On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high.

“India has reopened schools after a very long time. Rising cases are a worry for parents and we have also been hearing of children being infected.We need to stay alert given the way cases have risen in some states in the last two weeks,” PM Modi said after meeting chief ministers of Indian states on Wednesday.

He asked states to consider school-based vaccination programs and to strengthen their health-care infrastructure.

The South Asian country, which has been among the worst-affected in the world, reported 2,927 new cases on Wednesday, the most in a single day since March 13, bringing the overall official tally to 43 million. The number of deaths increased slightly, bringing the total to 523,654. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-emergency-use-authorisation-to-covaxin-for-6-12-age-group-473952">Also read | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group</a>

India, which has immunised 85 percent of its adult population, has lately permitted children above the age of five to receive Covid vaccinations.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare

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Given the trauma of a terrible outbreak last summer in which daily cases surpassed 400,000, hospitals and crematoriums were overwhelmed, Modi's remarks reflect broader popular fear over the likelihood of a new infection wave.

Last year, when the deadly delta variety swept over the crowded nation of nearly 1.4 billion people, individuals took to social media to plead for oxygen and other medical resources.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE 
 
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On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high.

On Wednesday (April 27), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged State governments to speed up COVID-19 vaccination for youngsters and increase genome sequencing to check newer strains amid fears of a fresh viral outbreak as daily incidence reached a six-week high. “India has reopened schools after a very long time. Rising cases are a worry for parents and we have also been hearing of children being infected.We need to stay alert given the way cases have risen in some states in the last two weeks,” PM Modi said after meeting chief ministers of Indian states on Wednesday. He asked states to consider school-based vaccination programs and to strengthen their health-care infrastructure. The South Asian country, which has been among the worst-affected in the world, reported 2,927 new cases on Wednesday, the most in a single day since March 13, bringing the overall official tally to 43 million. The number of deaths increased slightly, bringing the total to 523,654. Also read | India gives emergency use authorisation to Covaxin for 6-12 age group India, which has immunised 85 percent of its adult population, has lately permitted children above the age of five to receive Covid vaccinations. WATCH | Gravitas: Inside China's Wuhan Virus Nightmare × Given the trauma of a terrible outbreak last summer in which daily cases surpassed 400,000, hospitals and crematoriums were overwhelmed, Modi's remarks reflect broader popular fear over the likelihood of a new infection wave. Last year, when the deadly delta variety swept over the crowded nation of nearly 1.4 billion people, individuals took to social media to plead for oxygen and other medical resources. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian PM Modi says COVID jabs for kids a priority, urges caution at meet with CMs

A new report released on Tuesday (April 26) said that more than half of Americans showed signs of previous infection of Covid. The report also mentions that such signs were showed by three out of four children.

The report has been made by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To make this report, researchers examined blood samples from 200,000 Americans.

During the analysis, researchers found that signs of past infection surged dramatically between December and February. This was when the Omicron variant of the Covid was surging through the US.

Researchers found surge of antibodies corresponding to this period. This surge was not due to vaccine but was due to infection.

In December, 34 per cent of Americans of all ages showed signs of prior infection. The number rose to 58 per cent just two months after.

The CDC report shows that most striking increase in signs of previous infection was in children. When blood sample from children aged 17 and below were analysed, it was seen that percentage of children showing antibody rise was 45 per cent in December. By February, the same number had risen to 75 per cent.

The report found that older people showed less signs of prior infection. This has been ascribed to factors such as higher vaccination rates and greater tendency to take protective and preventive measures like use of mask.

A new report released on Tuesday (April 26) said that more than half of Americans showed signs of previous infection of Covid. The report also mentions that such signs were showed by three out of four children.

A new report released on Tuesday (April 26) said that more than half of Americans showed signs of previous infection of Covid. The report also mentions that such signs were showed by three out of four children. The report has been made by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To make this report, researchers examined blood samples from 200,000 Americans. During the analysis, researchers found that signs of past infection surged dramatically between December and February. This was when the Omicron variant of the Covid was surging through the US. Researchers found surge of antibodies corresponding to this period. This surge was not due to vaccine but was due to infection. In December, 34 per cent of Americans of all ages showed signs of prior infection. The number rose to 58 per cent just two months after. The CDC report shows that most striking increase in signs of previous infection was in children. When blood sample from children aged 17 and below were analysed, it was seen that percentage of children showing antibody rise was 45 per cent in December. By February, the same number had risen to 75 per cent. The report found that older people showed less signs of prior infection. This has been ascribed to factors such as higher vaccination rates and greater tendency to take protective and preventive measures like use of mask.

More than half US adults, three out of four children have had Covid: Report    

India reported 2,541 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours while the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,60,086 with 16,522 active cases, as per the figures released by the Union Ministry on Monday.

In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 649 cases. According to the government, active cases account for 0.04 per cent of total infections with a national COVID-19 recovery rate at&nbsp;98.75 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-cases-multiply-at-iit-madras-health-authorities-advise-caution-across-tamil-nadu-in-india-473137">Covid cases multiply at IIT Madras; Health authorities advise caution across Tamil Nadu in India</a>

Officials in Jammu and Kashmir reported 12 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 4,53,990. Tamil Nadu registered 52 new Covid cases on Sunday taking the&nbsp;overall caseload to 34,53,552 cases.

Watch |&nbsp;What living with COVID-19 virus looks like? Experts answer

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More than 70 per cent&nbsp;of the deaths were caused by comorbidities, said the ministry.

The number of persons who have recovered from infection has risen to 4,25,21,341 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate.

The ministry said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," adding that the state-by-state distribution of figures is still being verified and reconciled.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-fourth-wave-delhi-makes-wearing-masks-compulsory-again-472335">Covid fourth wave? Delhi makes wearing masks compulsory again</a>

As Covid cases began to surge raising fears of a fourth wave, India's capital Delhi has made wearing face masks mandatory once more.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 2,541 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours while the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,60,086 with 16,522 active cases, as per the figures released by the Union Ministry on Monday.

India reported 2,541 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours while the total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,60,086 with 16,522 active cases, as per the figures released by the Union Ministry on Monday. In the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload has grown by 649 cases. According to the government, active cases account for 0.04 per cent of total infections with a national COVID-19 recovery rate at 98.75 per cent. Also read | Covid cases multiply at IIT Madras; Health authorities advise caution across Tamil Nadu in India Officials in Jammu and Kashmir reported 12 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total number of infections to 4,53,990. Tamil Nadu registered 52 new Covid cases on Sunday taking the overall caseload to 34,53,552 cases. Watch | What living with COVID-19 virus looks like? Experts answer More than 70 per cent of the deaths were caused by comorbidities, said the ministry. The number of persons who have recovered from infection has risen to 4,25,21,341 with a 1.21 per cent fatality rate. The ministry said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," adding that the state-by-state distribution of figures is still being verified and reconciled. Also read | Covid fourth wave? Delhi makes wearing masks compulsory again As Covid cases began to surge raising fears of a fourth wave, India's capital Delhi has made wearing face masks mandatory once more. (With inputs from agencies)

India records rise in active COVID-19 cases

Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;sales&nbsp;forecasts for its&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;during the American pharmaceutical giant's quarterly earnings call Tuesday, as demand lags behind that of shots by Moderna and Pfizer.

"Given global supply surplus and demand uncertainty, the Company is suspending&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;Vaccine&nbsp;sales&nbsp;guidance," J&amp;J said in a statement, adding that the move will have "no impact to adjusted operational earnings per share."

The company's chief executive Joaquin Duato said the first quarter results,&nbsp;in which estimated reported&nbsp;sales&nbsp;excluding&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;sales&nbsp;figures were up 3.8 to 4.8 percent over the same period one year ago,&nbsp;"demonstrate strong performance across the enterprise, despite macro-economic headwinds."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-global-covid-summit-may-12-471896">United States announces global covid summit May 12</a>

On Wall Street, J&amp;J's stock was down 0.4 to $177 in electronic trading before the New York Stock Exchange opening bell.

Back in February The New York Times reported that&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;had temporarily suspended production at a key plant manufacturing its&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;vaccine, although the company stressed it was still fulfilling its delivery commitments.

J&amp;J said at the time it was projecting&nbsp;sales&nbsp;of $3 billion to $3.5 billion in 2022 for its&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;shot, much less than the $32 billion&nbsp;forecast&nbsp;by Pfizer for the same period.

Watch |&nbsp;China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

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A US government-appointed panel of medical experts on Thursday unanimously recommended mRNA&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;made by Pfizer and Moderna over J&amp;J's shot.

J&amp;J's&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;was initially praised because it could be stored at fridge temperature and offered good efficacy against earlier strains of the coronavirus after just one shot.

But evidence later emerged linking it to a rare form of clotting, particularly among women of child-bearing age, causing authorities to briefly halt and then resume its use in April last year.

Johnson & Johnson suspended sales forecasts for its Covid-19 vaccine during the American pharmaceutical giant's quarterly earnings call Tuesday, as demand lags behind that of shots by Moderna and Pfizer.

Johnson & Johnson suspended sales forecasts for its Covid-19 vaccine during the American pharmaceutical giant's quarterly earnings call Tuesday, as demand lags behind that of shots by Moderna and Pfizer. "Given global supply surplus and demand uncertainty, the Company is suspending COVID-19 Vaccine sales guidance," J&J said in a statement, adding that the move will have "no impact to adjusted operational earnings per share." The company's chief executive Joaquin Duato said the first quarter results, in which estimated reported sales excluding Covid-19 vaccine sales figures were up 3.8 to 4.8 percent over the same period one year ago, "demonstrate strong performance across the enterprise, despite macro-economic headwinds." Also read | United States announces global covid summit May 12 On Wall Street, J&J's stock was down 0.4 to $177 in electronic trading before the New York Stock Exchange opening bell. Back in February The New York Times reported that Johnson & Johnson had temporarily suspended production at a key plant manufacturing its Covid-19 vaccine, although the company stressed it was still fulfilling its delivery commitments. J&J said at the time it was projecting sales of $3 billion to $3.5 billion in 2022 for its Covid shot, much less than the $32 billion forecast by Pfizer for the same period. Watch | China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades A US government-appointed panel of medical experts on Thursday unanimously recommended mRNA Covid vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna over J&J's shot. J&J's vaccine was initially praised because it could be stored at fridge temperature and offered good efficacy against earlier strains of the coronavirus after just one shot. But evidence later emerged linking it to a rare form of clotting, particularly among women of child-bearing age, causing authorities to briefly halt and then resume its use in April last year.

Johnson & Johnson suspends sales forecast for Covid vaccine

A global summit to chart an end to the Covid-19 crisis and plan for future upheavals will occur May 12, the White House said Monday, even as President Joe Biden struggles to get vital pandemic funding from Congress.

The virtual gathering will be co-chaired by the United States, along with current G7 president Germany, G20 president Indonesia, African Union chair Senegal, and Belize, the current chair of the CARICOM Caribbean grouping.

"The summit will redouble our collective efforts to end the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future health threats," the countries said in a joint statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-vignettes-covid-cases-are-soaring-in-china-so-is-its-inflation-471872">Chinese vignettes | Covid cases are soaring in China, so is its inflation</a>

This will be the second global huddle on the pandemic, which has killed more than six million people and triggered profound disruption to leading economies and trading patterns in the two years since it began to spread.

Biden hosted a similar summit last September, at which he urged partners to surge vaccines and ensure that 70 per cent of every country has been vaccinated by September this year.

Although death rates are plummeting world wide, the virus continues to spread, preventing many leading countries from fully lifting restrictions, while Shanghai in China is in the midst of a draconian lockdown.

Summit hosts appealed for maintaining the sense of urgency.

"In advance of the May 12 summit, we are calling on world leaders, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the private sector to make new commitments and bring solutions to vaccinate the world, save lives now, and build better health security -- for everyone, everywhere," the joint statement said.

"The emergence and spread of new variants, like Omicron, have reinforced the need for a strategy aimed at controlling Covid-19 worldwide," it said.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown

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And while the latest variants are less lethal, the summit statement stressed there must be a focus on stopping similar future catastrophes from taking the world by surprise.

"We know we must prepare now to build, sustain, and finance the global capacity we need, not only for emerging Covid-19 variants, but also future health crises," the statement said.

Biden goals face headwinds

Biden took office in 2021 promising to overcome the pandemic at home but also putting a heavy accent on efforts to vaccinate poor areas of the world.&nbsp;

The United States has pledged to deliver at least 1.1 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses&nbsp;for global use before 2023 and has so far shipped around half of that.

However, Biden's ambition to make the United States an "arsenal for vaccines" similar to US leadership in World War II now faces political headwinds.

A package ensuring $10 billion in continued funding for the domestic Covid response has yet to be passed by Congress, while there is no agreement at all on more funding for vaccine donations abroad.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-europe-uk-report-severe-cases-of-hepatitis-among-children-471770">US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children</a>

"It's vital Congress acts now so the US can continue our momentum in the international effort to get shots in arms in every part of the world, no matter how remote, and to prevent the spread of the next Covid variant with our international allies and partners," a senior administration official told AFP.

Also muddying the waters is the war in Ukraine, which is sapping diplomatic attention in the world's most powerful countries. A source familiar with the issue told AFP that nevertheless the pandemic response remains seen as fundamentally important.

A global summit to chart an end to the Covid-19 crisis and plan for future upheavals will occur May 12, the White House said Monday, even as President Joe Biden struggles to get vital pandemic funding from Congress.

A global summit to chart an end to the Covid-19 crisis and plan for future upheavals will occur May 12, the White House said Monday, even as President Joe Biden struggles to get vital pandemic funding from Congress. The virtual gathering will be co-chaired by the United States, along with current G7 president Germany, G20 president Indonesia, African Union chair Senegal, and Belize, the current chair of the CARICOM Caribbean grouping. "The summit will redouble our collective efforts to end the acute phase of the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future health threats," the countries said in a joint statement. Also read | Chinese vignettes | Covid cases are soaring in China, so is its inflation This will be the second global huddle on the pandemic, which has killed more than six million people and triggered profound disruption to leading economies and trading patterns in the two years since it began to spread. Biden hosted a similar summit last September, at which he urged partners to surge vaccines and ensure that 70 per cent of every country has been vaccinated by September this year. Although death rates are plummeting world wide, the virus continues to spread, preventing many leading countries from fully lifting restrictions, while Shanghai in China is in the midst of a draconian lockdown. Summit hosts appealed for maintaining the sense of urgency. "In advance of the May 12 summit, we are calling on world leaders, members of civil society, non-governmental organizations, philanthropists, and the private sector to make new commitments and bring solutions to vaccinate the world, save lives now, and build better health security -- for everyone, everywhere," the joint statement said. "The emergence and spread of new variants, like Omicron, have reinforced the need for a strategy aimed at controlling Covid-19 worldwide," it said. Watch | Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown And while the latest variants are less lethal, the summit statement stressed there must be a focus on stopping similar future catastrophes from taking the world by surprise. "We know we must prepare now to build, sustain, and finance the global capacity we need, not only for emerging Covid-19 variants, but also future health crises," the statement said. Biden goals face headwinds Biden took office in 2021 promising to overcome the pandemic at home but also putting a heavy accent on efforts to vaccinate poor areas of the world. The United States has pledged to deliver at least 1.1 billion Covid-19 vaccine doses for global use before 2023 and has so far shipped around half of that. However, Biden's ambition to make the United States an "arsenal for vaccines" similar to US leadership in World War II now faces political headwinds. A package ensuring $10 billion in continued funding for the domestic Covid response has yet to be passed by Congress, while there is no agreement at all on more funding for vaccine donations abroad. Also read | US, Europe, UK report severe cases of hepatitis among children "It's vital Congress acts now so the US can continue our momentum in the international effort to get shots in arms in every part of the world, no matter how remote, and to prevent the spread of the next Covid variant with our international allies and partners," a senior administration official told AFP. Also muddying the waters is the war in Ukraine, which is sapping diplomatic attention in the world's most powerful countries. A source familiar with the issue told AFP that nevertheless the pandemic response remains seen as fundamentally important.

United States announces global covid summit May 12

International cruise ships return to Australia after two-year Covid ban - see pics

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation.

With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive.

As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines.

The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive,&nbsp;said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests &amp; more

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Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses,&nbsp;he said.

The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/what-is-myocarditis-a-rare-complication-of-covid-19-and-non-covid-vaccination-470438">What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations</a>

The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus.

Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation. With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive. As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines. The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive, said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests & more Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses, he said. The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible. Also read | What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus. Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

UK medicines regulator approves Valneva COVID-19 vaccine for adult use

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy.

Wu Qianyu, a senior official with the east Chinese city's public health commission, told a media briefing on Sunday that the patients would be put under home quarantine and no further controls should be imposed on them.

"Relevant authorities in the areas they live in have to be alerted that they are allowed to go home. At the same time, the officials are required to monitor their health (during the quarantine period)," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

Over 11,000 recovered patients have been released, it said.

But much to the disquiet of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by President Xi Jinping, single-day new infections in Shanghai hit 24,944 on Sunday, setting a new record for the ninth consecutive day.

However, positive cases dropped slightly to 1,006 from 1,015 on Saturday.

Shanghai, China's commercial and financial capital, has seen more than 179,000 cases since the current outbreak, driven by the Omicron variant, began on March 1, the Post report said.

About 5,400 patients were reported to have mild symptoms, while others were asymptomatic.

As the cases continue to rise, Shanghai on Saturday inaugurated 50,000 bed makeshift hospital, its largest till date, amid heightened efforts in battling Omicron, as new daily infections continued to climb, the state-run Global Times reported.

In total, Shanghai has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals with over 160,000 beds, the report said.

Neighbouring cities are also on alert to stop the disease from spreading further in Yangtze Delta, one of the country's most important economic areas.

Watch |&nbsp;Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

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Nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Yangzhou have reserved thousands of quarantine sites for accommodating infected patients and their close contacts from Shanghai to support the city's antivirus measures, the Post report said.

Wu Fan, a leading expert with Shanghai's COVID-19 medical team, said China should stick to dynamic zero-covid&nbsp;policy rather than "lie flat", adding that antivirus measures should be properly followed to tame the virus with the lowest costs.

Wu, who is also the deputy dean of the Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, said during an interview that nobody knows how the virus will mutate in the future. She said it is possible that the virus may become less lethal yet more contagious and pathogenic, another daily The Paper reported.

The sudden rise of cases has led to the much-criticised lockdown of the city of 26 million people amid public criticism of the separation of children from parents in hospitals and testing centres as well distribution of food supplies to the people who were confined for days to the apartment blocks.

"The tidal wave has yet to peak, and worries are that the citywide lockdown will last for another few weeks, which may cripple the local economy," said Wang Feng, chairman of Shanghai-based financial service group Ye Lang Capital.

The business community is keeping a close eye on how the government will lift the lockdown, Wang told the Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-vows-to-improve-food-deliveries-as-discontent-grows-over-covid-curbs-469021">Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs</a>

Thousands of businesses in Shanghai, from small restaurants to big-name multinational firms, have been forced to halt production.

Shanghai set an economic growth target of 5.5 per cent for 2022, but analysts believe it will miss that goal because of the Covid controls, the Post report said.

At present, the Yangshan deep water port can use just more than half of its handling capacity while flights to and from the city's two airports are mostly grounded.

On Sunday, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 27,745 close contacts of people who tested positive in different cities have been released.

Altogether 137,166 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the mainland after recovery by the end of Saturday, the NHC said.

The recurring spikes of coronavirus cases in number of cities in the last few months including Xian, Shenzhen, Jilin province, Beijing, Hong Kong and now Shanghai leading to mass lockdowns raised question marks about the rigid dynamic zero-COVID policy, which China claims largely kept the country safe from the coronavirus pandemic which first emerged in Wuhan in December, 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang</a>

On Friday, President Xi defended China's stringently implemented zero- case policy notwithstanding the spiralling cases in Shanghai and previous outbreaks in different cities.

"Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that rages across the world, we have put first the health of all participants, adhered to the policy of preventing the coronavirus from re-entering the country to cause a new epidemic, and strictly implemented the prevention and control measures," Xi said, addressing a gathering to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.&nbsp;

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy.

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy. Wu Qianyu, a senior official with the east Chinese city's public health commission, told a media briefing on Sunday that the patients would be put under home quarantine and no further controls should be imposed on them. "Relevant authorities in the areas they live in have to be alerted that they are allowed to go home. At the same time, the officials are required to monitor their health (during the quarantine period)," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on Over 11,000 recovered patients have been released, it said. But much to the disquiet of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by President Xi Jinping, single-day new infections in Shanghai hit 24,944 on Sunday, setting a new record for the ninth consecutive day. However, positive cases dropped slightly to 1,006 from 1,015 on Saturday. Shanghai, China's commercial and financial capital, has seen more than 179,000 cases since the current outbreak, driven by the Omicron variant, began on March 1, the Post report said. About 5,400 patients were reported to have mild symptoms, while others were asymptomatic. As the cases continue to rise, Shanghai on Saturday inaugurated 50,000 bed makeshift hospital, its largest till date, amid heightened efforts in battling Omicron, as new daily infections continued to climb, the state-run Global Times reported. In total, Shanghai has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals with over 160,000 beds, the report said. Neighbouring cities are also on alert to stop the disease from spreading further in Yangtze Delta, one of the country's most important economic areas. Watch | Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents Nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Yangzhou have reserved thousands of quarantine sites for accommodating infected patients and their close contacts from Shanghai to support the city's antivirus measures, the Post report said. Wu Fan, a leading expert with Shanghai's COVID-19 medical team, said China should stick to dynamic zero-covid policy rather than "lie flat", adding that antivirus measures should be properly followed to tame the virus with the lowest costs. Wu, who is also the deputy dean of the Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, said during an interview that nobody knows how the virus will mutate in the future. She said it is possible that the virus may become less lethal yet more contagious and pathogenic, another daily The Paper reported. The sudden rise of cases has led to the much-criticised lockdown of the city of 26 million people amid public criticism of the separation of children from parents in hospitals and testing centres as well distribution of food supplies to the people who were confined for days to the apartment blocks. "The tidal wave has yet to peak, and worries are that the citywide lockdown will last for another few weeks, which may cripple the local economy," said Wang Feng, chairman of Shanghai-based financial service group Ye Lang Capital. The business community is keeping a close eye on how the government will lift the lockdown, Wang told the Post. Also read | Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs Thousands of businesses in Shanghai, from small restaurants to big-name multinational firms, have been forced to halt production. Shanghai set an economic growth target of 5.5 per cent for 2022, but analysts believe it will miss that goal because of the Covid controls, the Post report said. At present, the Yangshan deep water port can use just more than half of its handling capacity while flights to and from the city's two airports are mostly grounded. On Sunday, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 27,745 close contacts of people who tested positive in different cities have been released. Altogether 137,166 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the mainland after recovery by the end of Saturday, the NHC said. The recurring spikes of coronavirus cases in number of cities in the last few months including Xian, Shenzhen, Jilin province, Beijing, Hong Kong and now Shanghai leading to mass lockdowns raised question marks about the rigid dynamic zero-COVID policy, which China claims largely kept the country safe from the coronavirus pandemic which first emerged in Wuhan in December, 2019. Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang On Friday, President Xi defended China's stringently implemented zero- case policy notwithstanding the spiralling cases in Shanghai and previous outbreaks in different cities. "Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that rages across the world, we have put first the health of all participants, adhered to the policy of preventing the coronavirus from re-entering the country to cause a new epidemic, and strictly implemented the prevention and control measures," Xi said, addressing a gathering to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.

Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise

China&nbsp;has sent the&nbsp;military&nbsp;and thousands of healthcare workers into&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;to help carry out&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;tests for all of its&nbsp;26&nbsp;million&nbsp;residents&nbsp;as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses.

Some&nbsp;residents&nbsp;woke up before dawn for white-suited healthcare workers to swab their throats as part of nucleic acid&nbsp;testing at their housing compounds, many queuing up in their pyjamas and standing the required two metres apart.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday dispatched more than 2,000 medical personnel from across the army, navy and joint logistics support forces to&nbsp;Shanghai, an armed forces newspaper reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-reports-highest-number-of-cases-since-february-2020-467851">COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020</a>

So far 38,000 healthcare workers from provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the capital Beijing have been dispatched to&nbsp;Shanghai, according to state media, which showed them arriving, suitcase-laden and masked up, by high-speed rail and aircraft.

It is&nbsp;China's largest public health response since it tackled the initial&nbsp;COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus was first discovered in late 2019. The State Council said the PLA dispatched more than 4,000 medical personnel to the province of Hubei, where Wuhan is, at that time.

Shanghai, which began a two-stage lockdown on March 28 that has been expanded to confine practically all&nbsp;residents&nbsp;to their homes, reported 8,581 asymptomatic&nbsp;COVID-19 cases and 425 symptomatic&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;cases for April 3. It also asked&nbsp;residents&nbsp;to self-test&nbsp;on Sunday.

The city has emerged as a&nbsp;test&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;elimination strategy based on&nbsp;testing, tracing and quarantining all positive cases and their close contacts.

The exercise in&nbsp;China's most populous city takes place on the eve of when&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;initially said it planned to lift the city's lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-official-signals-commitment-to-zero-covid-as-shanghai-battles-outbreak-468066">China official signals commitment to ‘zero Covid’ as Shanghai battles outbreak</a>

The country has 12,400 institutions capable of processing&nbsp;tests from as many as 900&nbsp;million&nbsp;people a day, a senior Chinese health official was reported as saying last month.

China's primarily uses pool&nbsp;testing, a process in which up to 20 swab samples are mixed together for more rapid processing.

The city has also converted multiple hospitals, gymnasiums, apartment blocks and other venues into central quarantine sites, including the&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;New International Expo Center which can hold 15,000 patients at full capacity.

On Monday,&nbsp;residents&nbsp;said they received the results on their personal health app about four hours after they were swabbed. But in other parts of the city some said they had yet to receive any notification on when their&nbsp;tests would be.

Individuals who refuse to be&nbsp;tested for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;for no justifiable reason will face administrative or criminal punishment,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;police said on Saturday.

Watch |&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype

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Public Frustration

The surge in state support for&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;comes as the city is straining under the demands of the country's "dynamic clearance" strategy, with some&nbsp;residents&nbsp;complaining of crowded and unsanitary central quarantine centres, as well as difficulties in securing food and essential medical help.

Some have begun to question the policies, asking why&nbsp;Covid-positive children are separated from their parents and why mild or asymptomatic infections - the majority of&nbsp;Shanghai's cases - cannot isolate at home.

On Monday&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;official Wu Qianyu told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not, adding that policies were still being refined.

A&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;resident, who declined to be named for privacy reasons, told Reuters he had been transported to a central quarantine facility on Sunday night after reporting a positive result on a self&nbsp;test&nbsp;more than a week ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-vignettes-china-is-steadily-making-gains-overseas-at-home-it-struggles-to-fight-covid-468057">Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid</a>

Another antigen&nbsp;test&nbsp;on Saturday showed he was no longer infected, but authorities insisted on sending him to quarantine, where he has been put in a flat where he has to share a toilet with two other patients, both of whom are still&nbsp;testing positive.

"How is this isolation?," he said, adding that he was now afraid of being re-infected. "I'm not in any mood to do anything right now, I can't sleep."

On Monday, videos circulating on the WeChat messaging app showed scores of people rushing to grab bedding and supplies from the dirty floor of what the poster said was a quarantine centre whose premises were still littered with construction materials.

Reuters could not independently verify the footage.

Workers under strain

The pressure on the city's healthcare workers and Communist Party members has also been great, as they work around the clock to manage the city's lockdown and deal with&nbsp;residents' frustrations.

Photos and videos have gone viral on Chinese social media of exhausted workers and volunteers sleeping in plastic chairs or on the grass outside housing compounds, or being berated by&nbsp;residents.

On Saturday, the city's Pudong Chinese Center for Disease Control said it was investigating a leaked recording of a call between a staff member and the relative of a patient, who was perplexed by his father's&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test&nbsp;results.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-parents-fear-separation-from-kids-after-positive-covid-test-467727">Shanghai parents fear separation from kids after positive Covid test</a>

The CDC staff member, who local media identified as infectious disease expert Zhu Weiping, could be heard saying exasperatedly that she herself had raised concerns over the current quarantine and&nbsp;testing rules and that the virus had become a "political" one.

Reuters was not able to independently verify the recording which went viral on Chinese social media.

Users of the Weibo social media platform started a hashtag "protect Zhu Weiping," which by Monday had 2.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;views, amid concerns that she could face punishment for speaking out against the official line.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country to curb the momentum of the outbreak as soon as possible while sticking to the "dynamic-clearance" policy.

On Saturday, Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, who was sent to&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;by the central government, urged the city to "make resolute and swift moves" to curb the pandemic.

&nbsp;

The eastern city of Suzhou said it had detected a version of the Omicron BA.1.1 subvariant that doesn't match any others in the domestic database or the international variant tracking database GISAID, state television reported.

The state-backed Science and Technology Daily said it remains unclear whether the virus is a new sub-branch of Omicron and that the emergence of one or two new versions is normal given the spread of Omicron in&nbsp;China, citing an unidentified expert with a national database.

China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses.

China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses. Some residents woke up before dawn for white-suited healthcare workers to swab their throats as part of nucleic acid testing at their housing compounds, many queuing up in their pyjamas and standing the required two metres apart. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday dispatched more than 2,000 medical personnel from across the army, navy and joint logistics support forces to Shanghai, an armed forces newspaper reported. Also read | COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020 So far 38,000 healthcare workers from provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the capital Beijing have been dispatched to Shanghai, according to state media, which showed them arriving, suitcase-laden and masked up, by high-speed rail and aircraft. It is China's largest public health response since it tackled the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus was first discovered in late 2019. The State Council said the PLA dispatched more than 4,000 medical personnel to the province of Hubei, where Wuhan is, at that time. Shanghai, which began a two-stage lockdown on March 28 that has been expanded to confine practically all residents to their homes, reported 8,581 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and 425 symptomatic Covid cases for April 3. It also asked residents to self-test on Sunday. The city has emerged as a test of China's Covid elimination strategy based on testing, tracing and quarantining all positive cases and their close contacts. The exercise in China's most populous city takes place on the eve of when Shanghai initially said it planned to lift the city's lockdown. Also read | China official signals commitment to ‘zero Covid’ as Shanghai battles outbreak The country has 12,400 institutions capable of processing tests from as many as 900 million people a day, a senior Chinese health official was reported as saying last month. China's primarily uses pool testing, a process in which up to 20 swab samples are mixed together for more rapid processing. The city has also converted multiple hospitals, gymnasiums, apartment blocks and other venues into central quarantine sites, including the Shanghai New International Expo Center which can hold 15,000 patients at full capacity. On Monday, residents said they received the results on their personal health app about four hours after they were swabbed. But in other parts of the city some said they had yet to receive any notification on when their tests would be. Individuals who refuse to be tested for Covid for no justifiable reason will face administrative or criminal punishment, Shanghai police said on Saturday. Watch | Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype Public Frustration The surge in state support for Shanghai comes as the city is straining under the demands of the country's "dynamic clearance" strategy, with some residents complaining of crowded and unsanitary central quarantine centres, as well as difficulties in securing food and essential medical help. Some have begun to question the policies, asking why Covid-positive children are separated from their parents and why mild or asymptomatic infections - the majority of Shanghai's cases - cannot isolate at home. On Monday Shanghai official Wu Qianyu told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not, adding that policies were still being refined. A Shanghai resident, who declined to be named for privacy reasons, told Reuters he had been transported to a central quarantine facility on Sunday night after reporting a positive result on a self test more than a week ago. Also read | Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid Another antigen test on Saturday showed he was no longer infected, but authorities insisted on sending him to quarantine, where he has been put in a flat where he has to share a toilet with two other patients, both of whom are still testing positive. "How is this isolation?," he said, adding that he was now afraid of being re-infected. "I'm not in any mood to do anything right now, I can't sleep." On Monday, videos circulating on the WeChat messaging app showed scores of people rushing to grab bedding and supplies from the dirty floor of what the poster said was a quarantine centre whose premises were still littered with construction materials. Reuters could not independently verify the footage. Workers under strain The pressure on the city's healthcare workers and Communist Party members has also been great, as they work around the clock to manage the city's lockdown and deal with residents' frustrations. Photos and videos have gone viral on Chinese social media of exhausted workers and volunteers sleeping in plastic chairs or on the grass outside housing compounds, or being berated by residents. On Saturday, the city's Pudong Chinese Center for Disease Control said it was investigating a leaked recording of a call between a staff member and the relative of a patient, who was perplexed by his father's Covid test results. Also read | Shanghai parents fear separation from kids after positive Covid test The CDC staff member, who local media identified as infectious disease expert Zhu Weiping, could be heard saying exasperatedly that she herself had raised concerns over the current quarantine and testing rules and that the virus had become a "political" one. Reuters was not able to independently verify the recording which went viral on Chinese social media. Users of the Weibo social media platform started a hashtag "protect Zhu Weiping," which by Monday had 2.9 million views, amid concerns that she could face punishment for speaking out against the official line. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country to curb the momentum of the outbreak as soon as possible while sticking to the "dynamic-clearance" policy. On Saturday, Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, who was sent to Shanghai by the central government, urged the city to "make resolute and swift moves" to curb the pandemic. The eastern city of Suzhou said it had detected a version of the Omicron BA.1.1 subvariant that doesn't match any others in the domestic database or the international variant tracking database GISAID, state television reported. The state-backed Science and Technology Daily said it remains unclear whether the virus is a new sub-branch of Omicron and that the emergence of one or two new versions is normal given the spread of Omicron in China, citing an unidentified expert with a national database.

China sends military, doctors to Shanghai to test 26 million residents for Covid

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;with a&nbsp;mass&nbsp;prayer&nbsp;at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for&nbsp;eased restrictions this year.

Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the&nbsp;Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, special&nbsp;prayers performed only during the month of&nbsp;Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ukraine-conflict-creates-noodle-crisis-in-indonesia-464590">Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia</a>

For the past two years&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;has grappled with one of the highest rates of&nbsp;COVID-19 in Asia, but this&nbsp;Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and&nbsp;prayer, cases have&nbsp;eased enough to allow for&nbsp;mass&nbsp;gatherings.

"I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28.

"I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together."

Watch |&nbsp;A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

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Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp;Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago.

President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years.

"The improving covid&nbsp;situation has brought optimism as the&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;holy month is upon us," he told a news conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-cooking-oil-shortage-turns-deadly-two-killed-after-queuing-for-liquid-gold-463809">Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold</a>

The start of&nbsp;Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon.

This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year. Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih prayer, special prayers performed only during the month of Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event. Also read | Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia For the past two years Indonesia has grappled with one of the highest rates of COVID-19 in Asia, but this Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and prayer, cases have eased enough to allow for mass gatherings. "I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28. "I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together." Watch | A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic, Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago. President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years. "The improving covid situation has brought optimism as the Ramadan holy month is upon us," he told a news conference. Also read | Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold The start of Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon. This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease

According to a new poll, over half of the European companies in Hong Kong aim to shift their operations and workers entirely or partially out of the city, the latest indicator that the world's tightest COVID-19 travel and quarantine rules are diminishing the city's allure.

According to a new study conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, over 25% of responding companies aim to totally relocate out of Hong Kong in the coming year, while another 24% plan to partially relocate out of the city.

Around 34% of businesses indicated they were undecided about their plans, while only 17% said they had no plans to relocate in the next 12 months.&nbsp;

According to the European Chamber of Commerce assessment, the city's "zero COVID" plan had serious effects on businesses and inhabitants.

The Chamber claims that Hong Kong's "greatest advantage"—its global connectedness and proximity to mainland China—has been "almost completely crippled."&nbsp;

Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kongs-covid-19-outbreak-triggers-mass-exodus-461093/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The quarantines in Hong Kong are well-known among locals and expats.

Most inbound passengers were once obliged to self-isolate in hotel rooms for three weeks on their own dime, one of the world's longest isolation periods.

Despite the fact that Hong Kong officials recently relaxed flight bans and reduced quarantine rules to seven days, an exodus is already underway.

The stringent approach to COVID has developed alongside a national security law that has brought new levels of unpredictability into a city that was once famed for calm and openness, following sometimes-violent democratic protests in 2019. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Covid-19 surge brings Hong Kong to its knees

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-19-surge-brings-hong-kong-to-its-knees-454147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to a report published by Bloomberg, the sombre findings reflect those of previous surveys, such as one conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce, which revealed that 44 percent of respondents were likely to leave the city, with around 60 percent citing international travel restrictions as the city's top problem to businesses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to a new poll, over half of the European companies in Hong Kong aim to shift their operations and workers entirely or partially out of the city, the latest indicator that the world's tightest COVID-19 travel and quarantine rules are diminishing the city's allure.

According to a new poll, over half of the European companies in Hong Kong aim to shift their operations and workers entirely or partially out of the city, the latest indicator that the world's tightest COVID-19 travel and quarantine rules are diminishing the city's allure. According to a new study conducted by the European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, over 25% of responding companies aim to totally relocate out of Hong Kong in the coming year, while another 24% plan to partially relocate out of the city. Around 34% of businesses indicated they were undecided about their plans, while only 17% said they had no plans to relocate in the next 12 months. According to the European Chamber of Commerce assessment, the city's "zero COVID" plan had serious effects on businesses and inhabitants. The Chamber claims that Hong Kong's "greatest advantage"—its global connectedness and proximity to mainland China—has been "almost completely crippled." Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus The quarantines in Hong Kong are well-known among locals and expats. Most inbound passengers were once obliged to self-isolate in hotel rooms for three weeks on their own dime, one of the world's longest isolation periods. Despite the fact that Hong Kong officials recently relaxed flight bans and reduced quarantine rules to seven days, an exodus is already underway. The stringent approach to COVID has developed alongside a national security law that has brought new levels of unpredictability into a city that was once famed for calm and openness, following sometimes-violent democratic protests in 2019. Watch | Gravitas: Covid-19 surge brings Hong Kong to its knees According to a report published by Bloomberg, the sombre findings reflect those of previous surveys, such as one conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce, which revealed that 44 percent of respondents were likely to leave the city, with around 60 percent citing international travel restrictions as the city's top problem to businesses. (With inputs from agencies)

50% of foreign companies in Hong Kong plan to relocate 

In the United States, about a million individuals have died from COVID-19 in the last two years, although the entire extent of the pandemic's collateral harm is still being calculated.

According to a new study, the number of Americans who died from alcohol-related causes skyrocketed during the first year of the pandemic, as habits were disrupted, support networks strained, and treatment was delayed.&nbsp;

The number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States increased by 25.5 percent between 2019 and 2020, according to a study published Friday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

This represents a significant increase over previous years; between 1999 and 2017, the average annual percent increase in alcohol-related mortality was 2.2 percent.

In the United States, there were 78,927 alcohol-related deaths in 2019 and 99,017 in 2020.

These deaths also included people killed in car accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol-related deaths accounted for 2.8 percent of all deaths in 2019, rising to 3% in 2020.

Dr. Aaron White, main author of the study and a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, told CNN, "We're not surprised. It's bad, but we sort of expected to find something like this. "&nbsp;

Researchers looked through death certificates from the Centers for Disease Control for people 16 and older and found ones where alcohol was an underlying or&nbsp;contributing cause, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Friday.

This could include alcohol overdoses, liver illness, and car accidents in which the person was inebriated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In the United States, about a million individuals have died from COVID-19 in the last two years, although the entire extent of the pandemic's collateral harm is still being calculated.

In the United States, about a million individuals have died from COVID-19 in the last two years, although the entire extent of the pandemic's collateral harm is still being calculated. According to a new study, the number of Americans who died from alcohol-related causes skyrocketed during the first year of the pandemic, as habits were disrupted, support networks strained, and treatment was delayed. The number of alcohol-related deaths in the United States increased by 25.5 percent between 2019 and 2020, according to a study published Friday in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This represents a significant increase over previous years; between 1999 and 2017, the average annual percent increase in alcohol-related mortality was 2.2 percent. In the United States, there were 78,927 alcohol-related deaths in 2019 and 99,017 in 2020. These deaths also included people killed in car accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol-related deaths accounted for 2.8 percent of all deaths in 2019, rising to 3% in 2020. Dr. Aaron White, main author of the study and a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, told CNN, "We're not surprised. It's bad, but we sort of expected to find something like this. " Researchers looked through death certificates from the Centers for Disease Control for people 16 and older and found ones where alcohol was an underlying or contributing cause, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association on Friday. This could include alcohol overdoses, liver illness, and car accidents in which the person was inebriated. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Alcohol-related deaths soared 25% during first year of COVID-19 pandemic

Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, tweeted Tuesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19.

The former senator and presidential candidate claimed she is feeling great despite some mild cold symptoms.&nbsp;

"I'm more grateful than ever for the protection vaccines can provide against serious illness," Clinton tweeted. "Please get vaccinated and boost if you haven't already!"

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Bill tested negative and is feeling fine. He's quarantining until our household is fully in the clear. Movie recommendations appreciated!
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) <a href="https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/1506397904919056385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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However, she was mocked on Twitter after asking for movie recommendations for her and her husband to watch while they were quarantined at home after receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

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This was a good one that I enjoyed. I think you will too. <a href="https://t.co/v0AHtFgF2E">pic.twitter.com/v0AHtFgF2E</a>
— jtkola™ (@jtkola) <a href="https://twitter.com/jtkola/status/1506405263062052868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Juanita Broaddrick, who publicly accused Bill Clinton of raping her in 1978 while he was Arkansas' attorney general, persuaded the former first lady to give her husband her book about the alleged incident instead of watching a movie.

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Maybe give him a book to read <a href="https://t.co/iDZTB47HD8">https://t.co/iDZTB47HD8</a> <a href="https://t.co/NsZ2trz6PD">pic.twitter.com/NsZ2trz6PD</a>
— Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) <a href="https://twitter.com/atensnut/status/1506404445856444419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Others suggested "The Plot Against the President," a documentary by filmmaker Amanda Milius that promises to show evidence of a conspiracy against former President Trump.

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<a href="https://t.co/shudc2chSW">https://t.co/shudc2chSW</a>
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The Guilty<a href="https://t.co/MimzxOm3Sk">https://t.co/MimzxOm3Sk</a>
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&nbsp;

Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, tweeted Tuesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19. The former senator and presidential candidate claimed she is feeling great despite some mild cold symptoms.

Hillary Clinton, the former US Secretary of State, tweeted Tuesday that she had tested positive for COVID-19. The former senator and presidential candidate claimed she is feeling great despite some mild cold symptoms. "I'm more grateful than ever for the protection vaccines can provide against serious illness," Clinton tweeted. "Please get vaccinated and boost if you haven't already!" Bill tested negative and is feeling fine. He's quarantining until our household is fully in the clear. Movie recommendations appreciated! — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 22, 2022 × However, she was mocked on Twitter after asking for movie recommendations for her and her husband to watch while they were quarantined at home after receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. This was a good one that I enjoyed. I think you will too. pic.twitter.com/v0AHtFgF2E — jtkola™ (@jtkola) March 22, 2022 × Juanita Broaddrick, who publicly accused Bill Clinton of raping her in 1978 while he was Arkansas' attorney general, persuaded the former first lady to give her husband her book about the alleged incident instead of watching a movie. Maybe give him a book to read https://t.co/iDZTB47HD8 pic.twitter.com/NsZ2trz6PD — Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) March 22, 2022 × Others suggested "The Plot Against the President," a documentary by filmmaker Amanda Milius that promises to show evidence of a conspiracy against former President Trump. https://t.co/shudc2chSW — Jeremy Frankel (@FrankelJeremy) March 23, 2022 × The Guiltyhttps://t.co/MimzxOm3Sk — Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) March 23, 2022 ×

Hillary Clinton tests positive for COVID, trolled after requesting movie suggestions 

Moderna&nbsp;Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic.

The US biotechnology company said its request covered all adults over the age of 18 so that the appropriate use of an additional booster dose of its vaccine, including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities, could be determined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health care providers.

Moderna's request is significantly broader than Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE's application that was filed earlier this week with US regulators for a second booster shot for people aged 65 and older.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-approves-astrazenecas-preventative-covid-therapy-463272">Britain approves AstraZeneca's preventative COVID therapy</a>

Moderna, without specifically commenting on the effectiveness of a fourth shot, said its submission was partly based on data recently published in the United States and Israel following the emergence of the Omicron variant.

FDA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

US health officials, including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, have raised the prospect of a fourth shot, especially for older people and to prepare for the possibility of another surge in cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/once-pledged-to-keep-covid-vaccine-patent-free-moderna-signals-to-enforce-patent-460237">Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course</a>

CDC data has shown that vaccine efficacy wanes over time and a third shot helps restore it. It, however, has not released comprehensive data based on age or health status to back the case.

The news was first reported by the New York Times.

While COVID cases are falling in the United States and much of the world, infections are rising in China. In the UK and Europe, there has been a reversal in the downward trend of COVID cases as economies have opened up and a second variant of Omicron circulates.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-covid-cases-are-rising-again-462327/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Moderna Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic.

Moderna Inc on late Thursday (March 17) sought emergency use authorisation with US health regulators for a second COVID-19 booster shot, as a surge in cases in some parts of the world fuels fears of another wave of the pandemic. The US biotechnology company said its request covered all adults over the age of 18 so that the appropriate use of an additional booster dose of its vaccine, including for those at higher risk of COVID-19 due to age or comorbidities, could be determined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and health care providers. Moderna's request is significantly broader than Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE's application that was filed earlier this week with US regulators for a second booster shot for people aged 65 and older. Also read | Britain approves AstraZeneca's preventative COVID therapy Moderna, without specifically commenting on the effectiveness of a fourth shot, said its submission was partly based on data recently published in the United States and Israel following the emergence of the Omicron variant. FDA did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. US health officials, including top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci, have raised the prospect of a fourth shot, especially for older people and to prepare for the possibility of another surge in cases. Also read | Moderna once pledged to keep Covid vaccine patent-free. Now it's changing course CDC data has shown that vaccine efficacy wanes over time and a third shot helps restore it. It, however, has not released comprehensive data based on age or health status to back the case. The news was first reported by the New York Times. While COVID cases are falling in the United States and much of the world, infections are rising in China. In the UK and Europe, there has been a reversal in the downward trend of COVID cases as economies have opened up and a second variant of Omicron circulates. Watch | Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

Moderna seeks FDA authorisation for second COVID-19 booster for all adults

New Zealand has decided to bring forward the opening of its international borders after more than two years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country implemented&nbsp;some of the toughest isolation rules in the world,&nbsp;but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern believes that it is time to return to normalcy as she said that the possible influx of tourists will a massive boost to the nation's economy.

“We’re ready to welcome the world back,” The Guardian quoted Ardern as saying. “New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”

"Closing our border was one of the first actions we took to stop COVID-19, over two years ago, and its reopening will spur our economic recovery throughout the remainder of the year," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/47-million-southeast-asians-plunge-into-extreme-poverty-after-the-pandemic-asian-development-bank-462728">4.7 million Southeast Asians plunge into extreme poverty after the pandemic</a>

The New Zealand government has announced that vaccinated tourists from Australia will be able to enter the country without any isolation period from April 12. It means that the Australian tourists will be able to visit New Zealand for the Easter school holidays next month.

“We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet to our Australian neighbours, and in time for the school holidays,” tourism minister Stuart Nash said. “We have missed you.”

On the other hand, vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries which includes the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Germany and others will also be allowed entry from May 1.

While the strict measures were able to keep the COVID-19 infection rates in check, various industries like tourism and agriculture took a massive hit. According to Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the total tourism expenditure fell by 37 per cent- a loss of around $15.6bn – in 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-urges-children-to-get-vaccinated-as-india-starts-inoculation-drive-for-12-14-age-group-462794">India starts inoculation drive for 12-14 age group</a>

With 72 per cent of the adult population having received the booster shot and 95 per cent of those aged 12 and above getting both vaccination shots, the government believes that it is the right time to end the restrictions.

The visitors must be vaccinated and they will have to provide negative Covid tests upon arrival.

The border is not expected to completely reopen until October for travellers all around the world but the government has hinted that they may consider opening the borders ahead of schedule.

Watch |&nbsp;New Zealand borders to reopen; Visa-Waiver countries tourists can travel from May 1

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-zealand-borders-to-reopen-visa-waiver-countries-tourists-can-travel-from-may-1-462777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With agency inputs)

New Zealand has decided to bring forward the opening of its international borders after more than two years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country implemented some of the toughest isolation rules in the world, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern believes that it is time to return to normalcy as she said that the possible influx of tourists will a massive boost to the nation's economy.

New Zealand has decided to bring forward the opening of its international borders after more than two years of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The country implemented some of the toughest isolation rules in the world, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern believes that it is time to return to normalcy as she said that the possible influx of tourists will a massive boost to the nation's economy. “We’re ready to welcome the world back,” The Guardian quoted Ardern as saying. “New Zealand will be ready with open arms.” "Closing our border was one of the first actions we took to stop COVID-19, over two years ago, and its reopening will spur our economic recovery throughout the remainder of the year," she added. Also read | 4.7 million Southeast Asians plunge into extreme poverty after the pandemic The New Zealand government has announced that vaccinated tourists from Australia will be able to enter the country without any isolation period from April 12. It means that the Australian tourists will be able to visit New Zealand for the Easter school holidays next month. “We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet to our Australian neighbours, and in time for the school holidays,” tourism minister Stuart Nash said. “We have missed you.” On the other hand, vaccinated tourists from visa-waiver countries which includes the US, UK, Canada, Singapore, Germany and others will also be allowed entry from May 1. While the strict measures were able to keep the COVID-19 infection rates in check, various industries like tourism and agriculture took a massive hit. According to Tourism Industry Aotearoa, the total tourism expenditure fell by 37 per cent- a loss of around $15.6bn – in 2021. Also read | India starts inoculation drive for 12-14 age group With 72 per cent of the adult population having received the booster shot and 95 per cent of those aged 12 and above getting both vaccination shots, the government believes that it is the right time to end the restrictions. The visitors must be vaccinated and they will have to provide negative Covid tests upon arrival. The border is not expected to completely reopen until October for travellers all around the world but the government has hinted that they may consider opening the borders ahead of schedule. Watch | New Zealand borders to reopen; Visa-Waiver countries tourists can travel from May 1 (With agency inputs)

New Zealand to reopen borders after nearly two years of Covid isolation

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission roughly 95 per cent of U.S. Counties, according to the latest data.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-united-states-watches-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-excited-to-meet-vladimir-putin-in-moscow-455824">As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow</a>

The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalisations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data.

The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves to shift its focus to preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, rather than all instances of infection, as part of a strategy adjustment for a new "phase" in the response as the virus becomes endemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-brief-russia-hit-with-more-sanctions-us-accuses-iran-of-orchestrating-cyberattacks-and-more-456289">Morning brief: Russia hit with more sanctions, US accuses Iran of orchestrating cyberattacks and more</a>

The two people familiar with the change spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the CDC's action before the announcement. 
The change comes as nearly all U.S. States that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter Omicron surge are letting them lapse as cases have precipitously dropped nationwide. Some have eliminated the mandates entirely, while others have kept mask-wearing requirements in place for schools and medical facilities.

It was not immediately clear how the new CDC guidance would affect U.S. Federal mandates requiring face coverings on public transportation.

The CDC's director, Dr Rochelle Walensky, has said a change has been in the works.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden targets Russian economy as he imposes sanctions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-us-president-joe-biden-targets-russian-economy-as-he-imposes-sanctions-456250/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We must consider hospital capacity as an additional important barometer. Our hospitals need to be able to take care of people with heart attacks and strokes. Our emergency departments can't be so overwhelmed that patients with emergent issues have to wait in line," she said during a White House briefing last week.

However, she declined to give a specific day when the CDC would announce a change. CDC officials on Thursday refused to confirm a release date.

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings.

The Biden administration will significantly loosen federal mask-wearing guidelines to protect against COVID-19 transmission on Friday, according to two people familiar with the matter, meaning most Americans will no longer be advised to wear masks in indoor public settings. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission roughly 95 per cent of U.S. Counties, according to the latest data. Also read | As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalisations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data. The new policy comes as the Biden administration moves to shift its focus to preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19, rather than all instances of infection, as part of a strategy adjustment for a new "phase" in the response as the virus becomes endemic. Also read | Morning brief: Russia hit with more sanctions, US accuses Iran of orchestrating cyberattacks and more The two people familiar with the change spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the CDC's action before the announcement. The change comes as nearly all U.S. States that had put in place indoor mask-wearing mandates for the winter Omicron surge are letting them lapse as cases have precipitously dropped nationwide. Some have eliminated the mandates entirely, while others have kept mask-wearing requirements in place for schools and medical facilities. It was not immediately clear how the new CDC guidance would affect U.S. Federal mandates requiring face coverings on public transportation. The CDC's director, Dr Rochelle Walensky, has said a change has been in the works. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden targets Russian economy as he imposes sanctions "We must consider hospital capacity as an additional important barometer. Our hospitals need to be able to take care of people with heart attacks and strokes. Our emergency departments can't be so overwhelmed that patients with emergent issues have to wait in line," she said during a White House briefing last week. However, she declined to give a specific day when the CDC would announce a change. CDC officials on Thursday refused to confirm a release date.

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday.

The ROC practised on Thursday without the isolating players and are scheduled to play their Games opener on Friday against Switzerland.

"We aren’t in contact with anyone in the Olympic Village," Russian head coach Evgeny Bobariko said. "Nobody goes anywhere.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/winter-olympics-german-record-holder-claudia-pechstein-to-carry-flag-450103">Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag</a>

"Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested.

"We are not allowed to use elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs."

The RIA news agency reported the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.

Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday.

Six members of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) women`s ice hockey team are in isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, the TASS news agency reported on Thursday. The ROC practised on Thursday without the isolating players and are scheduled to play their Games opener on Friday against Switzerland. "We aren’t in contact with anyone in the Olympic Village," Russian head coach Evgeny Bobariko said. "Nobody goes anywhere. Read Also | Winter Olympics: German record holder Claudia Pechstein to carry flag "Everyone sits in their rooms, food is brought to them. We only leave our rooms to get tested. "We are not allowed to use elevator, everyone goes down using the stairs." The RIA news agency reported the six Russian players in isolation are Angelina Goncharenko, Olga Sosina, Lyudmila Belyakova, Ekaterina Nikolayeva, Diana Fakhrutdinova and Liana Ganeyeva.

Six Russian women's ice hockey players in isolation after Covid positive tests

If you believed the pandemic was finally over, you were mistaken.It has reared its ugly head by releasing Omicron, a new variant.

Since COVID-19 cases have been on the rise, demand for the drug Dolo 650 has been high.&nbsp;

Dolo 650 is a popular painkiller that can be found in almost every home and is used to treat aches, pains, and fevers.&nbsp;

According to data, since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, India has sold more than 3.5 billion pills of the anti-fever drug.

Fever, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, has pushed sales of this oval-shaped white pill to treble in the last two years, despite the fact that paracetamol pills are the most commonly used cold and fever treatments.

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<h5>As India grapples with the third wave of Covid, Dolo 650, which has clocked sales of Rs 5.7 billion during the pandemic since March 2020 and topped the charts of paracetamol pill, has been dubbed a "favourite snack."</h5>
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If all 3.5 billion tablets were stacked vertically, it would be nearly 6,000 times the height of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, or 63,000 times the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.

Yes, it is correct. In the last two years, Dolo, a 1.5 cm-long paracetamol tablet, has sold far more than Crocin, the standard paracetamol tablet.&nbsp;

Before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, India sold around 75 million strips of Dolo pills, according to statistics from the research firm IQVIA.

The medicine's annual sales increased to 94 million strips (each strip containing 15 tablets), or 1.4 billion tablets.

By November 2021, it had risen to 145 million strips (twice as much as in 2019) or 2.2 billion tablets.

It's worth noting that the first wave of COVID-19 entered India in September 2020, while the second wave, which caused the greatest deaths, arrived in May 2021.

In total, more than 35 million instances have been reported in India. As a result, during both pandemic years, more than 350 crore Dolo tablets were sold.&nbsp;

Dolo is currently the second most popular anti-fever and analgesic tablet in India, with a turnover of Rs 3.1 billion in 2021, only ahead of GSK's Calpol, which has a turnover of Rs 3.1 billion.

Crocin is the sixth-largest brand in the category, with sales of Rs 231 million in double digits.

On this occasion, Twitter users coined the hashtag # Dolo650, which is currently trending.

Memes about the Dolo 650 have sprung up on Twitter, bringing the usual dose of humour to the platform.

Take a look at some of the most popular memes on Twitter:

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🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/u983mrmfWx">pic.twitter.com/u983mrmfWx</a>
— Bollywoodirect (@Bollywoodirect) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bollywoodirect/status/1483414892585840644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Creativity level 100 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dolo650?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dolo650</a> <a href="https://t.co/uBcj6EifBs">pic.twitter.com/uBcj6EifBs</a>
— Strider (@rohitky77) <a href="https://twitter.com/rohitky77/status/1483798828364955653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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This is why <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dolo650?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dolo650</a> is trending ? <a href="https://t.co/4BywaCnmuc">pic.twitter.com/4BywaCnmuc</a>
— Nocturnal Soul (@Mirage_gurrl) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mirage_gurrl/status/1479520068719370243?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dolo650?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dolo650</a> get out of stock and the supply is running late... 
Pharmacist be like: <a href="https://t.co/DnM4vnnT9t">pic.twitter.com/DnM4vnnT9t</a>
— Yogesh Dhameliya 😷 (UR) (@YoDha_16) <a href="https://twitter.com/YoDha_16/status/1479729429685227525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/dolo650?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#dolo650</a> supremacy 😂 <a href="https://t.co/LWmK2k7fbE">pic.twitter.com/LWmK2k7fbE</a>
— Vishal Vasava 🏹 (@vishu_vasava_) <a href="https://twitter.com/vishu_vasava_/status/1479677726705569795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

If you believed the pandemic was finally over, you were mistaken.It has reared its ugly head by releasing Omicron, a new variant. Since COVID-19 cases have been on the rise, demand for the drug Dolo 650 has been high.

If you believed the pandemic was finally over, you were mistaken.It has reared its ugly head by releasing Omicron, a new variant. Since COVID-19 cases have been on the rise, demand for the drug Dolo 650 has been high. Dolo 650 is a popular painkiller that can be found in almost every home and is used to treat aches, pains, and fevers. According to data, since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, India has sold more than 3.5 billion pills of the anti-fever drug. Fever, one of the most common symptoms of COVID-19, has pushed sales of this oval-shaped white pill to treble in the last two years, despite the fact that paracetamol pills are the most commonly used cold and fever treatments. As India grapples with the third wave of Covid, Dolo 650, which has clocked sales of Rs 5.7 billion during the pandemic since March 2020 and topped the charts of paracetamol pill, has been dubbed a "favourite snack." × If all 3.5 billion tablets were stacked vertically, it would be nearly 6,000 times the height of Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain, or 63,000 times the height of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Yes, it is correct. In the last two years, Dolo, a 1.5 cm-long paracetamol tablet, has sold far more than Crocin, the standard paracetamol tablet. Before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019, India sold around 75 million strips of Dolo pills, according to statistics from the research firm IQVIA. The medicine's annual sales increased to 94 million strips (each strip containing 15 tablets), or 1.4 billion tablets. By November 2021, it had risen to 145 million strips (twice as much as in 2019) or 2.2 billion tablets. It's worth noting that the first wave of COVID-19 entered India in September 2020, while the second wave, which caused the greatest deaths, arrived in May 2021. In total, more than 35 million instances have been reported in India. As a result, during both pandemic years, more than 350 crore Dolo tablets were sold. Dolo is currently the second most popular anti-fever and analgesic tablet in India, with a turnover of Rs 3.1 billion in 2021, only ahead of GSK's Calpol, which has a turnover of Rs 3.1 billion. Crocin is the sixth-largest brand in the category, with sales of Rs 231 million in double digits. On this occasion, Twitter users coined the hashtag # Dolo650, which is currently trending. Memes about the Dolo 650 have sprung up on Twitter, bringing the usual dose of humour to the platform. Take a look at some of the most popular memes on Twitter: 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/u983mrmfWx — Bollywoodirect (@Bollywoodirect) January 18, 2022 × Creativity level 100 #Dolo650 pic.twitter.com/uBcj6EifBs — Strider (@rohitky77) January 19, 2022 × This is why #dolo650 is trending ? pic.twitter.com/4BywaCnmuc — Nocturnal Soul (@Mirage_gurrl) January 7, 2022 × When #dolo650 get out of stock and the supply is running late... Pharmacist be like: pic.twitter.com/DnM4vnnT9t — Yogesh Dhameliya 😷 (UR) (@YoDha_16) January 8, 2022 × #dolo650 supremacy 😂 pic.twitter.com/LWmK2k7fbE — Vishal Vasava 🏹 (@vishu_vasava_) January 8, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

How made-in-India pill Dolo 650 became India’s ‘favourite snack’ in Covid waves

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has tested positive for COVID-19. Harbhajan on Friday said that he has quarantined himself at home and is taking all the necessary precautions.

"I`ve tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. I have quarantined myself at home and taking all the necessary precautions. I would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest. Please be safe and take care," Harbhajan tweeted.

In December last year, Harbhajan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 41-year-old has played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is for the Men in Blue. He has 294 wickets in limited-overs cricket.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/rahul-kohli-were-sitting-apart-former-pak-spinner-makes-glaring-remark-after-indias-1st-odi-loss-446377">Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss</a>

He played his last red-ball match against Sri Lanka in 2015 while his last ODI was against South Africa in the same year. His last game for India was a T20I against UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup. Since then he was not picked for the Indian side.

Harbhajan retired after scalping 417 wickets in 103 Tests at an average of 32.46. The 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup winner is also the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick.

Overall, the Jalandhar- born cricketer has played 367 international games, claimed 711 international wickets and scored 3,569 international runs.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has tested positive for COVID-19. Harbhajan on Friday said that he has quarantined himself at home and is taking all the necessary precautions.

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has tested positive for COVID-19. Harbhajan on Friday said that he has quarantined himself at home and is taking all the necessary precautions. "I`ve tested positive for COVID with mild symptoms. I have quarantined myself at home and taking all the necessary precautions. I would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest. Please be safe and take care," Harbhajan tweeted. In December last year, Harbhajan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 41-year-old has played 103 Tests, 236 ODIs and 28 T20Is for the Men in Blue. He has 294 wickets in limited-overs cricket. Read Also | Rahul, Kohli were sitting apart: Former PAK spinner makes glaring remark after India's 1st ODI loss He played his last red-ball match against Sri Lanka in 2015 while his last ODI was against South Africa in the same year. His last game for India was a T20I against UAE in the 2016 Asia Cup. Since then he was not picked for the Indian side. Harbhajan retired after scalping 417 wickets in 103 Tests at an average of 32.46. The 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 World Cup winner is also the first Indian to take a Test hat-trick. Overall, the Jalandhar- born cricketer has played 367 international games, claimed 711 international wickets and scored 3,569 international runs.

Former spinner Harbhajan Singh quarantines, tests positive for COVID-19

Facing a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the spread of the highly transmissible omicron variant, Abu Dhabi is requiring people entering the city to show proof of booster shots.

The government's health app said earlier this week that people entering the capital of the United Arab Emirates must show a “green pass," confirming their vaccination status. The app says that visitors are no longer considered fully vaccinated unless they have received a booster at least six months after their second dose.

Those wishing to enter Abu Dhabi also must have have tested negative for the virus within the last two weeks to maintain their “green” status.

The emirate has taken a stricter approach to the virus than neighboring Dubai, the freewheeling tourism-dependent hub. Abu Dhabi requires that residents show their green pass before entering public places or government buildings.

The UAE boasts among the world's highest vaccination rates per capita. The country has fully vaccinated more than 90% of its population, health authorities have said. Although infections had plummeted in December, cases recently have skyrocketed to heights unseen in months.

Facing a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the spread of the highly transmissible omicron variant, Abu Dhabi is requiring people entering the city to show proof of booster shots.

Facing a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases fueled by the spread of the highly transmissible omicron variant, Abu Dhabi is requiring people entering the city to show proof of booster shots. The government's health app said earlier this week that people entering the capital of the United Arab Emirates must show a “green pass," confirming their vaccination status. The app says that visitors are no longer considered fully vaccinated unless they have received a booster at least six months after their second dose. Those wishing to enter Abu Dhabi also must have have tested negative for the virus within the last two weeks to maintain their “green” status. The emirate has taken a stricter approach to the virus than neighboring Dubai, the freewheeling tourism-dependent hub. Abu Dhabi requires that residents show their green pass before entering public places or government buildings. The UAE boasts among the world's highest vaccination rates per capita. The country has fully vaccinated more than 90% of its population, health authorities have said. Although infections had plummeted in December, cases recently have skyrocketed to heights unseen in months.

Abu Dhabi requires booster shots to enter the emirate

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19.

 
The match was to be held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda and the league will now look to reschedule the fixture to a later date.

"Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC scheduled to be played today, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at PJN Stadium in Fatorda," the ISL said in a statement.

Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/borussia-moenchengladbach-scores-two-goals-in-four-minutes-to-stun-bayern-munich-in-bundesliga-443163">Borussia Moenchengladbach scores two goals in four minutes to stun Bayern Munich in Bundesliga</a>

"The decision has been taken in consultation with the League`s medical team after an ATK Mohun Bagan player tested positive for Covid-19," it added.

The ISL will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved, the release said.

The ongoing season of ISL is being held behind closed doors, across three stadiums in Goa due to the pandemic.

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19.

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19. The match was to be held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda and the league will now look to reschedule the fixture to a later date. "Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC scheduled to be played today, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at PJN Stadium in Fatorda," the ISL said in a statement. Read Also | Borussia Moenchengladbach scores two goals in four minutes to stun Bayern Munich in Bundesliga "The decision has been taken in consultation with the League`s medical team after an ATK Mohun Bagan player tested positive for Covid-19," it added. The ISL will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved, the release said. The ongoing season of ISL is being held behind closed doors, across three stadiums in Goa due to the pandemic.

ISL 2021-22: ATK Mohun Bagan's clash against Odisha FC postponed due to Covid-19

As cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 have increased in recent days, India's capital Delhi will implement a weekend curfew, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said during a news conference on Tuesday.

He also stated that most businesses will be forced to have half of their workforce work from home.

Buses and metro trains, on the other hand, will operate at full capacity, subject to severe COVID-19 safety regulations such as social distance and the wearing of masks, as these means of transportation have the potential to become super-spreaders.

Important guidelines by the Delhi government

<ol>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">Work from home for government offices</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">Private offices will operate at half capacity.</li>
	<li data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">For the sake of convenience, the bus and metro will run at full capacity, but masks are required.</li>
</ol>

The decision was made at the DDMA meeting.

Government offices will also be able to work from home, with the exception of vital services.

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Buses and metro trains will again run at full seating capacity to avoid crowding outside metro stations and at bus stops: Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia <a href="https://t.co/eLTDqQRPQU">pic.twitter.com/eLTDqQRPQU</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1478275680747982848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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As a yellow alarm was sounded under the Graded Response Action Plan last week, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of schools, colleges, theatres, and gyms, as well as numerous restrictions on the operation of shops and public transportation (GRAP).

In the national capital, a night curfew has been imposed from 10 pm&nbsp;(formerly 11 pm) to 5 am

Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, who is chief minister of India’s state of Delhi, confirmed&nbsp;that he has contracted coronavirus. The leader has also isolated himself at home. &nbsp;

Not just this, the CM has asked people, who came in contact with him in last few days, to go into quarantine and get tested. &nbsp;

On Twitter, Kejriwal said, "I have tested positive for Covid. Mild symptoms. Have isolated myself at home. Those who came in touch wid (with) me in last few days, kindly isolate urself (yourself) and get urself tested." &nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 have increased in recent days, India's capital Delhi will implement a weekend curfew, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said during a news conference on Tuesday.

As cases of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 have increased in recent days, India's capital Delhi will implement a weekend curfew, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said during a news conference on Tuesday. He also stated that most businesses will be forced to have half of their workforce work from home. Buses and metro trains, on the other hand, will operate at full capacity, subject to severe COVID-19 safety regulations such as social distance and the wearing of masks, as these means of transportation have the potential to become super-spreaders. Important guidelines by the Delhi government Work from home for government offices Private offices will operate at half capacity. For the sake of convenience, the bus and metro will run at full capacity, but masks are required. The decision was made at the DDMA meeting. Government offices will also be able to work from home, with the exception of vital services. Buses and metro trains will again run at full seating capacity to avoid crowding outside metro stations and at bus stops: Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pic.twitter.com/eLTDqQRPQU — ANI (@ANI) January 4, 2022 × As a yellow alarm was sounded under the Graded Response Action Plan last week, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of schools, colleges, theatres, and gyms, as well as numerous restrictions on the operation of shops and public transportation (GRAP). In the national capital, a night curfew has been imposed from 10 pm (formerly 11 pm) to 5 am Meanwhile, Arvind Kejriwal, who is chief minister of India’s state of Delhi, confirmed that he has contracted coronavirus. The leader has also isolated himself at home. Not just this, the CM has asked people, who came in contact with him in last few days, to go into quarantine and get tested. On Twitter, Kejriwal said, "I have tested positive for Covid. Mild symptoms. Have isolated myself at home. Those who came in touch wid (with) me in last few days, kindly isolate urself (yourself) and get urself tested." (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron: India's national capital Delhi imposes weekend curfew amid rising COVID cases

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site.

Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season.

The massive flood of tourists, according to officials, has pushed up the COVID-19 positive rate, which reached 10% on Sunday.

"This is a royal welcome to the Covid wave," remarked a Twitter user who goes by the handle @Herman Gomes.

The majority of the visitors are tourists.

Hundreds of people were seen going down a road near Baga Beach in North Goa in the footage.&nbsp;

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This was Baga Beach in Goa ,last night. Please take the Covid scenario seriously. This is a Royal welcome to the Covid wave 👋 Mostly tourists. <a href="https://t.co/mcAdgpqFUO">pic.twitter.com/mcAdgpqFUO</a>
— HermanGomes_journo (@Herman_Gomes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Herman_Gomes/status/1477626585658245122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thousands of domestic tourists flocked to Goa to ring in the New Year at beaches, pubs, and nightclubs, despite the government's severe restrictions aimed at containing the latest strain of the coronavirus.

Hotels, restaurants, and casinos have been instructed by state officials to only accept visitors who have a valid vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test result.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site. Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season.

Despite the troubling Covid spike, a video shared widely on Twitter shows massive crowds at a famous Goa tourist site. Since the end of December, Goa has seen a considerable influx of tourists, with visitors flocking to the coastal state for the Christmas-New Year holiday season. The massive flood of tourists, according to officials, has pushed up the COVID-19 positive rate, which reached 10% on Sunday. "This is a royal welcome to the Covid wave," remarked a Twitter user who goes by the handle @Herman Gomes. The majority of the visitors are tourists. Hundreds of people were seen going down a road near Baga Beach in North Goa in the footage. This was Baga Beach in Goa ,last night. Please take the Covid scenario seriously. This is a Royal welcome to the Covid wave 👋 Mostly tourists. pic.twitter.com/mcAdgpqFUO — HermanGomes_journo (@Herman_Gomes) January 2, 2022 × Thousands of domestic tourists flocked to Goa to ring in the New Year at beaches, pubs, and nightclubs, despite the government's severe restrictions aimed at containing the latest strain of the coronavirus. Hotels, restaurants, and casinos have been instructed by state officials to only accept visitors who have a valid vaccination certificate or proof of a negative test result. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Tourists ignored the Omicron warning at Baga Beach in Goa

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children.<o:p></o:p>

New York State Department of Health has issued a warning regarding "an upward trend in pediatric hospitalizations associated with COVID-19".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-alpha-variant-has-learnt-how-to-evade-innate-immune-system-research-440242">Covid's Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research</a></o:p>

The US has been observing a rapid increase in Covid cases due to the new variant, Omicron, which is dubbed to be one of the most transmissible variants of coronavirus. The country has been recording nearly 190,000 new infections on a daily basis in the past week, as per the data provided by Johns Hopkins University.<o:p></o:p>

Omicron variant’s arrival coincided with the popular holiday season during which families travelled to meet friends and family, and Christmas parties were help. <o:p></o:p>

Due to the increased travel and social interactions in the country, and the new variant, New York City "identified four-fold increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions for children 18 and under beginning the week of December 5 through the current week".

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poll-reveals-62-of-unvaccinated-americans-intend-to-not-receive-covid-19-vaccine-440252">WATCH |</a>&nbsp;Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America</o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kids-sick-with-covid-are-filling-up-hospitals-in-america-440522/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The holiday season also increased the demand for Covid tests leading to a short supply. US pandemic expert and White House advisor, Anthony Fauci, also acknowledged the shortage of Covid tests. "One of the problems is that that's not going to be totally available to everyone until we get to January and there are still some issues now of people having trouble getting tested," Fauci told ABC News. "But we're addressing the testing problem."

This increase has coincided with the shortage in the supply of American blood banks. Some American organisations have claimed that the blood banks have very limited supply and it is constantly decreasing. “We simply like to keep three days of inventory,” Chris Hrouda, president of biomedical services at the American Red Cross, said in a local interview. “We’re struggling to keep one day.”&nbsp;

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children.

As the White House struggles to control the increasing spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in the US, New York has reported an alarming increase in hospitalisation of children. New York State Department of Health has issued a warning regarding "an upward trend in pediatric hospitalizations associated with COVID-19". Also read | Covid's Alpha variant has learnt how to evade innate immune system: Research The US has been observing a rapid increase in Covid cases due to the new variant, Omicron, which is dubbed to be one of the most transmissible variants of coronavirus. The country has been recording nearly 190,000 new infections on a daily basis in the past week, as per the data provided by Johns Hopkins University. Omicron variant’s arrival coincided with the popular holiday season during which families travelled to meet friends and family, and Christmas parties were help. Due to the increased travel and social interactions in the country, and the new variant, New York City "identified four-fold increases in COVID-19 hospital admissions for children 18 and under beginning the week of December 5 through the current week". WATCH | Gravitas: Kids sick with Covid are filling up hospitals in America The holiday season also increased the demand for Covid tests leading to a short supply. US pandemic expert and White House advisor, Anthony Fauci, also acknowledged the shortage of Covid tests. "One of the problems is that that's not going to be totally available to everyone until we get to January and there are still some issues now of people having trouble getting tested," Fauci told ABC News. "But we're addressing the testing problem." This increase has coincided with the shortage in the supply of American blood banks. Some American organisations have claimed that the blood banks have very limited supply and it is constantly decreasing. “We simply like to keep three days of inventory,” Chris Hrouda, president of biomedical services at the American Red Cross, said in a local interview. “We’re struggling to keep one day.”

Four-fold increase observed in hospitalisation of New York's children, amid Omicron spread

India has reported 6,531 new Covid infections on Tuesday morning and 315 deaths, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).<o:p></o:p>

Amid the fear of Omicron spread in the country, the tally for Omicron cases has increased to 653 on Tuesday morning, the health ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-covid-omicron-vaccine-travel-updates-440325">Live India Covid | Omicron, vaccine, travel updates</a>

<o:p></o:p>

The total number of tests done in the past 24 hours are 10,35,495. There are 75,456 total active Covid cases in India now. Active cases currently account for less than one per cent of the total cases, as it is currently at 0.22 per cent, which is the lowest since March 2020.<o:p></o:p>

Recovery rate is highest since March 2020, which currently is 98.40 per cent. There have been 6,450 recoveries in the last 24 hours, with total recoveries increasing to 3,42,43,945.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-government-issues-new-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-between-15-18-years-440551">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-government-issues-new-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-between-15-18-years-440551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Indian national capital city, New Delhi, reported 331 new Covid cases, one death, and 144 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the tally for active cases to 1,289. The city has also reported the highest number of Omicron cases in the country till now, i.e., 142. Keeping this in mind, authorities have reintroduced night curfew to curb the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Covid vaccination tally has increased by 7,287,547, taking the total number to 1,424,681,736.<o:p></o:p>

Tuesday morning also brought the news of BCCI President and former Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly also tested positive for COVID-19. He was admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, as per BCCI sources quoted by local media.<o:p></o:p>

India has reported 6,531 new Covid infections on Tuesday morning and 315 deaths, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Amid the fear of Omicron spread in the country, the tally for Omicron cases has increased to 653 on Tuesday morning, the health ministry said.

India has reported 6,531 new Covid infections on Tuesday morning and 315 deaths, as per the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Amid the fear of Omicron spread in the country, the tally for Omicron cases has increased to 653 on Tuesday morning, the health ministry said. Live India Covid | Omicron, vaccine, travel updates The total number of tests done in the past 24 hours are 10,35,495. There are 75,456 total active Covid cases in India now. Active cases currently account for less than one per cent of the total cases, as it is currently at 0.22 per cent, which is the lowest since March 2020. Recovery rate is highest since March 2020, which currently is 98.40 per cent. There have been 6,450 recoveries in the last 24 hours, with total recoveries increasing to 3,42,43,945. WATCH | Indian national capital city, New Delhi, reported 331 new Covid cases, one death, and 144 recoveries in the last 24 hours, taking the tally for active cases to 1,289. The city has also reported the highest number of Omicron cases in the country till now, i.e., 142. Keeping this in mind, authorities have reintroduced night curfew to curb the spread of Omicron variant of coronavirus. Meanwhile, Covid vaccination tally has increased by 7,287,547, taking the total number to 1,424,681,736. Tuesday morning also brought the news of BCCI President and former Indian cricket captain Saurav Ganguly also tested positive for COVID-19. He was admitted to hospital after testing positive for coronavirus, as per BCCI sources quoted by local media.

India reports 6,531 new Covid cases; Saurav Ganguly tests positive

While the US President is urging people to stay calm amid increase of coronavirus cases, US health authorities have recommended reducing the isolation time for people with asymptomatic Covid.<o:p></o:p>

Looking at the Christmas celebrations all over the country, experts had urged people to stay indoors and avoid parties and other large gatherings to avoid rapid spread of coronavirus.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-for-omicron-wave-some-hospitals-may-be-overrun-biden-440520">US prepared for Omicron wave, some hospitals may be 'overrun': Biden</a></o:p>

Meanwhile, Joe Biden warned people that looking at the current increase in Covid cases, the hospitals risk being ‘overrun’ by Covid patients. However, he also added that the country is prepared for another surge.<o:p></o:p>

While the comment was unclear back then, the latest recommendation has put some insight to it. The CDC experts have recommended cutting&nbsp;the isolation period from ten days to five for asymptomatic Covid patients. This would allow people to return back to work sooner, thus making sure labour shortages are not as grave as previous times.<o:p></o:p>

Experts have, however, added that the asymptomatic Covid patients should make sure they wear a mask for the next five days when around anyone else.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kids-sick-with-covid-are-filling-up-hospitals-in-america-440522">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kids-sick-with-covid-are-filling-up-hospitals-in-america-440522/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

CDC defended their move by saying that the new recommendations were ‘motivated by science’ as previous case studies have proved that the major transmission of Covid happened in the early days of the illness.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Joe Biden is trying to make sure that the locals do not react to Omicron the same way they did to the Delta variant. Last year, when the Covid started rapidly spreading through the country, Americans were worried which largely translated into heightened panic. This had an adverse effect on frontline workers, hospital resources and the unity of the country.<o:p></o:p>

Biden hopes that the same will not be repeated this year and people will be able to get through the incoming surge in a calmer way than before. "Omicron is a source of concern, but it should not be a source of panic," he said.<o:p></o:p>

While the US President is urging people to stay calm amid increase of coronavirus cases, US health authorities have recommended reducing the isolation time for people with asymptomatic Covid.

While the US President is urging people to stay calm amid increase of coronavirus cases, US health authorities have recommended reducing the isolation time for people with asymptomatic Covid. Looking at the Christmas celebrations all over the country, experts had urged people to stay indoors and avoid parties and other large gatherings to avoid rapid spread of coronavirus. Also read | US prepared for Omicron wave, some hospitals may be 'overrun': Biden Meanwhile, Joe Biden warned people that looking at the current increase in Covid cases, the hospitals risk being ‘overrun’ by Covid patients. However, he also added that the country is prepared for another surge. While the comment was unclear back then, the latest recommendation has put some insight to it. The CDC experts have recommended cutting the isolation period from ten days to five for asymptomatic Covid patients. This would allow people to return back to work sooner, thus making sure labour shortages are not as grave as previous times. Experts have, however, added that the asymptomatic Covid patients should make sure they wear a mask for the next five days when around anyone else. WATCH | CDC defended their move by saying that the new recommendations were ‘motivated by science’ as previous case studies have proved that the major transmission of Covid happened in the early days of the illness. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is trying to make sure that the locals do not react to Omicron the same way they did to the Delta variant. Last year, when the Covid started rapidly spreading through the country, Americans were worried which largely translated into heightened panic. This had an adverse effect on frontline workers, hospital resources and the unity of the country. Biden hopes that the same will not be repeated this year and people will be able to get through the incoming surge in a calmer way than before. "Omicron is a source of concern, but it should not be a source of panic," he said.

US experts halve isolation period for asymptomatic Covid patients, amid Omicron spread

India recorded a total of 6,531 new Covid cases on Tuesday morning, with a recovery rate of 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.<o:p></o:p>

On December 25 morning, India had reported 7,189 new Covid infections and 415 Omicron cases, out of which 115 had recovered or migrated.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-covid-omicron-vaccine-travel-updates-440325">LIVE Omicron Variant Updates: India approves 2 new Covid vaccines</a></o:p>

The day after Christmas, India reported nearly 6,987 new&nbsp;Covid infections and a total of 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus. Then, on December 27, India detected 415 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, Union health ministry’s data updated on Saturday.<o:p></o:p>

These new infection numbers may look bigger in the first glance but when compared to the data from the week before, the frenzy around it doesn’t add up. India has recorded nearly 46,000 total cases from December 20 to 26. However, this number has seen a decline from 49,000 that India observed in the week before December 20.<o:p></o:p>

If the total number of new Covid cases, Omicron infections and improving recovery rate tell us something, it is that there is a chance the new variant is being portrayed as a bigger threat than it really is and that is translating into panic.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-government-issues-new-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-between-15-18-years-440551">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-government-issues-new-guidelines-for-covid-19-vaccination-of-children-between-15-18-years-440551/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The recovery rate of Covid patients in India has improved by 6,450 and currently stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Even the number of active cases of coronavirus have seen a decline of at least 385 in India.<o:p></o:p>

In addition to a decline in Covid cases, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently announced that India will soon start administering ‘precautionary doses’ for people above the age of 60 and frontline workers. Young children, too, will now receive the Covid vaccines.<o:p></o:p>

While the western countries struggle to control the wide spread surge of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant, India has been able to skip the wrath of the new variant till now due to the preparedness of the Government of India. <o:p></o:p>

India has also approved two more Covid vaccines and one anti-viral drug in a single day, helping health authorities speed up the vaccination programmes across the country.<o:p></o:p>

India recorded a total of 6,531 new Covid cases on Tuesday morning, with a recovery rate of 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. On December 25 morning, India had reported 7,189 new Covid infections and 415 Omicron cases, out of which 115 had recovered or migrated.

India recorded a total of 6,531 new Covid cases on Tuesday morning, with a recovery rate of 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. On December 25 morning, India had reported 7,189 new Covid infections and 415 Omicron cases, out of which 115 had recovered or migrated. LIVE Omicron Variant Updates: India approves 2 new Covid vaccines The day after Christmas, India reported nearly 6,987 new Covid infections and a total of 422 cases of the new variant of coronavirus. Then, on December 27, India detected 415 cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19, out of which 115 have recovered or migrated, Union health ministry’s data updated on Saturday. These new infection numbers may look bigger in the first glance but when compared to the data from the week before, the frenzy around it doesn’t add up. India has recorded nearly 46,000 total cases from December 20 to 26. However, this number has seen a decline from 49,000 that India observed in the week before December 20. If the total number of new Covid cases, Omicron infections and improving recovery rate tell us something, it is that there is a chance the new variant is being portrayed as a bigger threat than it really is and that is translating into panic. WATCH | The recovery rate of Covid patients in India has improved by 6,450 and currently stands at 98.40 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. Even the number of active cases of coronavirus have seen a decline of at least 385 in India. In addition to a decline in Covid cases, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently announced that India will soon start administering ‘precautionary doses’ for people above the age of 60 and frontline workers. Young children, too, will now receive the Covid vaccines. While the western countries struggle to control the wide spread surge of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant, India has been able to skip the wrath of the new variant till now due to the preparedness of the Government of India. India has also approved two more Covid vaccines and one anti-viral drug in a single day, helping health authorities speed up the vaccination programmes across the country.

While West struggles to control Omicron surge, India's covid tally tells a different story

In the United States, more than 204 million people are fully vaccinated, but that’s still only 62 per cent&nbsp;of the population, much lower than in most other wealthy countries.

At the county level, vaccination rates range from about 83&nbsp;per cent in places like Montgomery County, Maryland, a populous area just outside Washington, D.C., to around 15&nbsp;per cent in rural places like McPherson County in northern South Dakota.

As the omicron variant surges, and experts say that vaccinations strongly protect against severe illness, US public health officials are closely examining ways to reach the least-vaccinated areas. But the roadblocks are not the same everywhere. Some clearly have to do with politics: Republican-leaning areas have generally been vaccine laggards. But pockets of the country can have their own quirks unrelated to partisanship.

Here is a look at the challenges faced by three counties where, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, vaccination rates are among the lowest in the nation. (State figures for those counties may vary from the CDC data because of differences in methodology, reporting lags and other factors.)

LaGrange County, Indiana

Resistance to vaccines is not new in LaGrange County, a rural area along Indiana’s border with Michigan. Just 22&nbsp;per cent of residents are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and, according to Dr. Tony Pechin, the county health officer, only 15&nbsp;per cent of children in the county are up-to-date on standard vaccines by the age of 2.

Pechin said that he had encountered the usual conspiracy theories about vaccines, and that even some longtime patients would not heed his advice to get the shots.

But the most important factor, he said, is that about half the county’s 40,000 residents are Amish, a group that overwhelmingly rejects the vaccines. Among non-Amish residents, he said, the vaccination rate is 45 per cent-48 per cent.

Pechin said that a pharmacy frequented by Amish residents was among the first in LaGrange County to receive doses but had vaccinated just eight people in six months.

The state health commissioner sent a delegation to meet with Amish leaders in the spring, and the CDC sent another over the summer.

“When they were done,” Pechin said of the envoys, “they called me and just said, ‘Good luck, Tony.’ ”

Cameron Parish, Louisiana

When Hurricane Laura made landfall near Cameron Parish in August 2020, many residents left damaged homes behind and took refuge inland — and have yet to return.

According to the CDC, the vaccination rate is just 17 per cent. But Louisiana health officials say that those figures do not take account of the population shift.

“Although the numbers look awful, they’re not as bad as they appear, because of an outflux of people due to the natural disasters,” said Dr. Lacey Cavanaugh, a regional health officer for the Louisiana Department of Health.

But if the statistics were calculated to reflect the current populations of Cameron Parish and others ravaged by recent storms, she said, they would probably still show vaccination rates below national averages. Laura destroyed much of the parish’s limited health infrastructure, so for months, health officials administered vaccines in a tent in a hospital parking lot. And for residents consumed by the work of repairing homes and businesses, getting vaccinated fell low on the priority list.

State health officials have worked to bring vaccines directly to disaster recovery events, and advised residents that getting sick with COVID-19 could make the road back even harder.

“Once you’re protected” from the virus, Cavanaugh said, “that’s one less thing for you to worry about.”

Winston County, Alabama

A rural county with a history of going its own way — it refused to join Alabama in seceding from the Union during the Civil War — faces many of the challenges that have hampered the state’s vaccine uptake.

Vaccine misinformation is still spreading on social media, said Dr. Karen Landers, a regional officer with the state’s Public Health Department, despite months of efforts with local leaders, faith-based organizations and pharmacies. The county’s vaccination rate has stalled at around 21 per cent, according to the CDC.

Persuading young people that they are vulnerable to the disease and need a vaccine can be a particularly acute problem, Landers said. But she said she remained determined: “We know that not everyone will listen to us, but that does not alleviate our responsibility.”

In the United States, more than 204 million people are fully vaccinated, but that’s still only 62 per cent of the population, much lower than in most other wealthy countries.

In the United States, more than 204 million people are fully vaccinated, but that’s still only 62 per cent of the population, much lower than in most other wealthy countries. At the county level, vaccination rates range from about 83 per cent in places like Montgomery County, Maryland, a populous area just outside Washington, D.C., to around 15 per cent in rural places like McPherson County in northern South Dakota. As the omicron variant surges, and experts say that vaccinations strongly protect against severe illness, US public health officials are closely examining ways to reach the least-vaccinated areas. But the roadblocks are not the same everywhere. Some clearly have to do with politics: Republican-leaning areas have generally been vaccine laggards. But pockets of the country can have their own quirks unrelated to partisanship. Here is a look at the challenges faced by three counties where, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, vaccination rates are among the lowest in the nation. (State figures for those counties may vary from the CDC data because of differences in methodology, reporting lags and other factors.) LaGrange County, Indiana Resistance to vaccines is not new in LaGrange County, a rural area along Indiana’s border with Michigan. Just 22 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and, according to Dr. Tony Pechin, the county health officer, only 15 per cent of children in the county are up-to-date on standard vaccines by the age of 2. Pechin said that he had encountered the usual conspiracy theories about vaccines, and that even some longtime patients would not heed his advice to get the shots. But the most important factor, he said, is that about half the county’s 40,000 residents are Amish, a group that overwhelmingly rejects the vaccines. Among non-Amish residents, he said, the vaccination rate is 45 per cent-48 per cent. Pechin said that a pharmacy frequented by Amish residents was among the first in LaGrange County to receive doses but had vaccinated just eight people in six months. The state health commissioner sent a delegation to meet with Amish leaders in the spring, and the CDC sent another over the summer. “When they were done,” Pechin said of the envoys, “they called me and just said, ‘Good luck, Tony.’ ” Cameron Parish, Louisiana When Hurricane Laura made landfall near Cameron Parish in August 2020, many residents left damaged homes behind and took refuge inland — and have yet to return. According to the CDC, the vaccination rate is just 17 per cent. But Louisiana health officials say that those figures do not take account of the population shift. “Although the numbers look awful, they’re not as bad as they appear, because of an outflux of people due to the natural disasters,” said Dr. Lacey Cavanaugh, a regional health officer for the Louisiana Department of Health. But if the statistics were calculated to reflect the current populations of Cameron Parish and others ravaged by recent storms, she said, they would probably still show vaccination rates below national averages. Laura destroyed much of the parish’s limited health infrastructure, so for months, health officials administered vaccines in a tent in a hospital parking lot. And for residents consumed by the work of repairing homes and businesses, getting vaccinated fell low on the priority list. State health officials have worked to bring vaccines directly to disaster recovery events, and advised residents that getting sick with COVID-19 could make the road back even harder. “Once you’re protected” from the virus, Cavanaugh said, “that’s one less thing for you to worry about.” Winston County, Alabama A rural county with a history of going its own way — it refused to join Alabama in seceding from the Union during the Civil War — faces many of the challenges that have hampered the state’s vaccine uptake. Vaccine misinformation is still spreading on social media, said Dr. Karen Landers, a regional officer with the state’s Public Health Department, despite months of efforts with local leaders, faith-based organizations and pharmacies. The county’s vaccination rate has stalled at around 21 per cent, according to the CDC. Persuading young people that they are vulnerable to the disease and need a vaccine can be a particularly acute problem, Landers said. But she said she remained determined: “We know that not everyone will listen to us, but that does not alleviate our responsibility.”

Where vaccination rates are low in the US, reasons vary

A few hours after reporting the highest number of daily infections, Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has now recorded its first Omicron-related death.

<o:p>Australia, on Monday morning, reported more than 10,000 Covid cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Out of these,&nbsp;6,324 cases were from New South Wales, with 55 in intensive care among 520 people in hospital.</o:p>

The first Omicron death was of a local man in his 80s and was fully vaccinated. He, reportedly,&nbsp;had underlying health conditions. "This was the first known death in New South Wales (state) linked to the Omicron variant of concern," said NSW Health epidemiologist Christine Selvey in a video released by the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-australias-most-populous-state-reports-record-cases-440124">Omicron update: Australia’s most populous state reports record cases</a>

Australia has been following strict Covid regulations for the past two years, since the coronavirus pandemic took over the world. After almost two years, the country was now inching towards relaxing some restrictions. However, authorities had to soon reimpose all Covid curbs as the new variant started spreading in the country.<o:p></o:p>

Omicron variant, which has been dubbed as the most transmissible variant of coronavirus, has been rapidly spreading through the island country. It is also believed that the increase in cases happened as domestic travel restrictions were lifted and more people were able to return to the state. This, many believe, led to an increase in the number of Covid cases in New South Wales.<o:p></o:p>

The man who became the first victim to be consumed by the Omicron variant was among the six Covid deaths reported in the country on the previous day. Out of these six, this man was the only one who was suffering from Omicron variant of the deadly coronavirus.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poll-reveals-62-of-unvaccinated-americans-intend-to-not-receive-covid-19-vaccine-440252">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/60-per-cent-of-young-unvaccinated-americans-have-no-plans-of-getting-the-jab-states-poll-440225/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, authorities are not reimposing stricter Covid regulations yet as experts have observed that even with an increase in number of cases, hospitalisation rate has not seen a huge increase. "Although we are seeing increased case numbers... we are not seeing the impacts on our hospital system," said Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of Queensland which reported 784 new cases with four people in hospital.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, wearing face mask when stepping outdoors has been made compulsory in New South Wales. In addition to this, from Monday, people can get entry into any public venue only after showing the QR code.

(With inputs from agencies)

A few hours after reporting the highest number of daily infections, Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has now recorded its first Omicron-related death.

A few hours after reporting the highest number of daily infections, Australia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has now recorded its first Omicron-related death. Australia, on Monday morning, reported more than 10,000 Covid cases for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began. Out of these, 6,324 cases were from New South Wales, with 55 in intensive care among 520 people in hospital. The first Omicron death was of a local man in his 80s and was fully vaccinated. He, reportedly, had underlying health conditions. "This was the first known death in New South Wales (state) linked to the Omicron variant of concern," said NSW Health epidemiologist Christine Selvey in a video released by the government. Also read | Omicron update: Australia’s most populous state reports record cases Australia has been following strict Covid regulations for the past two years, since the coronavirus pandemic took over the world. After almost two years, the country was now inching towards relaxing some restrictions. However, authorities had to soon reimpose all Covid curbs as the new variant started spreading in the country. Omicron variant, which has been dubbed as the most transmissible variant of coronavirus, has been rapidly spreading through the island country. It is also believed that the increase in cases happened as domestic travel restrictions were lifted and more people were able to return to the state. This, many believe, led to an increase in the number of Covid cases in New South Wales. The man who became the first victim to be consumed by the Omicron variant was among the six Covid deaths reported in the country on the previous day. Out of these six, this man was the only one who was suffering from Omicron variant of the deadly coronavirus. WATCH | However, authorities are not reimposing stricter Covid regulations yet as experts have observed that even with an increase in number of cases, hospitalisation rate has not seen a huge increase. "Although we are seeing increased case numbers... we are not seeing the impacts on our hospital system," said Annastacia Palaszczuk, premier of Queensland which reported 784 new cases with four people in hospital. Meanwhile, wearing face mask when stepping outdoors has been made compulsory in New South Wales. In addition to this, from Monday, people can get entry into any public venue only after showing the QR code. (With inputs from agencies)

NSW reports first Omicron death as Australia sees 10,000 Covid cases for first time

While scientists still rush to find out the symptoms of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, users of UK’s Zoe Covid app have reported symptoms like common cold.<o:p></o:p>

Some of the most common symptoms reported by users of this Zoe Covid app are runny nose, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing and more. This data on symptoms has been collected from confirmed cases of Omicron patients.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-omicron-cases-surge-17-million-people-in-the-uk-had-covid-last-week-439765">As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week</a></o:p>

These symptoms match the common cold symptoms but had not been added in the list of Omicron symptoms by the UK government.<o:p></o:p>

As of now, the UK government has mentioned high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss of change or smell as the main symptoms. The government has urged people to self-isolate and get themselves tested if they observe any of these three symptoms.<o:p></o:p>

Zoe app's analysis was supported by the Sage committee of scientific advisers&nbsp;who said there is "preliminary evidence" of changes in Omicron variant's symptoms and loss of smell or taste "seem to be reported less frequently".

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/some-christmas-cheer-hospitalization-risk-for-omicron-patients-40-45-lower-than-delta-variant-439674">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/some-christmas-cheer-hospitalization-risk-for-omicron-patients-40-45-lower-than-delta-variant-439674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Zoe data clearly shows that the most important symptoms are no longer a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of taste or smell," Prof Tim Spector, lead scientist on the Zoe Covid study said. "For most people, an Omicron positive case will feel much more like the common cold, starting with a sore throat, runny nose&nbsp;and a headache. You only need to ask a friend who has recently tested positive to find this out."<o:p></o:p>

He has urged the Boris Johnson-led government to change the public messaging as soon as possible and help save those people who are assuming they have common cold, but might be infected with the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

"We need to change public messaging urgently to save lives as half of people with cold-like symptoms now have Covid," he told news agency PA.<o:p></o:p>

While scientists still rush to find out the symptoms of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, users of UK’s Zoe Covid app have reported symptoms like common cold. Some of the most common symptoms reported by users of this Zoe Covid app are runny nose, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing and more.

While scientists still rush to find out the symptoms of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, users of UK’s Zoe Covid app have reported symptoms like common cold. Some of the most common symptoms reported by users of this Zoe Covid app are runny nose, headaches, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing and more. This data on symptoms has been collected from confirmed cases of Omicron patients. Also read | As Omicron cases surge, 1.7 million people in the UK had Covid last week These symptoms match the common cold symptoms but had not been added in the list of Omicron symptoms by the UK government. As of now, the UK government has mentioned high temperature, a new, continuous cough and loss of change or smell as the main symptoms. The government has urged people to self-isolate and get themselves tested if they observe any of these three symptoms. Zoe app's analysis was supported by the Sage committee of scientific advisers who said there is "preliminary evidence" of changes in Omicron variant's symptoms and loss of smell or taste "seem to be reported less frequently". WATCH | "Zoe data clearly shows that the most important symptoms are no longer a new continuous cough, a high temperature or loss of taste or smell," Prof Tim Spector, lead scientist on the Zoe Covid study said. "For most people, an Omicron positive case will feel much more like the common cold, starting with a sore throat, runny nose and a headache. You only need to ask a friend who has recently tested positive to find this out." He has urged the Boris Johnson-led government to change the public messaging as soon as possible and help save those people who are assuming they have common cold, but might be infected with the deadly coronavirus. "We need to change public messaging urgently to save lives as half of people with cold-like symptoms now have Covid," he told news agency PA.

Symptoms of Omicron same like common cold, UK experts reveal

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020.

“The situation is different this time, and because of that, we’re taking different measures,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this week, adding that he understood his people had grown impatient with the pandemic and that he was “fully aware of the fatigue.”

Across Europe, that fatigue is as palpable as the dampened Christmas spirit. The fatigue of another named variant of the coronavirus and another wave of infections. The fatigue of another grim year watching New Year’s Eve gatherings get canceled or curtailed, one by one.

But along with the exhaustion, another feeling is taking root: that the coronavirus will not be eradicated with vaccines or lockdowns, but has become something endemic that people must learn to live with, maybe for years to come.

“We’re tired, we’re inoculated and it’s not going anywhere,” said Caroline Orieux, who, despite surging COVID cases, had visited Paris with her nephews and nieces for a few days of vacation.

This week, the rough outlines of how Europe might manage its latest outbreak were taking shape, at least for now, driven by everything from politics to people’s desperation to move on, especially at Christmas. Full lockdowns have mainly given way to less intrusive — and less protective — measures.

Spain kept a light touch, issuing limited new requirements Thursday, like mandating masks outdoors and increasing the vaccination drive.

Even Italy, which suffered a particularly cruel first wave, introduced new rules Thursday that were far less rigid than those imposed during its worst days, shortening the time frame that health passes remained valid, making third shots indispensable; banning large outdoor events until the end of January; and opting for an outdoor mask mandate.

“Vaccines are and remain a fundamental weapon,” said Roberto Speranza, Italy’s health minister.

Beyond that, there is growing evidence that the new variant is more mild, at least for those who are vaccinated. Three studies — in South Africa, England and Scotland — all suggested that while the variant is more contagious, it likely results in a more mild illness.

And vaccines appear to be doing their jobs — reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, according to recent studies.

Still, not everyone agrees with a scaled-down approach to fighting the virus, and it remains unclear if that notion will survive the possible omicron crush of hospitalizations that many scientists fear. Even if most cases are mild, they argue, omicron’s quick-fire spread could still lead to huge caseloads and overwhelming hospital admissions.

Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health in Geneva, said France’s strategy — which went little beyond health passes and had stopped short of imposing stricter measures like bar closures — was nowhere near what was needed to stave off a wave of omicron cases.

“I think it’s not the most successful one from a health perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective,” he said, noting that a surge of new infections could disrupt health services as well as the country’s manufacturing and supply capacities.

Giovanni Maga, director of the Institute of Molecular Genetics at Italy’s National Council for Research, noted that while hospitalizations were five times lower than they were last year — largely thanks to vaccines — that does not mean that the country is out of the woods.

“As omicron is more infectious, contagions will rise,” he said.

Yet as the pandemic drags on, scientists are often losing out to politicians. And in the political and economic calculus that has become the core of public health messaging for weeks now, the Christmas season has loomed large.

Switzerland recently backtracked on travel restrictions to try to salvage a winter tourism season that is a cornerstone of its economy. In late November, it issued quarantine orders for travelers from Britain, the Netherlands and other countries where omicron had spread — only to remove them, even as cases rose.

On Monday, the country also removed a requirement that travelers test after arriving, though it still requires negative tests before travel.

Asseghid Dinberu, marketing director of the Victoria Hotel in the Swiss ski resort of Villars, said the Christmas season was feeling like “a lucky escape,” with only six of the hotel’s 138 rooms still vacant for Christmas Day, and the hotel fully booked for New Year’s.

“I’m glad that Switzerland has finally opted for a very pragmatic approach that will allow us to benefit economically compared to other countries,” he said.

Germany is coming out of a dramatic fourth wave that began in November, and although it is bracing for a wave of omicron infections, government officials have played down the possibility of a surge in infections around Christmas gatherings. Many see that as an attempt to spare Germans from restrictions before their most important holiday.

“At the moment, we are in a strange interval,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday at a news conference. “The measures we put into place at the end of November are working.”

However, just before Scholz and state governors met to hammer out new measures this week, the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called for strict lockdown measures to start immediately. The government did not adopt the measures.

(STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.)

The many conflicting messages have caused confusion among Europeans pining for the ease of Christmases past. Some carried on despite pangs of anxiety.

“I worry a bit because we don’t know much about omicron,” Susanne Sesterer, 63, a retiree in Hanover, Germany, said on Thursday as she was doing her last shopping before Christmas. “But how much worse can it get?”

Others were giving up.

Dorotea Belli, a 42-year-old Italian who has had two vaccine doses, said she would not go to a family gathering for Christmas and instead stay home in Rome. Many of her colleagues had tested positive for the virus, she said, and her children, 4 and 1, are not eligible for vaccination.

“They and I will miss my parents very much,” she said. “But I don’t want to bring COVID around, and even if my husband and I are vaccinated, who knows?”

Spain’s calculus on new restrictions is not only factoring in the all-important holidays, but also legal barriers that emerged after measures taken by the government in 2020.

In July, Spain’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government did not have the authority to impose the lockdown measures that began in March 2020, which restricted Spaniards from leaving their homes except for essential trips like food shopping. Instead, the judges said, the measures required a full parliamentary vote, which few see passing with a majority in the future given how controversial the previous restrictions were.

“The government has its hands tied now,” said Luis Galán Soldevilla, a law professor at the University of Córdoba.

Spain’s lighter measures announced Thursday received criticism from some sectors, like the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration, a group that includes many health professionals.

“These measures don’t help much,” said Ildefonso Hernández, the group’s spokesman, saying limiting capacity indoors would be more effective. “It makes no sense that people walk the street with a mask and then take it off when they enter a bar.”

In Madrid, residents were charging ahead with their Christmas plans, despite the rising caseload and risks.

Fernando Sánchez, 55, a taxi driver, lost his mother and brother to COVID-19 six months ago. Nevertheless, he was unwilling to cancel his Christmas plans, which this year take place at the home of his in-laws, much as they had before the pandemic.

Antonio Jesús Navarro, 33, a software engineer, had been looking forward to spending Christmas with his girlfriend, who had traveled to Spain for the holidays from the United States. The two had not seen each other since before the pandemic began.

But then Navarro learned he had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple were isolating until he could get his own test results. He said he was frustrated with public messaging on how to stay safe from omicron.

“Is an antigen test acceptable?” he said by telephone. “What happens if there are no symptoms?”

Hours later, Navarro called back to say he and his girlfriend had tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020.

COVID-19 infections were rising all across Spain, but the message from the country’s leader was clear: The government was not entering 2022 with the restrictions of 2020. “The situation is different this time, and because of that, we’re taking different measures,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said this week, adding that he understood his people had grown impatient with the pandemic and that he was “fully aware of the fatigue.” Across Europe, that fatigue is as palpable as the dampened Christmas spirit. The fatigue of another named variant of the coronavirus and another wave of infections. The fatigue of another grim year watching New Year’s Eve gatherings get canceled or curtailed, one by one. But along with the exhaustion, another feeling is taking root: that the coronavirus will not be eradicated with vaccines or lockdowns, but has become something endemic that people must learn to live with, maybe for years to come. “We’re tired, we’re inoculated and it’s not going anywhere,” said Caroline Orieux, who, despite surging COVID cases, had visited Paris with her nephews and nieces for a few days of vacation. This week, the rough outlines of how Europe might manage its latest outbreak were taking shape, at least for now, driven by everything from politics to people’s desperation to move on, especially at Christmas. Full lockdowns have mainly given way to less intrusive — and less protective — measures. Spain kept a light touch, issuing limited new requirements Thursday, like mandating masks outdoors and increasing the vaccination drive. Even Italy, which suffered a particularly cruel first wave, introduced new rules Thursday that were far less rigid than those imposed during its worst days, shortening the time frame that health passes remained valid, making third shots indispensable; banning large outdoor events until the end of January; and opting for an outdoor mask mandate. “Vaccines are and remain a fundamental weapon,” said Roberto Speranza, Italy’s health minister. Beyond that, there is growing evidence that the new variant is more mild, at least for those who are vaccinated. Three studies — in South Africa, England and Scotland — all suggested that while the variant is more contagious, it likely results in a more mild illness. And vaccines appear to be doing their jobs — reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalization, according to recent studies. Still, not everyone agrees with a scaled-down approach to fighting the virus, and it remains unclear if that notion will survive the possible omicron crush of hospitalizations that many scientists fear. Even if most cases are mild, they argue, omicron’s quick-fire spread could still lead to huge caseloads and overwhelming hospital admissions. Antoine Flahault, director of the Institute of Global Health in Geneva, said France’s strategy — which went little beyond health passes and had stopped short of imposing stricter measures like bar closures — was nowhere near what was needed to stave off a wave of omicron cases. “I think it’s not the most successful one from a health perspective, but also from a social and economic perspective,” he said, noting that a surge of new infections could disrupt health services as well as the country’s manufacturing and supply capacities. Giovanni Maga, director of the Institute of Molecular Genetics at Italy’s National Council for Research, noted that while hospitalizations were five times lower than they were last year — largely thanks to vaccines — that does not mean that the country is out of the woods. “As omicron is more infectious, contagions will rise,” he said. Yet as the pandemic drags on, scientists are often losing out to politicians. And in the political and economic calculus that has become the core of public health messaging for weeks now, the Christmas season has loomed large. Switzerland recently backtracked on travel restrictions to try to salvage a winter tourism season that is a cornerstone of its economy. In late November, it issued quarantine orders for travelers from Britain, the Netherlands and other countries where omicron had spread — only to remove them, even as cases rose. On Monday, the country also removed a requirement that travelers test after arriving, though it still requires negative tests before travel. Asseghid Dinberu, marketing director of the Victoria Hotel in the Swiss ski resort of Villars, said the Christmas season was feeling like “a lucky escape,” with only six of the hotel’s 138 rooms still vacant for Christmas Day, and the hotel fully booked for New Year’s. “I’m glad that Switzerland has finally opted for a very pragmatic approach that will allow us to benefit economically compared to other countries,” he said. Germany is coming out of a dramatic fourth wave that began in November, and although it is bracing for a wave of omicron infections, government officials have played down the possibility of a surge in infections around Christmas gatherings. Many see that as an attempt to spare Germans from restrictions before their most important holiday. “At the moment, we are in a strange interval,” Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday at a news conference. “The measures we put into place at the end of November are working.” However, just before Scholz and state governors met to hammer out new measures this week, the Robert Koch Institute, Germany’s equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, called for strict lockdown measures to start immediately. The government did not adopt the measures. (STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.) The many conflicting messages have caused confusion among Europeans pining for the ease of Christmases past. Some carried on despite pangs of anxiety. “I worry a bit because we don’t know much about omicron,” Susanne Sesterer, 63, a retiree in Hanover, Germany, said on Thursday as she was doing her last shopping before Christmas. “But how much worse can it get?” Others were giving up. Dorotea Belli, a 42-year-old Italian who has had two vaccine doses, said she would not go to a family gathering for Christmas and instead stay home in Rome. Many of her colleagues had tested positive for the virus, she said, and her children, 4 and 1, are not eligible for vaccination. “They and I will miss my parents very much,” she said. “But I don’t want to bring COVID around, and even if my husband and I are vaccinated, who knows?” Spain’s calculus on new restrictions is not only factoring in the all-important holidays, but also legal barriers that emerged after measures taken by the government in 2020. In July, Spain’s Constitutional Court ruled that the government did not have the authority to impose the lockdown measures that began in March 2020, which restricted Spaniards from leaving their homes except for essential trips like food shopping. Instead, the judges said, the measures required a full parliamentary vote, which few see passing with a majority in the future given how controversial the previous restrictions were. “The government has its hands tied now,” said Luis Galán Soldevilla, a law professor at the University of Córdoba. Spain’s lighter measures announced Thursday received criticism from some sectors, like the Spanish Society of Public Health and Health Administration, a group that includes many health professionals. “These measures don’t help much,” said Ildefonso Hernández, the group’s spokesman, saying limiting capacity indoors would be more effective. “It makes no sense that people walk the street with a mask and then take it off when they enter a bar.” In Madrid, residents were charging ahead with their Christmas plans, despite the rising caseload and risks. Fernando Sánchez, 55, a taxi driver, lost his mother and brother to COVID-19 six months ago. Nevertheless, he was unwilling to cancel his Christmas plans, which this year take place at the home of his in-laws, much as they had before the pandemic. Antonio Jesús Navarro, 33, a software engineer, had been looking forward to spending Christmas with his girlfriend, who had traveled to Spain for the holidays from the United States. The two had not seen each other since before the pandemic began. But then Navarro learned he had come into contact with someone who had tested positive for the coronavirus. The couple were isolating until he could get his own test results. He said he was frustrated with public messaging on how to stay safe from omicron. “Is an antigen test acceptable?” he said by telephone. “What happens if there are no symptoms?” Hours later, Navarro called back to say he and his girlfriend had tested positive for COVID-19.

Europeans ponder living with, not defeating, Covid

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