217">New coronavirus strain: WHO calls for strong action for containment in Europe</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the data reported by local media, nearly 46 per cent mothers in the UK were breastfeeding their babies — aged between 6-8 weeks — during 2018-2019.</p>

<p>This warning, if passed, as a rule, can affect hundreds of thousands of mothers across the country, including tens of thousands of frontline workers who nurse patients and their kids together.</p>

<p>Experts believe that while the NHS is simply trying to be cautious, more research should have been carried out on this before scaring the general public, and creating an atmosphere of panic.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191" hreflang="en">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a></strong></p>

<p>The UK governments website urges pregnant women, too, to avoid getting vaccinated. "If you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over," the website reads.</p>

<p>"If you think you may be pregnant you should delay vaccination until you are sure you are not," it continued. The government has also advised women to delay getting the vaccine if they are planning a baby in the next three months, and also if they became pregnant after the first pregnancy.</p>


The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding. This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons.

The National Health Service (NHS) of the UK has advised lactating mothers to not get vaccinated against the novel coronavirus till they stop breastfeeding. This caution by the NHS has received criticism from several Women's rights and breastfeeding organisatons. Many believe this warning has been provided without any proof and forces women to choose between the health of their baby and their own wellbeing. Also read| New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary NHS, till now, has not been able to provide any evidence about the COVID-19 vaccine being unsafe for new mothers. "There’s no evidence it’s unsafe if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. But more evidence is needed before you can be offered the vaccine," NHS claims. However, the NHS website also adds that the warning is just a precaution. "precautionary until additional evidence is available to support the use of this vaccine in pregnancy and breastfeeding," the website reads. Also read| New coronavirus strain: WHO calls for strong action for containment in Europe As per the data reported by local media, nearly 46 per cent mothers in the UK were breastfeeding their babies — aged between 6-8 weeks — during 2018-2019. This warning, if passed, as a rule, can affect hundreds of thousands of mothers across the country, including tens of thousands of frontline workers who nurse patients and their kids together. Experts believe that while the NHS is simply trying to be cautious, more research should have been carried out on this before scaring the general public, and creating an atmosphere of panic. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant The UK governments website urges pregnant women, too, to avoid getting vaccinated. "If you are pregnant you should not be vaccinated – you can be vaccinated after your pregnancy is over," the website reads. "If you think you may be pregnant you should delay vaccination until you are sure you are not," it continued. The government has also advised women to delay getting the vaccine if they are planning a baby in the next three months, and also if they became pregnant after the first pregnancy.

Can mothers get COVID-19 vaccine while breastfeeding? UK suggests this

<p>Thailand has decided to test more than 10,000 people for the novel coronavirus after one an outbreak was linked to the biggest seafood market in the country.</p>

<p>Over 700 new cases were recorded from the Mahachai market and port in Thailand. these were reported after a 67-year-old woman who seels prawn in the market tested positive for the deadly virus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-was-out-of-control-in-uk-lockdown-can-be-extended-health-secretary-351194" hreflang="en">New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary</a></strong></p>

<p>In addition to mass testing, authorities have also ordered workers from Myanmar to not leave heir residences till further notice.</p>

<p>"We are locking and banning them from moving," the health ministry's permanent secretary, Kietphgum Wongit said.</p>

<p>This testing will start on an immediate basis and will be free of cost for all migrant workers. Authorities are hoping to finish the testing till Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191" hreflang="en">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a></strong></p>

<p>"The (Department of Disease Control) will do active tracing in several communities of about 10,300 people," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's Covid-19 taskforce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thailand, a country which shares borders and workforce with Myanmar and three other countries, has been able to save itself from a massive outbreak, until now. From March till now, Thailand had only recorded 4,000 cases nearly 60 deaths from the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-witnesses-biggest-covid-19-surge-351211"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thailand-witnesses-biggest-covid-19-surge-351211/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, Myanmar has been reporting nearly 1,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. This outbreak, too, is being assumed to have come from workers who migrated from Myanmar.</p>

<p>This has also led to a rise in anti-Myanmar sentiment on social media, stemming from Thailand. Migrant workers hailing from Myanmar have expressed concern over this rise in anti-Myanmar sentiment and have admitted feeling "uneasy" by the hostility.&nbsp;</p>


Thailand has decided to test more than 10,000 people for the novel coronavirus after one an outbreak was linked to the biggest seafood market in the country. Over 700 new cases were recorded from the Mahachai market and port in Thailand.

Thailand has decided to test more than 10,000 people for the novel coronavirus after one an outbreak was linked to the biggest seafood market in the country. Over 700 new cases were recorded from the Mahachai market and port in Thailand. these were reported after a 67-year-old woman who seels prawn in the market tested positive for the deadly virus. Also read| New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK: Health Secretary In addition to mass testing, authorities have also ordered workers from Myanmar to not leave heir residences till further notice. "We are locking and banning them from moving," the health ministry's permanent secretary, Kietphgum Wongit said. This testing will start on an immediate basis and will be free of cost for all migrant workers. Authorities are hoping to finish the testing till Wednesday. Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant "The (Department of Disease Control) will do active tracing in several communities of about 10,300 people," said Taweesin Visanuyothin, a spokesman for Thailand's Covid-19 taskforce. Thailand, a country which shares borders and workforce with Myanmar and three other countries, has been able to save itself from a massive outbreak, until now. From March till now, Thailand had only recorded 4,000 cases nearly 60 deaths from the novel coronavirus. WATCH| × However, Myanmar has been reporting nearly 1,000 COVID-19 cases on a daily basis. This outbreak, too, is being assumed to have come from workers who migrated from Myanmar. This has also led to a rise in anti-Myanmar sentiment on social media, stemming from Thailand. Migrant workers hailing from Myanmar have expressed concern over this rise in anti-Myanmar sentiment and have admitted feeling "uneasy" by the hostility.

Thailand set to test 10,000 after biggest outbreak in seafood market

<p>British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.</p>

<p>Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control".</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-countries-mull-ban-on-flights-from-uk-over-new-coronavirus-variant-351191">European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control."</p>

<p>While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this.</p>

<p>"It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/a-new-coronavirus-strain-is-spreading-more-quickly-351032" hreflang="en">A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly</a></strong></p>

<p>Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations.</p>

<p>Johnson also reported that the new variant is&nbsp;70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries.</p>


British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock was the first one to announce the identification of a new variant of coronavirus. Now, as his government has announced a Tier 4 lockdown in the country, Hancock has justified the move by revealing the extent of danger the new variant poses. Talking about the new and stricter lockdown in south-eastern England during the Christmas time, Hancock said the decision was needed to control the worsening situation as the new variant was "out of control". Also read| European countries mull ban on flights from UK over new coronavirus variant Patting his own back, Hancock defended the new 'stay at home' orders. "We acted very quickly and decisively," he said. "Unfortunately the new strain was out of control. We have got to get it under control." While many leaders and scientists have been assuring the locals that the new variant can be easily handled, Hancock revealed the situation was "deadly serious" and people should stay at home to make sure the situation does not get any worse than this. "It's going to be very difficult to keep it under control until we have the vaccine rolled out," he said. "This is what we face over the next couple of months." Also read: A new coronavirus strain is spreading more quickly Hancock's statement comes a day after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed a Tier 4 lockdown in the capital city London and the rest of the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus — especially since the new variant resulted in a surge of cases. The lockdown was not appreciated by the locals as it hampers their Christmas celebrations. Johnson also reported that the new variant is 70 per cent more transmissible. However, whether or not is deadlier than the previous one is not yet clear. Meanwhile, several European countries such as Belgium and Germany are imposing travel bans on all the incoming flights from the UK and South Africa to make sure the new variant does not get transmitted to their countries.

New variant of coronavirus was 'out of control' in UK; lockdown can be extended: Health Secretary

<p>Anthony Fauci, the&nbsp;top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year.</p>

<p>During an interview with a local news channel, Fauci happily assured children that he "took care of that for you because I was worried that you’d all be upset".</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/england-braces-for-christmas-lockdown-as-europe-battles-coronavirus-surge-351136">England braces for Christmas lockdown as Europe battles coronavirus surge</a></strong></p>

<p>He also made sure the smart children do not doubt his intentions. Talking about how did he assure their safety, he claimed he took a trip to the North Pole to vaccinate Santa Claus personally. "So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go," he said jokingly.</p>

<p>While he assured children that a visit from Santa would be safe, he also urged kids and the parents to minimize their outings and make sure they follow all coronavirus-related guidelines. "You still need to be careful and wear a mask. Because until we get this blanket of protection over everyone, you can’t be absolutely certain that there isn’t virus there. So vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/santa-claus-bikers-parade-tokyo-streets-for-victims-of-child-abuse-351147" hreflang="en">Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse</a></strong></p>

<p>Fauci, who has earlier had a love-hate relationship with the outgoing US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, has now accepted the incoming President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden's</a> offer to be on the new COVID-19 taskforce.</p>

<p>The US has now approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus and has started mass vaccination drives. The outgoing Vice President Mike Pence also took a shot of the vaccine publically to motivate people to get vaccinated.</p>

<p>Talking about the vaccine, Fauci&nbsp;said, "Until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated,&nbsp;we cannot abandon the common public health measure of wearing a mask. So yes, you still should be wearing a mask."</p>


Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year.

Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious diseases expert, has assured children he won't let their visit from Santa be affected in this pandemic, promising them their gifts will be delivered like every year. During an interview with a local news channel, Fauci happily assured children that he "took care of that for you because I was worried that you’d all be upset". Also read| England braces for Christmas lockdown as Europe battles coronavirus surge He also made sure the smart children do not doubt his intentions. Talking about how did he assure their safety, he claimed he took a trip to the North Pole to vaccinate Santa Claus personally. "So what I did a little while ago, I took a trip up there to the North Pole. I went there and I vaccinated Santa Claus myself. I measured his level of immunity, and he is good to go. He can come down the chimney. He can leave the presents, he can leave, and you have nothing to worry about. Santa Claus is good to go," he said jokingly. While he assured children that a visit from Santa would be safe, he also urged kids and the parents to minimize their outings and make sure they follow all coronavirus-related guidelines. "You still need to be careful and wear a mask. Because until we get this blanket of protection over everyone, you can’t be absolutely certain that there isn’t virus there. So vaccines are extremely important to ending this outbreak," he said. Also read| Santa Claus bikers parade Tokyo streets for victims of child abuse Fauci, who has earlier had a love-hate relationship with the outgoing US President Donald Trump, has now accepted the incoming President Joe Biden's offer to be on the new COVID-19 taskforce. The US has now approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus and has started mass vaccination drives. The outgoing Vice President Mike Pence also took a shot of the vaccine publically to motivate people to get vaccinated. Talking about the vaccine, Fauci said, "Until we get the full component of almost everyone vaccinated, we cannot abandon the common public health measure of wearing a mask. So yes, you still should be wearing a mask."

'I vaccinated Santa personally': Fauci promises Christmas cheer to kids

<p>Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green".</p>

<p>Among countries stripped of their green status are the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which signed US-sponsored normalisation accords with the Jewish state in September.</p>

<p>Dubai has since become a magnet for Israelis itching to travel who have been deterred from flying to Europe or the United States by the countries' "red" status, meaning Israelis would have to quarantine on their return home.</p>

<p>"Beginning December 20, all countries will be considered red and all those returning will have to isolate for 14 days," the health ministry said in a statement on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-to-enter-precautionary-virus-quarantine-349774">Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine</a></strong></p>

<p>The ministry did not mention any change in rules for foreign travellers, although Israel's coronavirus cabinet is expected on Sunday to announce further restrictions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Saturday's statement said Israeli travellers already in green countries and returning home by December 26 would be exempt from the new quarantine rules.</p>

<p>The Jerusalem Post wrote last week that "dozens of Israelis were in isolation in Dubai after testing positive abroad".</p>

<p>It said that "hundreds" were in quarantine in Israel after learning they had returned from the Gulf on a flight found to have carried confirmed Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 370,000 people in Israel have tested positive for the virus since the first confirmed case was reported in February.</p>

<p>Just over 3,000 people have died, in a country of around nine million.</p>

<p>Israel imposed a second nationwide lockdown in September, when the country had one of the world's highest per capita infection rates.</p>

<p>Restrictions have since been gradually eased but case numbers are again on the rise.</p>


Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green".

Israel on Saturday set new coronavirus rules obliging residents returning to the country from Sunday to self-isolate, ending exemptions for arrivals from a few countries previously classed as "green". Among countries stripped of their green status are the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, which signed US-sponsored normalisation accords with the Jewish state in September. Dubai has since become a magnet for Israelis itching to travel who have been deterred from flying to Europe or the United States by the countries' "red" status, meaning Israelis would have to quarantine on their return home. "Beginning December 20, all countries will be considered red and all those returning will have to isolate for 14 days," the health ministry said in a statement on Saturday. Also read| Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine The ministry did not mention any change in rules for foreign travellers, although Israel's coronavirus cabinet is expected on Sunday to announce further restrictions. Saturday's statement said Israeli travellers already in green countries and returning home by December 26 would be exempt from the new quarantine rules. The Jerusalem Post wrote last week that "dozens of Israelis were in isolation in Dubai after testing positive abroad". It said that "hundreds" were in quarantine in Israel after learning they had returned from the Gulf on a flight found to have carried confirmed Covid-19 cases. Over 370,000 people in Israel have tested positive for the virus since the first confirmed case was reported in February. Just over 3,000 people have died, in a country of around nine million. Israel imposed a second nationwide lockdown in September, when the country had one of the world's highest per capita infection rates. Restrictions have since been gradually eased but case numbers are again on the rise.

Israelis face tighter travel rules as COVID-19 cases increase

<p>Iqbal Shaheen, a taxi driver, drove his sick father to this city’s three main hospitals. All of their intensive care beds and ventilators were occupied.</p>

<p>Shaheen was told there might be room at a private hospital, for $625 a day, far above what his earnings of $10 a day could cover. He took his father home to die.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-starts-legal-process-for-ex-pm-sharifs-extradition-350941" hreflang="en">Pakistan starts legal process for ex-PM Sharif's extradition</a></strong></p>

<p>“The poor cannot afford to be sick,” Shaheen said. “Without political connections, a coronavirus patient cannot get admitted at a public hospital, while paying a private hospital’s bills is unthinkable.”</p>

<p>As winter sets in, cold weather, pollution and public apathy to the coronavirus are weighing heavily on Pakistan’s limited health care system.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-refuses-to-take-position-on-pakistans-claims-of-india-firing-at-agencys-vehicles-350934" hreflang="en">UN refuses to take position on Pakistan's claims of India firing at agency's vehicles</a></strong></p>

<p>Pakistan’s COVID-19 positivity rate has rocketed up to about 7.7% of tests administered in recent weeks from only 2% in October, but Prime Minister Imran Khan has closed schools while ruling out a second lockdown, saying it would decimate the economy.</p>

<p>By official figures, Pakistan is weathering the coronavirus better than the United States, Europe and neighboring India. Total infections have reached 448,522, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University using official figures, and more than 9,000 people have died.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-returns-1-billion-of-saudi-arabias-soft-loan-officials-say-350506" hreflang="en">Pakistan returns $1 billion of Saudi Arabia's soft loan, officials say</a></strong></p>

<p>Still, cases are surging, and limited testing compared with other countries suggests the virus could be racing through the country at an even higher rate. Health experts cite ineffective government limits on personal contact and widespread doubts, often fueled by conspiracy theories, that COVID-19 poses a threat.</p>

<p>Despite the rise, people in Karachi show few signs of concern. Even as the positive testing rate topped 18% in the city of 20 million, markets were packed with shoppers without masks. Meanwhile, politicians and clerics have sown doubts.</p>

<p>In April, Tariq Jamil, a popular Islamic preacher, used a televised sermon that was attended by Khan to assert that the virus was God’s wrath over women dancing and dressing immodestly. In another video spread on social media, Kaukab Okarvi, a cleric, accused doctors of killing patients.</p>

<p>Rather than take on powerful political and religious figures, the government has aimed new health restrictions at small businesses.</p>

<p>“Instead of stopping them from holding rallies, government personnel harass small traders, restaurant and marriage hall owners, and mint money in the name of COVID-19 health regulations,” said Hakeem Shah, a merchant who organized a protest against restrictions earlier this month.</p>


Iqbal Shaheen, a taxi driver, drove his sick father to this city’s three main hospitals. All of their intensive care beds and ventilators were occupied. Shaheen was told there might be room at a private hospital, for $625 a day, far above what his earnings of $10 a day could cover.

Iqbal Shaheen, a taxi driver, drove his sick father to this city’s three main hospitals. All of their intensive care beds and ventilators were occupied. Shaheen was told there might be room at a private hospital, for $625 a day, far above what his earnings of $10 a day could cover. He took his father home to die. Also read| Pakistan starts legal process for ex-PM Sharif's extradition “The poor cannot afford to be sick,” Shaheen said. “Without political connections, a coronavirus patient cannot get admitted at a public hospital, while paying a private hospital’s bills is unthinkable.” As winter sets in, cold weather, pollution and public apathy to the coronavirus are weighing heavily on Pakistan’s limited health care system. Also read| UN refuses to take position on Pakistan's claims of India firing at agency's vehicles Pakistan’s COVID-19 positivity rate has rocketed up to about 7.7% of tests administered in recent weeks from only 2% in October, but Prime Minister Imran Khan has closed schools while ruling out a second lockdown, saying it would decimate the economy. By official figures, Pakistan is weathering the coronavirus better than the United States, Europe and neighboring India. Total infections have reached 448,522, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University using official figures, and more than 9,000 people have died. Also read| Pakistan returns $1 billion of Saudi Arabia's soft loan, officials say Still, cases are surging, and limited testing compared with other countries suggests the virus could be racing through the country at an even higher rate. Health experts cite ineffective government limits on personal contact and widespread doubts, often fueled by conspiracy theories, that COVID-19 poses a threat. Despite the rise, people in Karachi show few signs of concern. Even as the positive testing rate topped 18% in the city of 20 million, markets were packed with shoppers without masks. Meanwhile, politicians and clerics have sown doubts. In April, Tariq Jamil, a popular Islamic preacher, used a televised sermon that was attended by Khan to assert that the virus was God’s wrath over women dancing and dressing immodestly. In another video spread on social media, Kaukab Okarvi, a cleric, accused doctors of killing patients. Rather than take on powerful political and religious figures, the government has aimed new health restrictions at small businesses. “Instead of stopping them from holding rallies, government personnel harass small traders, restaurant and marriage hall owners, and mint money in the name of COVID-19 health regulations,” said Hakeem Shah, a merchant who organized a protest against restrictions earlier this month.

A COVID-19 surge and conspiracy theories roil Pakistan

<p>Since its arrival Monday, the coronavirus vaccine has brought hope to New Yorkers.</p>

<p>But so far, only a few have actually been administered the vaccine.</p>

<p>In the first 72 hours after the vaccine’s arrival, some 5,200 health care workers in New York City received the first of two doses, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday. It was a slow start to what officials are calling the greatest mass vaccination campaign in the past 50 years, perhaps since polio.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belgian-minister-accidentally-reveals-covid-19-vaccine-price-list-on-twitter-351043" hreflang="en">Belgian minister 'accidentally' reveals COVID-19 vaccine price list on Twitter</a></strong></p>

<p>In fact, in the first three days of vaccinations, more than twice as many new coronavirus cases have been reported in the city as shots administered.</p>

<p>Mass citywide distribution isn’t expected for months. But the first week has brought at least some clarity on how the process might go.</p>

<p><b>It’s going to move slowly, at least initially</b></p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-a-televised-vaccination-undo-months-of-skepticism-350977" hreflang="en">Can a televised vaccination undo months of skepticism?</a></strong></p>

<p>On Monday, as the first shipments of vaccines arrived, Gov. Andrew Cuomo predicted a speedy rollout. “Today we’re in the process of administering 10,000 vaccines,” he said.</p>

<p>But two days later, the state health commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, said only 4,000 people had been vaccinated across the state.</p>

<p>Hospitals took it slow from the start. At Mount Sinai in Manhattan, about 25 people were vaccinated at the health system’s flagship hospital Tuesday shortly after it received its first shipment, though doctors there said the vaccination program would quickly scale up.</p>

<p>“We’re going to need to pick up the pace dramatically just to vaccinate all our health care workers, let alone the population at large,” said Mark Levine, a New York City councilman who is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Health.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-investigating-5-allergic-reactions-after-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-in-country-350896" hreflang="en">US FDA investigating 5 allergic reactions after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in country</a></strong></p>

<p>Hospitals do expect to quicken the pace. But with so many unanswered questions at the start of the week — when the vaccine would arrive, how many doses they would receive — it did not make sense to schedule too many people for vaccinations at first.</p>

<p>So the vaccination campaign is off to a slow start. In 1947, New York City managed to vaccinate a few million people against smallpox in a matter of weeks.</p>

<p><b>Fewer doses arrived than anticipated</b></p>

<p>Earlier this month, Cuomo said that New York state would receive 170,000 doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Cuomo said only about 87,000 of that initial batch had arrived. By Friday, the rest of the shipment had arrived, according to the governor’s office.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-authorises-moderna-as-second-covid-19-vaccine-350878" hreflang="en">US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid growing scarcity, the state Health Department has instructed hospitals in New York not to publicly disclose how much they received, even asking them to sign a memorandum of understanding, representatives of three hospital systems said.</p>

<p>“Due to the potential for security concerns, the MOU requires facilities not to disclose quantity on hand,” the state Department of Health said in a statement.</p>

<p>Levine said he believed that hospitals got slightly under 1,000 doses each, although a single hospital system like Mount Sinai or NewYork-Presbyterian may have received shipments at multiple hospitals.</p>

<p>Regardless, the doses that did arrive were well-received.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Ji Won Lee, an emergency room nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, said she was inspired by watching the video of a nurse in Queens, Sandra Lindsay, become the first person in the U.S. to be vaccinated.</p>

<p>“It was groundbreaking,” she said. “We have been waiting for this vaccine for so many months, for this pandemic to be over.”</p>

<p>“I wanted it, too,” she added.</p>

<p><b>Being first can be worrisome</b></p>

<p>While many health care workers are eager to be vaccinated, some acknowledge feeling ambivalent.</p>

<p>In authorizing the Pfizer vaccine, which during a clinical trial appeared to offer strong protection against the virus, the FDA said it found no “meaningful imbalances” in serious health complications between those that received the vaccine and those that received the placebo in a large-scale trial.</p>

<p>But that was not enough to convince all health care workers, who are part of Phase 1 of vaccine distribution.</p>

<p>“Some of my colleagues feel they want to wait for the second wave,” said Petrona Ennis-Welch, a critical care nurse and the first health care worker to receive the vaccine at Mount Sinai Hospital this week. “They do not want to be a part of the first round. They want to see how people do — which is understandable.”</p>

<p>Ennis-Welch, 54, has been treating coronavirus patients since March, when the first wave brought a surge of desperately sick people to emergency rooms across the city. “Patients were very ill, and they were dying quickly,” she recalled.</p>

<p>She acknowledged that even she had some misgivings. “To be honest, I had concerns, but when I stopped to think about it, I said, ‘You know, you’re here working every day, you’re among COVID patients, you really should just take it,’” she recalled.</p>

<p>Still, it seemed that the overwhelming majority of health care workers would choose to be vaccinated. At Northwell Health, the state’s largest hospital system, more than 1,600 people had been vaccinated by midday Thursday. Only two people had declined or deferred, said Joe Kemp, a spokesperson for the hospital.</p>

<p>One of the earliest Mount Sinai Hospital employees to be vaccinated was John Gomez, 53, who cleans hospital floors and patient rooms. Back in March, he fell sick with a severe case of the virus and was hospitalized for about a week.</p>

<p>When he heard a vaccine was available, it was an easy decision: “I’ll take it,” he said.</p>

<p>He noted that among some of his colleagues in housekeeping, the vaccine might prove a tougher sell. He had heard a number of conspiracy theories from them.</p>

<p><b>Past infection didn’t eliminate anyone</b></p>

<p>Some of those receiving the vaccine likely already have some protection against the coronavirus from a past infection. At Mount Sinai, several of the first group to be vaccinated recalled being sick with the virus or testing positive for antibodies.</p>

<p>Dr. Jolion McGreevy, medical director of the emergency department, said he had the coronavirus a couple of months ago, though it was a light case with just one day of symptoms.</p>

<p>“It’s important protection, not just for us, but more importantly for the patients we care for and our families at home,” McGreevy said about the shot he had received just a few minutes earlier.</p>

<p>The amount and duration of protection that past COVID-19 infections offer is not fully understood, but some researchers believe that many people likely experience some long-term protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that clinical trials suggest the vaccine “is safe and likely efficacious” in people who have had prior coronavirus infections.</p>

<p>Dr. Dave Chokshi, the New York City health commissioner, has said an “antibody test result has no bearing on whether or not you should get a COVID-19 vaccine.”</p>

<p>That’s an important point in New York City, where one study suggested that more than one-fifth of the city’s residents had the coronavirus during the first wave in the spring.</p>

<p><b>More is on the way</b></p>

<p>The Pfizer vaccine has so far received the most attention, because it’s the first vaccine the FDA has authorized for emergency use.</p>

<p>But the Moderna vaccine, which received FDA approval on Friday night, could start arriving in New York early next week in larger numbers than the Pfizer vaccine. Cuomo has said he expected the state to soon receive 346,000 doses from Moderna.</p>

<p>But the initial shipments from Pfizer and Moderna won’t even cover half of the 1.8 million people in the state who form part of the Phase 1 group, which also includes nursing home residents and workers.</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Cuomo indicated that Phase 2, which includes those categorized as essential workers, isn’t likely to start until late January.</p>


Since its arrival Monday, the coronavirus vaccine has brought hope to New Yorkers. But so far, only a few have actually been administered the vaccine. In the first 72 hours after the vaccine’s arrival, some 5,200 health care workers in New York City received the first of two doses, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday.

Since its arrival Monday, the coronavirus vaccine has brought hope to New Yorkers. But so far, only a few have actually been administered the vaccine. In the first 72 hours after the vaccine’s arrival, some 5,200 health care workers in New York City received the first of two doses, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Thursday. It was a slow start to what officials are calling the greatest mass vaccination campaign in the past 50 years, perhaps since polio. Also read| Belgian minister 'accidentally' reveals COVID-19 vaccine price list on Twitter In fact, in the first three days of vaccinations, more than twice as many new coronavirus cases have been reported in the city as shots administered. Mass citywide distribution isn’t expected for months. But the first week has brought at least some clarity on how the process might go. It’s going to move slowly, at least initially Also read| Can a televised vaccination undo months of skepticism? On Monday, as the first shipments of vaccines arrived, Gov. Andrew Cuomo predicted a speedy rollout. “Today we’re in the process of administering 10,000 vaccines,” he said. But two days later, the state health commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker, said only 4,000 people had been vaccinated across the state. Hospitals took it slow from the start. At Mount Sinai in Manhattan, about 25 people were vaccinated at the health system’s flagship hospital Tuesday shortly after it received its first shipment, though doctors there said the vaccination program would quickly scale up. “We’re going to need to pick up the pace dramatically just to vaccinate all our health care workers, let alone the population at large,” said Mark Levine, a New York City councilman who is chair of the City Council’s Committee on Health. Also read| US FDA investigating 5 allergic reactions after Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in country Hospitals do expect to quicken the pace. But with so many unanswered questions at the start of the week — when the vaccine would arrive, how many doses they would receive — it did not make sense to schedule too many people for vaccinations at first. So the vaccination campaign is off to a slow start. In 1947, New York City managed to vaccinate a few million people against smallpox in a matter of weeks. Fewer doses arrived than anticipated Earlier this month, Cuomo said that New York state would receive 170,000 doses of the vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Cuomo said only about 87,000 of that initial batch had arrived. By Friday, the rest of the shipment had arrived, according to the governor’s office. Also read| US authorises Moderna as second Covid-19 vaccine Amid growing scarcity, the state Health Department has instructed hospitals in New York not to publicly disclose how much they received, even asking them to sign a memorandum of understanding, representatives of three hospital systems said. “Due to the potential for security concerns, the MOU requires facilities not to disclose quantity on hand,” the state Department of Health said in a statement. Levine said he believed that hospitals got slightly under 1,000 doses each, although a single hospital system like Mount Sinai or NewYork-Presbyterian may have received shipments at multiple hospitals. Regardless, the doses that did arrive were well-received. On Tuesday, Ji Won Lee, an emergency room nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital, said she was inspired by watching the video of a nurse in Queens, Sandra Lindsay, become the first person in the U.S. to be vaccinated. “It was groundbreaking,” she said. “We have been waiting for this vaccine for so many months, for this pandemic to be over.” “I wanted it, too,” she added. Being first can be worrisome While many health care workers are eager to be vaccinated, some acknowledge feeling ambivalent. In authorizing the Pfizer vaccine, which during a clinical trial appeared to offer strong protection against the virus, the FDA said it found no “meaningful imbalances” in serious health complications between those that received the vaccine and those that received the placebo in a large-scale trial. But that was not enough to convince all health care workers, who are part of Phase 1 of vaccine distribution. “Some of my colleagues feel they want to wait for the second wave,” said Petrona Ennis-Welch, a critical care nurse and the first health care worker to receive the vaccine at Mount Sinai Hospital this week. “They do not want to be a part of the first round. They want to see how people do — which is understandable.” Ennis-Welch, 54, has been treating coronavirus patients since March, when the first wave brought a surge of desperately sick people to emergency rooms across the city. “Patients were very ill, and they were dying quickly,” she recalled. She acknowledged that even she had some misgivings. “To be honest, I had concerns, but when I stopped to think about it, I said, ‘You know, you’re here working every day, you’re among COVID patients, you really should just take it,’” she recalled. Still, it seemed that the overwhelming majority of health care workers would choose to be vaccinated. At Northwell Health, the state’s largest hospital system, more than 1,600 people had been vaccinated by midday Thursday. Only two people had declined or deferred, said Joe Kemp, a spokesperson for the hospital. One of the earliest Mount Sinai Hospital employees to be vaccinated was John Gomez, 53, who cleans hospital floors and patient rooms. Back in March, he fell sick with a severe case of the virus and was hospitalized for about a week. When he heard a vaccine was available, it was an easy decision: “I’ll take it,” he said. He noted that among some of his colleagues in housekeeping, the vaccine might prove a tougher sell. He had heard a number of conspiracy theories from them. Past infection didn’t eliminate anyone Some of those receiving the vaccine likely already have some protection against the coronavirus from a past infection. At Mount Sinai, several of the first group to be vaccinated recalled being sick with the virus or testing positive for antibodies. Dr. Jolion McGreevy, medical director of the emergency department, said he had the coronavirus a couple of months ago, though it was a light case with just one day of symptoms. “It’s important protection, not just for us, but more importantly for the patients we care for and our families at home,” McGreevy said about the shot he had received just a few minutes earlier. The amount and duration of protection that past COVID-19 infections offer is not fully understood, but some researchers believe that many people likely experience some long-term protection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that clinical trials suggest the vaccine “is safe and likely efficacious” in people who have had prior coronavirus infections. Dr. Dave Chokshi, the New York City health commissioner, has said an “antibody test result has no bearing on whether or not you should get a COVID-19 vaccine.” That’s an important point in New York City, where one study suggested that more than one-fifth of the city’s residents had the coronavirus during the first wave in the spring. More is on the way The Pfizer vaccine has so far received the most attention, because it’s the first vaccine the FDA has authorized for emergency use. But the Moderna vaccine, which received FDA approval on Friday night, could start arriving in New York early next week in larger numbers than the Pfizer vaccine. Cuomo has said he expected the state to soon receive 346,000 doses from Moderna. But the initial shipments from Pfizer and Moderna won’t even cover half of the 1.8 million people in the state who form part of the Phase 1 group, which also includes nursing home residents and workers. On Wednesday, Cuomo indicated that Phase 2, which includes those categorized as essential workers, isn’t likely to start until late January.

5 takeaways from the first week of vaccines in New York

<p>As the world is now relying on the&nbsp;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.</p>

<p>Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-under-fire-over-brazils-troubled-vaccine-roll-out-350890">Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out</a></strong></p>

<p>Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," he claimed.</p>

<p>"If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he continued scaring the people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-supreme-court-paves-way-for-sanctions-against-covid-anti-vaxxers-350797">Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers</a></strong></p>

<p>His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's&nbsp;regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/brazil-president-jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-314020">Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics</a></strong></p>

<p>The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching&nbsp;the immunization campaign on Wednesday.</p>

<p>While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said.</p>

<p>Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back.</p>

<p>As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.</p>


As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine.

As the world is now relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, the Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has decided to not show complete trust in this vaccine. Bolsonaro, who has often termed COVID-19 as just "a little flu", believes the vaccines should not be trusted and has claimed he will not be getting vaccinated. Also read| Bolsonaro under fire over Brazil's troubled vaccine roll-out Voicing his concern over the vaccine, he reminded everyone that the company has denied taking responsibility of any side effects caused by the vaccine. "In the Pfizer contract it's very clear: 'we're not responsible for any side effects.' If you turn into a crocodile, it's your problem," he claimed. "If you become superhuman, if a woman starts to grow a beard or if a man starts to speak with an effeminate voice, they will not have anything to do with it," he continued scaring the people. Also read| Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers His statement has come at a time when the UK, US and several other countries have started mass vaccination drives. Brazil's regulatory agency Anvisa, too, will soon be certifying the vaccine, as per local reports. Brazil's Supreme Court recently also ordered the vaccine to be obligatory. However, it also ruled that this vaccine can not be "forced" on Brazilians, which means that while people cannot be forced to take the vaccine, they can surely be banned from certain places or fine people who fail to get vaccinated. Also see| Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics The mass vaccination drive will be free of cost in Brazil, Bolsonaro reported in the last week while launching the immunization campaign on Wednesday. While the world is showing trust in the vaccine, despite few hiccups, Bolsonaro has decided to stay away from the needle. "It will be available for everyone that wants it. But me, I won't get vaccinated," he said. Jair Bolsonaro, who supported Donald Trump's claims of finding cures for te novel coronavirus, had also tested positive for the deadly a few months back. As of now, Brazil has reported nearly 7.1 million cases with nearly 185,000 deaths from March till December. The country is not in a lockdown anymore, but citizens are advised to practice social distancing and wear face masks when stepping outdoors.

Women may grow beard after taking Pfizer vaccine: Jair Bolsonaro

<p>After the United Kingdom, South Africa has also found a new strain of the novel coronavirus which has resulted in a surge of cases, prompting a second wave.</p>

<p>The health minister took to Twitter to announce the news. "We have convened this public briefing today to announce that a variant of the SARS-COV-2 Virus - currently termed 501.V2 Variant - has been identified by our genomics scientists here in South Africa,"&nbsp;Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We have convened this public briefing today to announce that a variant of the SARS-COV-2 Virus- currently termed 501.V2 Variant has been identified by our genomics scientists here in South Africa.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SARSCOV2MediaBriefing?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SARSCOV2MediaBriefing</a></p>
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrZweliMkhize/status/1339970259332325383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-variant-of-coronavirus-identified-in-uk-london-in-tier-3-lockdown-349785">New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>The conclusion was made on the basis of hundreds of samples that were collected by the scientists since the beginning of the pandemic in March. This research has been carried out by a team of&nbsp;genomics team, led by the Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP).</p>

<p>Explaining the research, the minister tweeted, "Clinicians have been providing anecdotal evidence of a shift in the clinical epidemiological picture- in particular noting that they are seeing a larger proportion of younger patients with no co-morbidities presenting with critical illness."</p>

<p>As per the evidence, the second wave has been caused by this new variant. The scientists have also claimed that the second d wave is spreading faster than the first wave. However, whether or not it has claimed more deaths is not yet clear.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-indication-new-covid-19-variant-in-uk-interferes-with-vaccine-effectiveness-who-349870">No indication new Covid-19 variant in UK interferes with vaccine effectiveness: WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>He also revealed that the second wave has become dominant in South Africa as it has reached all the provinces and the new variant has three mutations.</p>

<p>The first case of this new variant was found in the&nbsp;Nelson Mandela Bay. However, the origin of the new variant is not yet clear.</p>

<p>Officials had already notified the World Health Organization (WHO) who have got in contact with the researchers. "We are working with them with our SARS-COV-2 Virus evolution working group. They are growing the virus in the country and they're working with researchers to determine any changes in the behaviour of the virus itself in terms of transmission," WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference in Geneva.</p>

<p>This announcement has come a few days after the UK, too, announced identifying a new strain of coronavirus in their country.</p>


After the United Kingdom, South Africa has also found a new strain of the novel coronavirus which has resulted in a surge of cases, prompting a second wave. The health minister took to Twitter to announce the news.

After the United Kingdom, South Africa has also found a new strain of the novel coronavirus which has resulted in a surge of cases, prompting a second wave. The health minister took to Twitter to announce the news. "We have convened this public briefing today to announce that a variant of the SARS-COV-2 Virus - currently termed 501.V2 Variant - has been identified by our genomics scientists here in South Africa," Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize tweeted. We have convened this public briefing today to announce that a variant of the SARS-COV-2 Virus- currently termed 501.V2 Variant has been identified by our genomics scientists here in South Africa.#SARSCOV2MediaBriefing — Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) December 18, 2020 × Also read| New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown The conclusion was made on the basis of hundreds of samples that were collected by the scientists since the beginning of the pandemic in March. This research has been carried out by a team of genomics team, led by the Kwazulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP). Explaining the research, the minister tweeted, "Clinicians have been providing anecdotal evidence of a shift in the clinical epidemiological picture- in particular noting that they are seeing a larger proportion of younger patients with no co-morbidities presenting with critical illness." As per the evidence, the second wave has been caused by this new variant. The scientists have also claimed that the second d wave is spreading faster than the first wave. However, whether or not it has claimed more deaths is not yet clear. Also read| No indication new Covid-19 variant in UK interferes with vaccine effectiveness: WHO He also revealed that the second wave has become dominant in South Africa as it has reached all the provinces and the new variant has three mutations. The first case of this new variant was found in the Nelson Mandela Bay. However, the origin of the new variant is not yet clear. Officials had already notified the World Health Organization (WHO) who have got in contact with the researchers. "We are working with them with our SARS-COV-2 Virus evolution working group. They are growing the virus in the country and they're working with researchers to determine any changes in the behaviour of the virus itself in terms of transmission," WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove told a news conference in Geneva. This announcement has come a few days after the UK, too, announced identifying a new strain of coronavirus in their country.

After UK, South Africa identifies new strain of coronavirus amid second wave

covid-19-3

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

covid 19-3