Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has taken a stand against China and declared he won't let Cambodia be treated as a dumping ground of China, with respect to the vaccine trials against the novel coronavirus.

"Cambodia is not a dustbin.. and not a place for a vaccine trial," Sen said adding that the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be the only ones which will be allowed and used in his country.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-start-mass-vaccination-drive-against-covid-19-next-week-350803" hreflang="en">Spain to start mass vaccination drive against COVID-19 next week</a>

As of now, Cambodia has collected nearly US$48 million in form of donations from the locals of Cambodia who are also being assumed to be allies of Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP). The government is estimating an expense of US$200 million to complete the mass vaccination drive.

The first batch of China's Sinovac vaccines has already been delivered to Indonesia, yet there has been no official comment on whether Beijing will donate doses to its so-called "ironclad friend" Cambodia. This is despite pledges from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in August that mainland Southeast Asian states would be given priority once shots are ready, local reports stated.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-the-end-of-coronavirus-us-vice-president-mike-pence-receives-vaccine-jab-350801" hreflang="en">'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab</a>

His statement has come a few days after the UK, the US and a few other countries have started mass vaccination drives, with other European countries starting soon. China, on the other hand, is still conducting final trials of its vaccines against the coronavirus.

However, his statements have also drawn several different opinions about Cambodia's foreign policies which, reportedly, do not align with the thought process of the majority of the public.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has taken a stand against China and declared he won't let Cambodia be treated as a dumping ground of China, with respect to the vaccine trials against the novel coronavirus.

Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Sen has taken a stand against China and declared he won't let Cambodia be treated as a dumping ground of China, with respect to the vaccine trials against the novel coronavirus. "Cambodia is not a dustbin.. and not a place for a vaccine trial," Sen said adding that the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) will be the only ones which will be allowed and used in his country. Also read| Spain to start mass vaccination drive against COVID-19 next week As of now, Cambodia has collected nearly US$48 million in form of donations from the locals of Cambodia who are also being assumed to be allies of Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP). The government is estimating an expense of US$200 million to complete the mass vaccination drive. The first batch of China's Sinovac vaccines has already been delivered to Indonesia, yet there has been no official comment on whether Beijing will donate doses to its so-called "ironclad friend" Cambodia. This is despite pledges from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in August that mainland Southeast Asian states would be given priority once shots are ready, local reports stated. Also read| 'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab His statement has come a few days after the UK, the US and a few other countries have started mass vaccination drives, with other European countries starting soon. China, on the other hand, is still conducting final trials of its vaccines against the coronavirus. However, his statements have also drawn several different opinions about Cambodia's foreign policies which, reportedly, do not align with the thought process of the majority of the public.

Cambodia is not China's dustbin: PM announces no vaccine trials will be held

Netflix has decided to delay the production of the much-anticipated thriller 'The Gray Man' amid concerns about the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in California. The Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans starter was scheduled to go on floors in mid-January 2021.

According to Variety, the sources close to the production said&nbsp;that the indefinite pause stems from an abundance of caution that’s driven by the relatively high numbers required to launch production at a time when California has seen record highs of new cases in recent days. Sets had been under construction in the Long Beach area of southern Los Angeles County.

The California State Film Commission announced in August that 'Gray Man'&nbsp;had been selected for a $20 million production tax credit allocation in what was by far the largest amount unveiled among the $50 million in conditional allocations for nine film projects.

'The Gray Man'&nbsp;is based on a series of best-sellers from Mark Greaney. Gosling will portray an ex-CIA operative who becomes a killer for hire and is pursued by a former colleague, played by Evans.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-dhanush-joins-chris-evans-ryan-gosling-starrer-the-gray-man-350604"> The film also stars Indian actor Dhanush in a pivotal role.</a> 
 
Joe and Anthony Russo are directing and producing through their AGBO company with a budget in the $200 million range, one of the biggest ever for a Netflix feature. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/yearender-2020-from-pratik-gandhi-to-emma-corrin-breakout-stars-of-this-year-350472" hreflang="en">Yearender 2020: From Pratik Gandhi to Emma Corrin, Breakout Stars of This Year</a>

Joe Russo is the writer with a polish by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who are co-presidents of story at AGBO and the writers on “Avengers: Endgame” and “Avengers: Infinity Wars.” The film will be produced by AGBO’s Russo brothers and Mike Larocca, along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth Kirschenbaum.

&nbsp;

Netflix has decided to delay the production of the much-anticipated thriller 'The Gray Man' amid concerns about the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in California.

Netflix has decided to delay the production of the much-anticipated thriller 'The Gray Man' amid concerns about the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in California. The Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans starter was scheduled to go on floors in mid-January 2021. According to Variety, the sources close to the production said that the indefinite pause stems from an abundance of caution that’s driven by the relatively high numbers required to launch production at a time when California has seen record highs of new cases in recent days. Sets had been under construction in the Long Beach area of southern Los Angeles County. The California State Film Commission announced in August that 'Gray Man' had been selected for a $20 million production tax credit allocation in what was by far the largest amount unveiled among the $50 million in conditional allocations for nine film projects. 'The Gray Man' is based on a series of best-sellers from Mark Greaney. Gosling will portray an ex-CIA operative who becomes a killer for hire and is pursued by a former colleague, played by Evans. The film also stars Indian actor Dhanush in a pivotal role. Joe and Anthony Russo are directing and producing through their AGBO company with a budget in the $200 million range, one of the biggest ever for a Netflix feature. Yearender 2020: From Pratik Gandhi to Emma Corrin, Breakout Stars of This Year Joe Russo is the writer with a polish by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who are co-presidents of story at AGBO and the writers on “Avengers: Endgame” and “Avengers: Infinity Wars.” The film will be produced by AGBO’s Russo brothers and Mike Larocca, along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum for Roth Kirschenbaum.

Netflix delays production of Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans starrer 'The Gray Man' due to surge in COVID-19 cases

The subject line on the email I received last week said simply, “Test.”

It contained the results of a private blood test I had undergone the day before. I opened the attachment with excitement and some trepidation - I believed it would likely reveal whether I am already vaccinated against COVID-19, or if I received a placebo.

As a volunteer in a late-stage clinical trial for an experimental vaccine for COVID-19, I had already received two injections. I knew when I signed up there was a 50-50 chance I’d either get a vaccine made by an American company called Novavax – or a salt-water solution used as a control to see if the real thing works. A friend joked that might protect me against drowning, but nothing else.

I experienced no symptoms after the first shot, which I received in late October. But immediately following the second injection three weeks later, there was mild swelling where the needle had pierced my upper right arm. A small, pink circle quickly formed around it.

A nurse carefully measured the redness and took notes. Two doctors were called in to take a look. They eventually sent me home and asked me to contact the clinic if I experienced any pain or signs that it had become infected. That didn’t happen.

Two weeks later, I returned to the clinical research facility at King’s College Hospital in south London for a scheduled blood test. I showed a doctor how the skin around the injection site was still black and blue.

“Looks like you got the real thing,” he said, to my surprise. He noted that several other volunteers had experienced similar symptoms, although he added it was still possible I had received the placebo.

As it happened, that morning the United Kingdom became the first western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine. It is made by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech, which have reported that it was 95% effective in clinical trials. It has since been authorized for use in several other countries, including the United States.

My feelings about the doctor’s comment were mixed. While the Novavax vaccine is considered very promising based on early results, its efficacy isn’t expected to be known until early next year. Who knows how effective it’ll be? Yet knowing I might already be protected against a potentially deadly virus seemed a relief. For starters, I might finally feel safe enough to visit the wonderful pub behind my house for the first time in nine months - wearing a mask, of course.

To be honest, part of me had been secretly hoping that I had received the placebo. I had asked when my trial started what would happen if another vaccine was approved first. The doctor in charge had strongly suggested that I’d be told what I’d been injected with - a process known as “unblinding.” I could then get the approved vaccine – provided I had received the placebo. But if I had received the actual Novavax vaccine, he said, it could be risky because receiving two vaccines targeting the same disease could cause a reaction.

An email I received from the UK’s National Health Service – “INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN LIGHT OF NEWS ABOUT Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 VACCINE” – basically confirmed that people who received the placebo would be able to get the approved vaccine once it was offered to them. Volunteers will not be “disadvantaged,” it stated.

This appears to contrast with some other COVID-19 clinical trials in the United States. The New York Times recently reported that some volunteers receiving a placebo might have to wait up to two years to get a vaccine so as not to tarnish long-term results. (A concerned friend emailed me the article, writing, “I’m sure it is anything but comforting to be told you can’t get the real vaccine for 2 years because you were in a trial.” I wrote back, explaining that fortunately, that’s not the policy in the UK.) On Saturday, an official with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told a press conference that the agency is in discussions with vaccine manufacturers about the placebo issue.

I spent the next few days debating whether I should end my suspense and try to learn for sure whether I had received the Novavax vaccine or the placebo – by taking a test to see if COVID-19 antibodies are present in my blood. The real vaccine is supposed to produce them to fight the virus so if that’s what I received, my test result should come back positive.

I had asked two doctors involved in my trial whether taking a private antibody test was permissible. They both said it wasn’t prohibited under the terms of my trial. I figured I would eventually find out if I’m already immunized, given that the U.K. rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has already begun, although exactly when I’ll be offered it isn’t clear.

On December 7, I crossed the Thames on a nearly empty commuter boat for an appointment at a private medical clinic. Before drawing my blood, a nurse asked why I wanted a COVID-19 antibody test. “I want to find out if I’ve been vaccinated or got the placebo in a clinical trial,” I replied. She confirmed that no one before had ever given her that reason.

The test result arrived in an email the next morning. I assumed it would be positive.

“Negative,” it said.

I emailed the result to a doctor at the research clinic: “I’m assuming I either received the placebo or the Novavax vaccine doesn’t work at all. (I’m assuming the former.)”

“That is interesting,” he replied. “As soon as you get offered another vaccine, let me know and I will be able to unblind you and we can find out!”

This week, there was an unexpected plot twist. I learned that the antibody test I had taken wouldn’t reveal if I’d gotten the real vaccine because it detects antibodies to a different COVID-19 protein. One would need a test that identifies antibodies to the spike protein. Who knew?

So I crossed the Thames again to visit another medical clinic that offers a different COVID-19 antibody test. This time, a nurse gave me the result after just a few minutes - negative again.

Looks like I won’t be visiting the pub behind my house anytime soon. 
 
(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

The subject line on the email I received last week said simply, “Test.” It contained the results of a private blood test I had undergone the day before. I opened the attachment with excitement and some trepidation - I believed it would likely reveal whether I am already vaccinated against COVID-19, or if I received a placebo.

The subject line on the email I received last week said simply, “Test.” It contained the results of a private blood test I had undergone the day before. I opened the attachment with excitement and some trepidation - I believed it would likely reveal whether I am already vaccinated against COVID-19, or if I received a placebo. As a volunteer in a late-stage clinical trial for an experimental vaccine for COVID-19, I had already received two injections. I knew when I signed up there was a 50-50 chance I’d either get a vaccine made by an American company called Novavax – or a salt-water solution used as a control to see if the real thing works. A friend joked that might protect me against drowning, but nothing else. I experienced no symptoms after the first shot, which I received in late October. But immediately following the second injection three weeks later, there was mild swelling where the needle had pierced my upper right arm. A small, pink circle quickly formed around it. A nurse carefully measured the redness and took notes. Two doctors were called in to take a look. They eventually sent me home and asked me to contact the clinic if I experienced any pain or signs that it had become infected. That didn’t happen. Two weeks later, I returned to the clinical research facility at King’s College Hospital in south London for a scheduled blood test. I showed a doctor how the skin around the injection site was still black and blue. “Looks like you got the real thing,” he said, to my surprise. He noted that several other volunteers had experienced similar symptoms, although he added it was still possible I had received the placebo. As it happened, that morning the United Kingdom became the first western country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine. It is made by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech, which have reported that it was 95% effective in clinical trials. It has since been authorized for use in several other countries, including the United States. My feelings about the doctor’s comment were mixed. While the Novavax vaccine is considered very promising based on early results, its efficacy isn’t expected to be known until early next year. Who knows how effective it’ll be? Yet knowing I might already be protected against a potentially deadly virus seemed a relief. For starters, I might finally feel safe enough to visit the wonderful pub behind my house for the first time in nine months - wearing a mask, of course. To be honest, part of me had been secretly hoping that I had received the placebo. I had asked when my trial started what would happen if another vaccine was approved first. The doctor in charge had strongly suggested that I’d be told what I’d been injected with - a process known as “unblinding.” I could then get the approved vaccine – provided I had received the placebo. But if I had received the actual Novavax vaccine, he said, it could be risky because receiving two vaccines targeting the same disease could cause a reaction. An email I received from the UK’s National Health Service – “INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS IN LIGHT OF NEWS ABOUT Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 VACCINE” – basically confirmed that people who received the placebo would be able to get the approved vaccine once it was offered to them. Volunteers will not be “disadvantaged,” it stated. This appears to contrast with some other COVID-19 clinical trials in the United States. The New York Times recently reported that some volunteers receiving a placebo might have to wait up to two years to get a vaccine so as not to tarnish long-term results. (A concerned friend emailed me the article, writing, “I’m sure it is anything but comforting to be told you can’t get the real vaccine for 2 years because you were in a trial.” I wrote back, explaining that fortunately, that’s not the policy in the UK.) On Saturday, an official with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration told a press conference that the agency is in discussions with vaccine manufacturers about the placebo issue. I spent the next few days debating whether I should end my suspense and try to learn for sure whether I had received the Novavax vaccine or the placebo – by taking a test to see if COVID-19 antibodies are present in my blood. The real vaccine is supposed to produce them to fight the virus so if that’s what I received, my test result should come back positive. I had asked two doctors involved in my trial whether taking a private antibody test was permissible. They both said it wasn’t prohibited under the terms of my trial. I figured I would eventually find out if I’m already immunized, given that the U.K. rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has already begun, although exactly when I’ll be offered it isn’t clear. On December 7, I crossed the Thames on a nearly empty commuter boat for an appointment at a private medical clinic. Before drawing my blood, a nurse asked why I wanted a COVID-19 antibody test. “I want to find out if I’ve been vaccinated or got the placebo in a clinical trial,” I replied. She confirmed that no one before had ever given her that reason. The test result arrived in an email the next morning. I assumed it would be positive. “Negative,” it said. I emailed the result to a doctor at the research clinic: “I’m assuming I either received the placebo or the Novavax vaccine doesn’t work at all. (I’m assuming the former.)” “That is interesting,” he replied. “As soon as you get offered another vaccine, let me know and I will be able to unblind you and we can find out!” This week, there was an unexpected plot twist. I learned that the antibody test I had taken wouldn’t reveal if I’d gotten the real vaccine because it detects antibodies to a different COVID-19 protein. One would need a test that identifies antibodies to the spike protein. Who knew? So I crossed the Thames again to visit another medical clinic that offers a different COVID-19 antibody test. This time, a nurse gave me the result after just a few minutes - negative again. Looks like I won’t be visiting the pub behind my house anytime soon. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Real thing or placebo? My COVID-19 vaccine odyssey continues

A day after the&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing.

Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus</a>

"I am doing well. I have the same symptoms as yesterday: tiredness, headaches, dry everywhere. Like hundreds of thousands of others of you," he said in the video. "My activity is a little slowed down due to the virus. But I am continuing to take care of the priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit."

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The announcement of the President testing positive was made by the&nbsp;French Presidency on Thursday. "The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the officials had reported.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-self-isolate-after-macron-tests-covid-19-positive-350545">European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive</a>

His diagnosis was concluded through a&nbsp;PCR test which was performed as soon as Macron reported first symptoms.

Following Macron's diagnosis, several European Union leaders such as&nbsp;European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation. The precaution was taken as Macron had attended a conference of&nbsp;Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Brussels last week.

A day after the French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing.

A day after the French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing. Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities. Also read| French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus "I am doing well. I have the same symptoms as yesterday: tiredness, headaches, dry everywhere. Like hundreds of thousands of others of you," he said in the video. "My activity is a little slowed down due to the virus. But I am continuing to take care of the priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit." pic.twitter.com/MrfTQXpRBW — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 18, 2020 × The announcement of the President testing positive was made by the French Presidency on Thursday. "The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the officials had reported. Also read| European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive His diagnosis was concluded through a PCR test which was performed as soon as Macron reported first symptoms. Following Macron's diagnosis, several European Union leaders such as European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation. The precaution was taken as Macron had attended a conference of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Brussels last week.

Emmanuel Macron claims he is 'doing well' from COVID-19 and concentrating on Brexit

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-self-isolate-after-macron-tests-covid-19-positive-350545">Also read | European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive</a> 
 
The vaccine candidate, which has been licensed to AstraZeneca, has published interim late-stage trial results showing higher efficacy when a half dose is followed by a full dose, compared to a two full-dose regime, though more work needs to be done to affirm the result.

The details from the Phase I/II clinical trials released on Thursday made no reference to the half-dose/full-dose regime, which Oxford has said had been “unplanned” but approved by regulators.

The university said it had explored two dosing regimes in early-stage trials, a full-dose/full-dose regime and a full-dose/half-dose regime, investigated as a possible “dose sparing” strategy.

“The booster doses of the vaccine are both shown to induce stronger antibody responses than a single dose, the standard dose/standard dose inducing the best response,” the university said in a statement.

The vaccine “stimulates broad antibody and T cell functions,” it said after publishing further data from the Phase I/II clinical trials. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster.

As the United Kingdom began administering people with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, researchers from the University of Oxford and pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca said that Oxford’s Covid-19 vaccine candidate has a better immune response when a two full-dose regime is used rather than a full-dose followed by a half-dose booster. Also read | European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive The vaccine candidate, which has been licensed to AstraZeneca, has published interim late-stage trial results showing higher efficacy when a half dose is followed by a full dose, compared to a two full-dose regime, though more work needs to be done to affirm the result. The details from the Phase I/II clinical trials released on Thursday made no reference to the half-dose/full-dose regime, which Oxford has said had been “unplanned” but approved by regulators. The university said it had explored two dosing regimes in early-stage trials, a full-dose/full-dose regime and a full-dose/half-dose regime, investigated as a possible “dose sparing” strategy. “The booster doses of the vaccine are both shown to induce stronger antibody responses than a single dose, the standard dose/standard dose inducing the best response,” the university said in a statement. The vaccine “stimulates broad antibody and T cell functions,” it said after publishing further data from the Phase I/II clinical trials. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxford says Covid-19 vaccine has good immune response with 2-dose regime

Roughly a year into the pandemic it is clear the new coronavirus is worse than seasonal flu, and a study released on Friday outlined just how much worse, showing a death rate almost three times higher among Covid-19 patients.

The research, using French national data and published in the journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, underscored the increased severity of illness for people with Covid-19.

Researchers compared data for 89,530 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 in March and April this year with 45,819 patients hospitalised with seasonal influenza between December 2018 and the end of February 2019.

Some 16.9 per cent of Covid-19 patients died during the period of study -- which was during a devastating first wave across Europe when doctors had few therapies to turn to for severely ill people.

This compares to a death rate of 5.8 per cent among those with influenza.

Catherine Quantin, a professor at the University Hospital of Dijon and the French national health institute INSERM who jointly led the study, said the difference in death rates was "particularly striking" given the 2018/19 flu season was the deadliest France had seen in five years.

The authors note that the difference in the number of hospitalisations -- which saw twice as many people admitted for Covid-19 than flu -- may be partly explained by existing immunity to influenza, either because of previous infection or vaccination.

Researchers found that more patients with Covid-19 needed intensive care -- 16.3 per cent compared with 10.8 per cent for influenza -- while the average stay in ICU was nearly twice as long (15 days compared to 8 days).

The study also reported far fewer children under 18 hospitalised with Covid-19 than with flu -- 1.4 per cent compared to 19.5 per cent.

Roughly a year into the pandemic it is clear the new coronavirus is worse than seasonal flu, and a study released on Friday outlined just how much worse, showing a death rate almost three times higher among Covid-19 patients.

Roughly a year into the pandemic it is clear the new coronavirus is worse than seasonal flu, and a study released on Friday outlined just how much worse, showing a death rate almost three times higher among Covid-19 patients. The research, using French national data and published in the journal The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, underscored the increased severity of illness for people with Covid-19. Researchers compared data for 89,530 patients hospitalised with Covid-19 in March and April this year with 45,819 patients hospitalised with seasonal influenza between December 2018 and the end of February 2019. Some 16.9 per cent of Covid-19 patients died during the period of study -- which was during a devastating first wave across Europe when doctors had few therapies to turn to for severely ill people. This compares to a death rate of 5.8 per cent among those with influenza. Catherine Quantin, a professor at the University Hospital of Dijon and the French national health institute INSERM who jointly led the study, said the difference in death rates was "particularly striking" given the 2018/19 flu season was the deadliest France had seen in five years. The authors note that the difference in the number of hospitalisations -- which saw twice as many people admitted for Covid-19 than flu -- may be partly explained by existing immunity to influenza, either because of previous infection or vaccination. Researchers found that more patients with Covid-19 needed intensive care -- 16.3 per cent compared with 10.8 per cent for influenza -- while the average stay in ICU was nearly twice as long (15 days compared to 8 days). The study also reported far fewer children under 18 hospitalised with Covid-19 than with flu -- 1.4 per cent compared to 19.5 per cent.

Coronavirus nearly three times more deadly than flu: Study

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27.

The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-of-the-end-of-coronavirus-us-vice-president-mike-pence-receives-vaccine-jab-350801" hreflang="en">'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab</a>

Spain locals will be receiving doses of the approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus. While the government will be giving access to everyone for the vaccine, the officials are still urging locals to make sure they follow the existing COVID-19 regulations.

"This is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, not the end, so we must continue to keep our guard up," Salvador Illa said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-supreme-court-paves-way-for-sanctions-against-covid-anti-vaxxers-350797" hreflang="en">Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers</a>

As per the initial plans laid out by the government, elderly locals and staff members in the nursing homes will be given preference for the vaccine. After the hospital staff and elderly residents, health workers and other people prone to the virus will be receiving the next doses.

The Spanish government has estimated vaccinating 15-20 million out of a population of 47 million people by the end of the month of June.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-us-nurse-passes-out-after-getting-pfizer-biontechs-covid-19-vaccine-350712" hreflang="en">Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine</a>

This statement came a day after the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to begin vaccinating the people of European countries between December 27-29. Spain, like the rest of the EU, will be relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for now.

Spain was one of the worst hit countries of the continent as more than 1.7 million were infected by the virus, taking nearly 48,000 lives.

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27. The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday.

After several countries started mass vaccination drive, Spain, too, has decided to start immunising people against the novel coronavirus from December 27. The mass vaccination drive will be starting a day after the country receives its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the country's health minister Salvador Illa announced on Friday. Also read| 'Beginning of the end of coronavirus': US Vice President Mike Pence receives vaccine jab Spain locals will be receiving doses of the approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against the novel coronavirus. While the government will be giving access to everyone for the vaccine, the officials are still urging locals to make sure they follow the existing COVID-19 regulations. "This is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, not the end, so we must continue to keep our guard up," Salvador Illa said. Also read| Brazil’s Supreme Court paves way for sanctions against COVID anti-vaxxers As per the initial plans laid out by the government, elderly locals and staff members in the nursing homes will be given preference for the vaccine. After the hospital staff and elderly residents, health workers and other people prone to the virus will be receiving the next doses. The Spanish government has estimated vaccinating 15-20 million out of a population of 47 million people by the end of the month of June. Also read| Watch: US nurse passes out after getting Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine This statement came a day after the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to begin vaccinating the people of European countries between December 27-29. Spain, like the rest of the EU, will be relying on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for now. Spain was one of the worst hit countries of the continent as more than 1.7 million were infected by the virus, taking nearly 48,000 lives.

Spain to start mass vaccination drive against COVID-19 next week

South Korea is once again struggling to contain the widespread surge of the novel coronavirus cases, and the COVID-19 hospitals are facing the brunt of it as hundreds are struggling to find a bed in the emergency wards.

At least six people have lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus while waiting to get a bed in hospitals. "We express our deepest condolences and feel keenly responsible,” Park Yoo-mi, a quarantine officer for the Seoul government told a media briefing.

He also acknowledged the problem of lack of hospital beds and reported the problem has been going on since the start of the month of December as the country saw a sharp increase in the coronavirus cases. "The on-site response team in the Seoul metropolitan area has been experiencing difficulty in allocating beds due to sharp increase in confirmed cases and overload in administration and medical systems since the beginning of December," he said.

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This news broke out months after South Korea was able to enjoy less or no coronavirus cases. The new surge in cases has led the tally to 47,515 cases with nearly 650 deaths. While the number looks smaller in comparison to other countries such as the US, UK and India, South Korea has been urging locals to stay indoors to help the government in controlling the rise in the h of coronavirus cases and deaths.&nbsp;

The country recorded 1,062 new cases on Friday, making it the first time South Korea has continuously reported more&nbsp;than 1,000 cases.

Out of the six, three patients were waiting in a nursing home in the&nbsp;Gyeonggi province and one was waiting at his home waiting for a hospital bed to be vacated. The other two deaths have been reported from December, but no details have been provided yet.

As per officials, nearly 580 patients are waiting for beds to be vacated in the capital city of Seoul, out of which at least 227 patients have been waiting for two days.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, South Korea's&nbsp;Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has asked people to practice 'social consensus' and abide by the set rules and regulations.

"There have been increasing attempts to continue operation in an irregular way by changing their stated type of business in order to slip through the government`s anti-virus efforts," Chung said. "That can never be acceptable."

South Korea is once again struggling to contain the widespread surge of the novel coronavirus cases, and the COVID-19 hospitals are facing the brunt of it as hundreds are struggling to find a bed in the emergency wards.

South Korea is once again struggling to contain the widespread surge of the novel coronavirus cases, and the COVID-19 hospitals are facing the brunt of it as hundreds are struggling to find a bed in the emergency wards. At least six people have lost their lives to the deadly coronavirus while waiting to get a bed in hospitals. "We express our deepest condolences and feel keenly responsible,” Park Yoo-mi, a quarantine officer for the Seoul government told a media briefing. He also acknowledged the problem of lack of hospital beds and reported the problem has been going on since the start of the month of December as the country saw a sharp increase in the coronavirus cases. "The on-site response team in the Seoul metropolitan area has been experiencing difficulty in allocating beds due to sharp increase in confirmed cases and overload in administration and medical systems since the beginning of December," he said. × This news broke out months after South Korea was able to enjoy less or no coronavirus cases. The new surge in cases has led the tally to 47,515 cases with nearly 650 deaths. While the number looks smaller in comparison to other countries such as the US, UK and India, South Korea has been urging locals to stay indoors to help the government in controlling the rise in the h of coronavirus cases and deaths. The country recorded 1,062 new cases on Friday, making it the first time South Korea has continuously reported more than 1,000 cases. Out of the six, three patients were waiting in a nursing home in the Gyeonggi province and one was waiting at his home waiting for a hospital bed to be vacated. The other two deaths have been reported from December, but no details have been provided yet. As per officials, nearly 580 patients are waiting for beds to be vacated in the capital city of Seoul, out of which at least 227 patients have been waiting for two days. Meanwhile, South Korea's Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has asked people to practice 'social consensus' and abide by the set rules and regulations. "There have been increasing attempts to continue operation in an irregular way by changing their stated type of business in order to slip through the government`s anti-virus efforts," Chung said. "That can never be acceptable."

Six people in South Korea die of COVID while waiting for hospital beds

UK's home secretary Priti Patel has accused&nbsp;a former Foreign Office minister of breaching the coronavirus lockdown regulations after he attended a Christmas party in the capital city of London.

A senior Tory MP,&nbsp;Tobias Ellwood, attended an event at the&nbsp;Cavalry and Guards Club on Tuesday in London. This event was attended by 27 people, a few hours before the city moved into a Tier-3 lockdown to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus.

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>

The dinner was hosted by the&nbsp;Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC)&nbsp;in Piccadilly and was being referred to as a 'Christmas party' on the official website — but the information&nbsp;was reportedly removed later. Ellwood, however, has denied this accusation and claimed it to be a business meeting.&nbsp;

"I would not be attending a Christmas party, it was a business meeting," he said. "I went there to meet business people and that is what it was. The club went to extreme lengths so that as a business function it was absolutely Covid compliant."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/closer-to-brexit-trade-deal-but-success-unclear-says-eu-chief-in-european-parliament-350308">Closer to Brexit trade deal but success unclear, says EU chief in European Parliament</a>

Priti Patel, on the other hand, thinks her fellow politician has clearly breached the rules. "Having dinner ... outside of the rules with a large number of people is a breach of the regulations," she said in an interview.

She also assured that a proper investigation will be conducted in this matter and penalty will be levied upon the Tory MP. "There are fixed penalty notices. I don’t know the details as to where this happened or the location, but I’m sure ... as it is a breach, that will be followed up."

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Apols re my well intentioned attendance at an Iraqi/British Business event. 
It was fully Covid compliant &amp; helpful to learn more about where Iraq’s heading as UK troops are still there. 
But during this challenging time perceptions count. Something I’m now very more conscious of. <a href="https://t.co/fAbEwILmna">pic.twitter.com/fAbEwILmna</a>
— Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias_Ellwood) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tobias_Ellwood/status/1339549569881915396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Ellwood took to Twitter to explain his side of the argument and defended this gathering as an opportunity to understand the situation of the Middle East. "We still have troops based in Iraq and the security situation is deteriorating. I work hard to leverage every opportunity to further my understanding of international foreign policy and security matters. I gleaned extremely useful intelligence from this gathering about what is happening on the ground and wider issues affecting the Middle East," he said.

UK's home secretary Priti Patel has accused a former Foreign Office minister of breaching the coronavirus lockdown regulations after he attended a Christmas party in the capital city of London.

UK's home secretary Priti Patel has accused a former Foreign Office minister of breaching the coronavirus lockdown regulations after he attended a Christmas party in the capital city of London. A senior Tory MP, Tobias Ellwood, attended an event at the Cavalry and Guards Club on Tuesday in London. This event was attended by 27 people, a few hours before the city moved into a Tier-3 lockdown to contain the widespread of the novel coronavirus. Also read| New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown The dinner was hosted by the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) in Piccadilly and was being referred to as a 'Christmas party' on the official website — but the information was reportedly removed later. Ellwood, however, has denied this accusation and claimed it to be a business meeting. "I would not be attending a Christmas party, it was a business meeting," he said. "I went there to meet business people and that is what it was. The club went to extreme lengths so that as a business function it was absolutely Covid compliant." Also read| Closer to Brexit trade deal but success unclear, says EU chief in European Parliament Priti Patel, on the other hand, thinks her fellow politician has clearly breached the rules. "Having dinner ... outside of the rules with a large number of people is a breach of the regulations," she said in an interview. She also assured that a proper investigation will be conducted in this matter and penalty will be levied upon the Tory MP. "There are fixed penalty notices. I don’t know the details as to where this happened or the location, but I’m sure ... as it is a breach, that will be followed up." Apols re my well intentioned attendance at an Iraqi/British Business event. It was fully Covid compliant & helpful to learn more about where Iraq’s heading as UK troops are still there. But during this challenging time perceptions count. Something I’m now very more conscious of. pic.twitter.com/fAbEwILmna — Tobias Ellwood MP (@Tobias_Ellwood) December 17, 2020 × Ellwood took to Twitter to explain his side of the argument and defended this gathering as an opportunity to understand the situation of the Middle East. "We still have troops based in Iraq and the security situation is deteriorating. I work hard to leverage every opportunity to further my understanding of international foreign policy and security matters. I gleaned extremely useful intelligence from this gathering about what is happening on the ground and wider issues affecting the Middle East," he said.

UK's Priti Patel accuses Tory MP of COVID-19 lockdown breach

The total number of coronavirus case in India has climbed to 99.79 lakh with 22,890 fresh infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed the 95 lakh-mark, said the Union health ministry on Friday.

With 338 new deaths, the toll mounted to 1,44,789. According to the Union Health Ministry, the total number of active cases in the country reached 3,13,831. Meanwhile, the total discharged cases are at 95,20,827 with 31,087 new discharges in the last 24 hours.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 15,89,18,646 samples tested for COVID-19 up to December 17. Of these 11,13,406 samples were tested Thursday.

The Health Ministry on Friday said that country's recovery rate is 95.31 per cent, the case fatality rate at 1.45 per cent, and the percentage of active cases is 3.24 per cent.

Maharastra continues to be the worst affected country by the pandemic with 68,476 active cases followed by Kerala with 58,339 active cases.

India recognised the COVID-19 threat early and pursued a scientific evidence-based approach to combat the situation, said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan while addressing a virtual event by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Speaking on "Build Back Better: building resilient health infrastructure and supply chains", Vardhan said on Thursday, "It has been almost one year since the outbreak of COVID-19. While the caseload infection in many parts of the world is decreasing, many others are experiencing a second or even a third peak. Fortunately, in India, the cases are steadily coming down. We recognized the threat early and pursued a scientific evidence-based approach."

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus case in India has climbed to 99.79 lakh with 22,890 fresh infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed the 95 lakh-mark, said the Union health ministry on Friday.

The total number of coronavirus case in India has climbed to 99.79 lakh with 22,890 fresh infections being reported in a day, while total recoveries crossed the 95 lakh-mark, said the Union health ministry on Friday. With 338 new deaths, the toll mounted to 1,44,789. According to the Union Health Ministry, the total number of active cases in the country reached 3,13,831. Meanwhile, the total discharged cases are at 95,20,827 with 31,087 new discharges in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 15,89,18,646 samples tested for COVID-19 up to December 17. Of these 11,13,406 samples were tested Thursday. The Health Ministry on Friday said that country's recovery rate is 95.31 per cent, the case fatality rate at 1.45 per cent, and the percentage of active cases is 3.24 per cent. Maharastra continues to be the worst affected country by the pandemic with 68,476 active cases followed by Kerala with 58,339 active cases. India recognised the COVID-19 threat early and pursued a scientific evidence-based approach to combat the situation, said Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan while addressing a virtual event by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Speaking on "Build Back Better: building resilient health infrastructure and supply chains", Vardhan said on Thursday, "It has been almost one year since the outbreak of COVID-19. While the caseload infection in many parts of the world is decreasing, many others are experiencing a second or even a third peak. Fortunately, in India, the cases are steadily coming down. We recognized the threat early and pursued a scientific evidence-based approach." (With inputs from agencies)

India's Covid-19 case tally edges closer to 1-crore mark

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-trial-volunteers-who-got-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-developed-bells-palsy-348547">Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy</a>

During a media briefing Wednesday, health officials said the middle-aged woman had no history of allergies and had never experienced anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-asian-and-minority-ethnic-groups-reluctant-to-take-covid-19-vaccine-jab-uk-study-350330">Also read | Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study</a>

The woman is now stable, public health authorities said.

The reaction was reportedly similar to the anaphylactic shock suffered by multiple healthcare workers in the UK, where the Pfizer-BioNTech jab was approved earlier this month. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">Also read | Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine. It said only people who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot.

The symptoms in the middle-aged patient resolved after being administered with allergy treatment epinephrine.

The patient was still in Juneau’s Bartlett Regional Hospital being monitored.

Pfizer said the vaccine comes with a clear warning that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylaxis, but it would update the labeling language for the vaccine if needed.

Administration of the vaccine began Monday in the United States, following emergency-use authorization last week. Early doses have been set aside for healthcare workers and nursing home residents

Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the allergic reaction concerning but said that more information must be known in order to better understand the risks.

“What we need to know is what the denominator is -- how many doses have been given? Is this going to be something that’s going to be seen at a higher incidence with this vaccine than with others?” Goodman said. “We’re going to have to find out those things to inform whether that changes recommendations or how this is used.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight.

A health care worker in Alaska developed a severe allergic reaction shortly after receiving the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Tuesday evening and had to be hospitalized overnight. Also read: Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy During a media briefing Wednesday, health officials said the middle-aged woman had no history of allergies and had never experienced anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. Also read | Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups reluctant to take Covid-19 vaccine jab: UK study The woman is now stable, public health authorities said. The reaction was reportedly similar to the anaphylactic shock suffered by multiple healthcare workers in the UK, where the Pfizer-BioNTech jab was approved earlier this month. Also read | Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates Britain’s medical regulator has said that anyone with a history of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reactions to medicine or food, should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has said that most Americans with allergies should be safe to receive the vaccine. It said only people who have previously had severe allergic reactions to vaccines or ingredients in this particular vaccine should avoid getting the shot. The symptoms in the middle-aged patient resolved after being administered with allergy treatment epinephrine. The patient was still in Juneau’s Bartlett Regional Hospital being monitored. Pfizer said the vaccine comes with a clear warning that appropriate medical treatment and supervision should always be readily available in case of anaphylaxis, but it would update the labeling language for the vaccine if needed. Administration of the vaccine began Monday in the United States, following emergency-use authorization last week. Early doses have been set aside for healthcare workers and nursing home residents Former FDA Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman called the allergic reaction concerning but said that more information must be known in order to better understand the risks. “What we need to know is what the denominator is -- how many doses have been given? Is this going to be something that’s going to be seen at a higher incidence with this vaccine than with others?” Goodman said. “We’re going to have to find out those things to inform whether that changes recommendations or how this is used.” (With inputs from agencies)

Alaska healthcare worker suffers an allergic reaction to Covid-19 vaccine, Pfizer to assess the report

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic.

Vice President Mike Pence will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Both men will receive the shot publicly in an effort to boost confidence in the safety of the vaccine, which will become widely available to the public next year.

“I don’t want to get ahead of the line but I want to make sure that we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden said at an event earlier on Wednesday.

Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus because of his age.

Biden has vowed to make the fight against the virus his top priority when he takes office on Jan. 20. President Donald Trump, who lost the Nov. 3 election to Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, which has killed 304,187 Americans so far and feuded with his top public health officials.

Trump will get the vaccine himself as soon as his medical team determines it is best, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday. The president was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 this fall.

Initial doses of the vaccine, which became available in the United States this week, have been set aside for doctors, nurses and other frontline medical workers, along with residents and staff of nursing homes and some U.S. government officials.

U.S. officials aim to get 2.9 million doses of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, by week’s end.

One health worker in Alaska had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, officials said on Wednesday in what is believed to be the only adverse reaction so far in the United States.

A significant portion of the American public has shown disdain for basic public health recommendations, such as wearing a mask, and only 61% of respondents in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll said they were open to getting vaccinated.

Scientists believe that “herd immunity” against the virus could be achieved once about 70% of the population has been exposed to it, either through natural infection or a vaccine.

Some 16.7 million Americans have been infected so far, equal to roughly 5% of the population. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said.

Biden’s transition team did not say when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would get the vaccine.

‘US SHOULD LEAD THE WAY’

Biden is building his incoming administration as he prepares for his inauguration next month.

On Wednesday, he introduced former presidential rival Pete Buttigieg as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America’s ageing infrastructure.

Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate if he is approved.

“The Biden-Harris Cabinet will be a historic Cabinet - a Cabinet that looks like America, a Cabinet that taps into the best of America, a Cabinet that is opening doors and breaking down barriers and accessing the full range of talent ... in this nation,” Biden said as he puts forth what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history.

Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called “our crumbling roads, bridges and ports.” Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending.

Buttigieg emerged from relative obscurity to mount a surprisingly robust campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination eventually won by Biden. A military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Buttigieg is in the vanguard of the next generation of Democratic politicians and is widely seen as a future presidential contender.

“Americans shouldn’t settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, our railways and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and I know that in this administration we will,” Buttigieg said.

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic.

President-elect Joe Biden will get the coronavirus vaccine as soon as next week, transition officials said on Wednesday, as US authorities try to build public confidence in a measure that promises to stanch the deadly pandemic. Vice President Mike Pence will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Both men will receive the shot publicly in an effort to boost confidence in the safety of the vaccine, which will become widely available to the public next year. “I don’t want to get ahead of the line but I want to make sure that we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden said at an event earlier on Wednesday. Biden, 78, is in a high-risk category for the coronavirus because of his age. Biden has vowed to make the fight against the virus his top priority when he takes office on Jan. 20. President Donald Trump, who lost the Nov. 3 election to Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic, which has killed 304,187 Americans so far and feuded with his top public health officials. Trump will get the vaccine himself as soon as his medical team determines it is best, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Tuesday. The president was hospitalized after testing positive for COVID-19 this fall. Initial doses of the vaccine, which became available in the United States this week, have been set aside for doctors, nurses and other frontline medical workers, along with residents and staff of nursing homes and some U.S. government officials. U.S. officials aim to get 2.9 million doses of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer Inc and German partner BioNTech SE, by week’s end. One health worker in Alaska had a severe allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine, officials said on Wednesday in what is believed to be the only adverse reaction so far in the United States. A significant portion of the American public has shown disdain for basic public health recommendations, such as wearing a mask, and only 61% of respondents in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll said they were open to getting vaccinated. Scientists believe that “herd immunity” against the virus could be achieved once about 70% of the population has been exposed to it, either through natural infection or a vaccine. Some 16.7 million Americans have been infected so far, equal to roughly 5% of the population. Pence’s wife, Karen, and Surgeon General Jerome Adams also will get the vaccine on Friday, the White House said. Biden’s transition team did not say when Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would get the vaccine. ‘US SHOULD LEAD THE WAY’ Biden is building his incoming administration as he prepares for his inauguration next month. On Wednesday, he introduced former presidential rival Pete Buttigieg as his choice for U.S. transportation secretary to take the lead in upgrading America’s ageing infrastructure. Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary confirmed by the Senate if he is approved. “The Biden-Harris Cabinet will be a historic Cabinet - a Cabinet that looks like America, a Cabinet that taps into the best of America, a Cabinet that is opening doors and breaking down barriers and accessing the full range of talent ... in this nation,” Biden said as he puts forth what is shaping up to be the most diverse Cabinet in U.S. history. Appearing with Buttigieg in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden said the 38-year-old would confront the task of restoring what he called “our crumbling roads, bridges and ports.” Biden has proposed a massive boost in infrastructure spending. Buttigieg emerged from relative obscurity to mount a surprisingly robust campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination eventually won by Biden. A military veteran who served in Afghanistan, Buttigieg is in the vanguard of the next generation of Democratic politicians and is widely seen as a future presidential contender. “Americans shouldn’t settle for less than our peers in the developed world when it comes to our roads and bridges, our railways and transit systems. The U.S. should lead the way, and I know that in this administration we will,” Buttigieg said.

Joe Biden to get Covid-19 vaccine next week; Mike Pence to receive it on December 18

The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for the Western Pacific on Thursday called for greater vigilance amid the roll-out of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, saying the vaccine is not a "silver bullet" that will end the nearly year-long pandemic which has already killed over 1.6 million.

"Whoever you are, wherever you live, as long as the virus is circulating somewhere, we all remain at risk, and we must keep preparing for the worst-case scenario," WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai said in a virtual media briefing.

Kasai appealed to the younger and socially active people aged under 40 to "do everything you can to avoid infection for yourself and everybody around you" despite the anxiety and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. "By following the advice of health authorities you can directly contribute to protecting the lives of people in your community and in doing so to reviving your society's economies in 2021," Kasai said.

"I urge you to think about those who may be at high risk of severe COVID. If you catch the virus, you could unknowingly pass it on to your parents or grandparents, your neighbour or friend with an underlying condition," Kasai said.

Moreover, he urged the young to "think of health workers who have been working day and night for almost a year. They are exhausted". Kasai also appealed to the governments across the region "to use an additional layer of surveillance that picks up an early sign of infection among those groups that are difficult to catch with the existing system."

Kasai said the COVID-19 vaccines "are not a silver bullet that will end the pandemic in the near future". "The development of a safe and effective vaccine is one thing but producing them in adequate quantities and reaching everyone that needs them is another. They will initially only be available in limited quantities and high-risk groups should be prioritized first," he said.

"This means that we are tired of this pandemic, we must stick to the actions and behaviour which protect not only ourselves but also those around us. Hand washing, mask-wearing, physical distancing and avoiding places that have a high risk of transmission. For now, we must keep making the choices that will reduce transmission of the virus and protect our families and our communities. By doing so we can go into 2021 with hope," he added.

Babatunde Olowokure, WHO regional emergency director, echoed Kasai, saying that the "COVID-19 vaccine itself is not a silver bullet to end the COVID-19". "There is no room for complacency. So we must continue to remain vigilant, continue to comply with our public health interventions," he said.

He further urged governments to "look at strategies" which could help the younger population cope with public health interventions and to manage those appropriately. There are now 985,539 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Western Pacific Region, including 18,641 deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for the Western Pacific on Thursday called for greater vigilance amid the roll-out of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, saying the vaccine is not a "silver bullet" that will end the nearly year-long pandemic which has already killed over 1.

The World Health Organization (WHO) regional office for the Western Pacific on Thursday called for greater vigilance amid the roll-out of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, saying the vaccine is not a "silver bullet" that will end the nearly year-long pandemic which has already killed over 1.6 million. "Whoever you are, wherever you live, as long as the virus is circulating somewhere, we all remain at risk, and we must keep preparing for the worst-case scenario," WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Takeshi Kasai said in a virtual media briefing. Kasai appealed to the younger and socially active people aged under 40 to "do everything you can to avoid infection for yourself and everybody around you" despite the anxiety and uncertainties brought about by the pandemic. "By following the advice of health authorities you can directly contribute to protecting the lives of people in your community and in doing so to reviving your society's economies in 2021," Kasai said. "I urge you to think about those who may be at high risk of severe COVID. If you catch the virus, you could unknowingly pass it on to your parents or grandparents, your neighbour or friend with an underlying condition," Kasai said. Moreover, he urged the young to "think of health workers who have been working day and night for almost a year. They are exhausted". Kasai also appealed to the governments across the region "to use an additional layer of surveillance that picks up an early sign of infection among those groups that are difficult to catch with the existing system." Kasai said the COVID-19 vaccines "are not a silver bullet that will end the pandemic in the near future". "The development of a safe and effective vaccine is one thing but producing them in adequate quantities and reaching everyone that needs them is another. They will initially only be available in limited quantities and high-risk groups should be prioritized first," he said. "This means that we are tired of this pandemic, we must stick to the actions and behaviour which protect not only ourselves but also those around us. Hand washing, mask-wearing, physical distancing and avoiding places that have a high risk of transmission. For now, we must keep making the choices that will reduce transmission of the virus and protect our families and our communities. By doing so we can go into 2021 with hope," he added. Babatunde Olowokure, WHO regional emergency director, echoed Kasai, saying that the "COVID-19 vaccine itself is not a silver bullet to end the COVID-19". "There is no room for complacency. So we must continue to remain vigilant, continue to comply with our public health interventions," he said. He further urged governments to "look at strategies" which could help the younger population cope with public health interventions and to manage those appropriately. There are now 985,539 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Western Pacific Region, including 18,641 deaths.

'Not a silver bullet': WHO calls for greater vigilance of COVID-19 vaccine

India reported 24,010 new cases in a matter of 24 hours taking the total tally over 99.5 lakh in the world’s second-worst infected nation, according to the Health Ministry.&nbsp;

That includes over 94.8 lakh recoveries and more than 1.44 lakh deaths. At over 33,000, daily recoveries continued to surpass new cases for over two weeks now.&nbsp;

New infections continue to decline in India, in a sign of improving conditions, at a time when the country is weeks away from a vaccine.

Active cases have now fallen below the 3.3 lakh mark. This is the fourth straight day of less than 30,000 new Covid-19 cases reported within 24 hours.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 15,78,05,240 samples have been tested up to December 15, of which 11,58,960 were conducted on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry said, five states - Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Kerala and Maharashtra - account for 56% of total active cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Meanwhile, A top World Health Organization (WHO) official has called for greater vigilance amid the roll-out of a Covid-19 vaccine, saying the vaccine is not a "silver bullet" that will end the nearly year-long pandemic which has infected over 74 million people across the globe and killed more than 1.64 million others.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 24,010 new cases in a matter of 24 hours taking the total tally over 99.5 lakh in the world’s second-worst infected nation, according to the Health Ministry.

India reported 24,010 new cases in a matter of 24 hours taking the total tally over 99.5 lakh in the world’s second-worst infected nation, according to the Health Ministry. That includes over 94.8 lakh recoveries and more than 1.44 lakh deaths. At over 33,000, daily recoveries continued to surpass new cases for over two weeks now. New infections continue to decline in India, in a sign of improving conditions, at a time when the country is weeks away from a vaccine. Active cases have now fallen below the 3.3 lakh mark. This is the fourth straight day of less than 30,000 new Covid-19 cases reported within 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 15,78,05,240 samples have been tested up to December 15, of which 11,58,960 were conducted on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Union Health Ministry said, five states - Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Kerala and Maharashtra - account for 56% of total active cases of COVID-19 in the country. Meanwhile, A top World Health Organization (WHO) official has called for greater vigilance amid the roll-out of a Covid-19 vaccine, saying the vaccine is not a "silver bullet" that will end the nearly year-long pandemic which has infected over 74 million people across the globe and killed more than 1.64 million others. (With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus tally rises to 99.50 lakh with 24,009 new cases in 24 hours

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that no-deal Brexit is looking like the only way out of the deadlock with trade talks with the European Union. &nbsp;At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022. Read this and more on our morning news brief.

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British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that no-deal Brexit is looking like the only way out of the deadlock with trade talks with the European Union. At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested that no-deal Brexit is looking like the only way out of the deadlock with trade talks with the European Union. At least a fifth of the world's population may not have access to a Covid-19 vaccine until 2022. Read this and more on our morning news brief. Britain says no deal with the European Union the most likely scenario One in 10 Spaniards have had COVID-19, nationwide antibody study shows Nearly a fifth of the world's population may not get the vaccine until 2022, study says Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war London faces the highest level of Covid restrictions amid rise in cases China to open world's largest telescope to the international experts in 2021

Morning news brief: London lockdown, Vijay Diwas 2020, Brexit and more

India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547.

The national recovery rate is now at 95.21 per cent. With 387 new deaths, India's toll of coronavirus-related deaths has mounted to 1,44,096.

"The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues. The active caseload of the country stands at 3,32,002. The share of active cases in the total positive cases has further shrunk to 3.34 per cent," the Health Ministry said in a release.

"India has recorded less than 40,000 daily new cases since the last 17 days. In the last 24 hours, only 26,382 persons were found to be infected with COVID in India. A total of 75.84 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 5,218. It is followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal with 3,442 and 2,289 new cases, respectively," the Ministry added.

According to the Health Ministry, India also registered 33,813 new recoveries in the last 24 hours ensuring a net decline of 7,818 cases in the active caseload.

"Total recoveries have surpassed 94.5 lakhs (9,456,449). The recovery rate has also increased to 95.21 per cent. A total of 76.43 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs," it said. “Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,066 newly recovered cases. 4,395 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 2,965 in West Bengal," it added. A total of 387 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours.

"Ten States/UTs account for 75.19 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (70). West Bengal and Delhi follow with 45 and 41 daily deaths, respectively. Daily deaths in India are on a sustained decline. Less than 500 daily deaths have been registered for the last 11 days," the Ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547.

India recorded 26,382 new cases of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the last 24 hours, according to Union health ministry update on Wednesday. With this, the nationwide tally reached 99,32,547. The national recovery rate is now at 95.21 per cent. With 387 new deaths, India's toll of coronavirus-related deaths has mounted to 1,44,096. "The ongoing trend of contraction of India's total active cases continues. The active caseload of the country stands at 3,32,002. The share of active cases in the total positive cases has further shrunk to 3.34 per cent," the Health Ministry said in a release. "India has recorded less than 40,000 daily new cases since the last 17 days. In the last 24 hours, only 26,382 persons were found to be infected with COVID in India. A total of 75.84 per cent of the new cases are from 10 States and UTs. Kerala continues to report the highest daily new cases at 5,218. It is followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal with 3,442 and 2,289 new cases, respectively," the Ministry added. According to the Health Ministry, India also registered 33,813 new recoveries in the last 24 hours ensuring a net decline of 7,818 cases in the active caseload. "Total recoveries have surpassed 94.5 lakhs (9,456,449). The recovery rate has also increased to 95.21 per cent. A total of 76.43 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 10 States/UTs," it said. “Kerala has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,066 newly recovered cases. 4,395 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 2,965 in West Bengal," it added. A total of 387 case fatalities have been reported in the past 24 hours. "Ten States/UTs account for 75.19 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (70). West Bengal and Delhi follow with 45 and 41 daily deaths, respectively. Daily deaths in India are on a sustained decline. Less than 500 daily deaths have been registered for the last 11 days," the Ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 26,382 new coronavirus cases; tally nears 10 million mark

In one Beijing artist’s recent depiction of the world in 2098, China is a high-tech superpower and the United States is humbled. Americans have embraced communism and Manhattan, draped with the hammer-and-sickle flags of the “People’s Union of America,” has become a quaint tourist precinct.

This triumphant vision has resonated among Chinese.

The sci-fi digital illustrations by the artist, Fan Wennan, caught fire on Chinese social media in recent months, reflecting a resurgent nationalism. China’s authoritarian system, proponents say, is not just different from the West’s democracies, it is also proving itself superior. It is a long-running theme, but China’s success against the pandemic has given it a sharp boost.

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“America isn’t that heavenly kingdom depicted since decades ago,” said Fan, who is in his early 20s. “There’s nothing special about it. If you have to say there’s anything special about it now, it’s how messed up it can be at times.”

China’s Communist Party, under its leader, Xi Jinping, has promoted the idea that the country is on a trajectory to power past Western rivals.

China stamped out the coronavirus, the messaging goes, with a resolve beyond the reach of flailing Western democracies. Beijing has rolled out homegrown vaccines to more than 1 million people, despite the safety concerns of scientists. China’s economy has revived, defying fears of a deep slump from the pandemic.

“In this fight against the pandemic, there will be victorious powers and defeated ones,” Wang Xiangsui, a retired Chinese senior colonel who teaches at a university in Beijing, averred this month. “We’re a victor power, while the United States is still mired and, I think, may well become a defeated power.”

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The firm leadership of Xi and the party has earned China its recent success, say newspapers, television programs and social media.

“Time to wake up from blind faith in the Western system,” said a commentary in the state-run China Education News last week. “Vicious partisan fighting has worsened in certain Western countries, social fissures have deepened, and a severe social crisis is brewing.”

China’s current swaggering mood could add to the challenges facing Joe Biden when he takes office as president. President Donald Trump’s defeat in the election has done little to ease Chinese suspicion of the United States, said Liu Jianqiu, a businessman and online commentator, in a telephone interview.

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“I think China has gained the psychological edge,” said Liu, in his 40s, who described the pandemic as a turning point in his attitudes. “The performance of the West was completely out of my expectations and shifted my thinking even more — the facts prove that the American system really has no superiority.”

Combative national pride surged in China in the runup to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and after the United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1999. Now there is a sharper sense that the Western powers are in perhaps irreversible decline, and that the pandemic has confirmed China’s ascent.

“Most ordinary Chinese people previously were more admiring of the United States, but in recent years, the advantages of the Chinese system have become clearer to them,” said Jin Canrong, an international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing who has become a popular commentator under the nickname “Commissar Jin.” “There’s greater self-confidence.”

China’s diplomats and its state-run media have responded to criticism from Western governments with scornful disdain. Chinese supporters of a more muscular foreign policy call for hitting back against Western critics, especially in the wake of the pandemic.

Le Yucheng, a Chinese vice minister of foreign affairs, said in a speech last week that China was not spoiling for fights, but he also warned other governments not to underestimate its resolve to push back against criticism.

“Faced with this suppression and containment without scruples,” Le said, “we’ll never swallow our pride or stoop to compromise.”

Online, Chinese commentators have plumbed the depths of history to capture the current moment. Some likened the United States to the crumbling British Empire of the last century, overstretched and exhausted.

Others are reaching back further, comparing America to China’s own Ming dynasty, which crumbled in the 1600s under the weight of corruption, insurrections and invasions. In this view that spread online this year, China should take the role of the “barbarian” Manchu armies who — in the commentators’ vivid, not-always-accurate retelling — swept over the Asian steppes, breached the Great Wall, and crushed the Ming rulers.

Modern-day China must act like the Manchu forces, advocates of the analogy say, and prepare to “break through” a ring of geopolitical hostility by dominating vital seas around China.

Geremie R. Barmé, a Sinologist in New Zealand who has followed the rise of “break-through studies” — rùguānxué in Chinese — said the historical comparisons reflect anxiety “about China’s great nation status and its place in the world.”

“The underpinning is that China is morally superior — we the Chinese people under the Communist Party — because we have none of the failings of America,” he said.

China’s leader, Xi, has not commented on the recent pronouncements of American decline. But he sees China and the United States as locked in ideological rivalry. Since coming to power in 2012, he has called for Chinese schools, textbooks and websites to inoculate youth against Western values that could erode party rule and the country’s “cultural self-confidence.”

“Our schooling must never nurture wreckers or gravediggers of socialism,” Xi said in a speech in 2018 that was recently published in a book of his comments on ideology.

Some warn that China risks underestimating the strengths of the United States. In recent months, Chinese scholars have debated how Beijing should handle the post-COVID world, with a good number urging restraint as the best way to win lasting influence.

“China’s high-volume nationalism at home is making the United States feel that China is getting aggressive,” Xiao Gongqin, a historian in Shanghai wrote in an essay that was published last month, prompting wide discussion.

The United States is far from the only country feeling the lash of official and public anger from China. Australia has drawn China’s ire for criticizing Beijing, initiating laws aimed at reducing Chinese government influence-building efforts in Australia, and urging an investigation into the origin of the pandemic — a touchy subject in Beijing.

Last month, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson tweeted a Chinese artist’s fabricated image of an Australian soldier poised to slit the throat of an Afghan child. Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, demanded an apology from China over the image, which was a reference to an inquiry by the Australian military that found that its troops had unlawfully killed more than three dozen Afghan civilians.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry scoffed at Morrison’s demand, and the artist who created the image, Fu Yu, created another one mocking the Australian leader. Fu, who works under the name Wuhe Qilin, had made a reputation with his scathing images of the United States as a blood-soaked, irrational medieval realm.

“Chinese values and American values are totally at odds,” Fu said late last month on a Chinese online talk show broadcast last week. “These values are in fundamental conflict.”

In one Beijing artist’s recent depiction of the world in 2098, China is a high-tech superpower and the United States is humbled. Americans have embraced communism and Manhattan, draped with the hammer-and-sickle flags of the “People’s Union of America,” has become a quaint tourist precinct.

In one Beijing artist’s recent depiction of the world in 2098, China is a high-tech superpower and the United States is humbled. Americans have embraced communism and Manhattan, draped with the hammer-and-sickle flags of the “People’s Union of America,” has become a quaint tourist precinct. This triumphant vision has resonated among Chinese. The sci-fi digital illustrations by the artist, Fan Wennan, caught fire on Chinese social media in recent months, reflecting a resurgent nationalism. China’s authoritarian system, proponents say, is not just different from the West’s democracies, it is also proving itself superior. It is a long-running theme, but China’s success against the pandemic has given it a sharp boost. Also read| Why is Chinese colonisation a severe threat for foreign countries “America isn’t that heavenly kingdom depicted since decades ago,” said Fan, who is in his early 20s. “There’s nothing special about it. If you have to say there’s anything special about it now, it’s how messed up it can be at times.” China’s Communist Party, under its leader, Xi Jinping, has promoted the idea that the country is on a trajectory to power past Western rivals. China stamped out the coronavirus, the messaging goes, with a resolve beyond the reach of flailing Western democracies. Beijing has rolled out homegrown vaccines to more than 1 million people, despite the safety concerns of scientists. China’s economy has revived, defying fears of a deep slump from the pandemic. “In this fight against the pandemic, there will be victorious powers and defeated ones,” Wang Xiangsui, a retired Chinese senior colonel who teaches at a university in Beijing, averred this month. “We’re a victor power, while the United States is still mired and, I think, may well become a defeated power.” Also read| How is CCP using United Front Work Department for its sinister agendas The firm leadership of Xi and the party has earned China its recent success, say newspapers, television programs and social media. “Time to wake up from blind faith in the Western system,” said a commentary in the state-run China Education News last week. “Vicious partisan fighting has worsened in certain Western countries, social fissures have deepened, and a severe social crisis is brewing.” China’s current swaggering mood could add to the challenges facing Joe Biden when he takes office as president. President Donald Trump’s defeat in the election has done little to ease Chinese suspicion of the United States, said Liu Jianqiu, a businessman and online commentator, in a telephone interview. Also read| Two million members of Chinese Communist Party infiltrating world's biggest companies: Report “I think China has gained the psychological edge,” said Liu, in his 40s, who described the pandemic as a turning point in his attitudes. “The performance of the West was completely out of my expectations and shifted my thinking even more — the facts prove that the American system really has no superiority.” Combative national pride surged in China in the runup to the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and after the United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, in 1999. Now there is a sharper sense that the Western powers are in perhaps irreversible decline, and that the pandemic has confirmed China’s ascent. “Most ordinary Chinese people previously were more admiring of the United States, but in recent years, the advantages of the Chinese system have become clearer to them,” said Jin Canrong, an international relations professor at Renmin University in Beijing who has become a popular commentator under the nickname “Commissar Jin.” “There’s greater self-confidence.” China’s diplomats and its state-run media have responded to criticism from Western governments with scornful disdain. Chinese supporters of a more muscular foreign policy call for hitting back against Western critics, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Le Yucheng, a Chinese vice minister of foreign affairs, said in a speech last week that China was not spoiling for fights, but he also warned other governments not to underestimate its resolve to push back against criticism. “Faced with this suppression and containment without scruples,” Le said, “we’ll never swallow our pride or stoop to compromise.” Online, Chinese commentators have plumbed the depths of history to capture the current moment. Some likened the United States to the crumbling British Empire of the last century, overstretched and exhausted. Others are reaching back further, comparing America to China’s own Ming dynasty, which crumbled in the 1600s under the weight of corruption, insurrections and invasions. In this view that spread online this year, China should take the role of the “barbarian” Manchu armies who — in the commentators’ vivid, not-always-accurate retelling — swept over the Asian steppes, breached the Great Wall, and crushed the Ming rulers. Modern-day China must act like the Manchu forces, advocates of the analogy say, and prepare to “break through” a ring of geopolitical hostility by dominating vital seas around China. Geremie R. Barmé, a Sinologist in New Zealand who has followed the rise of “break-through studies” — rùguānxué in Chinese — said the historical comparisons reflect anxiety “about China’s great nation status and its place in the world.” “The underpinning is that China is morally superior — we the Chinese people under the Communist Party — because we have none of the failings of America,” he said. China’s leader, Xi, has not commented on the recent pronouncements of American decline. But he sees China and the United States as locked in ideological rivalry. Since coming to power in 2012, he has called for Chinese schools, textbooks and websites to inoculate youth against Western values that could erode party rule and the country’s “cultural self-confidence.” “Our schooling must never nurture wreckers or gravediggers of socialism,” Xi said in a speech in 2018 that was recently published in a book of his comments on ideology. Some warn that China risks underestimating the strengths of the United States. In recent months, Chinese scholars have debated how Beijing should handle the post-COVID world, with a good number urging restraint as the best way to win lasting influence. “China’s high-volume nationalism at home is making the United States feel that China is getting aggressive,” Xiao Gongqin, a historian in Shanghai wrote in an essay that was published last month, prompting wide discussion. The United States is far from the only country feeling the lash of official and public anger from China. Australia has drawn China’s ire for criticizing Beijing, initiating laws aimed at reducing Chinese government influence-building efforts in Australia, and urging an investigation into the origin of the pandemic — a touchy subject in Beijing. Last month, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson tweeted a Chinese artist’s fabricated image of an Australian soldier poised to slit the throat of an Afghan child. Australia’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, demanded an apology from China over the image, which was a reference to an inquiry by the Australian military that found that its troops had unlawfully killed more than three dozen Afghan civilians. The Chinese Foreign Ministry scoffed at Morrison’s demand, and the artist who created the image, Fu Yu, created another one mocking the Australian leader. Fu, who works under the name Wuhe Qilin, had made a reputation with his scathing images of the United States as a blood-soaked, irrational medieval realm. “Chinese values and American values are totally at odds,” Fu said late last month on a Chinese online talk show broadcast last week. “These values are in fundamental conflict.”

China’s combative nationalists see a world turning their way

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. 
 
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"We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing. 
 
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&nbsp;

"Does this make this virus more serious? Does it allow the virus to transmit more easily? Does it in any way interfere with diagnostics? Would it in any way interfere with vaccine effectiveness? None of these questions have been addressed yet, and we have no information to suggest that any of that is the case," Ryan remarked.

Yesterday, the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

Hancock, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation.

As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said.

In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease.

After the reports of a new variant of COVID-19, World Health Organisation has said that there is no evidence to suggest that the mutation will impact the effectiveness of vaccines against the disease. Also read: New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown "We are aware of this genetic variant I think reported in about 1,000 individuals in England, and the authorities in the UK under Matt Hancock's leadership are obviously looking at the significance of this," WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan said at a WHO virtual press briefing. Also read: Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals "Does this make this virus more serious? Does it allow the virus to transmit more easily? Does it in any way interfere with diagnostics? Would it in any way interfere with vaccine effectiveness? None of these questions have been addressed yet, and we have no information to suggest that any of that is the case," Ryan remarked. Yesterday, the UK's Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation. As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said. In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the widespread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses. (With inputs from agencies)

No indication new Covid-19 variant in UK interferes with vaccine effectiveness: WHO

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant.

"Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-administers-first-coronavirus-vaccine-donald-trump-congratulates-americans-349779">US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans</a>

The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation.

As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pence-among-top-us-officials-to-be-offered-covid-19-vaccine-on-priority-report-349600" hreflang="en">Trump, Pence among top US officials to be offered COVID-19 vaccine on priority: Report</a>

The announcement was made Hancock in the House of Commons in presence of other MPs. Hancock also reported that majority cases have been identified in the South of England.

"We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the South of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority area," he said.

"We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out."

In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country.

As the UK started vaccinating the masses for the existing novel coronavirus, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced on Monday that a new variant of the deadly virus has been identified in the country. Hancock, on Monday, reported at least 60 different local authorities have seen coronavirus infections which stem out of a new and unidentified variant. "Over the last few days, thanks to our world-class genomic capability in the UK, we have identified a new variant of coronavirus which may be associated with the faster spread in the South of England," Hancock said. Also read| US administers first coronavirus vaccine; Donald Trump congratulates Americans The UK has already notified the World Health Organization about the new variant and scientists have started investigating the new revelation. As of now, it has not shown any symptoms of being a worse disease and the experts are hoping the vaccines will be able to protect people against the new variant of COVID-19 too. However, the new variant is growing at a faster rate. "Initial analysis suggests that this variant is growing faster than the existing variants," he said. Also read: Trump, Pence among top US officials to be offered COVID-19 vaccine on priority: Report The announcement was made Hancock in the House of Commons in presence of other MPs. Hancock also reported that majority cases have been identified in the South of England. "We've currently identified over 1,000 cases with this variant predominantly in the South of England although cases have been identified in nearly 60 different local authority area," he said. "We do not know the extent to which this is because of the new variant but no matter its cause we have to take swift and decisive action which unfortunately is absolutely essential to control this deadly disease while the vaccine is rolled out." In addition to this, with a surge in cases, the capital city London has been marked in Tier 3 lockdown with immediate effect to contain the wide spread of the deadly virus. The news has come almost a week after the UK approved usage of Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for the masses.

New variant of coronavirus identified in UK; London in tier 3 lockdown

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage.

Providing the details about cold-chain management at a press conference here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said guidelines for estimation of electrical and non-electrical cold chain equipment and their strengthening have been issued to states by the Centre.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/183-covid-19-cases-in-iit-madras-lesson-for-the-public-say-authorities-349899" hreflang="en">183 Covid-19 cases in IIT-Madras: Lesson for the public, say authorities</a>

The guidelines for management of cold chain at last cold chain points and session sites have also been issued, he said.

"A total of 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used," Bhushan said. "All these equipment have already been delivered to the states. Some other equipment are being supplied," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-triggering-rare-deadly-fungal-infection-claim-indian-hospitals-349845" hreflang="en">Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals</a>

Giving more details about the preparations, the senior official said 36 states and Union territories have concluded meetings of State Steering Committees and State Task Force, while 633 districts have concluded meetings of the District Task Force in this regard.

Twenty-three ministries and departments in the Centre and states have been identified and assigned roles like planning, implementation, social mobilisation, awareness generation, among others, for the vaccine roll-out, he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-313-lakh-people-fined-for-not-wearing-masks-in-ahmedabad-rs1841-cr-collected-349823" hreflang="en">Over 3.13 lakh people fined for not wearing masks in Ahmedabad, ₹18.41 cr collected</a>

Training modules for medical officers, vaccinator officers, alternative vaccinator officers, cold chain handlers, supervisors, data managers and ASHA coordinators are also finalized, and physical training, as well as training on virtual/online platforms, have started, the health secretary said.

National and state Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops have also been completed, he added. In reply to a media query, Bhushan said state governments have been allowed to form vaccination session sites even at units where the Army or paramilitary is posted.

Vaccinating 100-200 people in each session per day, monitoring them for 30 minutes after administering the shots for any adverse event and allowing only one beneficiary at a time are among the guidelines issued by the Centre for the COVID-19 inoculation drive.

According to the guidelines issued to states recently, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system — a digitalised platform — will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage.

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used for COVID-19 vaccine storage. Providing the details about cold-chain management at a press conference here, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said guidelines for estimation of electrical and non-electrical cold chain equipment and their strengthening have been issued to states by the Centre. Also read| 183 Covid-19 cases in IIT-Madras: Lesson for the public, say authorities The guidelines for management of cold chain at last cold chain points and session sites have also been issued, he said. "A total of 29,000 cold chain points, 240 walk-in coolers, 70 walk-in freezers, 45,000 ice-lined refrigerators, 41,000 deep freezers and 300 solar refrigerators will be used," Bhushan said. "All these equipment have already been delivered to the states. Some other equipment are being supplied," he said. Also read| Covid-19 triggering rare, deadly fungal infection, claim Indian hospitals Giving more details about the preparations, the senior official said 36 states and Union territories have concluded meetings of State Steering Committees and State Task Force, while 633 districts have concluded meetings of the District Task Force in this regard. Twenty-three ministries and departments in the Centre and states have been identified and assigned roles like planning, implementation, social mobilisation, awareness generation, among others, for the vaccine roll-out, he said. Also read| Over 3.13 lakh people fined for not wearing masks in Ahmedabad, ₹18.41 cr collected Training modules for medical officers, vaccinator officers, alternative vaccinator officers, cold chain handlers, supervisors, data managers and ASHA coordinators are also finalized, and physical training, as well as training on virtual/online platforms, have started, the health secretary said. National and state Training of Trainers (ToTs) workshops have also been completed, he added. In reply to a media query, Bhushan said state governments have been allowed to form vaccination session sites even at units where the Army or paramilitary is posted. Vaccinating 100-200 people in each session per day, monitoring them for 30 minutes after administering the shots for any adverse event and allowing only one beneficiary at a time are among the guidelines issued by the Centre for the COVID-19 inoculation drive. According to the guidelines issued to states recently, the COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) system — a digitalised platform — will be used to track enlisted beneficiaries for the vaccination and anti-coronavirus vaccines on a real-time basis.

Indian government prepares cold storage facilities for COVID-19 vaccines

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume.

The researchers used&nbsp;vertical and horizontal laser sheets to track the tiny droplets of water with glycerin and found that the droplets spread&nbsp;from a hollow mannequin head which was fitted with a plastic face shield and a breathing valve on it. While the face shield was able to initially block the droplets while moving forward, the&nbsp;expelled droplets moved around the visor and spread across a wider area.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-can-be-killed-efficiently-quickly-and-cheaply-using-uv-leds-study-349930">Coronavirus can be killed efficiently, quickly, and cheaply using UV-LEDs: Study</a>

For the mask with a fitted valve for breathing, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected," the report said.

This research has proved that while these face shields and visors are more comfortable and advertised to be safer, the droplets can easily move around the surface and spread across.&nbsp;

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-case-of-coronavirus-among-wild-mink-reported-in-us-349860">&nbsp;First case of coronavirus among wild mink reported in US</a>

It was, through experiments, concluded that while these visors and shields are more comfortable, the plain-designed medical/surgical masks or the thick-clothed masks are better equipped to protect people from getting infected by the novel coronavirus through others — or affecting others.

This study has come out as the world is turning towards the approved coronavirus vaccines with a second wave of the deadly taking over numerous countries all over the world.

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume.

In a report published by the researchers of Florida Atlantic University has claimed that people wearing face masks and shields may not be as safe as they assume. The researchers used vertical and horizontal laser sheets to track the tiny droplets of water with glycerin and found that the droplets spread from a hollow mannequin head which was fitted with a plastic face shield and a breathing valve on it. While the face shield was able to initially block the droplets while moving forward, the expelled droplets moved around the visor and spread across a wider area. Also read| Coronavirus can be killed efficiently, quickly, and cheaply using UV-LEDs: Study For the mask with a fitted valve for breathing, "a large number of droplets pass through the exhale valve unfiltered, which make it ineffective in stopping the spread the COVID-19 virus if the person wearing the mask is infected," the report said. This research has proved that while these face shields and visors are more comfortable and advertised to be safer, the droplets can easily move around the surface and spread across. Also read| First case of coronavirus among wild mink reported in US It was, through experiments, concluded that while these visors and shields are more comfortable, the plain-designed medical/surgical masks or the thick-clothed masks are better equipped to protect people from getting infected by the novel coronavirus through others — or affecting others. This study has come out as the world is turning towards the approved coronavirus vaccines with a second wave of the deadly taking over numerous countries all over the world.

Face shields and visors can spread coronavirus: Study

The latest report by&nbsp;UN development programme (UNDP) has warned about a major possible hindrance in human progress post-COVID-19 if the governments make poor choices.

Coronavirus pandemic has massively affected millions of lives all around the world and has led to major food and humanitarian crisis. Although, with the arrival of the vaccines, things are looking a bit on a brighter side now. However, experts believe the vaccine might not be the end of this crisis.

ALso read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-material-can-store-solar-energy-for-months-and-even-years-349440">New material can store solar energy for months... and even years!</a>

Pedro Conceição, the director of the UNDP and lead author of its latest human development report has claimed the crisis can turn into a prolonged hindrance of human development if governments make poor choices, especially immediately after the pandemic.

He took an aim at the various allocation of resources being made by governments and warned this can negatively affect societies all around the world. "We are mobilising unprecedented fiscal resources to deal with the pandemic, and we can choose to make allocations in ways that add to inequalities, or in ways that reduce pressure on the planet," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-urges-using-scientific-advances-to-battle-climate-change-349383">UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change</a>

The report talks about how these choices will, and are, affecting climate change. "The consequences are before our eyes. Climate change may seem remote to some people, but it is happening already, we see the evidence. We have no time to spare," he said, and reminded that choices are being made every second.

He reminded that when one talks about human development, one's health, education, policies, and living standard is majorly&nbsp;counted as a part of it. However, he also added that now it is high time&nbsp;material consumption and carbon footprints are also analysed to correctly determine the usage of resources and its impact on climate.

Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN secretary general’s envoy for youth also utilised this opportunity to raise concerns about the growing pressure on the youth. "While humanity has achieved incredible things, it is clear that we have taken our planet for granted," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-and-european-union-delegates-discuss-climate-crisis-349674">WATCH|</a>

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"Across the world young people have spoken up, recognising that these actions put our collective future at risk. We need to transform our relationship with the planet – to make energy and material consumption sustainable,"&nbsp;Wickramanayake added.

The lead author also pointed out the role the new policies can have and urged government to chalk out their plans accordingly. "Human development from now on is about making choices that are good for people and planet," he concluded.

The latest report by UN development programme (UNDP) has warned about a major possible hindrance in human progress post-COVID-19 if the governments make poor choices.

The latest report by UN development programme (UNDP) has warned about a major possible hindrance in human progress post-COVID-19 if the governments make poor choices. Coronavirus pandemic has massively affected millions of lives all around the world and has led to major food and humanitarian crisis. Although, with the arrival of the vaccines, things are looking a bit on a brighter side now. However, experts believe the vaccine might not be the end of this crisis. ALso read| New material can store solar energy for months... and even years! Pedro Conceição, the director of the UNDP and lead author of its latest human development report has claimed the crisis can turn into a prolonged hindrance of human development if governments make poor choices, especially immediately after the pandemic. He took an aim at the various allocation of resources being made by governments and warned this can negatively affect societies all around the world. "We are mobilising unprecedented fiscal resources to deal with the pandemic, and we can choose to make allocations in ways that add to inequalities, or in ways that reduce pressure on the planet," he said. Also read| UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change The report talks about how these choices will, and are, affecting climate change. "The consequences are before our eyes. Climate change may seem remote to some people, but it is happening already, we see the evidence. We have no time to spare," he said, and reminded that choices are being made every second. He reminded that when one talks about human development, one's health, education, policies, and living standard is majorly counted as a part of it. However, he also added that now it is high time material consumption and carbon footprints are also analysed to correctly determine the usage of resources and its impact on climate. Jayathma Wickramanayake, the UN secretary general’s envoy for youth also utilised this opportunity to raise concerns about the growing pressure on the youth. "While humanity has achieved incredible things, it is clear that we have taken our planet for granted," he said. WATCH| × "Across the world young people have spoken up, recognising that these actions put our collective future at risk. We need to transform our relationship with the planet – to make energy and material consumption sustainable," Wickramanayake added. The lead author also pointed out the role the new policies can have and urged government to chalk out their plans accordingly. "Human development from now on is about making choices that are good for people and planet," he concluded.

Post COVID choices can hinder human progress: UN Report

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus.

This includes 66 students. Following this, the institute closed down its labs, library and departments.&nbsp;

The students allege the IIT-M's decision to run only one mess is the reason for the large scale spread of coronavirus. 
 
In the mess, one cannot be wearing a mask and a congregation of a good number of persons in the mess is ripe cause for disaster.

A total of 774 students are on the campus and most of those who were infected were residents of two hostels -- Krishna and Jamuna.

On its part, IIT-M has decided to shut down all its departments, centres and asked their staff to work from home and anyone with the symptoms like fever, dry cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste/smell, or any other symptoms have been requested to get in touch the hospital officials.

The postgraduate students, research scholars and others have been asked to be confined to their rooms with arrangements made to deliver food to their rooms.

On Sunday 32 fresh coronavirus infected cases were reported and the Tamil Nadu government has instructed that all the students be tested for the virus infection.

According to officials, the students who had returned to the campus were quarantined for two weeks, but the quarantining capacity is limited.

Those who have been infected with coronavirus are progressing well, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus.

The campus of Indian Institute of Technology Madras has been placed under lockdown after seventy-one residents of the premier educational institution have tested positive for coronavirus. This includes 66 students. Following this, the institute closed down its labs, library and departments. The students allege the IIT-M's decision to run only one mess is the reason for the large scale spread of coronavirus. In the mess, one cannot be wearing a mask and a congregation of a good number of persons in the mess is ripe cause for disaster. A total of 774 students are on the campus and most of those who were infected were residents of two hostels -- Krishna and Jamuna. On its part, IIT-M has decided to shut down all its departments, centres and asked their staff to work from home and anyone with the symptoms like fever, dry cough, sore throat, diarrhoea, loss of taste/smell, or any other symptoms have been requested to get in touch the hospital officials. The postgraduate students, research scholars and others have been asked to be confined to their rooms with arrangements made to deliver food to their rooms. On Sunday 32 fresh coronavirus infected cases were reported and the Tamil Nadu government has instructed that all the students be tested for the virus infection. According to officials, the students who had returned to the campus were quarantined for two weeks, but the quarantining capacity is limited. Those who have been infected with coronavirus are progressing well, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

IIT-Madras emerges as coronavirus hotspot with 71 positive cases, campus under lockdown

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step.

Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Sunday and on Monday, but he will still "enter isolation until Friday following contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient", the statement said.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-start-mass-vaccination-against-coronavirus-this-month-348783">Israel to start mass vaccination against coronavirus this month</a>

Several Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu met last week with a member of his right-wing Likud party, Michael Kleiner, who has subsequently tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

The statement from the prime minister's office did not provide details regarding Netanyahu's potential exposure.&nbsp;

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gets-first-delivery-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-348538">&nbsp;Israel gets first delivery of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine</a>

Netanyahu was at Israel's Ben Gurion airport last week to welcome a first shipment of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine.

He declared that the end of the pandemic was "in sight" and offered to take the first jab in a mass vaccination campaign due to start later this month.&nbsp;

Israel, a country of nine million people, has registered more than 358,000 coronavirus cases, including 3003 deaths.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will self-isolate on Monday after having come into contact with a coronavirus patient, his office said calling it a precautionary step. Netanyahu tested negative for the virus on Sunday and on Monday, but he will still "enter isolation until Friday following contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient", the statement said. Also read| Israel to start mass vaccination against coronavirus this month Several Israeli media outlets have reported that Netanyahu met last week with a member of his right-wing Likud party, Michael Kleiner, who has subsequently tested positive for the virus. The statement from the prime minister's office did not provide details regarding Netanyahu's potential exposure. Also read| Israel gets first delivery of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine Netanyahu was at Israel's Ben Gurion airport last week to welcome a first shipment of Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine. He declared that the end of the pandemic was "in sight" and offered to take the first jab in a mass vaccination campaign due to start later this month. Israel, a country of nine million people, has registered more than 358,000 coronavirus cases, including 3003 deaths.

Israel's Netanyahu to enter precautionary virus quarantine

As per new data published by scientists, the Russian vaccine Sputnik V has once again shown near-perfect effectivity in providing protection from the novel coronavirus.

The data revealed by Russian scientists claim the shot of Sputnik V has again shown&nbsp;91.4 per cent effectivity. These results are based on the data collected from 22,714 volunteers. This statement has come after more than 100,00 Russians have been vaccinated as a part&nbsp;of Russia's mass inoculation programme.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-approves-pfizer-biontech-virus-vaccine-349764" hreflang="en">Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine</a>

A total of 78 people were confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the batch. Of the 78 cases, 62 occurred among participants who received a placebo, the researchers said, adding that in the trial overall the ratio of those who received the placebo to those who were vaccinated was 1 to 3, reported&nbsp;researchers at the Gamaleya Institute said in a statement made on Monday with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

Nearly 20 infected cases who received a placebo showed severe symptoms of the deadly virus. However, there have been no reported cases of severe symptoms from the 16 participants from the vaccinated trial, the official statement explained.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-govt-releases-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-check-out-all-the-details-349741" hreflang="en">Indian govt releases Covid-19 vaccination guidelines: Check out the details</a>

The authorities are hoping to vaccine every resident of the country by the end of the next year. "I believe we will be able to vaccinate most of the population in Russia in 2021," said Gamaleya Institute director Alexander Gintsburg.

Once the ongoing trials in&nbsp;Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and India are completed, the companies will be applying for emergency use authorization in these countries.

This statement has come a few days after Pfizer has been approved for emergency use and is being given to the general public&nbsp;in various countries such as the UK, US, Singapore and others.

As per new data published by scientists, the Russian vaccine Sputnik V has once again shown near-perfect effectivity in providing protection from the novel coronavirus.

As per new data published by scientists, the Russian vaccine Sputnik V has once again shown near-perfect effectivity in providing protection from the novel coronavirus. The data revealed by Russian scientists claim the shot of Sputnik V has again shown 91.4 per cent effectivity. These results are based on the data collected from 22,714 volunteers. This statement has come after more than 100,00 Russians have been vaccinated as a part of Russia's mass inoculation programme. Also read| Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech virus vaccine A total of 78 people were confirmed cases of COVID-19 from the batch. Of the 78 cases, 62 occurred among participants who received a placebo, the researchers said, adding that in the trial overall the ratio of those who received the placebo to those who were vaccinated was 1 to 3, reported researchers at the Gamaleya Institute said in a statement made on Monday with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). Nearly 20 infected cases who received a placebo showed severe symptoms of the deadly virus. However, there have been no reported cases of severe symptoms from the 16 participants from the vaccinated trial, the official statement explained. Also read| Indian govt releases Covid-19 vaccination guidelines: Check out the details The authorities are hoping to vaccine every resident of the country by the end of the next year. "I believe we will be able to vaccinate most of the population in Russia in 2021," said Gamaleya Institute director Alexander Gintsburg. Once the ongoing trials in Belarus, the United Arab Emirates, Venezuela and India are completed, the companies will be applying for emergency use authorization in these countries. This statement has come a few days after Pfizer has been approved for emergency use and is being given to the general public in various countries such as the UK, US, Singapore and others.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, Sputnik V, shows 91.4% efficacy rate again: Scientists

Meghan Markle made a surprise TV&nbsp;appearance to honour the inspiring people who have helped out this year during the pandemic. 
 
The Duchess of Sussex made an appearance at the 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute' and lent her voice to the celebration.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/Yearender-2020-from-harry-meghan-markles-wedding-to-megxit-a-timeline-of-the-royal-exit-348101" hreflang="en">From Harry &amp; Meghan Markle's wedding to Megxit- a timeline of the royal exit</a> 
 
"In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I am inspired by stories of compassion in our communities," Markle said in the introduction. "Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together to support the collective well being of those around them."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-opens-up-about-her-miscarriage-losing-a-child-means-carrying-an-almost-unbearable-grief-345301">Meghan Markle opens up about her miscarriage: Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief</a> 
 
Markle recalled pandemic moments and said, "Overnight, everything seemed to change. For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic, and far too many were faced with a heartbreaking question: 'How am I going to put food on the table for my family?'" Markle said.

<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-spotted-shopping-for-christmas-tree-347825" hreflang="en">Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spotted shopping for Christmas tree</a> 
 
"In the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times." 
 
This was her first appearance since she opened about her miscarriage earlier this year. Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, have been living in Los Angeles amid the pandemic, along with their 1-year-old son, Archie.&nbsp;

Meghan Markle made a surprise TV appearance to honour the inspiring people who have helped out this year during the pandemic. The Duchess of Sussex made an appearance at the 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute' and lent her voice to the celebration.

Meghan Markle made a surprise TV appearance to honour the inspiring people who have helped out this year during the pandemic. The Duchess of Sussex made an appearance at the 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute' and lent her voice to the celebration. From Harry & Meghan Markle's wedding to Megxit- a timeline of the royal exit "In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I am inspired by stories of compassion in our communities," Markle said in the introduction. "Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together to support the collective well being of those around them." Meghan Markle opens up about her miscarriage: Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief Markle recalled pandemic moments and said, "Overnight, everything seemed to change. For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic, and far too many were faced with a heartbreaking question: 'How am I going to put food on the table for my family?'" Markle said. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spotted shopping for Christmas tree "In the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times." This was her first appearance since she opened about her miscarriage earlier this year. Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, have been living in Los Angeles amid the pandemic, along with their 1-year-old son, Archie.

Meghan Markle makes surprise TV appearance to honour COVID-19 heroes

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp.

In Antwerp's&nbsp;Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer. However, several residents started feeling unwell soon after he left the celebrations.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/next-four-to-six-months-could-be-worst-of-coronavirus-pandemic-bill-gates-349593">&nbsp;Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates</a>

The man dressed as Santa tested positive for coronavirus soon after. As soon as the authorities were informed, they started testing the residents and employees of the care home and found out nearly 75 residents had tested positive for the deadly virus, including 14 employees.

This incident happened in&nbsp;Mol, whose Mayor,&nbsp;Wim Caeyers, has personally started looking into the matter and described it as an event that was "made with the best intent, but it went wrong".

Calling it a black day for the care home, he added, "It is a very great mental strain to bear for the man that played St Nicholas, as well as for the organisers and the staff."

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As per the local reports, the Santa was not feeling unwell before the visit&nbsp;and did not show any symptoms of the virus. The authorities of the care home had hoped his visit would bring in some cheer and lift up the firm environment that 2020 had brought in this care home.

The infected residents are showing mild to moderate symptoms. Local media has reported the man had visited several common areas of the building such as the sitting room. The authorities claim the Santa "kept his distance from the residents and wore a face covering. The residents also wore face coverings." However, videos that surfaced online show a few residents without any masks.

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"Initially [the care home] said that the rules had been followed, but then straight away you receive photos from the families of residents where you can see that this wasn't the case," Caeyers told local media.

The care home authorities have expressed shock at the incident, but have also assured that they will be getting the virus out of the home soon. "The team is very shocked by what happened, but that also makes them very motivated to get the virus out again,"&nbsp;Jannes Verheyen, a spokesperson for Armonea, the firm which runs the home, told a local media house.

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp. In Antwerp's Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer.

What started as a Christmas celebration with the Santa soon turned out to be a coronavirus superspreader event in a care home in Belgium's Antwerp. In Antwerp's Hemelrijck residential home, celebrations for Christmas started a little early and a man dressed as Santa Claus was called in to spread joy and cheer. However, several residents started feeling unwell soon after he left the celebrations. Also read| Next four to six months could be worst of coronavirus pandemic: Bill Gates The man dressed as Santa tested positive for coronavirus soon after. As soon as the authorities were informed, they started testing the residents and employees of the care home and found out nearly 75 residents had tested positive for the deadly virus, including 14 employees. This incident happened in Mol, whose Mayor, Wim Caeyers, has personally started looking into the matter and described it as an event that was "made with the best intent, but it went wrong". Calling it a black day for the care home, he added, "It is a very great mental strain to bear for the man that played St Nicholas, as well as for the organisers and the staff." Also read| Rare fungal infection detected in coronavirus patients As per the local reports, the Santa was not feeling unwell before the visit and did not show any symptoms of the virus. The authorities of the care home had hoped his visit would bring in some cheer and lift up the firm environment that 2020 had brought in this care home. The infected residents are showing mild to moderate symptoms. Local media has reported the man had visited several common areas of the building such as the sitting room. The authorities claim the Santa "kept his distance from the residents and wore a face covering. The residents also wore face coverings." However, videos that surfaced online show a few residents without any masks. Also read| Four trial volunteers who got Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine developed Bell's palsy "Initially [the care home] said that the rules had been followed, but then straight away you receive photos from the families of residents where you can see that this wasn't the case," Caeyers told local media. The care home authorities have expressed shock at the incident, but have also assured that they will be getting the virus out of the home soon. "The team is very shocked by what happened, but that also makes them very motivated to get the virus out again," Jannes Verheyen, a spokesperson for Armonea, the firm which runs the home, told a local media house.

Superspreader Santa infects more than 75 people with COVID-19 at care home in Belgium

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faced scathing criticism Sunday over his government's plan — or lack thereof, opponents said — to vaccinate the population against Covid-19.

Brazil, the country with the second-highest death toll in the pandemic, published its vaccination plan Saturday with some notable holes, including a start date to begin immunizing and details of how to reach its target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-covid-19-shots-in-us-to-be-administered-as-early-as-monday-349380" hreflang="en">First COVID-19 shots in US to be administered as early as Monday</a>

That prompted a new salvo of criticism for the far-right president, who has persistently defied expert advice on containing the pandemic and recently declared he did not plan to be vaccinated himself.

"President Jair Bolsonaro's murderous stupidity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic has surpassed all limits," leading newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo said in a front-page editorial.

"Enough shenanigans with the vaccine!"

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Rival daily Estado de Sao Paulo was equally harsh, condemning the government's "lethal incompetence."

The vaccination plan, which the Supreme Court required the government to present, provides for initial immunization of about 14 million high-risk people, including health workers, the elderly and indigenous Brazilians.

It envisions three subsequent phases reaching a total of 51.6 million people, about 24 per cent of the population.

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It says the optimal target is more than 70 per cent of the population but provides no details on how to reach that figure.

Public health experts were bluntly critical of the plan.

"The health ministry is trying to make the Brazilian people and the Supreme Court look like clowns," tweeted the microbiologist Natalia Pasternak, a regular critic of the government's response to Covid-19.

She pointed out that the plan counts on 70 million doses of Pfizer's vaccine being available even though their purchase is still being negotiated, and it provides no information on how they will be stored at the required -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit).

The criticism came on the same day Folha published a poll finding that 22 per cent of Brazilians do not plan to be vaccinated against Covid-19, up from nine per cent in August.

Critics say Bolsonaro's sceptical comments are deterring many Brazilians from getting vaccinated.

He has downplayed the virus as a "little flu," and said Thursday that "we're at the tail end of the pandemic."

Covid-19 vaccines have been swept up in a political battle in Brazil between Bolsonaro and a likely presidential rival, Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, who is pushing to immunize people in his state with Chinese-developed vaccine CoronaVac, over the president's objections.

The federal vaccination plan does not include CoronaVac. Doria's government has secured 46 million doses of it and wants to start immunizing people on January 25.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faced scathing criticism Sunday over his government's plan — or lack thereof, opponents said — to vaccinate the population against Covid-19.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro faced scathing criticism Sunday over his government's plan — or lack thereof, opponents said — to vaccinate the population against Covid-19. Brazil, the country with the second-highest death toll in the pandemic, published its vaccination plan Saturday with some notable holes, including a start date to begin immunizing and details of how to reach its target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population. Also read| First COVID-19 shots in US to be administered as early as Monday That prompted a new salvo of criticism for the far-right president, who has persistently defied expert advice on containing the pandemic and recently declared he did not plan to be vaccinated himself. "President Jair Bolsonaro's murderous stupidity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic has surpassed all limits," leading newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo said in a front-page editorial. "Enough shenanigans with the vaccine!" Also read| Mexico regulator approves Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine Rival daily Estado de Sao Paulo was equally harsh, condemning the government's "lethal incompetence." The vaccination plan, which the Supreme Court required the government to present, provides for initial immunization of about 14 million high-risk people, including health workers, the elderly and indigenous Brazilians. It envisions three subsequent phases reaching a total of 51.6 million people, about 24 per cent of the population. Also read| 'Dirty methods' being used to discredit Sputnik V vaccine: Kremlin It says the optimal target is more than 70 per cent of the population but provides no details on how to reach that figure. Public health experts were bluntly critical of the plan. "The health ministry is trying to make the Brazilian people and the Supreme Court look like clowns," tweeted the microbiologist Natalia Pasternak, a regular critic of the government's response to Covid-19. She pointed out that the plan counts on 70 million doses of Pfizer's vaccine being available even though their purchase is still being negotiated, and it provides no information on how they will be stored at the required -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit). The criticism came on the same day Folha published a poll finding that 22 per cent of Brazilians do not plan to be vaccinated against Covid-19, up from nine per cent in August. Critics say Bolsonaro's sceptical comments are deterring many Brazilians from getting vaccinated. He has downplayed the virus as a "little flu," and said Thursday that "we're at the tail end of the pandemic." Covid-19 vaccines have been swept up in a political battle in Brazil between Bolsonaro and a likely presidential rival, Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, who is pushing to immunize people in his state with Chinese-developed vaccine CoronaVac, over the president's objections. The federal vaccination plan does not include CoronaVac. Doria's government has secured 46 million doses of it and wants to start immunizing people on January 25.

Brazil's vaccination plan is assailed as 'incompetent'

African-American country singer Charley Pride, whose No. 1 country hits included "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" and "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin,`" died on Saturday at age 86 of complications from COVID-19, according to his website. 
 
Pride, who died in Dallas, was not the first Black artist to make important contributions to country music, but he was a trailblazer who emerged during a time of division and rancor. Between 1967 and 1987, Pride delivered 52 Top 10 country hits, won Grammy awards and became RCA Records’ top-selling country artist, according to the website. 
 
“We’re not color blind yet, but we’ve advanced a few paces along the path and I like to think I’ve contributed something to that process,” Pride wrote in his memoir. 
 
The Mississippi native picked cotton, served in the U.S. Army and played baseball in the Negro league before moving to Nashville, becoming the first Black country star. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, Rolling Stone magazine said. 
 
"I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away," country music star Dolly Parton said on Twitter. "It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you." 
 
Pride`s final performance came on Nov. 11, 2020, when he sang his hit "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin`" during the Country Music Association Award show at Nashville`s Music City Center. 
 
Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi, on March 18, 1934 to a sharecropper. After enlisting in the Army, he worked at a Missouri smelting plant. Pride then played for the Memphis Red Sox and Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro League before heading in 1963 to Nashville where he made demonstration recordings. 
 
Four years later, Pride’s recording of "Just Between You and Me" broke into country’s Top Ten. He went on to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1971, its top male vocalist prize in 1971 and 1972 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. 
 
"Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music. He will truly be missed but will always be remembered for his great music, wonderful personality and his big heart," country music star Reba McEntire said on Twitter. 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

African-American country singer Charley Pride, whose No. 1 country hits included "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" and "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin,`" died on Saturday at age 86 of complications from COVID-19, according to his website.

African-American country singer Charley Pride, whose No. 1 country hits included "All I Have to Offer You (Is Me)" and "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin,`" died on Saturday at age 86 of complications from COVID-19, according to his website. Pride, who died in Dallas, was not the first Black artist to make important contributions to country music, but he was a trailblazer who emerged during a time of division and rancor. Between 1967 and 1987, Pride delivered 52 Top 10 country hits, won Grammy awards and became RCA Records’ top-selling country artist, according to the website. “We’re not color blind yet, but we’ve advanced a few paces along the path and I like to think I’ve contributed something to that process,” Pride wrote in his memoir. The Mississippi native picked cotton, served in the U.S. Army and played baseball in the Negro league before moving to Nashville, becoming the first Black country star. He joined the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000, Rolling Stone magazine said. "I’m so heartbroken that one of my dearest and oldest friends, Charley Pride, has passed away," country music star Dolly Parton said on Twitter. "It’s even worse to know that he passed away from COVID-19. What a horrible, horrible virus. Charley, we will always love you." Pride`s final performance came on Nov. 11, 2020, when he sang his hit "Kiss An Angel Good Mornin`" during the Country Music Association Award show at Nashville`s Music City Center. Pride was born in Sledge, Mississippi, on March 18, 1934 to a sharecropper. After enlisting in the Army, he worked at a Missouri smelting plant. Pride then played for the Memphis Red Sox and Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro League before heading in 1963 to Nashville where he made demonstration recordings. Four years later, Pride’s recording of "Just Between You and Me" broke into country’s Top Ten. He went on to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1971, its top male vocalist prize in 1971 and 1972 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. "Charley Pride will always be a legend in Country music. He will truly be missed but will always be remembered for his great music, wonderful personality and his big heart," country music star Reba McEntire said on Twitter.

Country music legend Charley Pride dies from coronavirus at 86

As Europe is fighting to contain the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the health minister of Spain has claimed Spain could achieve herd immunity by the end of summer 2021.

Salvador Illa, the Minister of Health of Spain, during an interview, revealed that the Spanish government is aiming to start a vaccination programme in January and get more than two-thirds of the population vaccinated.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-salons-shut-down-in-germany-as-merkel-announces-another-covid-19-lockdown-349511">Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another lockdown</a>

"In Europe, even if it is not the final end, we will be in a very different stage. That is why I think we are at the beginning of the end with this time horizon that I say, from five to six months," he told a local newspaper.

When he was questioned if he was hinting towards herd immunity, he assured he meant the same. "Yes. It is what the technicians call that, that people have immunity either because they are vaccinated or because they have had the disease," he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-urges-using-scientific-advances-to-battle-climate-change-349383">UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change</a>

Spain has a total population of nearly 47 million. The European country recorded&nbsp;10,519 new cases on Friday, taking the coronavirus tally to&nbsp;1,730,575 and the death toll to 47,624 with 280 new deaths on Friday.

While the minister assured vaccinations will soon be available for everyone at minimum possible cost, he also urged people to exercise caution, especially during the Christmas season. The Spanish government has asked people not to organise or participate in large gatherings and wear a face mask at all times. Although there are no lockdown restrictions imposed by the government, the experts are urging people to stay indoors unless there is an emergency situation.

The statement by the Spanish minister came a few hours after their fellow European country, Germany, announced another partial lockdown for the Christmas season to contain the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

As Europe is fighting to contain the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the health minister of Spain has claimed Spain could achieve herd immunity by the end of summer 2021.

As Europe is fighting to contain the second wave of the novel coronavirus, the health minister of Spain has claimed Spain could achieve herd immunity by the end of summer 2021. Salvador Illa, the Minister of Health of Spain, during an interview, revealed that the Spanish government is aiming to start a vaccination programme in January and get more than two-thirds of the population vaccinated. Also read| Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another lockdown "In Europe, even if it is not the final end, we will be in a very different stage. That is why I think we are at the beginning of the end with this time horizon that I say, from five to six months," he told a local newspaper. When he was questioned if he was hinting towards herd immunity, he assured he meant the same. "Yes. It is what the technicians call that, that people have immunity either because they are vaccinated or because they have had the disease," he said. Also read| UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change Spain has a total population of nearly 47 million. The European country recorded 10,519 new cases on Friday, taking the coronavirus tally to 1,730,575 and the death toll to 47,624 with 280 new deaths on Friday. While the minister assured vaccinations will soon be available for everyone at minimum possible cost, he also urged people to exercise caution, especially during the Christmas season. The Spanish government has asked people not to organise or participate in large gatherings and wear a face mask at all times. Although there are no lockdown restrictions imposed by the government, the experts are urging people to stay indoors unless there is an emergency situation. The statement by the Spanish minister came a few hours after their fellow European country, Germany, announced another partial lockdown for the Christmas season to contain the spread of the deadly virus in the country.

Spain will develop herd immunity for coronavirus by summer 2021: Health Minister

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday.

Merkel announced the closure of schools and all non-essential services from Wednesday in a bid to contain the "exponential growth" after new clusters of infections were found.

"The corona situation is out of control," said Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder, who has assured all support to the Chancellor in this decision.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-urges-using-scientific-advances-to-battle-climate-change-349383">UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change</a>

As per the new lockdown rules, all schools will remain shut till January, and children will be returning to online classes with immediate effect. In addition to schools, all companies, too, have been suggested to shift to 'work-from-home' or offer extended company holidays.&nbsp;In the new partial lockdown, all hair salons and non -essential shops have also been asked to shut down till January 10.

Sale of alcohol has also been banned in public places, which has brought an outcry at the time of the year when mulled wine is largely popular due to the Christmas and winter season in Germany.&nbsp;

These new regulations have been taken after&nbsp;Merkel with regional leaders of Germany's 16 states' agreement on Sunday.

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The decision comes a few months after the country had reopened its economy completely, followed by an immediate closure of leisure activities. Over the last week, the&nbsp;country's disease control agency has raised concerns about the infections trend rising at an alarming rate.

"With increasing mobility and the therefore linked additional contacts in the pre-Christmas period, Germany is now in exponential growth of infections numbers," said the policy paper agreed by regional leaders and Merkel.

Continu9ing the same, Merkel said it was their "task to prevent an overload of our health systems and that's why there is an urgent need to take action."

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday.

Germany has been gravely hit by the second wave of the coronavirus, and to contain the spread of the pandemic, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced a semi-lockdown in the country from Wednesday. Merkel announced the closure of schools and all non-essential services from Wednesday in a bid to contain the "exponential growth" after new clusters of infections were found. "The corona situation is out of control," said Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder, who has assured all support to the Chancellor in this decision. Also read| UK PM urges using scientific advances to battle climate change As per the new lockdown rules, all schools will remain shut till January, and children will be returning to online classes with immediate effect. In addition to schools, all companies, too, have been suggested to shift to 'work-from-home' or offer extended company holidays. In the new partial lockdown, all hair salons and non -essential shops have also been asked to shut down till January 10. Sale of alcohol has also been banned in public places, which has brought an outcry at the time of the year when mulled wine is largely popular due to the Christmas and winter season in Germany. These new regulations have been taken after Merkel with regional leaders of Germany's 16 states' agreement on Sunday. × The decision comes a few months after the country had reopened its economy completely, followed by an immediate closure of leisure activities. Over the last week, the country's disease control agency has raised concerns about the infections trend rising at an alarming rate. "With increasing mobility and the therefore linked additional contacts in the pre-Christmas period, Germany is now in exponential growth of infections numbers," said the policy paper agreed by regional leaders and Merkel. Continu9ing the same, Merkel said it was their "task to prevent an overload of our health systems and that's why there is an urgent need to take action."

Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown

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