One of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus is loss of the sense of smell and taste.&nbsp;A new research has now revealed the reason behind this loss of smell and taste.

Experts believe that the symptom of loss of smell is one of the most distinct symptom of the novel coronavirus, rather than cough, cold or fever.

Coronavirus, experts believe, latch onto cells via an enzyme known as ACE2 as an entry point to the human body. This makes&nbsp;cells containing this enzyme the most vulnerable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-headache-vomiting-and-more-added-to-list-of-symptoms-in-india-311077">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Headache, vomiting and more added to list of symptoms in India</a>

Till now it was believed that the virus directly attacked the sensory neurons. However, a new study by the Harvard University has revealed that the enzyme ACE2 is instead found in cells providing “metabolic and structural support” to those olfactory sensory neurons and to some stem and blood vessel cells.

“Our findings indicate that the novel coronavirus changes the sense of smell in patients not by directly infecting neurons but by affecting the function of supporting cells,” said senior study author Sandeep Robert Datta, associate professor of neurobiology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard, in a statement.

The study was published in a journal titled Science Advances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-has-now-begun-to-show-newer-symptoms-and-syndromes-298424">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19 has now begun to show newer symptoms and syndromes</a>

The study reveals that the olfactory sensory neurons do not have the genetic mechanism to encode the ACE2 receptor protein. This means that the virus cannot grab onto something and permanently damage it.

In simpler words, when a COVID-19 patient loses sense of smell and taste, the senses will come back once the patient recovers. The loss of smell and taste will not be permanent.

It means that a coronavirus infection most likely will not permanently damage sense of smell, Datta said.

“I think it’s good news, because once the infection clears, olfactory neurons don’t appear to need to be replaced or rebuilt from scratch,” Datta said.

“Anosmia seems like a curious phenomenon, but it can be devastating for the small fraction of people in whom it’s persistent. It can have serious psychological consequences and could be a major public health problem if we have a growing population with permanent loss of smell.”

However, Datta has cautioned that this study has only been published in a peer-reviewed journal as of now and they need more clarity on the data. “We need more data and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms to confirm this conclusion,” he said.

One of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus is loss of the sense of smell and taste. A new research has now revealed the reason behind this loss of smell and taste.

One of the symptoms of the novel coronavirus is loss of the sense of smell and taste. A new research has now revealed the reason behind this loss of smell and taste. Experts believe that the symptom of loss of smell is one of the most distinct symptom of the novel coronavirus, rather than cough, cold or fever. Coronavirus, experts believe, latch onto cells via an enzyme known as ACE2 as an entry point to the human body. This makes cells containing this enzyme the most vulnerable. Also read| COVID 19: Headache, vomiting and more added to list of symptoms in India Till now it was believed that the virus directly attacked the sensory neurons. However, a new study by the Harvard University has revealed that the enzyme ACE2 is instead found in cells providing “metabolic and structural support” to those olfactory sensory neurons and to some stem and blood vessel cells. “Our findings indicate that the novel coronavirus changes the sense of smell in patients not by directly infecting neurons but by affecting the function of supporting cells,” said senior study author Sandeep Robert Datta, associate professor of neurobiology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard, in a statement. The study was published in a journal titled Science Advances. Also read| COVID-19 has now begun to show newer symptoms and syndromes The study reveals that the olfactory sensory neurons do not have the genetic mechanism to encode the ACE2 receptor protein. This means that the virus cannot grab onto something and permanently damage it. In simpler words, when a COVID-19 patient loses sense of smell and taste, the senses will come back once the patient recovers. The loss of smell and taste will not be permanent. It means that a coronavirus infection most likely will not permanently damage sense of smell, Datta said. “I think it’s good news, because once the infection clears, olfactory neurons don’t appear to need to be replaced or rebuilt from scratch,” Datta said. “Anosmia seems like a curious phenomenon, but it can be devastating for the small fraction of people in whom it’s persistent. It can have serious psychological consequences and could be a major public health problem if we have a growing population with permanent loss of smell.” However, Datta has cautioned that this study has only been published in a peer-reviewed journal as of now and they need more clarity on the data. “We need more data and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms to confirm this conclusion,” he said.

Loss of smell and taste not permanent in COVID-19: Harvard study

A serological survery has revealed that six out of ten people from Asia's biggest slum, Dharavi, can be identified as antibodies for the novel coronavirus.

The findings were revealed in a serological survey conducted in July from 6,936 people across three suburbs in Mumbai, India.

The survey reveals that more than half of the population has suffered and recovered from COVID-19. This is may be one of the highest population immunity levels known worldwide.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/half-of-mumbais-slum-residents-have-had-coronavirus-says-study-316613">Also read|&nbsp;Half of Mumbai's slum residents have had coronavirus, says study</a>

“Mumbai’s slums may have reached herd immunity,” said Jayaprakash Muliyil, chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee of India’s National Institute of Epidemiology, and the retired head of one of its premier medical colleges. “If people in Mumbai want a safe place to avoid infection, they should probably go there.”

The study was conducted by&nbsp;municipal authorities and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

This is being categorised as one of the biggest herd immunity groups in the world. In a 'herd immunity' approach, the disease is consciously allowed to run through the area and citizens to produce more antibodies. However, in the case of Dharavi, the approach was not consciously adopted.

Dharavi, located on the West Coast of India, houses nearly&nbsp;1,000,000 people from the lower-income groups. It is considered to be Asia's biggest slum and one of the most densely populated areas of the world.

When the coronavirus started to spread across the locality, it was predicted that it would be very difficult to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

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However, the steep decline in the number of positive cases tells a different story. First few cases in Dharavi were tested in the beginning of April and then the cases grew rapidly in numbers. However, in the last one month, the figures have decreased in a manner which can either be credited to an excellent response by the local bodies, or can be used as a proof that Dharavi has unknowingly reached herd immunity.

“One explanation is they did an excellent job containing it, the other is that herd immunity has been reached,” Muliyil said. “The virus does its work. The virus doesn’t worry about your quarantine and it is much more efficient than your efforts to contain it.”

Dharavi has only recorded nearly 253 coronavirus-related deaths till day, which can again contribute to the theory of herd immunity.

Experts also seem to believe that India's capital, New Delhi, may also be on its way to becoming another city with herd immunity as few studies earlier this month revealed that&nbsp;a quarter of the population had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

A serological survery has revealed that six out of ten people from Asia's biggest slum, Dharavi, can be identified as antibodies for the novel coronavirus. The findings were revealed in a serological survey conducted in July from 6,936 people across three suburbs in Mumbai, India.

A serological survery has revealed that six out of ten people from Asia's biggest slum, Dharavi, can be identified as antibodies for the novel coronavirus. The findings were revealed in a serological survey conducted in July from 6,936 people across three suburbs in Mumbai, India. The survey reveals that more than half of the population has suffered and recovered from COVID-19. This is may be one of the highest population immunity levels known worldwide. Also read| Half of Mumbai's slum residents have had coronavirus, says study “Mumbai’s slums may have reached herd immunity,” said Jayaprakash Muliyil, chairman of the Scientific Advisory Committee of India’s National Institute of Epidemiology, and the retired head of one of its premier medical colleges. “If people in Mumbai want a safe place to avoid infection, they should probably go there.” The study was conducted by municipal authorities and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. This is being categorised as one of the biggest herd immunity groups in the world. In a 'herd immunity' approach, the disease is consciously allowed to run through the area and citizens to produce more antibodies. However, in the case of Dharavi, the approach was not consciously adopted. Dharavi, located on the West Coast of India, houses nearly 1,000,000 people from the lower-income groups. It is considered to be Asia's biggest slum and one of the most densely populated areas of the world. When the coronavirus started to spread across the locality, it was predicted that it would be very difficult to contain the spread of the deadly virus. × However, the steep decline in the number of positive cases tells a different story. First few cases in Dharavi were tested in the beginning of April and then the cases grew rapidly in numbers. However, in the last one month, the figures have decreased in a manner which can either be credited to an excellent response by the local bodies, or can be used as a proof that Dharavi has unknowingly reached herd immunity. “One explanation is they did an excellent job containing it, the other is that herd immunity has been reached,” Muliyil said. “The virus does its work. The virus doesn’t worry about your quarantine and it is much more efficient than your efforts to contain it.” Dharavi has only recorded nearly 253 coronavirus-related deaths till day, which can again contribute to the theory of herd immunity. Experts also seem to believe that India's capital, New Delhi, may also be on its way to becoming another city with herd immunity as few studies earlier this month revealed that a quarter of the population had been exposed to the novel coronavirus.

Dharavi: Asia's biggest slum may have reached 'herd immunity' unknowingly

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump`s national security adviser(NSA)&nbsp;Robert O'Brien has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a source familiar with the situation said on Monday.

The White House has said staff is regularly tested for the virus, and O'Brien is the most senior official to be found positive amid the pandemic.

O’Brien has been isolating at home and working remotely after apparently contracting the virus at a family event, Bloomberg earlier reported citing unnamed sources.

Politico separately reported it was unclear how O’Brien was exposed to the virus or how much contact he had recently with Trump in person.

Representatives for the White House and the National Security Council could not be immediately reached for comment.

A US&nbsp;military member who works at the White House as a valet tested positive for coronavirus in May as did Vice President Mike Pence`s press secretary.

US President Donald Trump`s national security adviser(NSA) Robert O'Brien has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a source familiar with the situation said on Monday.

US President Donald Trump`s national security adviser(NSA) Robert O'Brien has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, a source familiar with the situation said on Monday. The White House has said staff is regularly tested for the virus, and O'Brien is the most senior official to be found positive amid the pandemic. O’Brien has been isolating at home and working remotely after apparently contracting the virus at a family event, Bloomberg earlier reported citing unnamed sources. Politico separately reported it was unclear how O’Brien was exposed to the virus or how much contact he had recently with Trump in person. Representatives for the White House and the National Security Council could not be immediately reached for comment. A US military member who works at the White House as a valet tested positive for coronavirus in May as did Vice President Mike Pence`s press secretary.

Trump's NSA Robert O'Brien tests positive for coronavirus

Pakistan's Punjab government on Monday imposed a 10-day long strict lockdown in the province of 110 million people to control the spread COVID-19 on Eidul Azha.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the decision to re-impose the lockdown in the province was taken to avoid a spike in the COVID-19 cases during Eid which will be celebrated on August 1.

"We had a bitter experience of spike in coronavirus cases two months ago during Eidul Fitr. We cannot afford this again during Eidul Azha," Buzdar told reporters.

Punjab had lifted the lockdown after its imposition on March 24.

For the first time, Punjab has reported zero deaths since the COVID-19 hit the country over four months ago. On Monday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country stood at over 92,000. In the country, the number of coronavirus cases reached around 275,000 with 5,853 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-virus-deaths-drop-but-government-warns-of-eid-spike-316130">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan virus deaths drop, but government warns of Eid spike</a>

All business centres, markets, educational and training institutes, marriage halls, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, amusement parks, playing areas and arcades, beauty parlours and spas will remain closed from July 27 midnight to August 5, the Punjab government said in a statement.

"There shall be a complete ban on sporting tournaments/matches (indoor and outdoor) except non-contact professional sports without spectators. All contact sports and indoor sports clubs/facilities shall remain closed. There will also be a complete ban on gatherings of all kinds for social, religious or any other purpose at any place, public or private.

"All retail shops, markets, shopping malls and plazas shall remain closed," the notification said, adding that pharmacies, postal services, petrol pumps and takeaway/home delivery for restaurants are allowed to operate for 24 hours.

Grocery stores, bakeries, corner shops, fruit and vegetable shops, meat and milk shops and tandoors will be allowed to operate from 6 am to 12 am while inter-city and inter-district public transport will be allowed to operate round-the-clock, it said.

Pakistan's Punjab government on Monday imposed a 10-day long strict lockdown in the province of 110 million people to control the spread COVID-19 on Eidul Azha. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the decision to re-impose the lockdown in the province was taken to avoid a spike in the COVID-19 cases during Eid which will be celebrated on August 1.

Pakistan's Punjab government on Monday imposed a 10-day long strict lockdown in the province of 110 million people to control the spread COVID-19 on Eidul Azha. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said the decision to re-impose the lockdown in the province was taken to avoid a spike in the COVID-19 cases during Eid which will be celebrated on August 1. "We had a bitter experience of spike in coronavirus cases two months ago during Eidul Fitr. We cannot afford this again during Eidul Azha," Buzdar told reporters. Punjab had lifted the lockdown after its imposition on March 24. For the first time, Punjab has reported zero deaths since the COVID-19 hit the country over four months ago. On Monday, the number of COVID-19 cases in the country stood at over 92,000. In the country, the number of coronavirus cases reached around 275,000 with 5,853 deaths. Also read: Pakistan virus deaths drop, but government warns of Eid spike All business centres, markets, educational and training institutes, marriage halls, restaurants, cinemas and theatres, amusement parks, playing areas and arcades, beauty parlours and spas will remain closed from July 27 midnight to August 5, the Punjab government said in a statement. "There shall be a complete ban on sporting tournaments/matches (indoor and outdoor) except non-contact professional sports without spectators. All contact sports and indoor sports clubs/facilities shall remain closed. There will also be a complete ban on gatherings of all kinds for social, religious or any other purpose at any place, public or private. "All retail shops, markets, shopping malls and plazas shall remain closed," the notification said, adding that pharmacies, postal services, petrol pumps and takeaway/home delivery for restaurants are allowed to operate for 24 hours. Grocery stores, bakeries, corner shops, fruit and vegetable shops, meat and milk shops and tandoors will be allowed to operate from 6 am to 12 am while inter-city and inter-district public transport will be allowed to operate round-the-clock, it said.

Pak's Punjab govt imposes 10-day lockdown to contain coronavirus

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai reached 1,09,096 after 1,115 cases were reported on Sunday, the civic body said.

The death toll in the Maharashtra capital&nbsp;grew by 57 to 6,090, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement.

As many as 1,361 patients recovered during the day, which took the number of discharged persons to 80,238 so far, it said.

There are 22,768 active COVID-19 cases in the country's financial capital.

Mumbai's recovery rate is 73 per cent and the doubling rate is 67 days, the civic body added.

Till July 25, as many as 4,78,825 tests were conducted.

There are 630 active containment zones in the city, where 6,018 buildings have been sealed to curb the spread of the infection.&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai reached 1,09,096 after 1,115 cases were reported on Sunday, the civic body said. The death toll in the Maharashtra capital grew by 57 to 6,090, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement.

The number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai reached 1,09,096 after 1,115 cases were reported on Sunday, the civic body said. The death toll in the Maharashtra capital grew by 57 to 6,090, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said in a statement. As many as 1,361 patients recovered during the day, which took the number of discharged persons to 80,238 so far, it said. There are 22,768 active COVID-19 cases in the country's financial capital. Mumbai's recovery rate is 73 per cent and the doubling rate is 67 days, the civic body added. Till July 25, as many as 4,78,825 tests were conducted. There are 630 active containment zones in the city, where 6,018 buildings have been sealed to curb the spread of the infection.

1,115 fresh COVID-19 cases recorded in Mumbai; 57 more die

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday.

According to government data, Pakistan saw daily virus deaths peak at about 150 in June. On Saturday, only 24 new fatalities were reported over the previous day.&nbsp;

Zafar Mirza, a senior health advisor for Prime Minister Imran Khan, told reporters about six percent of those being tested were positive for coronavirus.

"The number of deaths caused by coronavirus has dropped by 80 percent in Pakistan," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistanis-head-terror-groups-isil-k-aqis-ttp-not-yet-blacklisted-un-report-316034">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistanis head terror groups ISIL-K, AQIS, TTP; not yet blacklisted: UN report</a>

In all, Pakistan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases including nearly 5,800 deaths.

Some observers, however, warn the numbers do not reflect the true extent of cases in Pakistan, with many people reluctant to get tested and overall testing rates still low.&nbsp;

Faisal Sultan, who is helping lead the government's coronavirus response, said Sunday that only 23,000 out of an available 50,000 tests had been utilised in the previous 24 hours.&nbsp;

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a query about why the testing rate was so low.

Many people ignored social distancing guidelines and flocked to mosques and markets during the last religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan in May, helping fuel a subsequent surge in COVID-19 cases across Pakistan.

The increase prompted the World Health Organization to call for new lockdowns across Pakistan.

For the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival, which begins Friday in Pakistan, Mirza said people should not flock to animal markets and urged them to "buy sacrificial animals online to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases".

"Any negligence... could make the situation worse," he said

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday.

Pakistan has seen an 80-per cent drop in coronavirus deaths but risks a spike in new cases after the upcoming Eid festival, a government health official said Sunday. According to government data, Pakistan saw daily virus deaths peak at about 150 in June. On Saturday, only 24 new fatalities were reported over the previous day. Zafar Mirza, a senior health advisor for Prime Minister Imran Khan, told reporters about six percent of those being tested were positive for coronavirus. "The number of deaths caused by coronavirus has dropped by 80 percent in Pakistan," he said. Also read| Pakistanis head terror groups ISIL-K, AQIS, TTP; not yet blacklisted: UN report In all, Pakistan has confirmed more than 270,000 cases including nearly 5,800 deaths. Some observers, however, warn the numbers do not reflect the true extent of cases in Pakistan, with many people reluctant to get tested and overall testing rates still low. Faisal Sultan, who is helping lead the government's coronavirus response, said Sunday that only 23,000 out of an available 50,000 tests had been utilised in the previous 24 hours. The health ministry did not immediately respond to a query about why the testing rate was so low. Many people ignored social distancing guidelines and flocked to mosques and markets during the last religious holiday marking the end of Ramadan in May, helping fuel a subsequent surge in COVID-19 cases across Pakistan. The increase prompted the World Health Organization to call for new lockdowns across Pakistan. For the upcoming Eid al-Adha festival, which begins Friday in Pakistan, Mirza said people should not flock to animal markets and urged them to "buy sacrificial animals online to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases". "Any negligence... could make the situation worse," he said

Pakistan virus deaths drop, but government warns of Eid spike

Kerala recorded 927 fresh coronavirus cases, including 16 health workers on Sunday, taking the infection tally to 18,140.

The state capital reported 175 cases, followed by Kasaragod 107, Pathnamthitta 91 and Kollam 74, Health minister K K Shailaja said.

With two more deaths, the coronavirus toll in the state climbed to 61.

Two 71-year-old men from Thrissur and Malappuram, who had tested positive and were under treatment, succumbed to the disease, the minister said in a press release.

Of the positive cases, 76 had come from abroad and 91 from other states, while 733 were infected through contact.

The source of infection of 67 people is not yet known.

Presently, 9,655 are undergoing treatment for the infection, while 9,302 have recovered so far, including 689 discharged on Sunday.

As many as 1.56 lakh people are under observation in various districts, of whom 1.47 lakh are in home or institutional quarantine and 8,980 in hospitals, including 1,277 admitted today, the release said.

Kerala recorded 927 fresh coronavirus cases, including 16 health workers on Sunday, taking the infection tally to 18,140. The state capital reported 175 cases, followed by Kasaragod 107, Pathnamthitta 91 and Kollam 74, Health minister K K Shailaja said.

Kerala recorded 927 fresh coronavirus cases, including 16 health workers on Sunday, taking the infection tally to 18,140. The state capital reported 175 cases, followed by Kasaragod 107, Pathnamthitta 91 and Kollam 74, Health minister K K Shailaja said. With two more deaths, the coronavirus toll in the state climbed to 61. Two 71-year-old men from Thrissur and Malappuram, who had tested positive and were under treatment, succumbed to the disease, the minister said in a press release. Of the positive cases, 76 had come from abroad and 91 from other states, while 733 were infected through contact. The source of infection of 67 people is not yet known. Presently, 9,655 are undergoing treatment for the infection, while 9,302 have recovered so far, including 689 discharged on Sunday. As many as 1.56 lakh people are under observation in various districts, of whom 1.47 lakh are in home or institutional quarantine and 8,980 in hospitals, including 1,277 admitted today, the release said.

927 fresh COVID-19 cases in Kerala as tally crosses 18,000 mark

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang.

The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420.

Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bus-crash-kills-13-on-high-school-reunion-trip-in-vietnam-316094">Also read:&nbsp;Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam</a>

The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. 
Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended.

Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said.

The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days.

Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months.

Vietnam reintroduced social distancing measures in the central city of Danang on Sunday after the country reported four locally transmitted coronavirus cases over the past two days, the first in more than three months. The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infection since April, and another case early on Sunday, both in the tourism hot spot of Danang. The two new cases included a 17-year-old boy in Quang Ngai province and a 71-year-old woman in Danang, the government said late on Sunday, bringing the total number of reported cases in the country to 420. Authorities gave no further detail on how the new infections were contracted nor whether they were believed to be linked. Also read: Bus crash kills 13 on high school reunion trip in Vietnam The city`s social distancing measures would come into force until further notice, the government said on its website. Danang will stop receiving inbound tourists for 14 days and all religious, sports and cultural events will be suspended. Wearing masks in public places in the city is now compulsory and gatherings of more than 30 people at public places are banned, the government said. The detection of the new cases, which come as Vietnam seeks to revive its economy and resume international commercial flights, has prompted authorities to step up a crackdown on illegal immigrants. State media said dozens of migrants from China have been detected in Danang over recent days. Thanks to strict quarantine measures and an aggressive and widespread testing programme, Vietnam has kept its virus total to an impressively low level with no deaths.

Vietnamese city reimposes distancing after first local infections in months

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain.

The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight&nbsp;(2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-quarantine-travellers-from-spain-sunday-times-315992">Also read|&nbsp;UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times</a>

This decision of sudden implementation was not well-received by the travellers. However, the UK government has made it clear that the decision will stay and without any apologies.

"We can`t make apologies...we must be able to take swift, decisive action," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday in a local interview.

Raab said the decision was taken as a&nbsp;"real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens.

The opposition has, however, called this move by the Boris Johnson administration to be "frankly shambolic".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/easyjet-british-airways-plan-to-continue-flights-to-spain-despite-quarantine-orders-316022">Also read|&nbsp;EasyJet, British Airways plan to continue flights to Spain despite quarantine orders</a>

In addition to the quarantine, the British foreign ministry advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain.

The UK government has also made wearing masks compulsory indoors too now, to protect their citizens from spread of the novel coronavirus.

Johnson administration is hoping to recover from the coronavirus-hit economy by the end of the year, which involves upping tourism again, while protecting their citizens.

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain. The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight (2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK.

A day after the United Kingdom announced its plan to impose a compulsory 14-day quarantine for travellers entering the country from Spain. The move was announced on Saturday noon, and was implemented from midnight (2300 GMT on Saturday), which created an atmosphere of chaos for travellers enroute the UK. Also read| UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times This decision of sudden implementation was not well-received by the travellers. However, the UK government has made it clear that the decision will stay and without any apologies. "We can`t make apologies...we must be able to take swift, decisive action," British foreign minister Dominic Raab said on Sunday in a local interview. Raab said the decision was taken as a "real-time response" to the surge in coronavirus cases in Spain and to protect their own citizens. The opposition has, however, called this move by the Boris Johnson administration to be "frankly shambolic". Also read| EasyJet, British Airways plan to continue flights to Spain despite quarantine orders In addition to the quarantine, the British foreign ministry advised against all but essential travel to mainland Spain. The UK government has also made wearing masks compulsory indoors too now, to protect their citizens from spread of the novel coronavirus. Johnson administration is hoping to recover from the coronavirus-hit economy by the end of the year, which involves upping tourism again, while protecting their citizens.

'It's a real time response': Britain defends decision on Spanish quarantine move

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

"Second wave of Covid-19 there has prompted decision to kick Spain off the safe country list," the newspaper`s political editor, Tim Shipman, said on Twitter.

Britain`s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report.

If true, the reported announcement would deal a heavy blow to Spain, which is trying to recoup its tourism season after the sector took a battering from coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions earlier in the year.

There was no immediate comment from Spanish government officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tighter-mask-rules-more-tests-as-who-warns-of-europe-coronavirus-spike-315848">Also read:&nbsp;Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike</a>

Cases of coronavirus have been on the rise again in recent weeks in Spain, prompting concern in several European countries.

On Friday Norway said it will re-impose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving from Spain from Saturday, while France advised people not to travel to the Spanish region of Catalonia.

The safe country list referred to by Shipman is a list of countries that the UK government has said are safe for travellers to visit - meaning people do not have to go into quarantine on return home.

Such quarantines are likely to put people off taking a holiday in "non-safe" countries.

The rules apply to travellers arriving in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own quarantine rules.

Britons make a big contribution to Spain`s tourism sector.

Last year 83.7 million tourists travelled to Spain, of which 18.08 million were British, making them the largest group by nationality, according to Spanish National Statistics Office.

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Britain`s government is set to announce all travellers from Spain arriving after midnight (2300 GMT) on Saturday will need to spend two weeks in quarantine in case they are infected with coronavirus, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. "Second wave of Covid-19 there has prompted decision to kick Spain off the safe country list," the newspaper`s political editor, Tim Shipman, said on Twitter. Britain`s health ministry had no immediate comment on the report. If true, the reported announcement would deal a heavy blow to Spain, which is trying to recoup its tourism season after the sector took a battering from coronavirus lockdowns and travel restrictions earlier in the year. There was no immediate comment from Spanish government officials. Also read: Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike Cases of coronavirus have been on the rise again in recent weeks in Spain, prompting concern in several European countries. On Friday Norway said it will re-impose a 10-day quarantine requirement for people arriving from Spain from Saturday, while France advised people not to travel to the Spanish region of Catalonia. The safe country list referred to by Shipman is a list of countries that the UK government has said are safe for travellers to visit - meaning people do not have to go into quarantine on return home. Such quarantines are likely to put people off taking a holiday in "non-safe" countries. The rules apply to travellers arriving in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own quarantine rules. Britons make a big contribution to Spain`s tourism sector. Last year 83.7 million tourists travelled to Spain, of which 18.08 million were British, making them the largest group by nationality, according to Spanish National Statistics Office.

UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times

After opening its borders for tourists, Germany is now planning to ask the travellers to go through compulsory&nbsp;coronavirus testing before entering the country.

Germany has been more successful than the rest of the Europe in containing the wide spread of the novel coronavirus. The country was in a strict lockdown for almost two months and has successfully reopened its economy.

However, to make sure that the residents continue to stay safe while trying to bring economy back to its old structure, German government says it wants to do everything possible to contain the spread of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tighter-mask-rules-more-tests-as-who-warns-of-europe-coronavirus-spike-315848">Also read:&nbsp;Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike</a>

"We are also checking whether it is legally possible to oblige someone to do a test, because it would be an encroachment on freedom," Health Minister Jens Spahn told a local radio channel.

Spahn and his counterparts from the 16 federal states of Germany have also announced that these compulsory coronavirus tests will be free of cost&nbsp;on a voluntary basis.

If tested negative, the travellers will not be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days. However, the people who test positive will have to be quarantined for atleast 14 days.

The local government claimed that they want to protect their citizens and the travellers, while making sure that their basic human rights are not violated.

The number of new confirmed cases increased sharply on Friday to 815, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed, the biggest tally since mid-May. It remained high on Saturday with 781 new cases.

After opening its borders for tourists, Germany is now planning to ask the travellers to go through compulsory coronavirus testing before entering the country. Germany has been more successful than the rest of the Europe in containing the wide spread of the novel coronavirus.

After opening its borders for tourists, Germany is now planning to ask the travellers to go through compulsory coronavirus testing before entering the country. Germany has been more successful than the rest of the Europe in containing the wide spread of the novel coronavirus. The country was in a strict lockdown for almost two months and has successfully reopened its economy. However, to make sure that the residents continue to stay safe while trying to bring economy back to its old structure, German government says it wants to do everything possible to contain the spread of the virus. Also read: Tighter mask rules, more tests as WHO warns of Europe coronavirus spike "We are also checking whether it is legally possible to oblige someone to do a test, because it would be an encroachment on freedom," Health Minister Jens Spahn told a local radio channel. Spahn and his counterparts from the 16 federal states of Germany have also announced that these compulsory coronavirus tests will be free of cost on a voluntary basis. If tested negative, the travellers will not be asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days. However, the people who test positive will have to be quarantined for atleast 14 days. The local government claimed that they want to protect their citizens and the travellers, while making sure that their basic human rights are not violated. The number of new confirmed cases increased sharply on Friday to 815, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed, the biggest tally since mid-May. It remained high on Saturday with 781 new cases.

Germany to offer compulsory but free coronavirus tests to travellers

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating.

The Drug Controller General of India granted Cipla accelerated approval to make and sell favipiravir in an effort to meet the "urgent and unmet" need for COVID-19 treatment options in the country, the company said.

Indian drugmakers including Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd are racing to supply generic versions of favipiravir, originally developed by Japan's Fujifilm Holdings Corp as Avigan for treating influenza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-chinese-candidate-shows-promise-in-animal-trials-315696">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccine: Chinese candidate shows promise in animal trials</a>

India reported over 49,000 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus with 740 new deaths on Friday, marking the biggest daily surge in cases, as officials in some states complained of shortages of vital drugs for those hospitalized.

Globally, coronavirus cases have crossed 15.5 million.

Cipla said it would launch favipiravir as "Ciplenza" in the first week of August, priced at $0.91 (INR 68) per 200 mg tablet.

Separately on Friday, much smaller Indian drugmaker Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd said it would launch its own version of favipiravir, priced at $ 0.52 (INR 39) per tablet.

Glenmark, meanwhile, sells a tablet of favipiravir for $1 (INR 75), with a patient typically requiring 122 tablets over 14 days for a treatment course, the company said. On Thursday, Glenmark said its version of the drug had showed promise in a late-stage clinical trial.

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating.

Cipla Ltd has received Indian regulatory approval to sell anti-viral drug favipiravir to treat COVID-19, the drugmaker said on Friday, as coronavirus infections in the world`s third worst-hit nation show no sign of abating. The Drug Controller General of India granted Cipla accelerated approval to make and sell favipiravir in an effort to meet the "urgent and unmet" need for COVID-19 treatment options in the country, the company said. Indian drugmakers including Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd are racing to supply generic versions of favipiravir, originally developed by Japan's Fujifilm Holdings Corp as Avigan for treating influenza. Also read| Coronavirus vaccine: Chinese candidate shows promise in animal trials India reported over 49,000 fresh cases of the novel coronavirus with 740 new deaths on Friday, marking the biggest daily surge in cases, as officials in some states complained of shortages of vital drugs for those hospitalized. Globally, coronavirus cases have crossed 15.5 million. Cipla said it would launch favipiravir as "Ciplenza" in the first week of August, priced at $0.91 (INR 68) per 200 mg tablet. Separately on Friday, much smaller Indian drugmaker Jenburkt Pharmaceuticals Ltd said it would launch its own version of favipiravir, priced at $ 0.52 (INR 39) per tablet. Glenmark, meanwhile, sells a tablet of favipiravir for $1 (INR 75), with a patient typically requiring 122 tablets over 14 days for a treatment course, the company said. On Thursday, Glenmark said its version of the drug had showed promise in a late-stage clinical trial.

Cipla gets India approval to sell COVID-19 drug Favipiravir

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400.

In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said.

A total of 5,763 people have died of COVID-19 in Pakistan, it said.

Out of the total cases, 115,883 are from Sindh, followed by 91,423 cases in Punjab, 32,898 cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 14,766 cases in Islamabad, 11,523 cases in Balochistan, 1,989 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 1,918 cases in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The number of people who have recovered from the disease is now 219,783.

Another 1,316 patients are in critical condition.

The ministry said 1,821,296 tests have been performed since the virus outbreak, including 22,006 tests in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400. In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said.

Pakistan reported 1,209 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the nation-wide tally of infections to 270,400. In the last 24 hours, 54 virus-related deaths have been reported, the Ministry of National Health Services said. A total of 5,763 people have died of COVID-19 in Pakistan, it said. Out of the total cases, 115,883 are from Sindh, followed by 91,423 cases in Punjab, 32,898 cases in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 14,766 cases in Islamabad, 11,523 cases in Balochistan, 1,989 cases in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and 1,918 cases in Gilgit-Baltistan. The number of people who have recovered from the disease is now 219,783. Another 1,316 patients are in critical condition. The ministry said 1,821,296 tests have been performed since the virus outbreak, including 22,006 tests in the last 24 hours.

Pakistan's COVID-19 tally crosses 2, 70,000 with 1,209 fresh cases

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests.

Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said.

The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics.

The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic.

Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities.

The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests.

Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations.

Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal.

Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said.

Bangladesh's health services on Thursday witnessed a major restructuring following a scam over COVID-19 tests. Dr ABM Khurshid Alam has been appointed as the new director general of the directorate general of health services (DGHS), a health ministry spokesman said. The new DGHS chief was currently serving as the surgery department head of state-run Dhaka Medical College Hospital, it said. The official said the ministry simultaneously appointed a new DGHS director entrusting him with the charge of overseeing hospitals and clinics. The new appointments come hours after the government said that it had scrapped the contractual agreement and appointment of Abul Kalam Azad as the chief of the DGHS, a key agency in the fight against the pandemic. Azad preferred an honourable exit by resigning from his position amid allegations of irregularities. The scams came to light after two private facilities allowed by Azad's office to test COVID-19 and treating patients found to be involved in faking the tests. Their owners and senior officials of the two private facilities are now under police custody for investigations. Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam in a statement said the restructuring was not enough and health minister Zahid Malek should resign as well due to the scandal. Bangladesh on Thursday reported 50 deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the country's toll to 2,801. The country has witnessed 216,110 COVID-19 cases so far.

Bangladesh restructures health services over COVID-19 scam

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday.

The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. 
In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment.

Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-lifts-its-coronavirus-lockdown-after-120-days-315206">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days</a>

The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17.

Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16.

Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. 
Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17.

Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said.

Nepal's coronavirus tally reached 18,241 with the detection of 147 new cases in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said on Thursday. The death toll rose by one to 43 after a fatality was reported, Health Ministry Spokesperson Jageshwor Gautam said. In the last 24 hours, 156 coronavirus patients have recovered, the spokesperson said. In total, 12,840 people have recovered from the disease and 5,358 active cases are undergoing treatment. Nepal has so far conducted 331,095 Polymerase chain reaction tests in 28 laboratories across the country. Also read: Nepal lifts its coronavirus lockdown after 120 days The government lifted the nationwide lockdown earlier in the week. Long-route public transportation will be allowed from August 17. Academic institutions will be allowed to open admissions for the new academic session from August 16. Cinema halls, dance bars, beauty salons, fitness centres, swimming pools and religious places will remain closed. Domestic and international flights will be allowed to operate from August 17. Following the second COVID-19 case in Nepal, the government on March 24 had enforced the nationwide lockdown.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,241

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up.

Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/barack-obama-joe-biden-team-up-for-new-video-to-slam-trump-defend-their-administration-315510">Also read|&nbsp;Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration</a>

The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week.

"We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dead-britons-pompeo-slams-world-health-organization-says-chief-tedros-bought-by-china-315441">Also read|&nbsp;'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China</a>

Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening.

Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said.

However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol.

"We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference.

Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal.

"Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said.

The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide.

Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments."

Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit.

US Senate Republican leaders and White House officials tried to hammer out a proposal for a fresh round of coronavirus aid on Thursday, which officials said will not include a payroll tax cut and could reduce an enhanced unemployment benefit. Republicans have been trying for days to agree on a negotiating position, a preliminary step to hashing out details with Democrats who control the House of Representatives, which in May passed a proposed $3 trillion response plan that the Senate declined to take up. Democratic leaders, meanwhile, rejected the idea of passing a piecemeal bill. Also read| Barack Obama, Joe Biden team up for new video to slam Trump, defend their administration The talks continue as U.S. coronavirus cases passed the 4 million mark, a milestone of a pandemic that has killed more than 143,000 Americans and thrown tens of millions out of work. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows met with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Capitol Hill, a day after hammering out Republican agreements in principle on portions of a potential coronavirus-response bill, which could be presented to Democrats as early as this week. "We`ve finalized the appropriations. We’re just going over some of the final text that went back and forth last night," Mnuchin told reporters. Also read| 'Dead Britons': Pompeo slams World Health Organization; says chief Tedros 'bought' by China Mnuchin said that if officials can`t get everything done at once, some items should be prioritized, including an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to schools and liability protections for businesses reopening. Instead of continuing a weekly $600 enhancement of unemployment benefits that expires on July 31, Mnuchin said Republicans were looking at replacing 70% of wages. "We`re not going to pay people more to stay home than to work," he said. However, the idea of doing a partial instead of a comprehensive coronavirus aid bill was shot down by Democrats from both sides of the Capitol. "We cannot piecemeal this," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at a news conference. Democrats want to keep the enhanced unemployment benefits, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer scoffed at the divisions that have thus far prevented Republicans from presenting a united proposal. "Republicans are fighting with themselves over how much to cut unemployment benefits," he said. The draft Senate Republican plan was expected to include direct payments to Americans totaling $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 for couples, according to a senior Senate aide. Asked whether a payroll tax cut would be included in the proposal being put forth by Senate Republicans, Mnuchin said: "Not in this, but we`re going to come back. ... One of the problems with the payroll tax cut is it takes time, so we are much more focused right now on the direct payments." Mnuchin told reporters the proposal being worked out by Senate Republicans will include $16 billion in new funding for coronavirus testing, for a total of $25 billion. He also said this might not be the last coronavirus aid package.

Republicans ditch coronavirus payroll tax cut, haggle over unemployment payments

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 6,472 fresh COVID infections, the highest single day spike, with the tally inching towards two lakh cases while death toll touched 3,232 with 88 fatalities, the government said.

More than three fourths of the fresh cases were from districts other than Chennai, which continued to clock lower numbers, and of the dead, 77 had co-morbidities and 11 none, a health department bulletin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-becomes-7th-worst-hit-by-death-toll-overtakes-spain-315262">Also read:&nbsp;India becomes 7th-worst-hit by death toll, overtakes Spain</a>

A 24-year old woman, and three men, aged 26, 35 and 94 were among the fresh victims of the deadly virus.

Tamil Nadu's COVID tally and Chennai's share of it inched towards two lakh and one lakh mark respectively.

The state's case count stood at 1,92,964 while that of Chennai touched 90,900, including 1,336 reported on Thursday.

As many as 5,210 patients were discharged in a single day, the highest so far, and the cumulative recoveries and active cases stood at 1,36,793 and 52,939 respectively.

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 6,472 fresh COVID infections, the highest single day spike, with the tally inching towards two lakh cases while death toll touched 3,232 with 88 fatalities, the government said.

Tamil Nadu on Thursday reported 6,472 fresh COVID infections, the highest single day spike, with the tally inching towards two lakh cases while death toll touched 3,232 with 88 fatalities, the government said. More than three fourths of the fresh cases were from districts other than Chennai, which continued to clock lower numbers, and of the dead, 77 had co-morbidities and 11 none, a health department bulletin said. Also read: India becomes 7th-worst-hit by death toll, overtakes Spain A 24-year old woman, and three men, aged 26, 35 and 94 were among the fresh victims of the deadly virus. Tamil Nadu's COVID tally and Chennai's share of it inched towards two lakh and one lakh mark respectively. The state's case count stood at 1,92,964 while that of Chennai touched 90,900, including 1,336 reported on Thursday. As many as 5,210 patients were discharged in a single day, the highest so far, and the cumulative recoveries and active cases stood at 1,36,793 and 52,939 respectively.

Tamil Nadu sees highest spike of 6,472 cases, tally inches towards 2 lakh mark

Lockdown has affected people, industries and countries, in totality, in various different ways. One such industry is that of the&nbsp;gondoliers in Venice who are facing a very different problem than the rest of the world.

A gondola is a boat ride which is very popular for the tourists visiting&nbsp;Venice; the ride is worldwide famous. Usually, a gondola accommodates six people. However, due to the new 'unforeseen' circumstances, the organisers have decided to further impose new restrictions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/caged-italian-coastguard-help-giant-sperm-whale-caught-in-illegal-fishing-net-314709">Have a look|&nbsp;Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net</a>

Venice's&nbsp;Gondola Association has decided to limit the visitors on boat to five, instead of six. The reason behind this is not social distancing, but the extra weight that the tourists seem to have gained during the worldwide lockdown.

"Over the last 10 years or so, tourists weigh more -- and rather than having them step on a scale before they get on, we are limiting the number," Andrea Balbi, the president of Venice's Gondola Association told CNN.

The organisers believe that the average weight of tourists has increased significantly and that makes it harder for the gondoliers to ferry the tourists around the Grand Canal without the risk of taking on water.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/italy-returns-bataclans-stolen-banksy-artwork-314110">Also watch|&nbsp;Italy returns Bataclan’s stolen Banksy artwork</a>

"From some countries, it's like bombs loading on and when (the boat) is fully loaded, the hull sinks and water enters,"&nbsp;Raoul Roveratto, president of the Association of Substitute Gondoliers said to a local newspaper. "Going forward with over half a ton of meat on board is dangerous," he continued.

The change will be for the slim boats that operate on the small canals. However, the maximum capacity on the&nbsp;larger "da parada" gondolas, has also been reduced from 14 to 12.

The gondola and the tourism industry in Italy have had to take a massive hit due to the strict nationwide lockdown that was imposed in Italy after the situation became gravely dangerous few months back.

Lockdown has affected people, industries and countries, in totality, in various different ways. One such industry is that of the gondoliers in Venice who are facing a very different problem than the rest of the world.

Lockdown has affected people, industries and countries, in totality, in various different ways. One such industry is that of the gondoliers in Venice who are facing a very different problem than the rest of the world. A gondola is a boat ride which is very popular for the tourists visiting Venice; the ride is worldwide famous. Usually, a gondola accommodates six people. However, due to the new 'unforeseen' circumstances, the organisers have decided to further impose new restrictions. Have a look| Caged: Italian coastguard help giant sperm whale caught in illegal fishing net Venice's Gondola Association has decided to limit the visitors on boat to five, instead of six. The reason behind this is not social distancing, but the extra weight that the tourists seem to have gained during the worldwide lockdown. "Over the last 10 years or so, tourists weigh more -- and rather than having them step on a scale before they get on, we are limiting the number," Andrea Balbi, the president of Venice's Gondola Association told CNN. The organisers believe that the average weight of tourists has increased significantly and that makes it harder for the gondoliers to ferry the tourists around the Grand Canal without the risk of taking on water. Also watch| Italy returns Bataclan’s stolen Banksy artwork "From some countries, it's like bombs loading on and when (the boat) is fully loaded, the hull sinks and water enters," Raoul Roveratto, president of the Association of Substitute Gondoliers said to a local newspaper. "Going forward with over half a ton of meat on board is dangerous," he continued. The change will be for the slim boats that operate on the small canals. However, the maximum capacity on the larger "da parada" gondolas, has also been reduced from 14 to 12. The gondola and the tourism industry in Italy have had to take a massive hit due to the strict nationwide lockdown that was imposed in Italy after the situation became gravely dangerous few months back.

'It's like bombs loading on': Venice's gondoliers complain tourists gained weight in lockdown

In the ongoing debate of whether or not American kids should return to schools and colleges, the US President Donald Trump has been a concrete supporter of reopening the schools.&nbsp;

In a recent interview, Trump has assured the nation that he would be comfortable sending his 14-year old son Barron and his 10 grandchildren&nbsp;to school this fall, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-touts-five-word-memory-test-as-showing-he-is-cognitively-there-315334">Also read:&nbsp;Trump touts five-word memory test as showing he is 'cognitively there'</a>

“I am comfortable with that, and we do have a national strategy, but, as you know, ultimately, it’s up to the governors of the states,” Trump said.

Trump has said that he want to see all schools reopened for the fall session, or he would consider rolling back some of the school funding.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-sees-china-as-a-threat-and-ties-between-us-india-strengthened-says-nikki-haley-315274">Also read: Trump sees China as a threat and ties between US-India strengthened, says Nikki Haley</a>

However, some health experts and parents are not on the same page as Trump as they believe that it would be dangerous to send children back to school, amid surge in number of positive coronavirus cases in the country.

Trump, however, claims that his administration would reopen the schools safely and carefully. “I would like to see the schools open 100 percent. And we’ll do it safely. We’ll do it carefully,” he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-calls-trump-first-racist-president-of-the-united-states-315267">Also read:&nbsp;Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States</a>

He also claimed that his administration is looking at researches to determine whether or not children transmit the deadly coronavirus as easily as adults, and how vulnerable children are to the deadly virus.

Now, they don't catch it easily. They don't bring it home easily, and if they do catch it, they get better fast. We're looking at that fact. That is a factor, and we're looking at it strongly," Trump told reporters in a press conference.

In the ongoing debate of whether or not American kids should return to schools and colleges, the US President Donald Trump has been a concrete supporter of reopening the schools.

In the ongoing debate of whether or not American kids should return to schools and colleges, the US President Donald Trump has been a concrete supporter of reopening the schools. In a recent interview, Trump has assured the nation that he would be comfortable sending his 14-year old son Barron and his 10 grandchildren to school this fall, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Trump touts five-word memory test as showing he is 'cognitively there' “I am comfortable with that, and we do have a national strategy, but, as you know, ultimately, it’s up to the governors of the states,” Trump said. Trump has said that he want to see all schools reopened for the fall session, or he would consider rolling back some of the school funding. Also read: Trump sees China as a threat and ties between US-India strengthened, says Nikki Haley However, some health experts and parents are not on the same page as Trump as they believe that it would be dangerous to send children back to school, amid surge in number of positive coronavirus cases in the country. Trump, however, claims that his administration would reopen the schools safely and carefully. “I would like to see the schools open 100 percent. And we’ll do it safely. We’ll do it carefully,” he said. Also read: Joe Biden calls Trump 'first' racist president of the United States He also claimed that his administration is looking at researches to determine whether or not children transmit the deadly coronavirus as easily as adults, and how vulnerable children are to the deadly virus. Now, they don't catch it easily. They don't bring it home easily, and if they do catch it, they get better fast. We're looking at that fact. That is a factor, and we're looking at it strongly," Trump told reporters in a press conference.

I will be comfortable sending my son to school: Trump backs reopening schools

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party.

Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-protests-over-arrest-of-regional-governor-in-moscow-314379">Also watch|&nbsp;Russia: Protests over arrest of regional governor in Moscow</a>

Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up.

Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elite-club-russia-secretly-tested-its-coronavirus-vaccine-among-the-affluent-as-early-as-april-314557">Also read|&nbsp;Elite club: Russia secretly tested its coronavirus vaccine among the affluent as early as April</a>

The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west.

The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024.

Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters.

Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests.

President Vladimir Putin named a new acting governor to head Russia`s Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk on Monday after the previous regional head was arrested on murder charges, sparking a wave of protests. At least 10,000 people demonstrated in Khabarovsk on Saturday to demand Moscow release Sergei Furgal, a member of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) who won election in 2018 after beating a rival from the ruling pro-Putin party. Furgal, born in Russia`s Far East, was detained on July 9 and flown to Moscow to face charges over the murder and attempted murder of multiple businessmen 15 years ago. He denies wrongdoing. Also watch| Russia: Protests over arrest of regional governor in Moscow Protests broke out soon afterwards and have continued for over a week. Their size is unusual for Russia`s regions, as is the fact that the authorities have not yet moved to break them up. Putin on Monday formally removed Furgal from his post and appointed Mikhail Degtyaryov, 39, a lawmaker and also an LDPR member, to take over as the acting head of the region, according to a decree published on the Kremlin website. Also read| Elite club: Russia secretly tested its coronavirus vaccine among the affluent as early as April The Kremlin has so far publicly played down the protests which have highlighted anger among some in the Far East over what they see as policies emanating from detached federal authorities located in Moscow seven time zones to the west. The unrest also comes less than three weeks after Russians voted to back a set of sweeping reforms clearing the way for Putin to run for two more presidential terms, potentially remaining in the Kremlin until 2036 rather than stepping down in 2024. Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, whose allies in the region have backed the demonstrations, cast Degtyaryov as a detached Kremlin appointee whose selection he predicted would fail to appease protesters. Khabarovsk will hold regional elections to choose a fully-fledged new governor in September next year, Russia`s election commission said.

Putin names new governor of restive Russian region hit by protests

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women.

The all-female Afghan Robotics Team, which has won international awards for its robots, started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation.

It took the team almost four months to finalise the ventilator, which is partly based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) design, and they received guidance from experts at Harvard University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/families-step-in-at-kabul-covid-19-ward-to-care-for-patients-314632">Also read|&nbsp;Families step in at Kabul COVID-19 ward to care for patients</a>

The device is easy to carry, can run on battery power for 10 hours, and costs roughly $700 to produce, compared with the $20,000 price of a traditional ventilator.

"We are delighted that we were able to take our first step in the field of medicine and to be able to serve the people in this area as well. All members of our team feel happy because after months of hard work, we were able to achieve this result,” Faruqi told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/qatar-likely-to-hold-peace-talks-between-afghanistan-taliban-minister-314130">Also read|&nbsp;Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister</a>

Although the ventilator still has to undergo final testing from health authorities before it can be used, officials welcome it in a country with only 800 ventilators to treat the fast-growing number of coronavirus cases in a health system damaged by decades of war.

Health Ministry spokesman Akmal Samsor said once the ventilators were approved they would be rolled out in Afghan hospitals and the design shared with the World Health Organization.

"We appreciate the initiative and creativity in Afghanistan`s health sector...after they are approved, we will use these ventilators and we are determined to contract with companies so we can also export them," he said.

Afghanistan has recorded around 35,500 COVID-19 cases and 1,181 deaths, though experts warn the true count is probably far higher due to low testing rates.

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women.

In the eastern Afghan city of Herat, 18-year-old high school student Somaya Faruqi adjusts a suction cap as she puts the finishing touches before unveiling a low-cost, lightweight ventilator created by her and six other young women. The all-female Afghan Robotics Team, which has won international awards for its robots, started work in March on an open-source, low-cost ventilator as the coronavirus pandemic hit the war-torn nation. It took the team almost four months to finalise the ventilator, which is partly based on a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) design, and they received guidance from experts at Harvard University. Also read| Families step in at Kabul COVID-19 ward to care for patients The device is easy to carry, can run on battery power for 10 hours, and costs roughly $700 to produce, compared with the $20,000 price of a traditional ventilator. "We are delighted that we were able to take our first step in the field of medicine and to be able to serve the people in this area as well. All members of our team feel happy because after months of hard work, we were able to achieve this result,” Faruqi told Reuters. Also read| Qatar likely to hold peace talks between Afghanistan-Taliban: Minister Although the ventilator still has to undergo final testing from health authorities before it can be used, officials welcome it in a country with only 800 ventilators to treat the fast-growing number of coronavirus cases in a health system damaged by decades of war. Health Ministry spokesman Akmal Samsor said once the ventilators were approved they would be rolled out in Afghan hospitals and the design shared with the World Health Organization. "We appreciate the initiative and creativity in Afghanistan`s health sector...after they are approved, we will use these ventilators and we are determined to contract with companies so we can also export them," he said. Afghanistan has recorded around 35,500 COVID-19 cases and 1,181 deaths, though experts warn the true count is probably far higher due to low testing rates.

Afghan all-girls robotics team designs low-cost ventilator to treat coronavirus patients

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/anti-pakistan-protest-held-outside-10-downing-street-to-demand-justice-for-baloch-victims-314542">Also read:&nbsp;Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims</a>

In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital.

Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-coronavirus-tally-reaches-263496-314425">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496</a>

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic.

This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent.

Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility.

Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012.

Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Pakistan launched a special five-day anti-polio campaign on Monday in selected districts across the country to vaccinate children against the crippling disease, four months after the drive was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, officials said. Pakistan on February 17 launched a countrywide anti-polio campaign to vaccinate about 39.6 million children under the age of five as the government appealed to the people for their support to eradicate polio. However, it was put on hold after the country recorded its first coronavirus case in February. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protest held outside 10 Downing Street to demand justice for Baloch victims In Punjab province, the anti-polio drive was launched in 44 union councils of Faisalabad and 14 union councils of Attock. In Karachi, the drive would target Baldia, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, according to officials of the National Institute of Health. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign would focus on the South Waziristan district, while in Balochistan the drive would cover 10 Union Councils of Quetta, the provincial capital. Special arrangements were made to provide security to the anti-polio campaign teams. Also read: Pakistan's coronavirus tally reaches 263,496 Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries in the world where polio is still endemic. This year so far 59 new cases have been reported. Last year, 147 polio cases were reported nationwide, far higher than 12 in 2018 and eight in 2017. Prime Minister Imran Khan in December last said that it was a "matter of shame" that Pakistan was among the countries where polio was still prevalent. Attempts to eradicate the disease have been seriously hampered by deadly targeting of vaccination teams in recent years by militants, who oppose the drives, claiming the polio drops cause infertility. Attacks on immunisation teams have claimed nearly 70 lives since December 2012. Last month, Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates that despite the COVID-19 outbreak, the country will restart the anti-polio campaign in the coming weeks and the military will support the government's efforts.

Pak resumes polio vaccination campaign amid COVID-19 pandemic

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase&nbsp;in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

The vaccine has been developed by China's&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported&nbsp;Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19.

There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509">Also read:&nbsp;Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

“We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said.

Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers.

Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful.

Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has been developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19. There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). “We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said. Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers. Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful. Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

Bangladesh allows stage III trial of China's COVID-19 vaccine

India saw a record single-day spike of 38,902 coronavirus cases on Sunday morning, taking the tally to 1,077,618 and the death toll to&nbsp;26,816 with 543 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

Karnataka reported&nbsp;4120 new positive cases, of which 2156 cases are from Bengaluru. Total number of cases rose to 63,772 including 39,370 active cases. Death toll increased to 1,331 after 91 deaths were reported today.

Maharashtra health department reported 9,518 new positive cases, 258 deaths in the past 24 hours. A total of&nbsp;3,906 patients were discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 310,455 including 169,569 discharged and 11,854 deaths.

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934 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> have been reported in Rajasthan till 8:30 pm today, taking the total number of cases to 29434 including 7145 active cases. Death toll rises to 559 after 6 deaths were reported today: State Health Department. <a href="https://t.co/F5JKAJmrnZ">pic.twitter.com/F5JKAJmrnZ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1284875205177774081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Mumbai reported 1,046 new COVID-19 cases and 64 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 101,224 and 5,711 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 23,828.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/record-single-day-spike-of-38902-covid-19-cases-in-india-ima-terms-it-onset-of-community-spread-314392">Also read:&nbsp;Record single-day spike of 38,902 COVID-19 cases in India; IMA terms it onset of community spread</a>

West Bengal reported&nbsp;2,278 new&nbsp;cases, taking the total number of cases to 42,487. Death toll now stands at 1112 after 36 deaths were reported today.

India's national capital New Delhi reported 1,211 new cases, 1860 recovered/discharged/migrated and 31 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases is now 122,793 including 1,03,134 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,628 deaths.

Tamil Nadu recorded the highest single-day spike of&nbsp;4,979 new positive cases and 78 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases rise to 170,693 including 50,294 active cases and 2,481 deaths.

Gujarat reported 965 #COVID19 positive cases and 20 deaths in the last 24 hours. State tally rises to 48,441 including 11,412 active cases, 34,882 cured/discharged and 2,147 deaths.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 as on Sunday with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said.

"The total number of recovered cases is 677,422. The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said.

The ministry said India's COVID-19&nbsp;case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world.

India saw a record single-day spike of 38,902 coronavirus cases on Sunday morning, taking the tally to 1,077,618 and the death toll to 26,816 with 543 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

India saw a record single-day spike of 38,902 coronavirus cases on Sunday morning, taking the tally to 1,077,618 and the death toll to 26,816 with 543 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Karnataka reported 4120 new positive cases, of which 2156 cases are from Bengaluru. Total number of cases rose to 63,772 including 39,370 active cases. Death toll increased to 1,331 after 91 deaths were reported today. Maharashtra health department reported 9,518 new positive cases, 258 deaths in the past 24 hours. A total of 3,906 patients were discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 310,455 including 169,569 discharged and 11,854 deaths. 934 new #COVID19 have been reported in Rajasthan till 8:30 pm today, taking the total number of cases to 29434 including 7145 active cases. Death toll rises to 559 after 6 deaths were reported today: State Health Department. pic.twitter.com/F5JKAJmrnZ — ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2020 × Mumbai reported 1,046 new COVID-19 cases and 64 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 101,224 and 5,711 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 23,828. Also read: Record single-day spike of 38,902 COVID-19 cases in India; IMA terms it onset of community spread West Bengal reported 2,278 new cases, taking the total number of cases to 42,487. Death toll now stands at 1112 after 36 deaths were reported today. India's national capital New Delhi reported 1,211 new cases, 1860 recovered/discharged/migrated and 31 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases is now 122,793 including 1,03,134 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,628 deaths. Tamil Nadu recorded the highest single-day spike of 4,979 new positive cases and 78 deaths in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases rise to 170,693 including 50,294 active cases and 2,481 deaths. Gujarat reported 965 #COVID19 positive cases and 20 deaths in the last 24 hours. State tally rises to 48,441 including 11,412 active cases, 34,882 cured/discharged and 2,147 deaths. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,04,043 as on Sunday with 6.77 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said. "The total number of recovered cases is 677,422. The recovery rate as of now is at 62.86 per cent," the ministry said. The ministry said India's COVID-19 case fatality rate is "progressively falling" and is currently at 2.49 per cent, which is one of the lowest in the world.

COVID 19: Total recovered cases more than 677,000; Mumbai reports 1,046 cases

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive. He announced the news through a Twitter post. He also added that this was his fourth coronavirus test.

"Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive," he tweeted.&nbsp;

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Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive. That is life! Win some lose some. Heading for isolation in a health facility and praying for the best. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTFCOVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTFCOVID19</a>
— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffreyOnyeama/status/1284829894980116481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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President Muhammadu Buhari has been conducting his cabinet sessions virtually due to the fear of spread of the novel coronavirus.

Almost 36,000 people have been affected by the virus and 778 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Nigeria.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive.

Geoffrey Onyeama, Nigeria's Finance Minister, has announced that he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Onyeama, the 64 year old minister, is the first member of the cabinet to test positive. He announced the news through a Twitter post. He also added that this was his fourth coronavirus test. "Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive," he tweeted. Did my fourth Covid-19 test yesterday at the first sign of a throat irritation and unfortunately this time it came back positive. That is life! Win some lose some. Heading for isolation in a health facility and praying for the best. #StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19 #PTFCOVID19 — Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) July 19, 2020 × President Muhammadu Buhari has been conducting his cabinet sessions virtually due to the fear of spread of the novel coronavirus. Almost 36,000 people have been affected by the virus and 778 people have lost their lives to the pandemic in Nigeria.

Nigerian Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama tests positive for COVID-19

China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control.

Beijing will bring the change&nbsp;from July 20. The response level will be brought down to Level III from Level II in the city now.&nbsp;

The Level II response was issued in the city on June 16 after a new cluster of coronavirus cases was found to be linked to&nbsp;Xinfadi, a major wholesale food market in a southwestern district of Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-flood-alert-levels-along-huai-river-314417">Also read:&nbsp;China raises flood alert levels along Huai River</a>

"Overall, the risks of getting coronavirus infection in Beijing...and exporting to other regions are low, and the general situation of tackling the pandemic is under control," said Liu Bei, vice secretary of the Beijing Municipal government.

The lowering of response level means that the city officials will now allow reopening of parks, tourism sites, gyms, libraries and museums. However, the maximum capacity of visitors will remain 50 per cent.

Unlike other countries, Beijing will allow conferences of upto 500 participants, and Liu Bei has also hinted towards reopening of exhibitions, sports stadiums and cinemas soon.

Under the response level three, all wholesale markets, restaurants,&nbsp;construction sites and factories will be given green signal to operate but will be under a strict observational eye. All underground spaces with no or poor ventilation systems will, however, be banned from operating as of now.

China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control.

China is set to lower the country's coronavirus response level in capital city as the local government and health experts believe the situation is now under control. Beijing will bring the change from July 20. The response level will be brought down to Level III from Level II in the city now. The Level II response was issued in the city on June 16 after a new cluster of coronavirus cases was found to be linked to Xinfadi, a major wholesale food market in a southwestern district of Beijing. Also read: China raises flood alert levels along Huai River "Overall, the risks of getting coronavirus infection in Beijing...and exporting to other regions are low, and the general situation of tackling the pandemic is under control," said Liu Bei, vice secretary of the Beijing Municipal government. The lowering of response level means that the city officials will now allow reopening of parks, tourism sites, gyms, libraries and museums. However, the maximum capacity of visitors will remain 50 per cent. Unlike other countries, Beijing will allow conferences of upto 500 participants, and Liu Bei has also hinted towards reopening of exhibitions, sports stadiums and cinemas soon. Under the response level three, all wholesale markets, restaurants, construction sites and factories will be given green signal to operate but will be under a strict observational eye. All underground spaces with no or poor ventilation systems will, however, be banned from operating as of now.

Beijing lowers coronavirus  level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities.

It was announced on Sunday that from next week all&nbsp;non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work.

"The situation is very serious and there is no sign of it coming under control," Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in a press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-search-for-man-after-flag-stolen-from-site-of-hong-kong-handover-ceremony-314037">Also read:&nbsp;Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony</a>

The decision came after the city recorded 100 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in the city since the outbreak of the virus in January. The toll of coronavirus cases now stands close to 2,000 patients, 12 of whom have died.

All amusement parks, gyms, other event hosting areas and schools&nbsp;will remain closed for another seven days. Restaurants have been allowed to offer take-away services only, and that too only till 6pm. Social gatherings have also been halted till another week.

Following the lead of countries such as France and the UK, Hong Kong, too, has decided to make face mask compulsory even indoors.

The city government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution to avoid a worse outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities. It was announced on Sunday that from next week all non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work.

As the coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the protest-ridden city, Hong Kong has now tightened restrictions on movement and outdoor activities. It was announced on Sunday that from next week all non-essential civil servants will be working from home and people should avoid stepping out of their homes unless there's an emergency or for essential work. "The situation is very serious and there is no sign of it coming under control," Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said in a press conference. Also read: Police search for man after flag stolen from site of Hong Kong handover ceremony The decision came after the city recorded 100 cases in the past 24 hours, which is the highest single-day spike in the city since the outbreak of the virus in January. The toll of coronavirus cases now stands close to 2,000 patients, 12 of whom have died. All amusement parks, gyms, other event hosting areas and schools will remain closed for another seven days. Restaurants have been allowed to offer take-away services only, and that too only till 6pm. Social gatherings have also been halted till another week. Following the lead of countries such as France and the UK, Hong Kong, too, has decided to make face mask compulsory even indoors. The city government and health experts are urging people to exercise caution to avoid a worse outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Hong Kong tightens restrictions amid rising coronavirus cases

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public.

The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported. The results of these tests will be available in merely 20 minutes.

"This rapid test appears to be truly amazing, and it shows we can do this ourselves," said Sir John Bell, Oxford's Regius Professor of Medicine who leads the British government's antibody testing programme.

"If coronavirus is like flu and people need an annual vaccine, we will need mass antibody testing to measure people's antibody response to that vaccine. That's part of the plan," explained Dr Hand.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-to-begin-trials-of-no-swab-self-test-kits-307695">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits</a>

The new tests have been developed by the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC), a partnership between Oxford University and UK diagnostics companies including Abingdon Health based in York.

The trials for this test were conducted in the month of June and&nbsp;98.6 per cent results, of 300 people,&nbsp;were accurate. The test can help determine a person has been exposed to the novel coronavirus or not.

The final nod from the regulatory is still pending, but several facilities have started manufacturing prototypes for the same in hope that the regulatory will give a green signal to the easy antibody test kits.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305">Also read|&nbsp;Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

"We've had two shifts of R&amp;D personnel working day and night, seven days a week. This sort of development programme would normally take a year. We've done it in 10 weeks. We're now scaling up with our partners to

produce hundreds of thousands of doses every month," said&nbsp;Dr Chris Hand, the leader of the UK-RTC and chairman of Abingdon Health.

The tests will first be sent to hospitals and medical personnel, who will send in data to the concerned authorities to help maintain a central database. After success of this, the testing kits will be made available to the general public of the country.

A UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have received an extraordinary response to our call to action to supply antibody tests, and we continue to work with industry to identify further tests that are safe and accurate to be used at home.

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public. The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported.

United Kingdom has conducted successful trials of a quick coronavirus antibody test and is now planning to release it for the public. The home tests will be free of cost and will need only a small prick, the local media reported. The results of these tests will be available in merely 20 minutes. "This rapid test appears to be truly amazing, and it shows we can do this ourselves," said Sir John Bell, Oxford's Regius Professor of Medicine who leads the British government's antibody testing programme. "If coronavirus is like flu and people need an annual vaccine, we will need mass antibody testing to measure people's antibody response to that vaccine. That's part of the plan," explained Dr Hand. Also read| COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits The new tests have been developed by the UK Rapid Test Consortium (UK-RTC), a partnership between Oxford University and UK diagnostics companies including Abingdon Health based in York. The trials for this test were conducted in the month of June and 98.6 per cent results, of 300 people, were accurate. The test can help determine a person has been exposed to the novel coronavirus or not. The final nod from the regulatory is still pending, but several facilities have started manufacturing prototypes for the same in hope that the regulatory will give a green signal to the easy antibody test kits. Also read| Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates "We've had two shifts of R&D personnel working day and night, seven days a week. This sort of development programme would normally take a year. We've done it in 10 weeks. We're now scaling up with our partners to produce hundreds of thousands of doses every month," said Dr Chris Hand, the leader of the UK-RTC and chairman of Abingdon Health. The tests will first be sent to hospitals and medical personnel, who will send in data to the concerned authorities to help maintain a central database. After success of this, the testing kits will be made available to the general public of the country. A UK Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have received an extraordinary response to our call to action to supply antibody tests, and we continue to work with industry to identify further tests that are safe and accurate to be used at home.

UK to release quick finger-prick COVID-19 antibody testing kits

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports.

China stepped up inspections of imported food last month after an outbreak of the coronavirus among people working at and visiting a major food market in Beijing.

"Import container pick-up activities have been severely impacted and as a result reefer plugs are highly utilized especially at the port of Yantian and Ningbo," said German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd in a customer notice on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mainland-china-reports-22-new-coronavirus-cases-including-16-in-xinjiang-314214">Also read:&nbsp;Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 16 in Xinjiang</a>

Reefers, or chilled containers used for meat and fresh produce, must be plugged in for the contents to be kept cool or frozen.

A person who answered the phone at one of Ningbo port`s terminals referred Reuters to the port company`s headquarters, which was closed after business hours. Nobody at Yantian port could be reached.

Though it has only found the virus in a handful of samples out of more than 200,000 tested so far, China continues to inspect cargoes and carry out tests on a large portion of arrivals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cluster-in-chinas-xinjiang-could-spread-in-uighur-concentration-camps-314114">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps</a>

Hapag-Lloyd warned that containers could be discharged at an alternative port and that cargo owners would be liable for additional costs.

Top container shipper Maersk MAERSKb.CO also told customers on Wednesday that it has been diverting cargo from Yantian port in the southern city Shenzhen because of limited reefer plugs.

The port is one of China`s top ports for frozen meat.

"The terminal yard density for reefer units at Yantian has reached critical levels," it said in the letter seen by Reuters urging customers to book to nearby ports Nansha or Chiwan instead.

Any cargoes arriving in Yantian would face a congestion surcharge of $1,000 per container, it said.

"There are enough plugs for reefers at major ports and the offload process is also normal," said Ding Li, secretary general at the China Ports &amp; Harbours Association.

Yantian port has added 35% more plugs recently to tackle the congestion, and plug utilisation rates at Ningbo port are at 65-70%, Ding said.

"The current bottleneck is insufficient inspection and disinfection capacity for the reefers at customs. But they are working on it," she said.

Responding on Saturday, Maersk said Chinese customs have added additional resources to accelerate customs clearance and that Yantian is now the only port still struggling to discharge all inbound reefers.

"During the past week, customs inspection capacity and speed have been improved," Maersk said, but added it would take some time for Yantian to clear its congestion.

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports.

Testing of imported food for the novel coronavirus is pushing capacity at some major Chinese ports to their limit, major shippers told customers this week, warning of additional fees and possible diversions to other ports. China stepped up inspections of imported food last month after an outbreak of the coronavirus among people working at and visiting a major food market in Beijing. "Import container pick-up activities have been severely impacted and as a result reefer plugs are highly utilized especially at the port of Yantian and Ningbo," said German shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd in a customer notice on Friday. Also read: Mainland China reports 22 new coronavirus cases, including 16 in Xinjiang Reefers, or chilled containers used for meat and fresh produce, must be plugged in for the contents to be kept cool or frozen. A person who answered the phone at one of Ningbo port`s terminals referred Reuters to the port company`s headquarters, which was closed after business hours. Nobody at Yantian port could be reached. Though it has only found the virus in a handful of samples out of more than 200,000 tested so far, China continues to inspect cargoes and carry out tests on a large portion of arrivals. Also read: Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps Hapag-Lloyd warned that containers could be discharged at an alternative port and that cargo owners would be liable for additional costs. Top container shipper Maersk MAERSKb.CO also told customers on Wednesday that it has been diverting cargo from Yantian port in the southern city Shenzhen because of limited reefer plugs. The port is one of China`s top ports for frozen meat. "The terminal yard density for reefer units at Yantian has reached critical levels," it said in the letter seen by Reuters urging customers to book to nearby ports Nansha or Chiwan instead. Any cargoes arriving in Yantian would face a congestion surcharge of $1,000 per container, it said. "There are enough plugs for reefers at major ports and the offload process is also normal," said Ding Li, secretary general at the China Ports & Harbours Association. Yantian port has added 35% more plugs recently to tackle the congestion, and plug utilisation rates at Ningbo port are at 65-70%, Ding said. "The current bottleneck is insufficient inspection and disinfection capacity for the reefers at customs. But they are working on it," she said. Responding on Saturday, Maersk said Chinese customs have added additional resources to accelerate customs clearance and that Yantian is now the only port still struggling to discharge all inbound reefers. "During the past week, customs inspection capacity and speed have been improved," Maersk said, but added it would take some time for Yantian to clear its congestion.

Chinese ports hit capacity as virus tests slow clearing: shippers

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to&nbsp;10,38,716,&nbsp;according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The national capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,475 positive cases, 1,973 recovered/discharged/migrated and 26 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases here now rises to 1,21,582 including 1,01,274 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,597 deaths.

A total of&nbsp;6,246 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 15412 Rapid antigen tests were conducted in the past 24 hours. A total of 7,98,783 tests have been done so far, as reported by the Government of Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-spike-of-34884-covid-19-cases-total-count-reaches-1038716-314189">Also read:&nbsp;India records spike of 34,884 COVID-19 cases; total count reaches 10,38,716</a>

Tamil Nadu, the worst affected South Indian state, reported&nbsp;4,807 new positive case, 88 deaths. A total of 3,049 people discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 165,714 including 2,403 deaths and 1,13,856 discharged patients.

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Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 1,457 in Himachal Pradesh out of which 401 cases are active. Number of fatalities stands at nine: State Health Department
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1284519614106316800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maharashtra reported&nbsp;8,348 new positive cases, 144 deaths and 5,307 discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state has increased to 3,00,937 including 1,65,663 discharged and 11,596 deaths.

Maharashtra's capital city, Mumbai,&nbsp;reported 1,199 new COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 1,00,178 and 5,647 deaths. Number of active cases now stands at 24,039, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

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711 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases, 7 deaths, 518 recovered and 453 discharged in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 28,500 including 553 deaths, 21,144 recovered and 20,459 discharged: State health department <a href="https://t.co/ovrD9zNbH7">pic.twitter.com/ovrD9zNbH7</a>
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West&nbsp;Bengal recorded&nbsp;2,198 new cases and 27 deaths in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 40,209 including 23,539 recoveries and 1,076 deaths. Recovery rate among COVID-19 patients stands at 58.54 per cent, and 6,89,813 samples have been tested so far in the state.

Karnataka reported 4,537 new positive cases and 93 deaths. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 59,652 including 21,775 discharged and 1,240 deaths. A total of&nbsp;1,018 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours in the state, as per the&nbsp;Governmet of Karnataka, Dept of Health and Family Welfare.

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to 10,38,716, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

India reported a spike of 34,884 fresh infections and 671 deaths on Saturday morning, taking the toll to 10,38,716, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The national capital Delhi reported 1,475 positive cases, 1,973 recovered/discharged/migrated and 26 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of positive cases here now rises to 1,21,582 including 1,01,274 recovered/ discharged/ migrated and 3,597 deaths. A total of 6,246 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 15412 Rapid antigen tests were conducted in the past 24 hours. A total of 7,98,783 tests have been done so far, as reported by the Government of Delhi. Also read: India records spike of 34,884 COVID-19 cases; total count reaches 10,38,716 Tamil Nadu, the worst affected South Indian state, reported 4,807 new positive case, 88 deaths. A total of 3,049 people discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 165,714 including 2,403 deaths and 1,13,856 discharged patients. Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 1,457 in Himachal Pradesh out of which 401 cases are active. Number of fatalities stands at nine: State Health Department — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2020 × Maharashtra reported 8,348 new positive cases, 144 deaths and 5,307 discharged in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state has increased to 3,00,937 including 1,65,663 discharged and 11,596 deaths. Maharashtra's capital city, Mumbai, reported 1,199 new COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total cases to 1,00,178 and 5,647 deaths. Number of active cases now stands at 24,039, according to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 711 new #COVID19 positive cases, 7 deaths, 518 recovered and 453 discharged in Rajasthan today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 28,500 including 553 deaths, 21,144 recovered and 20,459 discharged: State health department pic.twitter.com/ovrD9zNbH7 — ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2020 × West Bengal recorded 2,198 new cases and 27 deaths in last 24 hours, taking total cases to 40,209 including 23,539 recoveries and 1,076 deaths. Recovery rate among COVID-19 patients stands at 58.54 per cent, and 6,89,813 samples have been tested so far in the state. Karnataka reported 4,537 new positive cases and 93 deaths. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 59,652 including 21,775 discharged and 1,240 deaths. A total of 1,018 patients were discharged in the last 24 hours in the state, as per the Governmet of Karnataka, Dept of Health and Family Welfare.

COVID 19: Maharashtra reports 8,348 new cases; Tamil Nadu crosses 165,000 mark

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.&nbsp;

"We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs.

"Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings."

<a href="wionews.com/world/death-toll-may-be-exaggerated-uk-government-to-pause-daily-updates-314305">Also read:&nbsp;Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates</a>

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy.

The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet&nbsp;colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion.

People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to&nbsp;£100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-return-to-normality-from-november-uk-pm-johnson-allows-schools-to-reopen-bring-back-audiences-in-stadiums-314053">Also read:&nbsp;'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums</a>

"I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said.

the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement.&nbsp;"They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers.

Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, UK government has announced plans of making face masks compulsory for people inside shops and supermarkets from July 24. "We want to give people more confidence to shop safely and enhance protections for those who work in shops," Hancock told MPs. "Both of these can be done by the use of face coverings." Also read: Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described this measure as an "extra insurance" against the spread of the virus, especially after the reopening of the economy. The decision came after Boris Johnson's cabinet colleague, Michael Gove, earlier hinted that the UK government will not be making wearing face mask a compulsion. People spotted without a face mask will be subjected to a fine of up to £100 ($123, 109 euros), with police enforcement. Also read: 'Significant return to normality from November': UK PM Johnson allows schools to reopen, bring back audiences in stadiums "I do think in shops it's very important to wear a face covering if you're going to be in a confined space to protect other people, and receive protection," he said. the police officials are not very happy with the decision of police enforcement. "They can quite easily put signs up on their doors 'No mask on, no entry, this is private property'," said Ken Marsh, of the Metropolitan Police Federation representing officers. Earlier this week, France too made it compulsory for people to wear face masks indoors.

COVID 19: Britishers to wear face mask inside shops too from July 24

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