Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence.

In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Also read:&nbsp;Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless".

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart.

"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read:&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic".

In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain".

Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018.

The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement.

Completely unacceptable 
Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday.

But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-depends-on-india-to-mass-produce-covid-19-vaccine-314209">Also watch:&nbsp;World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine</a>

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware.

APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added.

Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable".

"While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added.

Election meddling 
Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party.

The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump.

Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim.&nbsp;

Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory".

Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement.

But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online.

Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump.

It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee.

This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research. The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence. In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States. Also read: Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote. Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless". The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart. "Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic". In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain". Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018. The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement. Completely unacceptable Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday. But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property". Also watch: World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware. APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added. Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable". "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added. Election meddling Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States. An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party. The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump. Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim. Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory". Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement. But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online. Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump. It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee. This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target.

Huawei is facing bans,&nbsp;Chinese apps are being boycotted and now&nbsp;the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications.

The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo&nbsp;had earlier indicated that he could ban Chinese apps such as TikTok. Due to the spreading hatred towards TikTok, its parents company Bytedance could consider selling off TikTok and the White House believes it is possible.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-may-leave-chinese-parent-company-to-avoid-us-ban-trump-adviser-313981">Also read|&nbsp;TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser</a>

Economic adviser Larry Kudlow believes that bleeding Bytedance could cut off its hand to save itself.

“We haven’t made final decisions [on the ban] but as has been reported in some places, I think TikTok is going to pull out of the holding company which is China-run and operate as an independent company,” Kudlow said.

In such a situation, TikTok could slip out of the clutches of the Communist Party.&nbsp;TikTok’s ban is an economic loss for China —&nbsp;something that adds to a long list of troubles for the Communist Party.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-tiktok-distance-itself-from-china-314140/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The impact of coronavirus on China’s economy was immense and has triggered a major job&nbsp;crisis.&nbsp;This summer&nbsp;more than eight million Chinese students are set to graduate&nbsp;and are in search of jobs. However, China doesn’t have enough jobs right now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-china-standoff-indian-paratroopers-conduct-air-exercise-in-ladakh-314080">Have a look|&nbsp;India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh</a>

According to the official data, the urban unemployment rate was around 5.7 per cent in June. It is believed that the&nbsp;actual numbers could be much worse. According to a report, 80 million service sector employees and 20 million manufacturing jobs have been affected by the coronavirus.

In addition, companies are moving out of China. Apple’s supplier Foxconn has announced its plans for India. The manufacturer for iPhones and iPads will invest one billion dollars over the next three years and the money will go towards Foxconn’s plant in Tamil Nadu.

For now, this facility produces lower end variants of the iPhone. After the investment, the plant will make other iPhone models that are produced in China.

Until now, China was facing the threat&nbsp;of economic distancing from the world. However, now companies that called China their home are moving away.

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target. Huawei is facing bans, Chinese apps are being boycotted and now the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications.

After being blamed for spreading the coronavirus in the whole world, Chinese technology companies have become an easy target. Huawei is facing bans, Chinese apps are being boycotted and now the US could be taking inspiration from India on banning Chinese mobile applications. The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo had earlier indicated that he could ban Chinese apps such as TikTok. Due to the spreading hatred towards TikTok, its parents company Bytedance could consider selling off TikTok and the White House believes it is possible. Also read| TikTok may leave Chinese parent company to avoid US ban: Trump adviser Economic adviser Larry Kudlow believes that bleeding Bytedance could cut off its hand to save itself. “We haven’t made final decisions [on the ban] but as has been reported in some places, I think TikTok is going to pull out of the holding company which is China-run and operate as an independent company,” Kudlow said. In such a situation, TikTok could slip out of the clutches of the Communist Party. TikTok’s ban is an economic loss for China — something that adds to a long list of troubles for the Communist Party. The impact of coronavirus on China’s economy was immense and has triggered a major job crisis. This summer more than eight million Chinese students are set to graduate and are in search of jobs. However, China doesn’t have enough jobs right now. Have a look| India-China standoff: Indian paratroopers conduct air exercise in Ladakh According to the official data, the urban unemployment rate was around 5.7 per cent in June. It is believed that the actual numbers could be much worse. According to a report, 80 million service sector employees and 20 million manufacturing jobs have been affected by the coronavirus. In addition, companies are moving out of China. Apple’s supplier Foxconn has announced its plans for India. The manufacturer for iPhones and iPads will invest one billion dollars over the next three years and the money will go towards Foxconn’s plant in Tamil Nadu. For now, this facility produces lower end variants of the iPhone. After the investment, the plant will make other iPhone models that are produced in China. Until now, China was facing the threat of economic distancing from the world. However, now companies that called China their home are moving away.

As Chinese tech giants become global targets, Bytedance may sell off TikTok

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the&nbsp;battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers.

However, it&nbsp;may not be completely true and things may not be as normal as they are being portrayed.

A Chinese province Xinjiang is reporting a new wave of coronavirus cases. Its capital, Urumqi,&nbsp;is home to 3.5 million people.&nbsp;At least 5&nbsp;have tested positive in the last 24 hours. Although, the percentage is&nbsp;minuscule, coronavirus is contagious and the numbers can double up in no time.

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After the new cluster of coronavirus was found, the province cancelled almost 600 flights and the air traffic was slashed by 80 per cent. All metro services have been suspended, shuttle buses to the airport have been cut off and&nbsp;the bus services in the neighbouring districts have been shut.

At least 1 million Uighurs are detained in the&nbsp;concentration camps located in the province if a new cluster breaks out in the&nbsp;camps, another tragedy will be upon China.

Earlier this year, 73 per cent inmates at an Ohio prison tested positive. Even Peru's prisons have been a virus hotbed. So, there is a possibility that an outbreak in the concentration camps in Xinjiang could spell a death sentence.

According to a worldometer tally, there were&nbsp;259 active cases in China on July 17 and&nbsp;there were 252 cases on June 17, 86 cases on May 17 and 66 cases on April 17.

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers.

In China, it looks like the life has returned back to normal and the battle against coronavirus has been won with workers back in factories, trains back on platforms and the ports filled with containers. However, it may not be completely true and things may not be as normal as they are being portrayed. A Chinese province Xinjiang is reporting a new wave of coronavirus cases. Its capital, Urumqi, is home to 3.5 million people. At least 5 have tested positive in the last 24 hours. Although, the percentage is minuscule, coronavirus is contagious and the numbers can double up in no time. After the new cluster of coronavirus was found, the province cancelled almost 600 flights and the air traffic was slashed by 80 per cent. All metro services have been suspended, shuttle buses to the airport have been cut off and the bus services in the neighbouring districts have been shut. At least 1 million Uighurs are detained in the concentration camps located in the province if a new cluster breaks out in the camps, another tragedy will be upon China. Earlier this year, 73 per cent inmates at an Ohio prison tested positive. Even Peru's prisons have been a virus hotbed. So, there is a possibility that an outbreak in the concentration camps in Xinjiang could spell a death sentence. According to a worldometer tally, there were 259 active cases in China on July 17 and there were 252 cases on June 17, 86 cases on May 17 and 66 cases on April 17.

Coronavirus cluster in China's Xinjiang could spread in Uighur concentration camps

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed.

The UK government on Saturday said that it suspects the toll might have been exaggerated.

"Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died, with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death," a message on the government's website said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-boris-johnson-announces-adittional-funding-for-nhs-314088">Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS</a>

"There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number. We are therefore pausing the publication of the daily figure while this is resolved," it further read.

The UK government also feels that the international comparisons are misleading as different countries record the death toll in different ways. UK's death toll is a little over 45,000.

Experts believe that&nbsp;Public Health England (PHE), the government agency responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks, calculates the figures in England means they may be distorted compared to other parts of the United Kingdom.

Health Minister Matt Hancock has ordered an investigation into the PHE's reporting after experts reported that coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have&nbsp;"a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later".

(With inputs from agencies)

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed.

After announcing a partial reopening of the economy, the UK government has decided to pause publishing of the daily coronavirus tally after detecting a possibility of having the wrong figures displayed. The UK government on Saturday said that it suspects the toll might have been exaggerated. "Currently the daily deaths measure counts all people who have tested positive for coronavirus and since died, with no cut-off between time of testing and date of death," a message on the government's website said. Also watch: UK PM Boris Johnson announces additional funding for NHS "There have been claims that the lack of cut-off may distort the current daily deaths number. We are therefore pausing the publication of the daily figure while this is resolved," it further read. The UK government also feels that the international comparisons are misleading as different countries record the death toll in different ways. UK's death toll is a little over 45,000. Experts believe that Public Health England (PHE), the government agency responsible for managing infectious disease outbreaks, calculates the figures in England means they may be distorted compared to other parts of the United Kingdom. Health Minister Matt Hancock has ordered an investigation into the PHE's reporting after experts reported that coronavirus patients will be counted in the death toll even if they recover and later have "a heart attack or were run over by a bus three months later". (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll may be exaggerated: UK government to pause daily updates

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to&nbsp;261,917&nbsp;and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning.

As per the latest figures of the local media, a total of&nbsp;198,509 people have recovered from the novel coronavirus till Saturday.&nbsp;From Sindh, 111,238 cases have been reported while from Punjab 89,465 cases have been reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aviation-authority-suspends-15-more-pilots-having-fake-licenses-314253">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses</a>

On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a dig at India while urging citizens to stay safe during the upcoming festival of Eid.

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Pak is amongst the fortunate countries where COVID 19 cases in hospitals, esp in intensive care &amp; death rate have gone down, unlike in our unfortunate neighbor India. This positive trend has been the result of our smart lockdown policy &amp; the nation observing govt SOPs.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1284056089944895489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Following the tweet, a National Command and Operation Center meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar in Karachi on Saturday to discuss preventive measures and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul Azha. The meeting was also attended by&nbsp; Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, health minister Azra Pechuho and other officials.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to 261,917 and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning.

The number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the South Asian country Pakistan. The total tally of coronavirus cases increased to 261,917 and the total tally of deaths due to the virus reached 5,522 on Saturday morning. As per the latest figures of the local media, a total of 198,509 people have recovered from the novel coronavirus till Saturday. From Sindh, 111,238 cases have been reported while from Punjab 89,465 cases have been reported. Also read: Pakistan aviation authority suspends 15 more pilots having fake licenses On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a dig at India while urging citizens to stay safe during the upcoming festival of Eid. Pak is amongst the fortunate countries where COVID 19 cases in hospitals, esp in intensive care & death rate have gone down, unlike in our unfortunate neighbor India. This positive trend has been the result of our smart lockdown policy & the nation observing govt SOPs. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) July 17, 2020 × Following the tweet, a National Command and Operation Center meeting was chaired by Planning Minister Asad Umar in Karachi on Saturday to discuss preventive measures and the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Eidul Azha. The meeting was also attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, health minister Azra Pechuho and other officials. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its&nbsp;Western counterparts.

Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share&nbsp;the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read|&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

"Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need."

Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years.

He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus.

A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts. Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require. Also read| EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines "Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need." Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years. He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus. A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of&nbsp;Remdesivir drug against coronavirus.

The Hong Kong unit has, however, only received conditional nod, as of now. Gilead will have to&nbsp;continue to submit additional data on the safety, effectiveness and quality of Veklury, the active ingredient of which is Remdesivir, the Drug Office of Department of Health said on its website.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-reports-19-new-coronavirus-cases-down-from-recent-spike-313444">Also read:&nbsp;Hong Kong reports 19 new coronavirus cases, down from recent spike</a>

Remdesivir has become one of the most popular drug used by several countries to be used in the treatment of the novel coronavirus. The drug received a green signal from several countries after it&nbsp;helped shorten hospital recovery times in a US clinical trial.

While Hong Kong has not suffered as badly as other countries hit by coronavirus, the city has reported&nbsp;a total of 1,714 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths since late January. The government is reimposing partial lockdown in the city to contain the new spread of the infection.

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of Remdesivir drug against coronavirus.

The California-based drug makeing comoany Gilead Sciences has, after numerous months, got a green signal in Hong Kong for the usage of Remdesivir drug against coronavirus. The Hong Kong unit has, however, only received conditional nod, as of now. Gilead will have to continue to submit additional data on the safety, effectiveness and quality of Veklury, the active ingredient of which is Remdesivir, the Drug Office of Department of Health said on its website. Also read: Hong Kong reports 19 new coronavirus cases, down from recent spike Remdesivir has become one of the most popular drug used by several countries to be used in the treatment of the novel coronavirus. The drug received a green signal from several countries after it helped shorten hospital recovery times in a US clinical trial. While Hong Kong has not suffered as badly as other countries hit by coronavirus, the city has reported a total of 1,714 coronavirus cases and 11 deaths since late January. The government is reimposing partial lockdown in the city to contain the new spread of the infection.

COVID 19: Gilead's Remdesivir gets a conditional green signal in Hong Kong

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as&nbsp;34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning.&nbsp;

The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours.

One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported&nbsp;8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported&nbsp;4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state.&nbsp;Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths.

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10 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maharashtra?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maharashtra</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1284095193277333510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The national capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered.

Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths.

Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602.

The number of coroanvirus cases crossed the 1,000,000 mark on Friday morning as 34,956 fresh cases were recorded on Friday morning. The death toll rose by 687 in the last 24 hours to an overall tally of 25,602. Overall, the number of total cases and recoveries see their biggest single-day rise in the last 24 hours. One of the worst affected state is Maharashtra which reported 8,308 new positive cases and 258 deaths. Total number of positive cases rise to 2,92,589 including 1,60,357 recovered cases, 1,20,480 active cases and 11,452 deaths. Tamil Nadu reported 4,538 new cases on Friday evening and 79 deaths in the state. Total number of cases rise to 1,60,907 including 47,782 active cases, 1,10,807 discharged cases and 2,315 deaths. 10 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported in Dharavi area of Mumbai today; taking the total number of cases to 2438 including 102 active cases: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) #Maharashtra — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × The national capital Delhi reported 1,462 new positive cases, taking the total number of cases 120,107. Death toll rises to 3,571 after 26 deaths were reported today. There are 17,235 active cases and 99,301 patients have recovered. Karnataka reported 3,693 new cases and 115 deaths int he past 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state now stands at 55,115, including 20,757 recovered patients and 1,147 deaths. Kerala detected 791 new cases, 133 recoveries and one death in the past 24 hours. Himachal Pradesh recorded 18 new positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,402 including 383 active cases, 995 recoveries and 9 deaths.

COVID 19: Tamil Nadu 4,538 new cases; Delhi crosses 120,000 mark

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Maharashtra&nbsp;state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines.

The guidelines, which were earlier issued by&nbsp;Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques.&nbsp;It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic.

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Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
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All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines.

"Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying.

Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in India, with Maharashtra as the epicentre, the local government has urged people to keep the 'Bakra eid' celebrations simple and safe. Maharashtra state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Friday asked people to keep the Eid celebrations this year simple and to follow the issued health and safety guidelines. The guidelines, which were earlier issued by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, urged locals to stay home and offer namaz from their homes, instead of gathering in the mosques. It also said sacrificial animals should be bought online or over the phone as markets dealing with them will be closed, adding that "qurbani" should preferably be symbolic. Bakri Eid prayers should not be offered in mosques or Eidgahs or public places, but should be done at home only. Currently all operating livestock markets will remain closed. If citizens want to buy animals, they should buy it online or by phone: Maharashtra Govt #COVID19 — ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020 × All the existing guidelines, especially in containment zones, have to be strictly followed in addition to the new guidelines. "Bakri Eid should be celebrated in a simple manner this year given the COVID-19 outbreak," an official statement quoted Deshmukh as saying. Maharashtra has crossed 280,000 cases as of Friday morning. This is the highest in the country.

Keep Eid celebrations simple and safe: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now? Later, you could get it melted into and still obtain the same value or get other jewelry made,” says Radhakrishnan, the owner of RK Jewel Works in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

A traditional goldsmith, Radhakrishnan has worked in various functions in the jewelry-making field for over 35 years. It was about three years back that he started making and selling clothes made of Gold. Yes, you read that right!. Most of these were made to order for special occasions, for adorning deities, for children on their birthdays etc.&nbsp;

The experience gained over the years in making clothes out of precious metals is what led to the thought of making masks that are made of precious metals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-man-wears-gold-face-mask-to-ward-off-coronavirus-310734">Also read:&nbsp;Indian man wears gold face mask to ward off coronavirus</a>

“We can make them in 18K, 22K hallmark certified gold and the purity is guaranteed. When it comes to silver we can make it only in 92.5 sterling silver. The metal weight would be about 50gms and the cloth part of the mask would weigh 6gms or so. Silver options are priced at $200 (INR 15,000) and upwards whereas the gold version start at $3,668 (INR 2,75,000),” the shop owner says.&nbsp;

Despite owning the shop, he claims to have kept his form of work closely guarded. Ninety per cent of the process is said to be handwork and he makes these precious items himself, often taking help from those in his family. From start to finish, it takes about seven days of intricate work to get these shining masks ready.&nbsp;

“We draw gold wires that are 0.06mm in thickness and this is the only machine work. After getting these fine and flexible wires, we use them for knitting and weaving. We have received orders from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several places up north. But the farther the distance, people refuse to buy due to the issues involved in logistics. So far there are nine confirmed orders and we receive a lot of enquiries on a daily basis,” Radhakrishnan Sundaram Acharya, the shopowner and goldsmith told WION.

When asked about how it would feel to wear one for long hours, re-use it, besides the protection it offers, he says that his masks have a cloth-like feel. “The portion on top is made of metal and inside it we have the multiple layers of cloth material which are used in mask-making. It can be washed and re-used, but twisting it for any reason it is a strict no. If required later on, one can even get a goldsmith to replace the cloth material with a new one for the sake of better protection” he says.&nbsp;

It’s just been a little over a week since the gold and Silver masks were introduced, but Radhakrishnan is overwhelmed with the response as a few customers are preferring them as gifting options and even jewelry. In case one prefers more personalisation and customization, they even offer to engrave names.&nbsp;

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now?

With protective masks having become a part of daily accessory, now masks made of precious metals such as gold and silver are gaining popularity. “Why not use a mask as an ornament for now? Later, you could get it melted into and still obtain the same value or get other jewelry made,” says Radhakrishnan, the owner of RK Jewel Works in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. A traditional goldsmith, Radhakrishnan has worked in various functions in the jewelry-making field for over 35 years. It was about three years back that he started making and selling clothes made of Gold. Yes, you read that right!. Most of these were made to order for special occasions, for adorning deities, for children on their birthdays etc. The experience gained over the years in making clothes out of precious metals is what led to the thought of making masks that are made of precious metals. Also read: Indian man wears gold face mask to ward off coronavirus “We can make them in 18K, 22K hallmark certified gold and the purity is guaranteed. When it comes to silver we can make it only in 92.5 sterling silver. The metal weight would be about 50gms and the cloth part of the mask would weigh 6gms or so. Silver options are priced at $200 (INR 15,000) and upwards whereas the gold version start at $3,668 (INR 2,75,000),” the shop owner says. Despite owning the shop, he claims to have kept his form of work closely guarded. Ninety per cent of the process is said to be handwork and he makes these precious items himself, often taking help from those in his family. From start to finish, it takes about seven days of intricate work to get these shining masks ready. “We draw gold wires that are 0.06mm in thickness and this is the only machine work. After getting these fine and flexible wires, we use them for knitting and weaving. We have received orders from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and several places up north. But the farther the distance, people refuse to buy due to the issues involved in logistics. So far there are nine confirmed orders and we receive a lot of enquiries on a daily basis,” Radhakrishnan Sundaram Acharya, the shopowner and goldsmith told WION. When asked about how it would feel to wear one for long hours, re-use it, besides the protection it offers, he says that his masks have a cloth-like feel. “The portion on top is made of metal and inside it we have the multiple layers of cloth material which are used in mask-making. It can be washed and re-used, but twisting it for any reason it is a strict no. If required later on, one can even get a goldsmith to replace the cloth material with a new one for the sake of better protection” he says. It’s just been a little over a week since the gold and Silver masks were introduced, but Radhakrishnan is overwhelmed with the response as a few customers are preferring them as gifting options and even jewelry. In case one prefers more personalisation and customization, they even offer to engrave names.

Coimbatore: Masks made of gold and silver on sale see high demand

&nbsp;Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them.

Minister Wanniarachchi recently said that PHI officers engaged in COVID-19 duties were causing inconvenience by revealing details of the latest detections of coronavirus patients to the media.

Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) in a statement said they are protesting Wanniarachchi's remarks that PHIs had caused problems in COVID-19 prevention and therefore they would not be provided legal cover for their work. 
They said they were withdrawing from all COVID-19 combat work from mid-day Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/postal-voting-for-over-70000-sri-lankan-officials-begins-amid-new-covid-19-threat-313095">Also read:&nbsp;Postal voting for over 700,00 Sri Lankan officials begins amid new COVID-19 threat</a>

Health Minister Wanniarachchi's comments came as she took action to gazette the health guidelines after a long delay on holding the August 5 parliamentary elections.

The Election Commission had complained that guidelines that were forwarded to the authorities early June had not been given legal effect by way of a gazette publication even by Thursday.

Election Commission chief Mahinda Deshapriya said it would be extremely difficult to conduct the election on August 5 without the gazette on health guidelines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-cancels-election-rallies-over-surge-in-new-virus-cases-312781">Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka cancels election rallies over surge in new virus cases</a>

The PHIs told the Election Commission that the legal cover for their work was a must as people tend to object to and ignore their work to comply with health guidelines without the legal cover.

It was announced Saturday morning that COVID-19 (Elections) regulations 2020 are to deal only with issues concerning election rallies, canvassing by political parties and maintenance of elections offices by political parties.

This excludes the PHI functions in respective areas to enforce health guidelines. 
The election which had been twice postponed is due to be held on August 5.

The need for legality to the health guidelines became even more important in the face of what seemed a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

A sudden spike of over 500 cases from the north central region forced the cancellation of election campaigning and closure of schools.

Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them.

Public health inspectors in Sri Lanka on Friday announced that they will refrain from COVID-19 related duties to protest Health Minister Pavitra Wanniarachchi's recent remarks against them. Minister Wanniarachchi recently said that PHI officers engaged in COVID-19 duties were causing inconvenience by revealing details of the latest detections of coronavirus patients to the media. Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU) in a statement said they are protesting Wanniarachchi's remarks that PHIs had caused problems in COVID-19 prevention and therefore they would not be provided legal cover for their work. They said they were withdrawing from all COVID-19 combat work from mid-day Friday. Also read: Postal voting for over 700,00 Sri Lankan officials begins amid new COVID-19 threat Health Minister Wanniarachchi's comments came as she took action to gazette the health guidelines after a long delay on holding the August 5 parliamentary elections. The Election Commission had complained that guidelines that were forwarded to the authorities early June had not been given legal effect by way of a gazette publication even by Thursday. Election Commission chief Mahinda Deshapriya said it would be extremely difficult to conduct the election on August 5 without the gazette on health guidelines. Also read: Sri Lanka cancels election rallies over surge in new virus cases The PHIs told the Election Commission that the legal cover for their work was a must as people tend to object to and ignore their work to comply with health guidelines without the legal cover. It was announced Saturday morning that COVID-19 (Elections) regulations 2020 are to deal only with issues concerning election rallies, canvassing by political parties and maintenance of elections offices by political parties. This excludes the PHI functions in respective areas to enforce health guidelines. The election which had been twice postponed is due to be held on August 5. The need for legality to the health guidelines became even more important in the face of what seemed a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. A sudden spike of over 500 cases from the north central region forced the cancellation of election campaigning and closure of schools.

Lanka health inspectors withdraw from COVID-19 duties over minister's remarks against them

To check profiteering by private hospitals during the current pandemic, the Punjab government has fixed their COVID treatment rates.

The decision was announced on Thursday after a COVID review Video Conference (VC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

The rates, finalised for private hospitals and medical colleges by Dr KK Talwar Committee, cover isolation beds, ICU treatment and hospitalisation charges, per day of admission.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/punjab-set-to-cap-covid-19-charges-in-private-hospitals-307355">Also read:&nbsp;Punjab set to cap COVID-19 charges in private hospitals</a>

For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day of admission are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges/NABH private hospitals with teaching program from NBE, Rs 9,000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG/DNB course) and Rs 8,000 for non-NABH accredited hospitals.

The rates across these categories of hospitals for severe sickness (ICU without need for ventilator) have been capped, respectively, at Rs 15,000, Rs 14,000 and Rs 13,000, while for very severe or critical patients, these are fixed at Rs 18,000, Rs 16,500 and Rs 15,000 respectively.

All these rates are inclusive of PPE costs, according to an official spokesperson.In order to encourage private hospitals to cater to mild sickness cases also, the Dr Talwar Committee has also fixed per day admission rates for such cases at Rs 6,500, Rs 5,500 and Rs 4,500, respectively.

The move comes amid several complaints received by the state government of private hospitals charging exorbitantly for COVID treatment.

The Chief Minister had asked the Dr Talwar committee and the state health and family welfare department to look into the matter and work out the rates after discussions with private hospitals. 
&nbsp;

To check profiteering by private hospitals during the current pandemic, the Punjab government has fixed their COVID treatment rates. The decision was announced on Thursday after a COVID review Video Conference (VC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

To check profiteering by private hospitals during the current pandemic, the Punjab government has fixed their COVID treatment rates. The decision was announced on Thursday after a COVID review Video Conference (VC) meeting chaired by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The rates, finalised for private hospitals and medical colleges by Dr KK Talwar Committee, cover isolation beds, ICU treatment and hospitalisation charges, per day of admission. Also read: Punjab set to cap COVID-19 charges in private hospitals For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day of admission are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges/NABH private hospitals with teaching program from NBE, Rs 9,000 for NABH accredited hospitals (including private medical colleges without PG/DNB course) and Rs 8,000 for non-NABH accredited hospitals. The rates across these categories of hospitals for severe sickness (ICU without need for ventilator) have been capped, respectively, at Rs 15,000, Rs 14,000 and Rs 13,000, while for very severe or critical patients, these are fixed at Rs 18,000, Rs 16,500 and Rs 15,000 respectively. All these rates are inclusive of PPE costs, according to an official spokesperson.In order to encourage private hospitals to cater to mild sickness cases also, the Dr Talwar Committee has also fixed per day admission rates for such cases at Rs 6,500, Rs 5,500 and Rs 4,500, respectively. The move comes amid several complaints received by the state government of private hospitals charging exorbitantly for COVID treatment. The Chief Minister had asked the Dr Talwar committee and the state health and family welfare department to look into the matter and work out the rates after discussions with private hospitals.

Punjab caps COVID treatment rates for private hospitals

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus.

France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces.

The new rule will be implemented from August 1 all over the country, President Emmanuel Macron said. Mayenne region, however,&nbsp;made it obligatory immediately in several places.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wearing-masks-can-cut-down-coronavirus-infection-risk-by-65-313450">Also read:&nbsp;Wearing masks can cut down coronavirus infection risk by 65%</a>

The rule is being imposed after French health experts said that the coronavirus was&nbsp;"coming back a bit".

"We were considering implementing (this measure) on August 1 because, once again, we are acting preventively and not as a matter of emergency", Prime Minister Jean Castex told the Senate.

"I have heard and understood that this deadline appeared late or raised some questions, so the decree will come into force next week."

The novel coronavirus, that earlier slowed down in the country, has taken over 30,000 people in France and has been increasing in the past few weeks.&nbsp;

In addition to this, Macron also proposed open COVID testing for all, without any doctors' prescriptions.

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus. France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces.

Amid rising number of coronavirus cases and lack of a possible COVID vaccine, France has decided to increase the precautions against the deadly virus. France, on Thursday, announced that soon wearing face mask will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces (indoors spaces) too, in addition to the existing rule of wearing mask in outdoor public spaces. The new rule will be implemented from August 1 all over the country, President Emmanuel Macron said. Mayenne region, however, made it obligatory immediately in several places. Also read: Wearing masks can cut down coronavirus infection risk by 65% The rule is being imposed after French health experts said that the coronavirus was "coming back a bit". "We were considering implementing (this measure) on August 1 because, once again, we are acting preventively and not as a matter of emergency", Prime Minister Jean Castex told the Senate. "I have heard and understood that this deadline appeared late or raised some questions, so the decree will come into force next week." The novel coronavirus, that earlier slowed down in the country, has taken over 30,000 people in France and has been increasing in the past few weeks. In addition to this, Macron also proposed open COVID testing for all, without any doctors' prescriptions.

France makes wearing face masks indoors compulsory

With several countries facing a threat of a possible second wave pf coronavirus, South Korea's&nbsp;National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) President thinks that South Korea needs to improve its medical infrastructure.

Talking about how there can be a second wave of coroavirus, or worse, more of such viruses and pandemics, Dr Kim Yong-ik said,&nbsp;"I think we will see more such disease outbreaks that are more highly transmissible and fatal.&nbsp;We need to be prepared by running simulation exercises on various scenarios: how to switch the existing hospitals, where to send the medical staff, or how to categorize the patients."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-regulator-fines-tiktok-over-mishandling-child-data-313634">Also read:&nbsp;South Korean regulator fines TikTok over mishandling child data</a>

While the country's response to coronavirus is being applauded all over the world,&nbsp;its extremely low rate of public hospital beds — only 10% of total —&nbsp;remains a potential weak spot, as the country continues to battle small but persistent outbreaks and front-line public healthcare workers suffer burnout after more than six months of treating COVID-19 patients.

While talking about the country's quick response to the pandemic, he said that while the early state intervention proved out to be a huge success, he is worried that that things could get worse in the upcoming winter season and "it`s very important for healthcare workers not to get exhausted before then."

"South Korea’s efforts (to clamp down on COVID-19) have been called a success, despite a lack of public medical facilities. This evaluation proves the private hospitals and doctors are second to none," he added. He also said that the more effective and efficient way would be to&nbsp;support existing private doctors and hospitals.

The country has reported a total of 13,551 confirmed cases and 289 deaths, sharply lower than most countries.

With several countries facing a threat of a possible second wave pf coronavirus, South Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) President thinks that South Korea needs to improve its medical infrastructure.

With several countries facing a threat of a possible second wave pf coronavirus, South Korea's National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) President thinks that South Korea needs to improve its medical infrastructure. Talking about how there can be a second wave of coroavirus, or worse, more of such viruses and pandemics, Dr Kim Yong-ik said, "I think we will see more such disease outbreaks that are more highly transmissible and fatal. We need to be prepared by running simulation exercises on various scenarios: how to switch the existing hospitals, where to send the medical staff, or how to categorize the patients." Also read: South Korean regulator fines TikTok over mishandling child data While the country's response to coronavirus is being applauded all over the world, its extremely low rate of public hospital beds — only 10% of total — remains a potential weak spot, as the country continues to battle small but persistent outbreaks and front-line public healthcare workers suffer burnout after more than six months of treating COVID-19 patients. While talking about the country's quick response to the pandemic, he said that while the early state intervention proved out to be a huge success, he is worried that that things could get worse in the upcoming winter season and "it`s very important for healthcare workers not to get exhausted before then." "South Korea’s efforts (to clamp down on COVID-19) have been called a success, despite a lack of public medical facilities. This evaluation proves the private hospitals and doctors are second to none," he added. He also said that the more effective and efficient way would be to support existing private doctors and hospitals. The country has reported a total of 13,551 confirmed cases and 289 deaths, sharply lower than most countries.

This can happen again, and South Korea will need more hospital beds: top health official

A 30-year-old&nbsp;who thought that the coronavirus pandemic was a hoax has succumbed to the deadly virus in&nbsp;San Antonio.

The deceased had attended a "COVID party" thinking that the novel coronavirus is a hoax.&nbsp;

“Just before the patient died, they looked at their nurse and said ‘I think I made a mistake, I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not,’” said Dr Jane Appleby, the chief medical officer at Methodist hospital in San Antonio.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-reports-9747-new-cases-death-toll-crosses-135000-312836">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: US reports 9,747 new cases; death toll crosses 135,000</a>

The concept of a "COVID party" has been becoming very popular in the US, which is the worst affected country in the world. In these parties, someone affected by the novel coronavirus hosts a party and invites a bunch of people to check if the virus spreads and infects anybody else. The party is hosted to prove that the pandemic is a hoax.

Sadly, the rising trend of the COVID parties is adding to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the US, experts believe.

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A sad, shocking story from the chief medical officer of San Antonio’s Methodist Hospital: A 30-year-old who attended a “Covid party” and then made a deathbed confession to the nurse. “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax.” <a href="https://t.co/MfruZjZais">pic.twitter.com/MfruZjZais</a>
— Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) <a href="https://twitter.com/ddiamond/status/1281945527563751424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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“I don’t want to be an alarmist, and we’re just trying to share some real-world examples to help our community realise that this virus is very serious and can spread easily,” Appleby said. She also stated that the positivity rate in the US has jumped to 22 per cent, which means that&nbsp;about 1 in 5 people are testing positive out of the total samples.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-records-highest-single-daily-spike-with-230370-global-coronavirus-cases-312834">Also read:&nbsp;WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases</a>

"This is a concerning increase from a positive rate of about five percent only several weeks ago," she added.

She also said that the age range of people being infected&nbsp; by the virus is increasing as a lot of people aged between 20-30 are now getting infected, which is against the earlier expert view that the virus affects more old aged and young kids.

“Please wear a mask, stay at home when you can, avoid groups of people and sanitise your hands,” Appleby requested.

A 30-year-old who thought that the coronavirus pandemic was a hoax has succumbed to the deadly virus in San Antonio. The deceased had attended a "COVID party" thinking that the novel coronavirus is a hoax.

A 30-year-old who thought that the coronavirus pandemic was a hoax has succumbed to the deadly virus in San Antonio. The deceased had attended a "COVID party" thinking that the novel coronavirus is a hoax. “Just before the patient died, they looked at their nurse and said ‘I think I made a mistake, I thought this was a hoax, but it’s not,’” said Dr Jane Appleby, the chief medical officer at Methodist hospital in San Antonio. Also read: COVID 19: US reports 9,747 new cases; death toll crosses 135,000 The concept of a "COVID party" has been becoming very popular in the US, which is the worst affected country in the world. In these parties, someone affected by the novel coronavirus hosts a party and invites a bunch of people to check if the virus spreads and infects anybody else. The party is hosted to prove that the pandemic is a hoax. Sadly, the rising trend of the COVID parties is adding to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the US, experts believe. A sad, shocking story from the chief medical officer of San Antonio’s Methodist Hospital: A 30-year-old who attended a “Covid party” and then made a deathbed confession to the nurse. “I think I made a mistake. I thought this was a hoax.” pic.twitter.com/MfruZjZais — Dan Diamond (@ddiamond) July 11, 2020 × “I don’t want to be an alarmist, and we’re just trying to share some real-world examples to help our community realise that this virus is very serious and can spread easily,” Appleby said. She also stated that the positivity rate in the US has jumped to 22 per cent, which means that about 1 in 5 people are testing positive out of the total samples. Also read: WHO records highest single-daily spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases "This is a concerning increase from a positive rate of about five percent only several weeks ago," she added. She also said that the age range of people being infected by the virus is increasing as a lot of people aged between 20-30 are now getting infected, which is against the earlier expert view that the virus affects more old aged and young kids. “Please wear a mask, stay at home when you can, avoid groups of people and sanitise your hands,” Appleby requested.

I made a mistake: 30-year-old dies after attending COVID party

Australia's most populated&nbsp;state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday.

Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country. The identified cluster is adding to fears of a second national wave of the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-state-marks-week-of-triple-digit-coronavirus-cases-312660">Also read:&nbsp;Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases</a>

Almost half of the reported 14 new cases&nbsp;were people who recently visited a pub in southwest Sydney, the Crossroads Hotel.

"The concern is that this hotel is used by freight drivers who are transporting essential supplies across the country," Australia`s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "They are not being tested."

In Victoria, 177 new cases were reported on Monday, which is a considerable decrease from 273 cases reported a day earlier. However, Victoria's Chief Health officer Brett Sutton has urged locals to not take it as a sigh of relief.&nbsp;"It may not be our peak yet," Victoria`s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne. "I would like to see a week of decreasing numbers."

With a surge in cases,&nbsp;University of Queensland will be beginning trials of COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, and the preliminary results can be expected till September.

Australia's most populated state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday. Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country.

Australia's most populated state has been observing a surge in coronavirus cases for the last couple of weeks. The state reported 14 new cases on Monday. Now, a growing cluster has been identified at a pub that is majorly used by freight drivers travelling the country. The identified cluster is adding to fears of a second national wave of the virus. Also read: Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases Almost half of the reported 14 new cases were people who recently visited a pub in southwest Sydney, the Crossroads Hotel. "The concern is that this hotel is used by freight drivers who are transporting essential supplies across the country," Australia`s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "They are not being tested." In Victoria, 177 new cases were reported on Monday, which is a considerable decrease from 273 cases reported a day earlier. However, Victoria's Chief Health officer Brett Sutton has urged locals to not take it as a sigh of relief. "It may not be our peak yet," Victoria`s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne. "I would like to see a week of decreasing numbers." With a surge in cases, University of Queensland will be beginning trials of COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, and the preliminary results can be expected till September.

Australian pub cluster reports almost half of cases; fears of second-wave continue

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day &nbsp;on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. 
 
Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. 
 
The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/bulgarias-borissov-demands-resignation-of-mafia-type-government-amid-anti-corruption-protests-312608" hreflang="en">Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests</a> 
 
President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched&nbsp;as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. 
 
Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. 
 
The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. 
 
The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". 
 
Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. 
 
The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. 
 
Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. 
 
Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. 
 
Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. 
 
A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government.

Thousands of Bulgarians gathered for a fourth day on Sunday in Sofia and other cities to protest against corruption and demand the resignation of the conservative government. Over 3,000 protesters shouted "Mafia" and "Resign" outside the government headquarters in Sofia and marched to parliament. The protests in the capital were sparked by an unprecedented raid by heavily armed police and prosecutors on the presidential headquarters on Thursday. Also read: Bulgaria's Borissov demands resignation of 'mafia' type government amid anti-corruption protests President Rumen Radev's legal affairs and anti-corruption secretary and his security and defence advisor were detained for questioning and their offices searched as part of two separate probes into influence-peddling and disclosure of state secrets. Protesters also gathered in at least ten other towns on Sunday. The searches on Thursday sparked public anger and brought thousands of demonstrators onto the streets of Sofia to condemn the raids as an attack by the government and the chief prosecutor against the Socialists-backed Radev. The president is an outspoken critic of the cabinet of Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, accusing it of "links with oligarchs". Borisov on Saturday refused to resign but opponents launched an online petition aiming to gather as many as one million signatures to demand his ouster. The Socialist opposition in parliament also said Sunday that they would table a no confidence motion against the cabinet for "corruption" next Wednesday, appealing to protesters to back them. Friday's rallies turned violent with 18 protesters arrested, including two men who were hospitalised after being beaten, prompting an even bigger turnout on Saturday when Radev joined protesters in their demand for the resignation of the cabinet and the chief prosecutor. Police had appealed for restraint ahead of Sunday's demonstration and the interior ministry announced late Sunday that the rally had ended without incident. Thirteen years after joining the EU as its poorest country, Bulgaria has also remained the bloc's most graft-prone member state, according to Transparency International's corruption perception index. A new rally is scheduled for Monday afternoon and another nationwide protest for Thursday.

Fourth night of anti-government protests in Bulgaria

As the WHO reported a record single-day spike, more than half of the cases were reported from the United States of America.

The US reported&nbsp;9,747 new cases over the last 24-hour period, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

With 442 new fatalities reported, the death toll of the country now stands at&nbsp;135,171.&nbsp;

Florida, alone,&nbsp;has recorded over 15,000 new cases in the past 24 hours on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-florida-records-15000-cases-in-one-day-shatters-new-yorks-record-312812">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Florida records 15,000 cases in one day; shatters New York's record</a>

However, this was not the record high single-day spike. The highest single day spike was on Saturday when&nbsp;66,528 new cases were reported.

The US now has&nbsp;3,301,820 total infections, according to the data released by&nbsp;Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

The surge in the cases is being seen as a result of the trials of reopening the economy, which led to people flocking on the streets and beaches without taking proper safety measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the WHO reported a record single-day spike, more than half of the cases were reported from the United States of America. The US reported 9,747 new cases over the last 24-hour period, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

As the WHO reported a record single-day spike, more than half of the cases were reported from the United States of America. The US reported 9,747 new cases over the last 24-hour period, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. With 442 new fatalities reported, the death toll of the country now stands at 135,171. Florida, alone, has recorded over 15,000 new cases in the past 24 hours on Sunday. Also read: COVID-19: Florida records 15,000 cases in one day; shatters New York's record However, this was not the record high single-day spike. The highest single day spike was on Saturday when 66,528 new cases were reported. The US now has 3,301,820 total infections, according to the data released by Johns Hopkins University. The surge in the cases is being seen as a result of the trials of reopening the economy, which led to people flocking on the streets and beaches without taking proper safety measures. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: US reports 9,747 new cases; death toll crosses 135,000

First family of the US, the Trump family, has been the most famous family in the world to resist face masks during the ongoing pandemic, despite repeated warnings by health experts. However, Donald Trump was spotted in a mask for the first time yesterday while visiting a military hospital.&nbsp;

Soon after, First Lady of the US, Melania Trump, too, posted a video in which she was finally seen wearing a face mask.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-spotted-wearing-a-mask-for-the-first-time-in-public-312624">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump spotted wearing a mask for the first time in public</a>

Melania Trump posted a video from her visit to The Mary Elizabeth House, in which she was spotted wearing a white mask.

"It was a pleasure to spend time with the staff, mothers &amp; children at The Mary Elizabeth House, a place that helps strengthen families &amp; provides life skills, counselling and educational resources to help vulnerable single women &amp; their children. #BeBest," she tweeted.

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It was a pleasure to spend time with the staff, mothers &amp; children at The Mary Elizabeth House, a place that helps strengthen families &amp; provides life skills, counseling &amp; educational resources to help vulnerable single women &amp; their children. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BeBest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BeBest</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQSjP0sHi1">pic.twitter.com/hQSjP0sHi1</a>
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/FLOTUS/status/1282313659272790016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Trumps are now being spotted in mask due to the advice from their political aides, experts believe. The sight of so many maskless people during the election campaigns and rallies of Trump and the heavy criticism faced by Trump over roaming mask-less in the country amid a surge of coronavirus cases, forced the Trump family to finally don face masks in order to avoid taking a hit because of this reason in the upcoming elections.

The US is one of the worst affected countries worldwide by coronavirus. On Sunday, the country reported over 61,000 cases, a third straight daily rise. As of Sunday, over 3.2 million infections were recorded with more than 134,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

First family of the US, the Trump family, has been the most famous family in the world to resist face masks during the ongoing pandemic, despite repeated warnings by health experts.

First family of the US, the Trump family, has been the most famous family in the world to resist face masks during the ongoing pandemic, despite repeated warnings by health experts. However, Donald Trump was spotted in a mask for the first time yesterday while visiting a military hospital. Soon after, First Lady of the US, Melania Trump, too, posted a video in which she was finally seen wearing a face mask. Also read: Donald Trump spotted wearing a mask for the first time in public Melania Trump posted a video from her visit to The Mary Elizabeth House, in which she was spotted wearing a white mask. "It was a pleasure to spend time with the staff, mothers & children at The Mary Elizabeth House, a place that helps strengthen families & provides life skills, counselling and educational resources to help vulnerable single women & their children. #BeBest," she tweeted. It was a pleasure to spend time with the staff, mothers & children at The Mary Elizabeth House, a place that helps strengthen families & provides life skills, counseling & educational resources to help vulnerable single women & their children. #BeBest pic.twitter.com/hQSjP0sHi1 — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) July 12, 2020 × The Trumps are now being spotted in mask due to the advice from their political aides, experts believe. The sight of so many maskless people during the election campaigns and rallies of Trump and the heavy criticism faced by Trump over roaming mask-less in the country amid a surge of coronavirus cases, forced the Trump family to finally don face masks in order to avoid taking a hit because of this reason in the upcoming elections. The US is one of the worst affected countries worldwide by coronavirus. On Sunday, the country reported over 61,000 cases, a third straight daily rise. As of Sunday, over 3.2 million infections were recorded with more than 134,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

After Donald Trump, Melania Trump now spotted wearing a face mask

The total number of coronavirus cases increased to 12.55 million as nearly 230,370 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The surge in cases is the highest single-day spike seen in the world tally, till date.

Out of 230,370 cases, more than half of the cases were reported in the US — 133,486 cases were from the US. Brazil reported&nbsp;70,398 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-florida-records-15000-cases-in-one-day-shatters-new-yorks-record-312812">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Florida records 15,000 cases in one day; shatters New York's record</a>

The WHO reported more than 565,000 deaths from COVID-19 till date.

Mexico on Sunday reported 299,750 cases and 35,006 deaths in Mexico due to coronavirus till date. It is now the country with the fourth highest death toll from COVID-19, ahead of Italy, according Mexican health officials.

"There are 299,750 confirmed cases of infection and 35,006 deaths in Mexico," health officials said on the presidency's Twitter account.

Italy currently has 34,954 fatalities from the coronavirus.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases increased to 12.55 million as nearly 230,370 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The total number of coronavirus cases increased to 12.55 million as nearly 230,370 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The surge in cases is the highest single-day spike seen in the world tally, till date. Out of 230,370 cases, more than half of the cases were reported in the US — 133,486 cases were from the US. Brazil reported 70,398 cases. Also read: COVID-19: Florida records 15,000 cases in one day; shatters New York's record The WHO reported more than 565,000 deaths from COVID-19 till date. Mexico on Sunday reported 299,750 cases and 35,006 deaths in Mexico due to coronavirus till date. It is now the country with the fourth highest death toll from COVID-19, ahead of Italy, according Mexican health officials. "There are 299,750 confirmed cases of infection and 35,006 deaths in Mexico," health officials said on the presidency's Twitter account. Italy currently has 34,954 fatalities from the coronavirus. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO records highest single-day spike with 230,370 global coronavirus cases

Mask-less: Political leaders around the world who 'forgot' to wear mask

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher's mother, brother Raju Kher, sister-in-law and niece have tested positive for COVID-19. Anupam has been tested negative.&nbsp;

Anupam Kher himself revealed the news on his Twitter handle, ''This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found COVID + (Mildly). We have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. My brother, bhabhi &amp; niece inspite of being careful to have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well &amp; I have tested negative. @mybmc is informed''.&nbsp;

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This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found Covid + (Mildly). We have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. My brother, bhabhi &amp; niece inspite of being careful have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well &amp; I have tested negative. <a href="https://twitter.com/mybmc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mybmc</a> is informed.!🙏 <a href="https://t.co/EpjDIALft2">pic.twitter.com/EpjDIALft2</a>
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnupamPKher/status/1282181222467162118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Her mother Dulari Kher has been admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital. The&nbsp;BMC has been informed about it, Kher said in the video.&nbsp; 
 
Earlier on Saturday night, Amitabh Bachchan and son, Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for coronavirus. The dubbing studio where Abhishek was working has been closed.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-Amitabh-Bachchans-condition-stable-after-testing-positive-for-COVID-19-312658" hreflang="en">Amitabh Bachchan's condition stable after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-Bollywood-celebs-wish-Amitabh-Bachchan-speedy-recovery-as-he-tests-positive-for-COVID-19-312620" hreflang="en">Bollywood celebs wish Amitabh Bachchan speedy recovery as he tests positive for COVID-19</a></h2>

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher's mother, brother Raju Kher, sister-in-law and niece have tested positive for COVID-19. Anupam has been tested negative. Anupam Kher himself revealed the news on his Twitter handle, ''This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found COVID + (Mildly).

Bollywood actor Anupam Kher's mother, brother Raju Kher, sister-in-law and niece have tested positive for COVID-19. Anupam has been tested negative. Anupam Kher himself revealed the news on his Twitter handle, ''This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found COVID + (Mildly). We have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. My brother, bhabhi & niece inspite of being careful to have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well & I have tested negative. @mybmc is informed''. This is to inform all that my mother Dulari is found Covid + (Mildly). We have admitted her into Kokilaben Hospital. My brother, bhabhi & niece inspite of being careful have also tested mildly positive.I got myself tested as well & I have tested negative. @mybmc is informed.!🙏 pic.twitter.com/EpjDIALft2 — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) July 12, 2020 × Her mother Dulari Kher has been admitted to the Kokilaben Hospital. The BMC has been informed about it, Kher said in the video. Earlier on Saturday night, Amitabh Bachchan and son, Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for coronavirus. The dubbing studio where Abhishek was working has been closed. Amitabh Bachchan's condition stable after testing positive for COVID-19 Bollywood celebs wish Amitabh Bachchan speedy recovery as he tests positive for COVID-19

Anupam Kher's mother, brother, sister-in-law test positive for COVID-19

Karnataka remained shut during the second Sunday curfew to help fight COVID-19 in Karnataka, bringing the state to a virtual standstill.

The curfew was strictly imposed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi, among others, as very few people were seen on the roads, while most preferred to stay indoors.

Most vehicles like buses, autorickshaws, cars and two-wheelers stayed off the roads in cities, including the state capital Bengaluru, where a week-long curfew will come into effect from Tuesday.

While the government did not rule out the possibility of extending the total lockdown in Bengaluru commencing on Tuesday night, it also hinted at extending the curbs across the state. However, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will take the final call on Monday on the matter.

As part of its measures to curb the spread of the virus in the capital city, which has seen a spurt in the number of cases in the last few days, the state government had announced a complete lockdown from July 14-22.

Incidentally, the western city of Pune in Maharashtra has also announced a lockdown from June 13 to June 23.

On Sunday, only essential activities were permitted in the state and policemen were seen strictly enforcing the curfew.

While a majority of people abided by the curfew order and remained indoors, there were instances of violations too.

The policemen were seen questioning the violators.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao had earlier appealed to the people to abide by the curfew and had also warned violators. 
"Curfew will prevail in Bangalore City Commissionerate from 8 pm today to 5 am on Monday. Requesting all Bangalureans to cooperate and stay home. This is in public interest. Those moving without reason will be dealt with legally," Rao had tweeted on Saturday.

In Yashwanthapur in the city during the curfew, a man was allegedly found travelling in an autorickshaw with an 'institutional quarantine' stamp on his hand, police sources said. He was detained for questioning.

At a few places such as Malleswaram, BTM Layout and Koramangala, police penalised violators.

Earlier, the state government had announced a total lockdown on all Sundays starting July 5 in view of the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.

&nbsp;

Karnataka remained shut during the second Sunday curfew to help fight COVID-19 in Karnataka, bringing the state to a virtual standstill. The curfew was strictly imposed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi, among others, as very few people were seen on the roads, while most preferred to stay indoors.

Karnataka remained shut during the second Sunday curfew to help fight COVID-19 in Karnataka, bringing the state to a virtual standstill. The curfew was strictly imposed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Belagavi, among others, as very few people were seen on the roads, while most preferred to stay indoors. Most vehicles like buses, autorickshaws, cars and two-wheelers stayed off the roads in cities, including the state capital Bengaluru, where a week-long curfew will come into effect from Tuesday. While the government did not rule out the possibility of extending the total lockdown in Bengaluru commencing on Tuesday night, it also hinted at extending the curbs across the state. However, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will take the final call on Monday on the matter. As part of its measures to curb the spread of the virus in the capital city, which has seen a spurt in the number of cases in the last few days, the state government had announced a complete lockdown from July 14-22. Incidentally, the western city of Pune in Maharashtra has also announced a lockdown from June 13 to June 23. On Sunday, only essential activities were permitted in the state and policemen were seen strictly enforcing the curfew. While a majority of people abided by the curfew order and remained indoors, there were instances of violations too. The policemen were seen questioning the violators. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao had earlier appealed to the people to abide by the curfew and had also warned violators. "Curfew will prevail in Bangalore City Commissionerate from 8 pm today to 5 am on Monday. Requesting all Bangalureans to cooperate and stay home. This is in public interest. Those moving without reason will be dealt with legally," Rao had tweeted on Saturday. In Yashwanthapur in the city during the curfew, a man was allegedly found travelling in an autorickshaw with an 'institutional quarantine' stamp on his hand, police sources said. He was detained for questioning. At a few places such as Malleswaram, BTM Layout and Koramangala, police penalised violators. Earlier, the state government had announced a total lockdown on all Sundays starting July 5 in view of the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.

Coronavirus: Sunday curfew brings Karnataka to a standstill

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday in Tel Aviv, angered by what they say has been an inept government response to the economic hits they have taken during the coronavirus crisis.

In keeping with restrictions on public gatherings, police limited the number of people allowed into Tel Aviv`s Rabin square for the rally as nearby streets filled with demonstrators wearing face masks.

"I have 40 workers with no income, no money," said Michal Gaist-Casif, vice president of a sound and lighting company.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reports-its-highest-daily-coronavirus-infections-312327">Also read:&nbsp;Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections</a>

"We need the government to pump in money until we`re back to normal. We haven`t been working since mid-March through April, May, June and July, and August is looking to be a catastrophe."

Israeli media said thousands attended the rally. No official figure for the number of protesters was given.

Unemployment in Israel has soared to 21 per cent&nbsp;since the country went into partial lockdown in March and aid packages promised by the government have been slow to come through, frustrating Israelis who fear they are on the verge of economic collapse.

Alarmed by a new spike in COVID-19 cases which surged after the economy began reopening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week reimposed a series of restrictions in a bid to contain infections, shutting down a slew of businesses again.

With less than half of the $29 billion previously pledged in aid paid out and anger building, Netanyahu announced a new welfare package on Thursday, saying the measures would provide an economic safety net for the coming year. 
In the past few weeks, protesters from across the political spectrum have taken to the streets with demands for speedier compensation from the coalition government, which they see as overstaffed and ineffectual.

"People feel helpless, there`s no response. They are enraged and want the government to take responsibility," said Roee Cohen, president of the Israel Chamber of Independent Organizations and Businesses.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday in Tel Aviv, angered by what they say has been an inept government response to the economic hits they have taken during the coronavirus crisis.

Thousands of Israelis demonstrated on Saturday in Tel Aviv, angered by what they say has been an inept government response to the economic hits they have taken during the coronavirus crisis. In keeping with restrictions on public gatherings, police limited the number of people allowed into Tel Aviv`s Rabin square for the rally as nearby streets filled with demonstrators wearing face masks. "I have 40 workers with no income, no money," said Michal Gaist-Casif, vice president of a sound and lighting company. Also read: Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections "We need the government to pump in money until we`re back to normal. We haven`t been working since mid-March through April, May, June and July, and August is looking to be a catastrophe." Israeli media said thousands attended the rally. No official figure for the number of protesters was given. Unemployment in Israel has soared to 21 per cent since the country went into partial lockdown in March and aid packages promised by the government have been slow to come through, frustrating Israelis who fear they are on the verge of economic collapse. Alarmed by a new spike in COVID-19 cases which surged after the economy began reopening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week reimposed a series of restrictions in a bid to contain infections, shutting down a slew of businesses again. With less than half of the $29 billion previously pledged in aid paid out and anger building, Netanyahu announced a new welfare package on Thursday, saying the measures would provide an economic safety net for the coming year. In the past few weeks, protesters from across the political spectrum have taken to the streets with demands for speedier compensation from the coalition government, which they see as overstaffed and ineffectual. "People feel helpless, there`s no response. They are enraged and want the government to take responsibility," said Roee Cohen, president of the Israel Chamber of Independent Organizations and Businesses.

Israelis protest against government response to coronavirus

A total of 28,637 new positive cases and 551 deaths have been reported in India in the last 24 hours, as reported by Ministry of Health.

Total positive cases in the country now stand&nbsp;at 8,49,553 including 2,92,258 active cases, 5,34,621 cured/ discharged/ migrated and 22,674 patients who lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.

Maharashtra reported&nbsp;8,139 new cases and&nbsp;223 deaths on Saturday night. Nealry 4,360 patients were discharged. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,46,600, including 99,202 active cases, 1,36,985 discharged and 10,116 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-Amitabh-Bachchans-condition-stable-after-testing-positive-for-COVID-19-312658">Also read:&nbsp;Amitabh Bachchan's condition stable after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

Mumbai, Maharashtra's capital, reported 1,308 cases, 1,497 discharged patients and 39 deaths. Total number of cases in the city is now at 91,457 including 63,431 recovered, 22,779 active cases and 5,241 deaths. At least 18 people tested positive at Raj Bhavan (Governor's residence) in Mumbai, after they got themselves tested on their own. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed the news after conducting their own tests. The building has been sealed and all employees have been asked to self-quarantine.

National capital Delhi reported&nbsp;1,781 new cases, 2,998 recovered patients&nbsp;and 34 deaths on Saturday night. Total number of cases in the national capital is now at 1,10,921, including 87,692 recovered/discharged/migrated, 19,895 active cases and 3,334 deaths.

The Delhi Health Department also reported that 21,508 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the national capital on Saturday night — 9,767 RTPCR tests and 11,741 rapid antigen tests.

Kerala on Saturday recorded its biggest single-day jump of 488 new COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 7,438 as the death toll climbed to 29 with two fatalities.

A total of 28,637 new positive cases and 551 deaths have been reported in India in the last 24 hours, as reported by Ministry of Health. Total positive cases in the country now stand at 8,49,553 including 2,92,258 active cases, 5,34,621 cured/ discharged/ migrated and 22,674 patients who lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.

A total of 28,637 new positive cases and 551 deaths have been reported in India in the last 24 hours, as reported by Ministry of Health. Total positive cases in the country now stand at 8,49,553 including 2,92,258 active cases, 5,34,621 cured/ discharged/ migrated and 22,674 patients who lost their lives to the novel coronavirus. Maharashtra reported 8,139 new cases and 223 deaths on Saturday night. Nealry 4,360 patients were discharged. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2,46,600, including 99,202 active cases, 1,36,985 discharged and 10,116 deaths. Also read: Amitabh Bachchan's condition stable after testing positive for COVID-19 Mumbai, Maharashtra's capital, reported 1,308 cases, 1,497 discharged patients and 39 deaths. Total number of cases in the city is now at 91,457 including 63,431 recovered, 22,779 active cases and 5,241 deaths. At least 18 people tested positive at Raj Bhavan (Governor's residence) in Mumbai, after they got themselves tested on their own. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has confirmed the news after conducting their own tests. The building has been sealed and all employees have been asked to self-quarantine. National capital Delhi reported 1,781 new cases, 2,998 recovered patients and 34 deaths on Saturday night. Total number of cases in the national capital is now at 1,10,921, including 87,692 recovered/discharged/migrated, 19,895 active cases and 3,334 deaths. The Delhi Health Department also reported that 21,508 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the national capital on Saturday night — 9,767 RTPCR tests and 11,741 rapid antigen tests. Kerala on Saturday recorded its biggest single-day jump of 488 new COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 7,438 as the death toll climbed to 29 with two fatalities.

India's COVID-10 tally nears 8.5 lakh with 28,637 new cases

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic.

Melbourne, the capital of Australia`s second most-populous state, went under a six-week lockdown on Thursday after a spike in community-transmitted cases.

"This is a dangerous time," Victoria`s Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference.

"I know we are asking a lot of Victorians, but we simply have no choice but to acknowledge the reality that we face and to do what must be done, and that is to follow those rules, to only go out when you need to."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teen-surfer-killed-by-shark-second-in-australia-in-a-week-312525">Also read:&nbsp;Teen surfer killed by shark, second in Australia in a week</a>

Sunday`s cases, the second highest for Victoria, home to a quarter of Australia`s 25 million people, follow a record 288 infections reported on Friday. The increase partly reflects increased testing, with the state conducting more than 30,000 tests daily.

There have been multiple outbreaks of the virus, with cases recorded at some public and private hospitals, aged-care facilities, public housing complexes and supermarkets.

A man in his 70s died over the weekend of COVID-19, Andrews said, taking the national toll to 108.

Most primary and secondary school students in Melbourne will be learning remotely until at least Aug. 19, with exceptions for students with special needs, among others, the premier said.

Australia`s other seven states and territories have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus.

New South Wales, the most-populous state, recorded five new cases on Sunday, as it moved to charge all travellers flying in from overseas A$3,000 ($2,100) for a mandatory two-week quarantine in hotels.

The decision to charge travellers, including Australian citizens, came after the federal government on Friday announced caps on the number of people arriving in Australia.

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic.

Australia`s Victoria state reported 273 new cases of the coronavirus and another COVID-19 death on Sunday, marking a week of triple-digit increases in infections, as state authorities battle fresh outbreaks of the pandemic. Melbourne, the capital of Australia`s second most-populous state, went under a six-week lockdown on Thursday after a spike in community-transmitted cases. "This is a dangerous time," Victoria`s Premier Daniel Andrews told a news conference. "I know we are asking a lot of Victorians, but we simply have no choice but to acknowledge the reality that we face and to do what must be done, and that is to follow those rules, to only go out when you need to." Also read: Teen surfer killed by shark, second in Australia in a week Sunday`s cases, the second highest for Victoria, home to a quarter of Australia`s 25 million people, follow a record 288 infections reported on Friday. The increase partly reflects increased testing, with the state conducting more than 30,000 tests daily. There have been multiple outbreaks of the virus, with cases recorded at some public and private hospitals, aged-care facilities, public housing complexes and supermarkets. A man in his 70s died over the weekend of COVID-19, Andrews said, taking the national toll to 108. Most primary and secondary school students in Melbourne will be learning remotely until at least Aug. 19, with exceptions for students with special needs, among others, the premier said. Australia`s other seven states and territories have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus. New South Wales, the most-populous state, recorded five new cases on Sunday, as it moved to charge all travellers flying in from overseas A$3,000 ($2,100) for a mandatory two-week quarantine in hotels. The decision to charge travellers, including Australian citizens, came after the federal government on Friday announced caps on the number of people arriving in Australia.

Australia's Victoria state marks week of triple-digit coronavirus cases

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported&nbsp;219,983 new positive tests in the last 24 hours, taking the global tally of coronavirus cases above 12.3 million.

The death toll increased by 5,286 in the past 24 hours, taking the global tally of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus to 556,335, the WHO said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-spotted-in-a-mask-during-his-visit-to-a-military-hospital-312624">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump spotted in a mask during his visit to a military medical facility</a>

As per the organization's reports,&nbsp;132,683 new positive tests were reported in the United States and a further 69,184 new cases were also confirmed in Brazil in the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President's family has tested negative for coronavirus, while he tested positive few days ago. In India, actor father-son duo, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for coronavirus in late hours on Saturday night (IST).

WHO, to help people increase their immunity, is urging people to quit smoking during the pandemic.&nbsp;WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the launch of the new Access Initiative for Quitting Tobacco initiative by the WHO. The aim of this initiative is to help more than one billion people worldwide stop smoking amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 219,983 new positive tests in the last 24 hours, taking the global tally of coronavirus cases above 12.3 million. The death toll increased by 5,286 in the past 24 hours, taking the global tally of deaths caused by the novel coronavirus to 556,335, the WHO said. Also read: Donald Trump spotted in a mask during his visit to a military medical facility As per the organization's reports, 132,683 new positive tests were reported in the United States and a further 69,184 new cases were also confirmed in Brazil in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Brazilian President's family has tested negative for coronavirus, while he tested positive few days ago. In India, actor father-son duo, Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan tested positive for coronavirus in late hours on Saturday night (IST). WHO, to help people increase their immunity, is urging people to quit smoking during the pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the launch of the new Access Initiative for Quitting Tobacco initiative by the WHO. The aim of this initiative is to help more than one billion people worldwide stop smoking amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 12.3 million; death toll crosses 556,000

The United States has reported&nbsp;66,528 new coronavirus cases and 760 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to&nbsp;3,242,073 and death toll to 134,729, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

This is the fourth consecutive day that the country has reported more than 60,000 cases.

While there is an alarming rise in number of coroanvirus cases in the country, the US President Donald Trump is asking schools to reopen&nbsp; claiming that online teaching has been unsuccessful.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-rises-by-219983-death-toll-crosses-556000-312625">Also read:&nbsp;Global cases of COVID-19 rises by 219,983; death toll crosses 556,000</a>

"Now that we have witnessed it on a large scale basis, and firsthand, Virtual Learning has proven to be TERRIBLE compared to In School, or On Campus, Learning. Not even close! Schools must be open in the Fall. If not open, why would the Federal Government give Funding? It won’t!!!," he re-tweeted his tweet from July 10.

However, students, parents, school authorities and health experts are opposing this proposal by Trump. The health experts seem believe that the students will be exposed to the virus if the schools restart.

Amid the rising number of cases, Disney World has, however, reopened its doors for public on Saturday in Orlando. The state of Florida reported 10,360 new positive coronavirus cases and 95 deaths.

The United States has reported 66,528 new coronavirus cases and 760 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 3,242,073 and death toll to 134,729, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University.

The United States has reported 66,528 new coronavirus cases and 760 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the toll to 3,242,073 and death toll to 134,729, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. This is the fourth consecutive day that the country has reported more than 60,000 cases. While there is an alarming rise in number of coroanvirus cases in the country, the US President Donald Trump is asking schools to reopen claiming that online teaching has been unsuccessful. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 rises by 219,983; death toll crosses 556,000 "Now that we have witnessed it on a large scale basis, and firsthand, Virtual Learning has proven to be TERRIBLE compared to In School, or On Campus, Learning. Not even close! Schools must be open in the Fall. If not open, why would the Federal Government give Funding? It won’t!!!," he re-tweeted his tweet from July 10. However, students, parents, school authorities and health experts are opposing this proposal by Trump. The health experts seem believe that the students will be exposed to the virus if the schools restart. Amid the rising number of cases, Disney World has, however, reopened its doors for public on Saturday in Orlando. The state of Florida reported 10,360 new positive coronavirus cases and 95 deaths.

COVID 19: USA records more than 60,000 cases for fourth consecutive day

The US President Donald Trump has been playing a game of hide and seek with the media when it comes to wearing a face mask when he steps outdoors. Trump has rarely been spotted with a face mask in public. However, proving to be unpredictable again, he was spotted with a face mask on Saturday.

Trump visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a military medical facility outside Washington. The purpose of the visit was to&nbsp;meet with wounded soldiers and frontline health-care workers.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-expects-to-wear-a-mask-when-he-visits-military-hospital-312144">Also read:&nbsp;Trump 'expects' to wear a mask when he visits military hospital</a>

This was the first time he was spotted wearing a mask in the public, especially infront of the media. Trump has earlier claimed that during one of the visits to a factory he did wear a face mask where it was necessary but he did not want to give the media the satisfaction of seeing him donning a face mask, and therefore removed it moments before appearing infront of the cameras.

This time, however, things were different. Trump, now, feels that there is a right time and place to do everything and an army medical facility was the right place to wear a mask, so he did.

“I think when you are in a hospital, especially in that particular setting when you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table, I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask,” Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving for his visit.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-says-will-wear-mask-if-in-tight-situation-with-people-310065">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'</a>

While some locals are thanking the 'superior power' for finally putting the right thought in Trump's mind, some are calling it a trial for redemption&nbsp;to gather few more votes in the upcoming general elections.

Trump did not talk much to the media at the army facility, and just said 'thank you' as he passed the cameras wearing a navy blue coloured face mask with a&nbsp;presidential seal embossed in gold.

Coronavirus cases have been on a constant rise in the country. World Health Organization (WHO) reported&nbsp;132,683 new positive cases in the US in the past 24 hours. Health experts are urging lawmakers to not reopen the economy, and they are also requesting locals to wear face masks and maintain social distance while out in public.

The US President Donald Trump has been playing a game of hide and seek with the media when it comes to wearing a face mask when he steps outdoors. Trump has rarely been spotted with a face mask in public.

The US President Donald Trump has been playing a game of hide and seek with the media when it comes to wearing a face mask when he steps outdoors. Trump has rarely been spotted with a face mask in public. However, proving to be unpredictable again, he was spotted with a face mask on Saturday. Trump visited Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, a military medical facility outside Washington. The purpose of the visit was to meet with wounded soldiers and frontline health-care workers. Also read: Trump 'expects' to wear a mask when he visits military hospital This was the first time he was spotted wearing a mask in the public, especially infront of the media. Trump has earlier claimed that during one of the visits to a factory he did wear a face mask where it was necessary but he did not want to give the media the satisfaction of seeing him donning a face mask, and therefore removed it moments before appearing infront of the cameras. This time, however, things were different. Trump, now, feels that there is a right time and place to do everything and an army medical facility was the right place to wear a mask, so he did. “I think when you are in a hospital, especially in that particular setting when you are talking to a lot of soldiers, people that in some cases just got off the operating table, I think it’s a great thing to wear a mask,” Trump told reporters at the White House before leaving for his visit. Also read: Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people' While some locals are thanking the 'superior power' for finally putting the right thought in Trump's mind, some are calling it a trial for redemption to gather few more votes in the upcoming general elections. Trump did not talk much to the media at the army facility, and just said 'thank you' as he passed the cameras wearing a navy blue coloured face mask with a presidential seal embossed in gold. Coronavirus cases have been on a constant rise in the country. World Health Organization (WHO) reported 132,683 new positive cases in the US in the past 24 hours. Health experts are urging lawmakers to not reopen the economy, and they are also requesting locals to wear face masks and maintain social distance while out in public.

Donald Trump spotted wearing a mask for the first time in public

&nbsp;Australia`s second most-populous state reported one of its highest daily increases in coronavirus infections on Saturday and warned the numbers would get worse before they got better as its capital city began its first weekend of a six-week lockdown.

The state of Victoria logged 216 new cases, down from a record 288 the previous day but still one of the biggest daily increases of any part of the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-approves-remdesivir-as-its-first-option-for-coronavirus-treatment-312317">Also read:&nbsp;Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment</a>

"We will see more and more additional cases. This is going to be with us for months and months," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference.

"Nobody is enjoying being locked at home. It is frustrating, it is challenging, but the strategy will be successful if we all play our part."

Victoria, home to a quarter of the country`s 25 million people, has also become the first state to ask people to wear masks with the order directed at residents of Melbourne.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-intended-australia-and-china-decoupling-311882">Also read:&nbsp;The intended Australia and China decoupling</a>

The other seven states and territories, which reported just 11 new cases between them on Saturday, have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus. Authorities had previously attributed most new cases to people returning from overseas.

The country`s deputy chief medical officer, Nick Coatsworth, said it was to soon to say whether the community transmission had spread from Victoria to other states.

"We are all on high alert," he said. "It is fair to say that the next couple of days are critical."

Australia has avoided the high COVID-19 casualty numbers of other countries after closing its borders and going into nationwide lockdown in March, with some 9,300 infections and 107 deaths.

There were seven new cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the most-populous state, including a man who had visited a Sydney pub that has been linked to two other infections, authorities said. A pop-up testing clinic was set up at the pub so patrons who were there on the same night could be tested.

Australia on Friday gave provisional approval to Gilead Sciences Inc`s remdesivir as the first treatment option for virus, joining the United States and the European Commission.&nbsp;

Australia`s second most-populous state reported one of its highest daily increases in coronavirus infections on Saturday and warned the numbers would get worse before they got better as its capital city began its first weekend of a six-week lockdown.

Australia`s second most-populous state reported one of its highest daily increases in coronavirus infections on Saturday and warned the numbers would get worse before they got better as its capital city began its first weekend of a six-week lockdown. The state of Victoria logged 216 new cases, down from a record 288 the previous day but still one of the biggest daily increases of any part of the country. Also read: Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment "We will see more and more additional cases. This is going to be with us for months and months," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference. "Nobody is enjoying being locked at home. It is frustrating, it is challenging, but the strategy will be successful if we all play our part." Victoria, home to a quarter of the country`s 25 million people, has also become the first state to ask people to wear masks with the order directed at residents of Melbourne. Also read: The intended Australia and China decoupling The other seven states and territories, which reported just 11 new cases between them on Saturday, have banned travellers from Victoria amid concern that community transmission was causing a second wave of the virus. Authorities had previously attributed most new cases to people returning from overseas. The country`s deputy chief medical officer, Nick Coatsworth, said it was to soon to say whether the community transmission had spread from Victoria to other states. "We are all on high alert," he said. "It is fair to say that the next couple of days are critical." Australia has avoided the high COVID-19 casualty numbers of other countries after closing its borders and going into nationwide lockdown in March, with some 9,300 infections and 107 deaths. There were seven new cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the most-populous state, including a man who had visited a Sydney pub that has been linked to two other infections, authorities said. A pop-up testing clinic was set up at the pub so patrons who were there on the same night could be tested. Australia on Friday gave provisional approval to Gilead Sciences Inc`s remdesivir as the first treatment option for virus, joining the United States and the European Commission.

Australia's Victoria state logs another day of high coronavirus infections

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit.

Remdesivir has been at the forefront of the global battle against COVID-19 after the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times, according to data in April from a separate U.S. government trial.

That study showed a trend toward better survival for remdesivir but the difference was not statistically significant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-approves-remdesivir-as-its-first-option-for-coronavirus-treatment-312317">Also read:&nbsp;Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment</a>

In the latest analysis, Gilead said it analyzed data from 312 patients treated in its late-stage study and a separate real-world retrospective cohort of 818 patients with similar characteristics and disease severity.

Gilead`s late-stage study evaluated the safety and efficacy of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of remdesivir in hospitalized patients. The study did not have a placebo comparison.

Dr. Susan Olender from Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in the Gilead statement that the analysis draws from a real-world setting and serves as an important adjunct to clinical trial data even as it is not as vigorous as a randomized controlled trial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-halts-hydroxychloroquine-hiv-drugs-in-covid-trials-after-failure-to-reduce-death-310779">Also read:&nbsp;WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials after failure to reduce death</a>

However, Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh’s medical school, called it "a joke" to compare clinical trial data with observational data and conclude anything definitive about mortality.

"The mortality in the remdesivir trials has generally been lower for both control and intervention groups than other trials and other real world cohorts I`ve seen," Gellad said in an email.

"The real world patients are taken care of at different hospitals than those in the trial and potentially different adjunct treatments. They`re different."

Findings from the analysis showed that 74.4% of remdesivir-treated patients recovered by Day 14 versus 59.0% of patients receiving standard of care, the company said.

The mortality rate for patients treated with remdesivir in the analysis was 7.6% at Day 14, compared with 12.5% among patients not on remdesivir.

The U.S. government trial in April showed that patients given remdesivir recovered 31% faster than those given a placebo.

Gilead`s shares rose 2% to $76.27 in afternoon trading.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit. Remdesivir has been at the forefront of the global battle against COVID-19 after the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times, according to data in April from a separate U.S. government trial. That study showed a trend toward better survival for remdesivir but the difference was not statistically significant. Also read: Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment In the latest analysis, Gilead said it analyzed data from 312 patients treated in its late-stage study and a separate real-world retrospective cohort of 818 patients with similar characteristics and disease severity. Gilead`s late-stage study evaluated the safety and efficacy of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of remdesivir in hospitalized patients. The study did not have a placebo comparison. Dr. Susan Olender from Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in the Gilead statement that the analysis draws from a real-world setting and serves as an important adjunct to clinical trial data even as it is not as vigorous as a randomized controlled trial. Also read: WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials after failure to reduce death However, Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh’s medical school, called it "a joke" to compare clinical trial data with observational data and conclude anything definitive about mortality. "The mortality in the remdesivir trials has generally been lower for both control and intervention groups than other trials and other real world cohorts I`ve seen," Gellad said in an email. "The real world patients are taken care of at different hospitals than those in the trial and potentially different adjunct treatments. They`re different." Findings from the analysis showed that 74.4% of remdesivir-treated patients recovered by Day 14 versus 59.0% of patients receiving standard of care, the company said. The mortality rate for patients treated with remdesivir in the analysis was 7.6% at Day 14, compared with 12.5% among patients not on remdesivir. The U.S. government trial in April showed that patients given remdesivir recovered 31% faster than those given a placebo. Gilead`s shares rose 2% to $76.27 in afternoon trading.

Gilead analysis shows remdesivir reduced coronavirus death risk, more studies needed

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