Amid a constant rise in the number of coronavirus cases, the Mayor of Mexico City has announced a possible reopening of the city from Monday.

On Friday, Mexico had reported a record-high 5,000 new positive coronavirus cases.

However, the Mayor of the Mexico City has announced that the national&nbsp;capital will lift restrictions on car traffic and public transport from next week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-mexico-sees-surge-in-deaths-as-lockdown-eases-303974">Also watch|&nbsp;COVID-19: Mexico sees surge in deaths as lockdown eases</a>

The government plans to allow 340,000 factory works to get back to work amid rising number of coronavirus cases.

However, the Mayor feels this would be the right time to reopen the economy as there has been a slight decline in the hospital occupancy due to COVID-19.

"We think next week the city can begin a process of very orderly transition," said Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mexico-visuals-of-police-officer-set-on-fire-during-protest-304715">Also watch|&nbsp;Mexico: Visuals of Police officer set on fire during protest</a>

According to the latest guidelines, the car traffic and public transport will resume from Monday, the factories can reopen from Tuesday, the small shops can reopen from Thursday and the&nbsp;professional services and scientific workers linked to "industry" can go back as of Friday.

The city government also added that if conditions look better, the street markets and the&nbsp;historic center of the city will reopen the week of June 22-28.

All shops and public transport have been guided to properly sanitize the premises before resuming services.

Amid a constant rise in the number of coronavirus cases, the Mayor of Mexico City has announced a possible reopening of the city from Monday. On Friday, Mexico had reported a record-high 5,000 new positive coronavirus cases.

Amid a constant rise in the number of coronavirus cases, the Mayor of Mexico City has announced a possible reopening of the city from Monday. On Friday, Mexico had reported a record-high 5,000 new positive coronavirus cases. However, the Mayor of the Mexico City has announced that the national capital will lift restrictions on car traffic and public transport from next week. Also watch| COVID-19: Mexico sees surge in deaths as lockdown eases The government plans to allow 340,000 factory works to get back to work amid rising number of coronavirus cases. However, the Mayor feels this would be the right time to reopen the economy as there has been a slight decline in the hospital occupancy due to COVID-19. "We think next week the city can begin a process of very orderly transition," said Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Also watch| Mexico: Visuals of Police officer set on fire during protest According to the latest guidelines, the car traffic and public transport will resume from Monday, the factories can reopen from Tuesday, the small shops can reopen from Thursday and the professional services and scientific workers linked to "industry" can go back as of Friday. The city government also added that if conditions look better, the street markets and the historic center of the city will reopen the week of June 22-28. All shops and public transport have been guided to properly sanitize the premises before resuming services.

COVID 19: Mexico City to reopen economy from Monday amid rising cases

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters.

"If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-russia-supplies-antivirus-drug-to-hospitals-cases-cross-500000-305079">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000</a>

The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remdesivir-prevents-covid-19-lung-damage-tested-on-macaque-monkeys-304914">Also watch:&nbsp;Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys</a>&nbsp;

Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms.

Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines.

Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters. "If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization." Also read| COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000 The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape. Also watch: Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms. Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines. Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.

Regeneron begins human testing of COVID-19 antibody cocktail

Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions.

The&nbsp;monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha. It is the biggest monastery in the country and is popular for its murals and gold trim covering many surfaces.

However, the monastery has restricted entry for foreigners. The sign boards outside the monastery read,&nbsp;"Open for Thai only," "ONLY THAI PEOPLE," and "NOW NOT OPEN FOR FOREIGNERS."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thailand-takes-live-music-festival-to-zoom-amid-virus-outbreak-304077">Have a look:&nbsp;Thailand takes live music festival to Zoom amid virus outbreak</a>

While there is no direct directive from the Thai government about restricting movement of foreigners in the country, officials of the popular tourist spot told a media organization that the monastery fears spread of COVID 19 from foreigners, and has therefore imposed restrictions.

"The outbreak is still rampant in many countries, so we have to stay vigilant as advised by the government," said Wit Artchinda.

The officials have also claimed that the restriction is also partly because of ongoing construction work.&nbsp;"Foreign tourists have to pay 200 baht ($6.50) per visit into the temple," Wit said. "When they pay the money and cannot see so many things that they want to see, we are afraid that they might be frustrated."

Thailand has reported 3,125, infections with 58 deaths.

(With inputs from&nbsp;agencies)

Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions. The monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha.

Wat Pho Royal Monastery, a popular tourist spot in Thailand, has reopened after the pandemic lockdown, but with few restrictions. The monastery is best known for its gold-leaf covered 46-metre-long (151-foot-long) Reclining Buddha. It is the biggest monastery in the country and is popular for its murals and gold trim covering many surfaces. However, the monastery has restricted entry for foreigners. The sign boards outside the monastery read, "Open for Thai only," "ONLY THAI PEOPLE," and "NOW NOT OPEN FOR FOREIGNERS." Have a look: Thailand takes live music festival to Zoom amid virus outbreak While there is no direct directive from the Thai government about restricting movement of foreigners in the country, officials of the popular tourist spot told a media organization that the monastery fears spread of COVID 19 from foreigners, and has therefore imposed restrictions. "The outbreak is still rampant in many countries, so we have to stay vigilant as advised by the government," said Wit Artchinda. The officials have also claimed that the restriction is also partly because of ongoing construction work. "Foreign tourists have to pay 200 baht ($6.50) per visit into the temple," Wit said. "When they pay the money and cannot see so many things that they want to see, we are afraid that they might be frustrated." Thailand has reported 3,125, infections with 58 deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Now not open for foreigners: Famous Thai temple restricts entry of foreigners over COVID 19 fears

&nbsp;As India continues to fight against Covid-19, makers of Varun Dhawan starrer 'Coolie No. 1'&nbsp;on Thursday issued a new coronavirus-themed poster of the comedy flick.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-kangana-ranaut-to-mahira-khan-south-asian-stars-who-refused-to-endorse-fairness-products-304040" hreflang="en">From Kangana Ranaut to Mahira Khan: South-Asian stars who refused to endorse fairness products</a> 
 
The new poster features Dhawan wearing a face mask along with a coolie cap and 'tikka'&nbsp;on his forehead. Dhawan shared the poster on social media and assured his fans that despite being a bit late due to COVID-19 crisis, the comedy flick will surely hit the screens to spread laughter. "#Coolieno1 Hum aayenge hasaaane...ye vada raha," he wrote in the caption.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSZSk4BKum/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSZSk4BKum/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSZSk4BKum/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CBSZSk4BKum/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">😷 #coolieno1 हम आएंगे हसाने... ये वादा रहा</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/varundvn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Varun Dhawan</a> (@varundvn) on <time datetime="2020-06-11T08:04:11+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jun 11, 2020 at 1:04am PDT</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The family entertainer was slated to make its way to theatres on May 1, but couldn`t see the light of the day due to shuttering of movie theatres owing to coronavirus crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/malaika-aroras-building-in-mumbai-sealed-after-resident-tests-covid-19-positive-305069" hreflang="en">Malaika Arora's building in Mumbai sealed after resident tests COVID-19 positive</a> 
 
'Coolie No. 1'&nbsp;is the remake of Govinda and Karisma Kapoor starrer hit film, which garnered huge appreciation back in 1995. The remake stars Sara Ali Khan opposite Dhawan and it will also see Paresh Rawal stepping into the shoes of Kader Khan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-arranges-flights-for-migrants-from-mumbai-to-uttar-pradesh-304996" hreflang="en">Amitabh Bachchan arranges flights for migrants from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh</a> 
 
Helmed by David Dhawan, it is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, and Deepshikha Deshmukh.&nbsp;

As India continues to fight against Covid-19, makers of Varun Dhawan starrer 'Coolie No. 1' on Thursday issued a new coronavirus-themed poster of the comedy flick.

As India continues to fight against Covid-19, makers of Varun Dhawan starrer 'Coolie No. 1' on Thursday issued a new coronavirus-themed poster of the comedy flick. In pics: From Kangana Ranaut to Mahira Khan: South-Asian stars who refused to endorse fairness products The new poster features Dhawan wearing a face mask along with a coolie cap and 'tikka' on his forehead. Dhawan shared the poster on social media and assured his fans that despite being a bit late due to COVID-19 crisis, the comedy flick will surely hit the screens to spread laughter. "#Coolieno1 Hum aayenge hasaaane...ye vada raha," he wrote in the caption. View this post on Instagram 😷 #coolieno1 हम आएंगे हसाने... ये वादा रहा A post shared by Varun Dhawan (@varundvn) on Jun 11, 2020 at 1:04am PDT × The family entertainer was slated to make its way to theatres on May 1, but couldn`t see the light of the day due to shuttering of movie theatres owing to coronavirus crisis. Also read: Malaika Arora's building in Mumbai sealed after resident tests COVID-19 positive 'Coolie No. 1' is the remake of Govinda and Karisma Kapoor starrer hit film, which garnered huge appreciation back in 1995. The remake stars Sara Ali Khan opposite Dhawan and it will also see Paresh Rawal stepping into the shoes of Kader Khan. Also read: Amitabh Bachchan arranges flights for migrants from Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh Helmed by David Dhawan, it is produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, and Deepshikha Deshmukh.

Varun Dhawan's 'Coolie No 1' new poster gets a COVID-19 twist

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country.

Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to&nbsp;502,436 cases, and a death toll of&nbsp;6,532.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-names-and-shames-china-russia-for-spreading-disinformation-campaigns-304973">Also read:&nbsp;EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns'</a>

Russia is the third worst affected country in the world right now. With a low death rate, the country is hoping to contain the spread if the virus.

The drug has been registered under the name of 'Avifavir', and was distributed to handful hospitals in the first phase on Thursday, reported&nbsp;RDIF sovereign wealth fund.

RDIF has funded trials and has a 50% share in the drug's manufacturer ChemRar, through which it hopes the company can produce enough to treat 60,000 patients in a month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-lifts-covid-19-lockdown-beauty-salons-reopen-305032">Also watch:&nbsp;Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen</a>

The permission to release the drug was given under an accelerated process, as the number of cases was growing rapidly. The clinical trials for this drug were performed over a shorter period of time, and on fewer number of humans, when compared to other countries. Few trials are still underway.

Out of al ost 8- regions, seven regions have received the drug on Thursday, and negotiations are underway to&nbsp;supply the drug to other regions.

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country. Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to 502,436 cases, and a death toll of 6,532.

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country. Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to 502,436 cases, and a death toll of 6,532. Also read: EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns' Russia is the third worst affected country in the world right now. With a low death rate, the country is hoping to contain the spread if the virus. The drug has been registered under the name of 'Avifavir', and was distributed to handful hospitals in the first phase on Thursday, reported RDIF sovereign wealth fund. RDIF has funded trials and has a 50% share in the drug's manufacturer ChemRar, through which it hopes the company can produce enough to treat 60,000 patients in a month. Also watch: Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen The permission to release the drug was given under an accelerated process, as the number of cases was growing rapidly. The clinical trials for this drug were performed over a shorter period of time, and on fewer number of humans, when compared to other countries. Few trials are still underway. Out of al ost 8- regions, seven regions have received the drug on Thursday, and negotiations are underway to supply the drug to other regions.

COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000

After 75 days of a nationwide lockdown, India is finally opening up the economy for people. As India gears up for Unlock 1.0, the number of rising cases is still on a constant rise.

From today, majority Indian states are reopening malls, religious places, inter-state travel, weddings, funerals and more -- with few restrictions.

However, the constant rise in number of cases is raising questions on whether or not the decision of reopening the economy at this stage of a lockdown is a good idea or not.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-overtakes-spain-with-9971-new-cases-5th-highest-in-world-303934">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world</a>

From today, a token&nbsp;system for regulated entry will be followed in all religious places. There are strict guidelines to the religious places to not offer any prasad or let anyone have any kind of physical touch -- such as ringing bells or touching the idols.

<img alt="People gather at Jhandewalan Temple to offer prayers" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b6573eb6-e218-449a-b385-d60d9e89b76d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_106.jpg" />

The count of new coronavirus cases in the country yesterday was 9,971, as India overtook Spain and became the fifth highest in the world. This is the first phase of the three-phase plan for reopening of prohibited activities in non-containment zones with a strict set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which will be in place till June 30.

In the malls, cinema halls, gaming arcades and children play areas will continue to be closed. The Central Government issued a standard set of SOPs, and urged the states to finetune these SOPs according to the local needs and situations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-more-die-of-covid-19-in-tamil-nadu-taking-total-death-toll-to-251-303883">Also read:&nbsp;19 more die of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu taking total death toll to 251</a>

While majority states have opened religious places and has event banquets to start mini-functions, some states like Rajasthan have, for now, put a hold on resuming the religious places.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Sunday, announced opening of borders but announced that the hotels and banquet halls will remain closed as the authorities may need these facilities to convert them into hospitals.

All weddings are allowed with a gathering capacity of 50 people, and funerals can have a gathering of 20 people only.

Domestic travel has been allowed now, however the Delhi Metro in the capital of India will not resume its services yet.

While the economy is reopening from today, all educational institutions will remain closed in all states for the month of June. Schools and colleges have been advised to continue with online classes.

All eateries, however, will only be allowed to operate take-aways and deliveries of orders.&nbsp;

In all public places, it is compulsory for people to wear masks and maintain social distance from each other. At no point will an individual be allowed to come in physical contact with another person. All institutions have been advised to conduct proper sanitisation throughout the day, and hand sanitizing machines have been installed in malls, temples, stations and other places.

The Centre, meanwhile, defended the timing of the imposition of the lockdown and rejected as "baseless" media reports expressing concern that it did not take inputs from technical experts while drawing up its COVID-19 strategy.

The daily number of new cases and deaths is yet to be announced by the government officials on the first day of economy unlocking.

(With inputs from agencies)

After 75 days of a nationwide lockdown, India is finally opening up the economy for people. As India gears up for Unlock 1.0, the number of rising cases is still on a constant rise.

After 75 days of a nationwide lockdown, India is finally opening up the economy for people. As India gears up for Unlock 1.0, the number of rising cases is still on a constant rise. From today, majority Indian states are reopening malls, religious places, inter-state travel, weddings, funerals and more -- with few restrictions. However, the constant rise in number of cases is raising questions on whether or not the decision of reopening the economy at this stage of a lockdown is a good idea or not. Also read: COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world From today, a token system for regulated entry will be followed in all religious places. There are strict guidelines to the religious places to not offer any prasad or let anyone have any kind of physical touch -- such as ringing bells or touching the idols. The count of new coronavirus cases in the country yesterday was 9,971, as India overtook Spain and became the fifth highest in the world. This is the first phase of the three-phase plan for reopening of prohibited activities in non-containment zones with a strict set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which will be in place till June 30. In the malls, cinema halls, gaming arcades and children play areas will continue to be closed. The Central Government issued a standard set of SOPs, and urged the states to finetune these SOPs according to the local needs and situations. Also read: 19 more die of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu taking total death toll to 251 While majority states have opened religious places and has event banquets to start mini-functions, some states like Rajasthan have, for now, put a hold on resuming the religious places. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Sunday, announced opening of borders but announced that the hotels and banquet halls will remain closed as the authorities may need these facilities to convert them into hospitals. All weddings are allowed with a gathering capacity of 50 people, and funerals can have a gathering of 20 people only. Domestic travel has been allowed now, however the Delhi Metro in the capital of India will not resume its services yet. While the economy is reopening from today, all educational institutions will remain closed in all states for the month of June. Schools and colleges have been advised to continue with online classes. All eateries, however, will only be allowed to operate take-aways and deliveries of orders. In all public places, it is compulsory for people to wear masks and maintain social distance from each other. At no point will an individual be allowed to come in physical contact with another person. All institutions have been advised to conduct proper sanitisation throughout the day, and hand sanitizing machines have been installed in malls, temples, stations and other places. The Centre, meanwhile, defended the timing of the imposition of the lockdown and rejected as "baseless" media reports expressing concern that it did not take inputs from technical experts while drawing up its COVID-19 strategy. The daily number of new cases and deaths is yet to be announced by the government officials on the first day of economy unlocking. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well.

According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official data, June 1, there were 34 cases of COVID-19 positive reported from Dharavi whereas, on June 7, a total of 13 cases were reported.

Further, on June 6, Dharavi had recorded only 10 COVID-19 positive cases. On June 5 there were 17 positive cases while on June 4, it reported 23 positive cases. Hence, as per official data, the curve of COVID-19 positive cases in Dharavi slum has started showing a declining trend.The total positive cases in Dharavi stands at 1,912 as on June 7. Since May 30, in the last 7 days, there were no deaths due to COVID-19 in Dharavi which is a sign of relief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-gears-up-for-unlock-10-devotees-flock-to-religious-places-304096">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places</a>

Assistant Municipal Commissioner of BMC Kiran Dighawkar who is also in charge of Dharavi`s Mission Corona said: "The aggressive screening in Dharavi area has helped in lowering the positive cases. Nearly 6 to 7 lakh people have been screened home to home by BMC health workers, private clinic doctors, mobile van, Municipal dispensary, etc."

He further added: "We worked on the formula of screen maximum people for fever, oxygen level and other symptoms and isolate them and test them proactively."

According to data available with BMC, Dharavi has a population of 8.5 lakh. A total of 8,500 people from the area were kept in government quarantine facilities at various places.BMC has tested 4,000 people while 1,350 people were tested through fever camps set up in Dharavi.

This slum in central Mumbai had become the hotspot of corona infection since the first case was detected here on April 1, a week after the national lockdown came into force.

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well.

Asia`s largest slum Dharavi, which was once a hotspot of coronavirus infection with rapidly increasing COVID-19 positive cases, has now in the last seven days not recorded a single person to the virus and has also seen a decline in the number of positive cases as well. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official data, June 1, there were 34 cases of COVID-19 positive reported from Dharavi whereas, on June 7, a total of 13 cases were reported. Further, on June 6, Dharavi had recorded only 10 COVID-19 positive cases. On June 5 there were 17 positive cases while on June 4, it reported 23 positive cases. Hence, as per official data, the curve of COVID-19 positive cases in Dharavi slum has started showing a declining trend.The total positive cases in Dharavi stands at 1,912 as on June 7. Since May 30, in the last 7 days, there were no deaths due to COVID-19 in Dharavi which is a sign of relief. Also read: COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places Assistant Municipal Commissioner of BMC Kiran Dighawkar who is also in charge of Dharavi`s Mission Corona said: "The aggressive screening in Dharavi area has helped in lowering the positive cases. Nearly 6 to 7 lakh people have been screened home to home by BMC health workers, private clinic doctors, mobile van, Municipal dispensary, etc." He further added: "We worked on the formula of screen maximum people for fever, oxygen level and other symptoms and isolate them and test them proactively." According to data available with BMC, Dharavi has a population of 8.5 lakh. A total of 8,500 people from the area were kept in government quarantine facilities at various places.BMC has tested 4,000 people while 1,350 people were tested through fever camps set up in Dharavi. This slum in central Mumbai had become the hotspot of corona infection since the first case was detected here on April 1, a week after the national lockdown came into force.

Once a coronavirus hotspot of Mumbai, Dharavi records no deaths during last 7 days

An eminent scientist on Sunday swuggested a shift system in schools to prevent spread of the coronavirus and continuing with online classes with focus on project-based learning in a big way to promote creativity.

Former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) V K Saraswat supported the idea of online teaching in the absence of regular classes in view of closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, he said it should be organised in far better and more interactive ways so that delivery of knowledge can be better.

The NITI Aayog member stressed the need for schools to have a strategy when they reopen keeping in mind the safety of students.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-overtakes-spain-with-9971-new-cases-5th-highest-in-world-303934">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world</a>

May be they will have to organise shifts so that within the same space they can handle the students; may be they will have to employ more teachers, and they can run two shifts.

"May be half the strength in a class can come in the morning and others in the afternoon. Or students of first to sixth standard can come in the morning and seventh to tenth can come in the afternoon, Saraswat told PTI.

Reopening strategy will have to be worked out by the education department, added the former Chief Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister.

Along with normal classes, online education should be continued as a regular system in future, and promoted in a big way because that is the way technology is going to help delivery of knowledge, he added.

Saraswat also raised the pitch for reforms in the education sector, saying India is facing the problem of rote learning. 
Rote learning has to give way for more project-based teaching, he underlined.

Children should be made to work on projects at home and that can be done online. That will also support the changeover from rote learning to creative learning.

I personally believe the education delivery system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- has to be completely changed because creativity in India is less and creativity would come only if we replace rote learning with project-based learning, Saraswat said.

On some academics holding the view that the marks-based model is killing the education system in India as it does not promote creativity, he said evaluation of any outcome is important.

Even when we perform in our normal way, evaluation cannot be replaced. Otherwise, you cant find out how much you have succeeded in delivery. Certainly evaluation cannot be dispensed with.

He did not agree with some experts, who favoured a single, uniform system for school education in India by dispensing with CBSE, ICSE and state boards.

I am not for normalising everything in life. I personally believe variety should be there. This concept of one kind of a system is okay for a Communist society, society which was trying to drive everybody like a herd, he said.

Creativity comes with variety, and there is nothing wrong in having different kinds of education system, but one thing which is important is we have to integrate vocational training as part of the education curriculum," Saraswat said.

Vocational part cannot be kept away from the education system, he added.

An eminent scientist on Sunday swuggested a shift system in schools to prevent spread of the coronavirus and continuing with online classes with focus on project-based learning in a big way to promote creativity.

An eminent scientist on Sunday swuggested a shift system in schools to prevent spread of the coronavirus and continuing with online classes with focus on project-based learning in a big way to promote creativity. Former Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) V K Saraswat supported the idea of online teaching in the absence of regular classes in view of closure of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, he said it should be organised in far better and more interactive ways so that delivery of knowledge can be better. The NITI Aayog member stressed the need for schools to have a strategy when they reopen keeping in mind the safety of students. Also read: COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world May be they will have to organise shifts so that within the same space they can handle the students; may be they will have to employ more teachers, and they can run two shifts. "May be half the strength in a class can come in the morning and others in the afternoon. Or students of first to sixth standard can come in the morning and seventh to tenth can come in the afternoon, Saraswat told PTI. Reopening strategy will have to be worked out by the education department, added the former Chief Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister. Along with normal classes, online education should be continued as a regular system in future, and promoted in a big way because that is the way technology is going to help delivery of knowledge, he added. Saraswat also raised the pitch for reforms in the education sector, saying India is facing the problem of rote learning. Rote learning has to give way for more project-based teaching, he underlined. Children should be made to work on projects at home and that can be done online. That will also support the changeover from rote learning to creative learning. I personally believe the education delivery system -- primary, secondary and college levels -- has to be completely changed because creativity in India is less and creativity would come only if we replace rote learning with project-based learning, Saraswat said. On some academics holding the view that the marks-based model is killing the education system in India as it does not promote creativity, he said evaluation of any outcome is important. Even when we perform in our normal way, evaluation cannot be replaced. Otherwise, you cant find out how much you have succeeded in delivery. Certainly evaluation cannot be dispensed with. He did not agree with some experts, who favoured a single, uniform system for school education in India by dispensing with CBSE, ICSE and state boards. I am not for normalising everything in life. I personally believe variety should be there. This concept of one kind of a system is okay for a Communist society, society which was trying to drive everybody like a herd, he said. Creativity comes with variety, and there is nothing wrong in having different kinds of education system, but one thing which is important is we have to integrate vocational training as part of the education curriculum," Saraswat said. Vocational part cannot be kept away from the education system, he added.

Eminent scientist suggests shift-system in schools when they reopen

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that Delhi's borders will be opened for inter-state movement from tomorrow and hospitals here will be available for people of Delhi only, while Central hospitals will remain open for all.

In another big development, Delhi Government has decided to withdraw the 'special corona fee' levied at 70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor, with effect from June 10, 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-overtakes-spain-with-9971-new-cases-5th-highest-in-world-303934">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world</a>

"We are opening Delhi borders from tomorrow. Delhi hospitals will be available for people of Delhi only, while Central hospitals will remain open for all. By the end of June, Delhi would need 15,000 beds," said Kejriwal in an address through video conferencing.

He, however, said that the hospitals run by the Centre will be open for all.

The chief minister also said that all restaurants, malls and places of worship will resume activity the national capital from tomorrow, however, hotels and banquet halls will continue to remain closed in Delhi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that Delhi's borders will be opened for inter-state movement from tomorrow and hospitals here will be available for people of Delhi only, while Central hospitals will remain open for all.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that Delhi's borders will be opened for inter-state movement from tomorrow and hospitals here will be available for people of Delhi only, while Central hospitals will remain open for all. In another big development, Delhi Government has decided to withdraw the 'special corona fee' levied at 70 per cent of the maximum retail price on all categories of liquor, with effect from June 10, 2020. Also read: COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world "We are opening Delhi borders from tomorrow. Delhi hospitals will be available for people of Delhi only, while Central hospitals will remain open for all. By the end of June, Delhi would need 15,000 beds," said Kejriwal in an address through video conferencing. He, however, said that the hospitals run by the Centre will be open for all. The chief minister also said that all restaurants, malls and places of worship will resume activity the national capital from tomorrow, however, hotels and banquet halls will continue to remain closed in Delhi.

Delhi govt to open borders from Monday, withdraws special corona fee on liquor

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">Also read:&nbsp;American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges&nbsp;</a>

So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported.

Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs.

"And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/kabul-denounces-pakistans-accusations-of-ttp-using-afghan-soil-to-destabilise-region-303818">Also read:&nbsp;Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region</a>

"A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added.

"Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted.

Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000. A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far. Also read: American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported. Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs. "And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets. Also read: Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region "A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added. "Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted. Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

COVID-19 cases in Pakistan inching closer to 100,000-mark

India saw yet another highest spike in the number of new coronavirus cases, as the&nbsp;Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported&nbsp;9971 new&nbsp;cases and&nbsp;287 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases in the country is now at 2,46,628, including 1,20,406 active cases, 1,19,293 cured/discharged/migrated patients and 6,929 deaths.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted 1,42,069 new samples in the past 24 hours. A total of 44,66,386 samples have been conducted till now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/19-more-die-of-covid-19-in-tamil-nadu-taking-total-death-toll-to-251-303883">Also read:&nbsp;19 more die of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu taking total death toll to 251</a>

Mumbai, which has been the epicenter of the country, reported 1,274 new cases and 57 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. The total number of cases has increased to 47,128 and death toll now stands at 1,575, according to the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Uttarakhand reports 58 new cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>; number of total cases stands at 1303: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/g58dOc60Em">pic.twitter.com/g58dOc60Em</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1269283662794612746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Delhi, another badly-hit city, reported an increase on 1,320 cases, taking total number of cases to 27,654 out of which 16,229 cases are active. A total of 761 people have succumbed to the virus so far. No death has been reported in the last 24 hours, reported Delhi Health Department.

A five-member committee formed by the state government has predicted that the number of cases in the capital can cross one lakh by the end of the current month.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Delhi's doubling rate is 15 days. Based on our projections, the number of cases would increase. About 25 per cent of patients will require hospitalisation," an official stated.

However, Delhi Medical Association has locked horns with the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and has voiced their opinion against the alleged disrespectful treatment and allegations of the medical industry by the Delhi government.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Delhi Medical Association strongly condemns the way Delhi CM is warning the doctors &amp; threatening hospitals about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> patients' admissions&amp;tests. FIR on Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is highly condemnable and demoralizing for the whole medical fraternity: Delhi Medical Association <a href="https://t.co/SsirANUdVC">pic.twitter.com/SsirANUdVC</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1269467131218821120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Rajasthan reported&nbsp;253 new cases and 13 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 10,337 and death toll to 231. Number of active cases stands at 2,605.

Haryana's total number of cases rose to 3,952, with an increase of 355 cases. A total of 24 people have lost their battle against the virus.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Number of COVID-19 positive cases reaches 400 in Himachal Pradesh: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/KSYICUh2dr">https://t.co/KSYICUh2dr</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1269296764936318976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Madhya Pradesh recorded 232 new cases and 15 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 9,228 and death toll to 399. There are a total of 2,721 active cases in the state.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reaches 4831 in Bihar, with 86 more people testing positive today: State Health Department
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1269315281555353600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Uttar Pradesh, too, saw a rise in the number of cases as the state government reported&nbsp;382 fresh cases of and 11 deaths&nbsp;in last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 10,103 and death toll to 268. Number of active cases stands at 3,927.

Assam saw an increase of&nbsp;230 cases last night, taking the total number of cases to 2,473, including 588 discharged and 4 deaths, according to Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Number of&nbsp;cases rose to 3,496 in Telangana with 206 more people testing positive. State health department reported 123 deaths in total.

India now has world's fifth highest number of cases. There are more than 6.6 million cases and nearly 393,000 deaths worldwide.

India saw yet another highest spike in the number of new coronavirus cases, as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 9971 new cases and 287 deaths in the last 24 hours.

India saw yet another highest spike in the number of new coronavirus cases, as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 9971 new cases and 287 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the country is now at 2,46,628, including 1,20,406 active cases, 1,19,293 cured/discharged/migrated patients and 6,929 deaths. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted 1,42,069 new samples in the past 24 hours. A total of 44,66,386 samples have been conducted till now. Also read: 19 more die of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu taking total death toll to 251 Mumbai, which has been the epicenter of the country, reported 1,274 new cases and 57 deaths reported in the past 24 hours. The total number of cases has increased to 47,128 and death toll now stands at 1,575, according to the Greater Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Uttarakhand reports 58 new cases of #COVID19; number of total cases stands at 1303: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/g58dOc60Em — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2020 × Delhi, another badly-hit city, reported an increase on 1,320 cases, taking total number of cases to 27,654 out of which 16,229 cases are active. A total of 761 people have succumbed to the virus so far. No death has been reported in the last 24 hours, reported Delhi Health Department. A five-member committee formed by the state government has predicted that the number of cases in the capital can cross one lakh by the end of the current month. "Delhi's doubling rate is 15 days. Based on our projections, the number of cases would increase. About 25 per cent of patients will require hospitalisation," an official stated. However, Delhi Medical Association has locked horns with the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and has voiced their opinion against the alleged disrespectful treatment and allegations of the medical industry by the Delhi government. Delhi Medical Association strongly condemns the way Delhi CM is warning the doctors & threatening hospitals about #COVID19 patients' admissions&tests. FIR on Sir Ganga Ram Hospital is highly condemnable and demoralizing for the whole medical fraternity: Delhi Medical Association pic.twitter.com/SsirANUdVC — ANI (@ANI) June 7, 2020 × Rajasthan reported 253 new cases and 13 deaths, taking the total number of cases to 10,337 and death toll to 231. Number of active cases stands at 2,605. Haryana's total number of cases rose to 3,952, with an increase of 355 cases. A total of 24 people have lost their battle against the virus. #UPDATE Number of COVID-19 positive cases reaches 400 in Himachal Pradesh: State Health Department https://t.co/KSYICUh2dr — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2020 × Madhya Pradesh recorded 232 new cases and 15 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 9,228 and death toll to 399. There are a total of 2,721 active cases in the state. Number of #COVID19 cases reaches 4831 in Bihar, with 86 more people testing positive today: State Health Department — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2020 × Uttar Pradesh, too, saw a rise in the number of cases as the state government reported 382 fresh cases of and 11 deaths in last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 10,103 and death toll to 268. Number of active cases stands at 3,927. Assam saw an increase of 230 cases last night, taking the total number of cases to 2,473, including 588 discharged and 4 deaths, according to Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Number of cases rose to 3,496 in Telangana with 206 more people testing positive. State health department reported 123 deaths in total. India now has world's fifth highest number of cases. There are more than 6.6 million cases and nearly 393,000 deaths worldwide.

COVID 19: India overtakes Spain with 9971 new cases; 5th highest in world

Brazil has been the centre of criticism for few weeks now due to the country's rising number of coronavirus cases, and the poor response from&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro.

'Another day, another controversy' became real in Brazil, as the country removed&nbsp;months of COVID-19 related data from public view on Saturday.

"The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in," Bolsonaro said on Twitter, citing a note from the ministry. "Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-threatens-who-exit-after-facing-backlash-for-reopening-economy-303751">Also read:&nbsp;Bolsonaro threatens WHO exit after facing backlash for reopening economy</a>

Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases, and the number has been rising rapidly, as the Brazilian President still calls it "just a flu".

Brazil, since the beginning of the pandemic, had been maintaining a website with the cumulative data, divided by state and municipality.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-cases-surge-past-600000-as-countrys-death-toll-passes-italy-303447">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy</a>

However, on Saturday, the country's Health Ministry removed the data and&nbsp;also stopped giving a total count of confirmed cases and the death toll.

The official website,&nbsp;covid.saude.gov.br, was taken down on Friday for few hours and was made active again on Saturday. However, the website on Saturday saw a new layout and saw changed figures.

The revised website only showed&nbsp;a fraction of the data, reflecting only deaths, cases and recoveries within the last 24 hours.

Bolsonaro had gained criticism for actively undermining the critical condition of the country. He has been infamous for changing the Health Minister frequently, ignoring advice from health experts, and being irregular in daily coronavirus-related updates. He has also been recently accused of trying to silence the media.

The Brazilian government, last week, changed the time of its daily coronavirus update from 5pm to 10pm, which gained a lot of criticism from the local media. However, Bolsonaro tweeted on Saturday that a later daily update would "avoid undernotification and inconsistencies."

(With inputs from Reuters)

Brazil has been the centre of criticism for few weeks now due to the country's rising number of coronavirus cases, and the poor response from President Jair Bolsonaro.

Brazil has been the centre of criticism for few weeks now due to the country's rising number of coronavirus cases, and the poor response from President Jair Bolsonaro. 'Another day, another controversy' became real in Brazil, as the country removed months of COVID-19 related data from public view on Saturday. "The cumulative data ... does not reflect the moment the country is in," Bolsonaro said on Twitter, citing a note from the ministry. "Other actions are underway to improve the reporting of cases and confirmation of diagnoses." Also read: Bolsonaro threatens WHO exit after facing backlash for reopening economy Brazil has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases, and the number has been rising rapidly, as the Brazilian President still calls it "just a flu". Brazil, since the beginning of the pandemic, had been maintaining a website with the cumulative data, divided by state and municipality. Also read: Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy However, on Saturday, the country's Health Ministry removed the data and also stopped giving a total count of confirmed cases and the death toll. The official website, covid.saude.gov.br, was taken down on Friday for few hours and was made active again on Saturday. However, the website on Saturday saw a new layout and saw changed figures. The revised website only showed a fraction of the data, reflecting only deaths, cases and recoveries within the last 24 hours. Bolsonaro had gained criticism for actively undermining the critical condition of the country. He has been infamous for changing the Health Minister frequently, ignoring advice from health experts, and being irregular in daily coronavirus-related updates. He has also been recently accused of trying to silence the media. The Brazilian government, last week, changed the time of its daily coronavirus update from 5pm to 10pm, which gained a lot of criticism from the local media. However, Bolsonaro tweeted on Saturday that a later daily update would "avoid undernotification and inconsistencies." (With inputs from Reuters)

Brazil takes down COVID-19 data; lowers total cases and increasing death toll

Even with a strict lockdown in place, Mexico recorded&nbsp;3,593 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 341 additional fatalities, taking the total in the country to 113,619 cases and 13,511 deaths.

The total number of infections, however, are likely to be much higher, according to the government. The unknown infections can be due to people not coming ahead to get tested, according to local media and local experts.

The country has been under a strict lockdown for a while now. However, the number of cases has been on a constant rise.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-mexico-begins-reopening-after-two-month-lockdown-despite-surge-in-cases-303102">Also watch|&nbsp;COVID-19: Mexico begins reopening after two-month lockdown despite surge in cases</a>

The government is also looking into the matter of fake death certificates which may have been issued by several doctors instead of declaring COVID-19 as the cause of death, according to Mexico City officials.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum also alleged that many doctors have been selling the death certificates instead of issuing them for free, as is the usual norm, to avoid the lengthy and&nbsp;bureaucratic process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ten-shot-dead-in-attack-on-mexican-drug-rehabilitation-centre-303984">Also read:&nbsp;Ten shot dead in attack on Mexican drug rehabilitation centre</a>

This is not the first business to have surfaced from the pandemic. Mexicans&nbsp;have attracted a bad name for making a business out of illegally dumping hospital and medical waste, and also funeral services.

Not just the coronavirus cases, homicide cases and protests, too, have been recording an increase during the lockdown.

Even with a strict lockdown in place, Mexico recorded 3,593 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 341 additional fatalities, taking the total in the country to 113,619 cases and 13,511 deaths.

Even with a strict lockdown in place, Mexico recorded 3,593 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 341 additional fatalities, taking the total in the country to 113,619 cases and 13,511 deaths. The total number of infections, however, are likely to be much higher, according to the government. The unknown infections can be due to people not coming ahead to get tested, according to local media and local experts. The country has been under a strict lockdown for a while now. However, the number of cases has been on a constant rise. Also watch| COVID-19: Mexico begins reopening after two-month lockdown despite surge in cases The government is also looking into the matter of fake death certificates which may have been issued by several doctors instead of declaring COVID-19 as the cause of death, according to Mexico City officials. Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum also alleged that many doctors have been selling the death certificates instead of issuing them for free, as is the usual norm, to avoid the lengthy and bureaucratic process. Also read: Ten shot dead in attack on Mexican drug rehabilitation centre This is not the first business to have surfaced from the pandemic. Mexicans have attracted a bad name for making a business out of illegally dumping hospital and medical waste, and also funeral services. Not just the coronavirus cases, homicide cases and protests, too, have been recording an increase during the lockdown.

Mexico: 3,593 new coronavirus cases registered; actual figures much higher

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated.

Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-crosses-23-lakh-mark-with-9887-new-cases-and-6642-deaths-303758">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths</a>

Chile's capital,&nbsp;Santiago, has been under a strict lockdown for the past three weeks, now entering into the fourth week. However, the steep increase in the number of positive cases and COVID related deaths is a growing concern for the government.

While a strict lockdown was initiated, questions are being raised on the implementation of the lockdown now. According to reports and local media, the lockdown has so far only managed to restrict 30 per cent of movement in the capital, as a large number of permits have been issued to the apparent&nbsp;essential workers.

While the government is being blamed for distribution of movement passes, partial blame is also being assigned to the workers of&nbsp;the informal economy, who have continued to&nbsp;ignore the ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-youth-flaunting-guidelines-pose-coronavirus-risk-301850">Also watch|&nbsp;Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk</a>

The government said it will step up checks, reasoning that for containment to be effective, movement has to be restricted by 50 percent.

“The decision was made to supervise quarantine compliance in the metropolitan region much more intensively now, given the number of cases,” Manalich told reporters.

He also assured the masses that the rapid tests for the novel coronavirus will be increased, and the country will also start rapid saliva tests.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-raises-alarm-over-surge-in-coronavirus-cases-in-latin-america-301295">Also read:&nbsp;WHO raises alarm over surge in coronavirus cases in Latin America</a>

“We already know that saliva shows much more sensitive information than bronchial swabs, and this is safer for health personnel and more efficient,” he said.

Total number of cases is near 122,000 with 1,448 reported deaths. However, experts believe the number of COVID-related deaths is higher.&nbsp;

Experts believe more than 700 deaths remain uncounted as few people died without testing positive in April and May.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated. Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Coronavirus cases have been on a steep rise in the western South American country, Chile, despite lockdowns being initiated. Health Minister Jaime Manalich Friday reported 4,207 new infections and 92 deaths in the past 24 hours. Also read| COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths Chile's capital, Santiago, has been under a strict lockdown for the past three weeks, now entering into the fourth week. However, the steep increase in the number of positive cases and COVID related deaths is a growing concern for the government. While a strict lockdown was initiated, questions are being raised on the implementation of the lockdown now. According to reports and local media, the lockdown has so far only managed to restrict 30 per cent of movement in the capital, as a large number of permits have been issued to the apparent essential workers. While the government is being blamed for distribution of movement passes, partial blame is also being assigned to the workers of the informal economy, who have continued to ignore the ban. Also watch| Chilean youth flaunting guidelines pose coronavirus risk The government said it will step up checks, reasoning that for containment to be effective, movement has to be restricted by 50 percent. “The decision was made to supervise quarantine compliance in the metropolitan region much more intensively now, given the number of cases,” Manalich told reporters. He also assured the masses that the rapid tests for the novel coronavirus will be increased, and the country will also start rapid saliva tests. Also read: WHO raises alarm over surge in coronavirus cases in Latin America “We already know that saliva shows much more sensitive information than bronchial swabs, and this is safer for health personnel and more efficient,” he said. Total number of cases is near 122,000 with 1,448 reported deaths. However, experts believe the number of COVID-related deaths is higher. Experts believe more than 700 deaths remain uncounted as few people died without testing positive in April and May. (With inputs from agencies)

Chile: COVID-19 deaths increase by 53% in one week, total cases now 122,000

India recorded yet another highest spike in number of new positive coronavirus cases and deaths, as&nbsp;Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported&nbsp;9,887 new cases and&nbsp;294 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total number of coronavirus cases has risen to&nbsp;2,36,657 in the country,&nbsp;including 1,15,942 active cases, 1,14,073 cured/discharged/migrated and 6,642 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-nearly-50000-coronavirus-cases-mumbai-has-more-than-one-challenge-303731">Also read:&nbsp;With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge</a>

Mahrashtra has been the epicenter of COVID-19 where the number pf cases&nbsp;crossed&nbsp;80,000 by Friday late evening, with more than 2,800 deaths.

Haryana, too, has seen a spike in cases as the number of office-goers has increased. The state health department reported 316 new cases, increasing the total number of cases to 3,597, including 1,209 recovered/discharged and 24 deaths. This is after 46,800 people have completed the surveillance period.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
128 total <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> positive cases reported in Assam till 11:05 pm today. Total number of positive cases in the state rises to 2243, including 509 discharged and 4 deaths: Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma <a href="https://t.co/VHOEWQUPum">pic.twitter.com/VHOEWQUPum</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1268968376761585666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Goa, which was once the green zone, recorded 30 new cases, taking the toll to 196, including 131 active cases and 65 recovered patients.

Telangana reported 143 new in the state, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3,290, according to&nbsp;Telangana Health Department.

Delhi's containment zones increased to 163, as the positivity rate increased from&nbsp;25.7 per cent last week to 38 per cent this week in several districts.

India recorded yet another highest spike in number of new positive coronavirus cases and deaths, as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 9,887 new cases and 294 deaths in the last 24 hours.

India recorded yet another highest spike in number of new positive coronavirus cases and deaths, as Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported 9,887 new cases and 294 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases has risen to 2,36,657 in the country, including 1,15,942 active cases, 1,14,073 cured/discharged/migrated and 6,642 deaths. Also read: With nearly 50,000 coronavirus cases, Mumbai has more than one challenge Mahrashtra has been the epicenter of COVID-19 where the number pf cases crossed 80,000 by Friday late evening, with more than 2,800 deaths. Haryana, too, has seen a spike in cases as the number of office-goers has increased. The state health department reported 316 new cases, increasing the total number of cases to 3,597, including 1,209 recovered/discharged and 24 deaths. This is after 46,800 people have completed the surveillance period. 128 total #COVID19 positive cases reported in Assam till 11:05 pm today. Total number of positive cases in the state rises to 2243, including 509 discharged and 4 deaths: Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma pic.twitter.com/VHOEWQUPum — ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2020 × Goa, which was once the green zone, recorded 30 new cases, taking the toll to 196, including 131 active cases and 65 recovered patients. Telangana reported 143 new in the state, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3,290, according to Telangana Health Department. Delhi's containment zones increased to 163, as the positivity rate increased from 25.7 per cent last week to 38 per cent this week in several districts.

COVID 19: India crosses 2.3 lakh mark with 9,887 new cases and 6,642 deaths

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus,&nbsp;President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization.

The number of coronavirus positive cases has been on a constant rise in Brazil, so much so that Brazil has overtaken Italy as the country with the third-highest COVID-19 death toll after a daily record of 1,473 fatalities on Friday.

However,&nbsp;Brazilian President seems to be unmoved by the figures as he continues to argue for urgent resumption of economy and lifting the state isolation orders.&nbsp;Bolsonaro has openly admitted that&nbsp;the country's economic costs outweigh public health risks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-cases-surge-past-600000-as-countrys-death-toll-passes-italy-303447">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy</a>

In an editorial running the length of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo's front page, the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now "killing a Brazilian per minute" as "a little flu."

"While you were reading this, another Brazilian died from the coronavirus," the newspaper said.

Few days ago, when asked about Brazil's growing number of daily death rate&nbsp;and plans of resuming economy&nbsp;World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, "The epidemic, the outbreak, in Latin America is deeply, deeply concerning."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fourth-most-covid-19-deaths-in-brazil-maskless-bolsonaro-still-undermines-pandemic-302961">Also watch:&nbsp;Fourth most COVID-19 deaths in Brazil | Maskless Bolsonaro still undermines pandemic</a>

Reacting to these concerns by the WHO, Brazilian President, who is infamous for not wearing masks and not taking the pandemic seriously, he&nbsp;said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization."

This is not the first time&nbsp;Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his remarks. He has been infamous for taking the novel coronavirus lightly, and has been accused of using the pandemic to undermine&nbsp;democratic institutions.

WHO has not yet commented on this remark made by&nbsp;Bolsonaro on Friday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus, President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization.

Few days after World Health Organization (WHO) warned countries against re-opening economies amid the novel coronavirus, President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to pull Brazil out of the UN-backed organization. The number of coronavirus positive cases has been on a constant rise in Brazil, so much so that Brazil has overtaken Italy as the country with the third-highest COVID-19 death toll after a daily record of 1,473 fatalities on Friday. However, Brazilian President seems to be unmoved by the figures as he continues to argue for urgent resumption of economy and lifting the state isolation orders. Bolsonaro has openly admitted that the country's economic costs outweigh public health risks. Also read: Brazil cases surge past 600,000 as country's death toll passes Italy In an editorial running the length of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo's front page, the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now "killing a Brazilian per minute" as "a little flu." "While you were reading this, another Brazilian died from the coronavirus," the newspaper said. Few days ago, when asked about Brazil's growing number of daily death rate and plans of resuming economy World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said, "The epidemic, the outbreak, in Latin America is deeply, deeply concerning." Also watch: Fourth most COVID-19 deaths in Brazil | Maskless Bolsonaro still undermines pandemic Reacting to these concerns by the WHO, Brazilian President, who is infamous for not wearing masks and not taking the pandemic seriously, he said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization." This is not the first time Bolsonaro has faced criticism for his remarks. He has been infamous for taking the novel coronavirus lightly, and has been accused of using the pandemic to undermine democratic institutions. WHO has not yet commented on this remark made by Bolsonaro on Friday. (With inputs from Reuters)

Bolsonaro threatens WHO exit after facing backlash for reopening economy

Amid the pandemic, the South American nation Peru, is fighting another battle. Oxygen is becoming a scarce commodity for people suffering from the novel coronavirus in Peru.

President Martín Vizcarra has issued an emergency order asking industrial plants to ramp up production or purchase oxygen from other countries.

The oxygen crisis has attracted a lot of criticism as Peru nears the lungs of the Earth -- Amazon rainforests.

“Peru, with the Amazon, has the lungs of the planet,” said Ivan Hidalgo, academic director of the Institute of Government and Public Management in Peru''s capital of Lima. “And we're dying because of lack of oxygen.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-covid-19-deaths-increase-by-53-in-one-week-total-cases-now-122000-303783">Also read|&nbsp;Chile: COVID-19 deaths increase by 53% in one week, total cases now 122,000</a>

Experts believe the oxygen crisis is severe and will cause more severe human damage.&nbsp; The oxygen shortage is so acute, according to experts, that&nbsp;even by turning industrial plants that typically produce oxygen for mining into medicinal production, the shortage will continue.

Local health directors and experts have claimed that hundreds of people have lost their lives due to the lack of oxygen tanks in the hospitals, and more casualties can occur in the near future due to the crisis.

Locals have also claimed that the available oxygen tanks are so expensive that people have had to sell various commodities to buy the tanks for their family members suffering from the coronavirus.

Defence Minister Walter Martos said Thursday the country needs 173 tons of oxygen per day. The dean of the Medical College of Peru estimates the nation is producing about 20% of that.

Experts have blamed this oxygen crisis on poor investment in the medical sector. Local doctors have also accused the government of not paying heed to the warnings given by the medical experts.

The Peru government has assured to go to every limit to get the needed oxygen tanks and help the ailing patients.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the pandemic, the South American nation Peru, is fighting another battle. Oxygen is becoming a scarce commodity for people suffering from the novel coronavirus in Peru.

Amid the pandemic, the South American nation Peru, is fighting another battle. Oxygen is becoming a scarce commodity for people suffering from the novel coronavirus in Peru. President Martín Vizcarra has issued an emergency order asking industrial plants to ramp up production or purchase oxygen from other countries. The oxygen crisis has attracted a lot of criticism as Peru nears the lungs of the Earth -- Amazon rainforests. “Peru, with the Amazon, has the lungs of the planet,” said Ivan Hidalgo, academic director of the Institute of Government and Public Management in Peru''s capital of Lima. “And we're dying because of lack of oxygen.” Also read| Chile: COVID-19 deaths increase by 53% in one week, total cases now 122,000 Experts believe the oxygen crisis is severe and will cause more severe human damage. The oxygen shortage is so acute, according to experts, that even by turning industrial plants that typically produce oxygen for mining into medicinal production, the shortage will continue. Local health directors and experts have claimed that hundreds of people have lost their lives due to the lack of oxygen tanks in the hospitals, and more casualties can occur in the near future due to the crisis. Locals have also claimed that the available oxygen tanks are so expensive that people have had to sell various commodities to buy the tanks for their family members suffering from the coronavirus. Defence Minister Walter Martos said Thursday the country needs 173 tons of oxygen per day. The dean of the Medical College of Peru estimates the nation is producing about 20% of that. Experts have blamed this oxygen crisis on poor investment in the medical sector. Local doctors have also accused the government of not paying heed to the warnings given by the medical experts. The Peru government has assured to go to every limit to get the needed oxygen tanks and help the ailing patients. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19 patients in Peru are struggling for oxygen

The US&nbsp;unemployment rate likely shot up to almost 20% in May, a new post World War Two record, with millions more losing their jobs, exposing the horrific human toll from the COVID-19 crisis.

The Labor Department`s closely watched monthly employment report on Friday could bolster economists' dire predictions that it would take several years to recover from the economic meltdown.

Still, May was probably the nadir for the labor market. While layoffs remained very high, they eased considerably in the second half of May as businesses reopened after shuttering in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19. 
Consumer confidence, manufacturing and services industries are also stabilizing, though at low levels, hopeful signs that the worst was over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-jobless-claims-dip-below-2-million-road-to-recovery-rocky-303395">Also read:&nbsp;US jobless claims dip below 2 million, road to recovery rocky</a>

"The good news is that we probably have hit the bottom," said Sung Won Sohn, a finance and economics professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. "But the recovery will be painfully slow. It will take years, probably a decade to get back to where we were at the end of last year."

The employment report is compiled from two separate surveys. According to a Reuters poll of economists, the survey of households is likely to show the unemployment rate jumped to 19.8% in May from 14.7% in April, which was the highest since 1948 when the government started keeping records. The survey of establishments is forecast showing nonfarm payrolls dropped by 8 million jobs after a record 20.537 million plunge in April.

That would bring total job losses to 29.4 million since March, when US states began to shut down non-essential businesses to rein in the coronavirus. That would be more than three times the jobs lost during the 2007-09 Great Recession, and it took six years recoup the jobs lost during that downturn.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-60-of-canadians-do-not-have-confidence-in-trudeau-to-prevent-economic-crisis-poll-303482">Also read:&nbsp;Nearly 60% of Canadians do not have confidence in Trudeau to prevent economic crisis: Poll</a>

Economists are split on whether the government`s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is helping. The PPP, part of a historic fiscal package worth nearly $3 trillion, offers businesses loans that can be partially forgiven if used for employee pay.

The Labor Department`s Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), which compiles the employment report, said a misclassification by respondents made the unemployment rate lower than it really was in April. A large number of people had classified themselves as being "employed on temporary layoff" instead of "unemployed on temporary layoff."

Without the misclassification, the April rate would have been closer to 19%. Some economists expect the BLS addressed this problem in May, which could account for estimates for May`s unemployment rate in the Reuters survey being as high as 27%. The jobless rate neared 25% during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Political risk 
The labor market distress poses a significant risk to Presidential Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election and whose administration has been severely criticized for its handling of the pandemic. Though many economists expect the unemployment rate to peak in May, it is forecast to be above 10% when Americans head to the polls on Nov. 3. 
Details of the household survey could offer fresh clues on the economy. In April, at least 18.1 million of the 23.1 million people unemployed said they were on temporary layoff, indicating they expected to go back to work within six months. About 2.6 million believed they had permanently lost their jobs.

"What makes this downturn different from all others is that people have held the belief that once everything reopens all the jobs are going to come back," said Steven Blitz, chief US economist at TS Lombard in New York.

"If we see temporary layoffs go down as more see those job losses permanent, that means their confidence in the economy six months from now is going to be a lot less and that`s going to reduce spending plans."

Economists say workers` perceptions that their layoffs were temporary is one reason the US stock market has rebounded sharply from the pandemic lows.

May`s anticipated job losses were likely across the board, though the carnage in the leisure and hospitality industry probably abated. Cash-strapped state and local governments likely laid off teachers last month.

Regarding wages, the destruction of low-paying jobs is expected to have boosted average pay for a second straight month, with average hourly earnings forecast increasing 1.0% in May.

"It bears no relation to reality," said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING in New York.

The average workweek is forecast rising to 34.3 hours from 34.2 hours in April.

The US unemployment rate likely shot up to almost 20% in May, a new post World War Two record, with millions more losing their jobs, exposing the horrific human toll from the COVID-19 crisis.

The US unemployment rate likely shot up to almost 20% in May, a new post World War Two record, with millions more losing their jobs, exposing the horrific human toll from the COVID-19 crisis. The Labor Department`s closely watched monthly employment report on Friday could bolster economists' dire predictions that it would take several years to recover from the economic meltdown. Still, May was probably the nadir for the labor market. While layoffs remained very high, they eased considerably in the second half of May as businesses reopened after shuttering in mid-March to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consumer confidence, manufacturing and services industries are also stabilizing, though at low levels, hopeful signs that the worst was over. Also read: US jobless claims dip below 2 million, road to recovery rocky "The good news is that we probably have hit the bottom," said Sung Won Sohn, a finance and economics professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. "But the recovery will be painfully slow. It will take years, probably a decade to get back to where we were at the end of last year." The employment report is compiled from two separate surveys. According to a Reuters poll of economists, the survey of households is likely to show the unemployment rate jumped to 19.8% in May from 14.7% in April, which was the highest since 1948 when the government started keeping records. The survey of establishments is forecast showing nonfarm payrolls dropped by 8 million jobs after a record 20.537 million plunge in April. That would bring total job losses to 29.4 million since March, when US states began to shut down non-essential businesses to rein in the coronavirus. That would be more than three times the jobs lost during the 2007-09 Great Recession, and it took six years recoup the jobs lost during that downturn. Also read: Nearly 60% of Canadians do not have confidence in Trudeau to prevent economic crisis: Poll Economists are split on whether the government`s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is helping. The PPP, part of a historic fiscal package worth nearly $3 trillion, offers businesses loans that can be partially forgiven if used for employee pay. The Labor Department`s Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS), which compiles the employment report, said a misclassification by respondents made the unemployment rate lower than it really was in April. A large number of people had classified themselves as being "employed on temporary layoff" instead of "unemployed on temporary layoff." Without the misclassification, the April rate would have been closer to 19%. Some economists expect the BLS addressed this problem in May, which could account for estimates for May`s unemployment rate in the Reuters survey being as high as 27%. The jobless rate neared 25% during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Political risk The labor market distress poses a significant risk to Presidential Donald Trump, who is seeking re-election and whose administration has been severely criticized for its handling of the pandemic. Though many economists expect the unemployment rate to peak in May, it is forecast to be above 10% when Americans head to the polls on Nov. 3. Details of the household survey could offer fresh clues on the economy. In April, at least 18.1 million of the 23.1 million people unemployed said they were on temporary layoff, indicating they expected to go back to work within six months. About 2.6 million believed they had permanently lost their jobs. "What makes this downturn different from all others is that people have held the belief that once everything reopens all the jobs are going to come back," said Steven Blitz, chief US economist at TS Lombard in New York. "If we see temporary layoffs go down as more see those job losses permanent, that means their confidence in the economy six months from now is going to be a lot less and that`s going to reduce spending plans." Economists say workers` perceptions that their layoffs were temporary is one reason the US stock market has rebounded sharply from the pandemic lows. May`s anticipated job losses were likely across the board, though the carnage in the leisure and hospitality industry probably abated. Cash-strapped state and local governments likely laid off teachers last month. Regarding wages, the destruction of low-paying jobs is expected to have boosted average pay for a second straight month, with average hourly earnings forecast increasing 1.0% in May. "It bears no relation to reality," said James Knightley, chief international economist at ING in New York. The average workweek is forecast rising to 34.3 hours from 34.2 hours in April.

COVID 19: US unemployment rate shot up by 20% in May as layoffs continue

To&nbsp;increase production of antigen-based coronavirus tests,&nbsp;Hitachi Ltd and Toshiba Corp will join forces&nbsp;with Miraca Holdings to establish a new plant.

The alliance of the three big Japanese companies is being set up with the hope of doubling the production of&nbsp;Miraca subsidiary Fujirebio's testing kits, and&nbsp;to help the country's effort to screen more people for the new virus.

The merger received approval from the government last month to increase the production&nbsp;to 400,000 tests in a week.

Hitachi will provide engineering expertise, while Toshiba will offer resources and facilities. The three companies issued a joint statement on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-approves-saliva-based-tests-for-safer-simpler-detection-of-covid-19-302594">Also read:&nbsp;Japan approves saliva-based tests for safer, simpler detection of COVID-19</a>

"We believe we can contribute in providing a system that enables prompt testing should second and third waves come," a Miraca spokeswoman said.

A new plant to make the kits will be established in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan`s northern island, and will start operations by December.

The alliance will promote Antigen tests that scan for proteins found on or inside a virus. For these tests, a sample is taken using swabs from nasal cavity, and it usually takes 10 to 30 minutes in getting a result.&nbsp;There are doubts being raised about the accuracy of these tests. The tests can detect the virus quickly but produce false negatives at a higher rate than the currently dominant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.

Japan has been lacking in performing coronavirus tests, and has faced criticism for the same. The country has nearly 17,000 cases and 910 known deaths till date.

To increase production of antigen-based coronavirus tests, Hitachi Ltd and Toshiba Corp will join forces with Miraca Holdings to establish a new plant. The alliance of the three big Japanese companies is being set up with the hope of doubling the production of Miraca subsidiary Fujirebio's testing kits, and to help the country's effort to screen more people for the new virus.

To increase production of antigen-based coronavirus tests, Hitachi Ltd and Toshiba Corp will join forces with Miraca Holdings to establish a new plant. The alliance of the three big Japanese companies is being set up with the hope of doubling the production of Miraca subsidiary Fujirebio's testing kits, and to help the country's effort to screen more people for the new virus. The merger received approval from the government last month to increase the production to 400,000 tests in a week. Hitachi will provide engineering expertise, while Toshiba will offer resources and facilities. The three companies issued a joint statement on Friday. Also read: Japan approves saliva-based tests for safer, simpler detection of COVID-19 "We believe we can contribute in providing a system that enables prompt testing should second and third waves come," a Miraca spokeswoman said. A new plant to make the kits will be established in Hokkaido prefecture, Japan`s northern island, and will start operations by December. The alliance will promote Antigen tests that scan for proteins found on or inside a virus. For these tests, a sample is taken using swabs from nasal cavity, and it usually takes 10 to 30 minutes in getting a result. There are doubts being raised about the accuracy of these tests. The tests can detect the virus quickly but produce false negatives at a higher rate than the currently dominant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Japan has been lacking in performing coronavirus tests, and has faced criticism for the same. The country has nearly 17,000 cases and 910 known deaths till date.

Hitachi, Toshiba, Miraca join forces to double production of coronavirus antigen tests

To fight&nbsp;the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit&nbsp;virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various&nbsp;business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders.&nbsp;

The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pledges-15-million-to-global-alliance-for-vaccine-and-immunisation-303467">Also watch:&nbsp;India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation'</a>

The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India.

All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release.

The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to&nbsp;help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added.&nbsp;

Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-urges-global-effort-at-covid-19-vaccine-summit-303173/amp">Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit</a>

Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said,&nbsp;"I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open."

Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders. The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation. Also watch: India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation' The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India. All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release. The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added. Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes." Also watch: UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said, "I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open." Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

COVID 19: Global vaccine mission secures $7.4 billion; India joins UK's mission

&nbsp;As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Pakistan had reported 4,065 new COVID-19 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/when-india-asked-president-kennedy-for-us-air-force-to-help-fight-china-in-1962-303317#momentous-decision-58402">Have a look:&nbsp;When India asked President Kennedy for US Air Force to help fight China in 1962</a>

The coronavirus-related death toll has increased by 82 to 1,770, and the number of recoveries reached 30,128, according to the authorities.

The Sindh province, with nearly 33,000 cases, is the most affected and is followed by the Punjab province, which registered over 31,000 cases.

Despite the rising toll, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Monday that his government would lift the coronavirus lockdown to save the national economy from a meltdown.

As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday. On Wednesday, Pakistan had reported 4,065 new COVID-19 cases. Have a look: When India asked President Kennedy for US Air Force to help fight China in 1962 The coronavirus-related death toll has increased by 82 to 1,770, and the number of recoveries reached 30,128, according to the authorities. The Sindh province, with nearly 33,000 cases, is the most affected and is followed by the Punjab province, which registered over 31,000 cases. Despite the rising toll, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Monday that his government would lift the coronavirus lockdown to save the national economy from a meltdown.

COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry.

In a feat that eluded years of government cleanliness efforts, a nationwide lockdown against the coronavirus has brought about the transformation of a river many Hindus consider holy, with a halt in industrial activity since late in March.

Sanjay Gir, a 55-year-old Hindu monk who spends his time on the riverbank, said he could not remember when he had last seen the river so clean.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/coronavirus-crisis-can-trigger-collapse-of-25-trillion-fossil-fuel-industry-303280">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus crisis can trigger collapse of $25 trillion fossil fuel industry</a>

"Ever since the lockdown, we can take Mother Yamuna's water in our hands and offer it for prayer, as well as drink it," said the bearded Gir, clad in traditional white dhoti.

"Because everything is closed right now - all the factories, industries are shut...their waste is not coming into the river."

From its source among Himalayan peaks, the river meanders 1,376 km (855 miles) through a clutch of northern states to join the river Ganges in the city of Allahabad, where Hindu tradition says the two merge with a third, the mythical Saraswati.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-misplaced-trust-to-loss-of-faith-in-humanity-sketchers-react-on-elephants-murder-303202">Have a look:&nbsp;From misplaced trust to loss of faith in humanity, sketchers react on elephant's murder</a>

One of the world's toughest lockdowns against the coronavirus, which has caused nearly 217,000 infections and more than 6,000 deaths in India, kept out most of the industrial waste that normally clogs the Yamuna.

That was the key reason for the better water quality, said Anshuman Jaiswal of city research body the Energy and Resources Institute.

"The industrial discharge which was going into the Yamuna actually stopped and that, for sure, has reduced the pollution load," he added.

But the waters will deteriorate again, Jaiswal warned, as the lockdown lifts and industries re-open.

Nevertheless, while it lasts, a clean, revitalised Yamuna also augurs well for the environmental condition of the Taj Mahal, India's famed monument to love that stands on the riverbank in the northern city of Agra.

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry.

The sparkle has returned to the Yamuna river flowing through India's capital of New Delhi, residents say, after decades of filthy and stinking waters, matted with garbage and polluted with toxic effluent from industry. In a feat that eluded years of government cleanliness efforts, a nationwide lockdown against the coronavirus has brought about the transformation of a river many Hindus consider holy, with a halt in industrial activity since late in March. Sanjay Gir, a 55-year-old Hindu monk who spends his time on the riverbank, said he could not remember when he had last seen the river so clean. Also read: Coronavirus crisis can trigger collapse of $25 trillion fossil fuel industry "Ever since the lockdown, we can take Mother Yamuna's water in our hands and offer it for prayer, as well as drink it," said the bearded Gir, clad in traditional white dhoti. "Because everything is closed right now - all the factories, industries are shut...their waste is not coming into the river." From its source among Himalayan peaks, the river meanders 1,376 km (855 miles) through a clutch of northern states to join the river Ganges in the city of Allahabad, where Hindu tradition says the two merge with a third, the mythical Saraswati. Have a look: From misplaced trust to loss of faith in humanity, sketchers react on elephant's murder One of the world's toughest lockdowns against the coronavirus, which has caused nearly 217,000 infections and more than 6,000 deaths in India, kept out most of the industrial waste that normally clogs the Yamuna. That was the key reason for the better water quality, said Anshuman Jaiswal of city research body the Energy and Resources Institute. "The industrial discharge which was going into the Yamuna actually stopped and that, for sure, has reduced the pollution load," he added. But the waters will deteriorate again, Jaiswal warned, as the lockdown lifts and industries re-open. Nevertheless, while it lasts, a clean, revitalised Yamuna also augurs well for the environmental condition of the Taj Mahal, India's famed monument to love that stands on the riverbank in the northern city of Agra.

Delhi: Yamuna river sparkles again as factory waste reduces amid lockdown

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution.

Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. 
To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-records-4688-new-cases-government-reopens-economy-303472">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy</a>

Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths.

"Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University.

Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm.

According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic.

The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/road-side-bomb-blast-kills-2-school-teachers-in-pakistan-303557">Also read:&nbsp;Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan</a>

Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there.

Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said.

Herd immunity 
Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed.

There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin.

Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading.

However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19.

"The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters.

Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday.

"It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters.

He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules.

"There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution. Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths. "Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University. Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm. According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic. The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted. Also read: Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there. Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said. Herd immunity Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed. There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin. Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading. However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19. "The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters. Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday. "It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters. He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules. "There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Live with virus: Pakistan PM says after lockdown gamble; COVID-19 cases surge

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users.

"Since the launch of Delhi Corona App, various people are inquiring for beds but actual users are less. This is sort of window shopping. Three more hospitals have been converted, there will be no lack of beds," he said on reports of difference in number of beds in hospitals and the App.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-spicejet-pilot-robbed-at-gunpoint-attacked-by-knife-303101">Also read:&nbsp;Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife</a>

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the mobile application 'Delhi Corona App' for the convenience of COVID-19 affected people in the national capital.

The application aims to provide updated information on the availability of beds and ventilators in several government and private hospitals. The Delhi government has also created a web page to disseminate this data.&nbsp;

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that since the launch of the Delhi Corona App many people have enquired about COVID-19 beds, but there are a lesser number of actual users. "Since the launch of Delhi Corona App, various people are inquiring for beds but actual users are less. This is sort of window shopping. Three more hospitals have been converted, there will be no lack of beds," he said on reports of difference in number of beds in hospitals and the App. Also read: Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the mobile application 'Delhi Corona App' for the convenience of COVID-19 affected people in the national capital. The application aims to provide updated information on the availability of beds and ventilators in several government and private hospitals. The Delhi government has also created a web page to disseminate this data.

Delhi: People window shopping on Corona App, says Satyendar Jain

Markets have recovered their poise after bouts of extreme volatility in March caused by the coronavirus pandemic that left "hard questions" for policymakers to answer, a senior Bank of England official said on Thursday.

"Financial markets could come under strain again if there is another leg to the global infection cycle, or if economic data come out persistently worse than expected," Andrew Hauser, the BoE's executive director for markets, told a Bloomberg webinar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-study-says-trump-backed-hydroxychloroquine-no-better-than-placebo-303250">Also read:&nbsp;New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo</a>

Hauser said policymakers need to look at how markets can amplify the "dash for cash" seen in March and April. 
"First, do we understand why intermediaries struggled to make effective markets in core government bond, money and foreign exchange instruments at crucial moments during the crisis?" Hauser said.

Policymakers should also ask themselves if they are comfortable with the core role played by heavily indebted but thinly capitalised non-banks in markets.

"Third, how do we deal with the risks posed to financial stability by the structural tendency for money market and some other open-ended funds to be prone to runs," Hauser said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-temporary-pause-who-to-resume-hydroxychloroquine-trials-303045">After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials</a>

"How can we ensure timely transition away from Libor, whose weaknesses were highlighted so starkly by the crisis?" 
Markets have had to absorb huge policy interventions to ease economic fallout from the pandemic. That included the BoE cutting interest rates to just 10 basis points, raising expectations of negative rates.

"Even if you saw it was the right thing to do, it`s not going to happen in the near term," Hauser said. "It`s on the retail side and banking side that we need to think more about it, and no decisions have been made about that either way."

Hauser said public intervention intentionally lifted assets from very low levels, but the central bank does not want to replace the role of markets in pricing and would come up with an "exit path" once the economy is strong enough. 
"We had to do it, it was the right thing to do. It worked and we have to deal with the consequences of that later."

Markets have recovered their poise after bouts of extreme volatility in March caused by the coronavirus pandemic that left "hard questions" for policymakers to answer, a senior Bank of England official said on Thursday.

Markets have recovered their poise after bouts of extreme volatility in March caused by the coronavirus pandemic that left "hard questions" for policymakers to answer, a senior Bank of England official said on Thursday. "Financial markets could come under strain again if there is another leg to the global infection cycle, or if economic data come out persistently worse than expected," Andrew Hauser, the BoE's executive director for markets, told a Bloomberg webinar. Also read: New study says Trump-backed hydroxychloroquine no better than placebo Hauser said policymakers need to look at how markets can amplify the "dash for cash" seen in March and April. "First, do we understand why intermediaries struggled to make effective markets in core government bond, money and foreign exchange instruments at crucial moments during the crisis?" Hauser said. Policymakers should also ask themselves if they are comfortable with the core role played by heavily indebted but thinly capitalised non-banks in markets. "Third, how do we deal with the risks posed to financial stability by the structural tendency for money market and some other open-ended funds to be prone to runs," Hauser said. Also read | After 'temporary pause', WHO to resume hydroxychloroquine trials "How can we ensure timely transition away from Libor, whose weaknesses were highlighted so starkly by the crisis?" Markets have had to absorb huge policy interventions to ease economic fallout from the pandemic. That included the BoE cutting interest rates to just 10 basis points, raising expectations of negative rates. "Even if you saw it was the right thing to do, it`s not going to happen in the near term," Hauser said. "It`s on the retail side and banking side that we need to think more about it, and no decisions have been made about that either way." Hauser said public intervention intentionally lifted assets from very low levels, but the central bank does not want to replace the role of markets in pricing and would come up with an "exit path" once the economy is strong enough. "We had to do it, it was the right thing to do. It worked and we have to deal with the consequences of that later."

Pandemic raises hard questions for policymakers, Bank of England says

Israel reopened its economy after the country saw a decrease in the number of positive coronavirus cases. However, days after the country started functioning&nbsp;normally, a spike in positive cases was seen.

Now,&nbsp;Israel's parliament has cancelled meetings scheduled for Thursday, and asked nearly&nbsp;700 employees to stay at home after a lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus, local media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-schools-to-stay-open-despite-covid-19-outbreak-at-high-school-302143">Also read:&nbsp;Israeli schools to stay open despite COVID-19 outbreak at high school</a>

The Israeli government had earlier allowed restaurants, bars, schools, offices, tourist attractions and other businesses to reopen to help the crippling economy.

Following the orders, the parliament, too, had started functioning again. However,&nbsp;a lawmaker from the Joint List, Samy Abu Shehadeh, announced on Thursday that he has tested positive.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/israel-caught-in-the-middle-of-intensifying-rivalry-between-us-and-china-302292">Also read:&nbsp;Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China</a>

"I appeal to anyone who was in my immediate area to go in isolation and do a test. I ask everyone to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health,"&nbsp;he tweeted.

"We must all internalise that the campaign is not over yet. The virus still exists between us and the supposed return to routine helps the virus spread in a big and fast way," he added.

He claimed to have come in contact with thousands of people since the economy has reopened, and has urged people to quarantine themselves and take care.

He had been spotted at various events, cafeterias, mourning gatherings, offices and families of coronavirus victims&nbsp;without a mask.

Several lawmakers have entered quarantine since the outbreak of the pandemic but only Yaakov Litzman, who was the Health Minister before the formation of the new government on May 17, was diagnosed positive with the COVID-19.

(With inputs from PTI)

Israel reopened its economy after the country saw a decrease in the number of positive coronavirus cases. However, days after the country started functioning normally, a spike in positive cases was seen.

Israel reopened its economy after the country saw a decrease in the number of positive coronavirus cases. However, days after the country started functioning normally, a spike in positive cases was seen. Now, Israel's parliament has cancelled meetings scheduled for Thursday, and asked nearly 700 employees to stay at home after a lawmaker tested positive for the coronavirus, local media reported. Also read: Israeli schools to stay open despite COVID-19 outbreak at high school The Israeli government had earlier allowed restaurants, bars, schools, offices, tourist attractions and other businesses to reopen to help the crippling economy. Following the orders, the parliament, too, had started functioning again. However, a lawmaker from the Joint List, Samy Abu Shehadeh, announced on Thursday that he has tested positive. Also read: Israel caught in the middle of intensifying rivalry between US and China "I appeal to anyone who was in my immediate area to go in isolation and do a test. I ask everyone to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health," he tweeted. "We must all internalise that the campaign is not over yet. The virus still exists between us and the supposed return to routine helps the virus spread in a big and fast way," he added. He claimed to have come in contact with thousands of people since the economy has reopened, and has urged people to quarantine themselves and take care. He had been spotted at various events, cafeterias, mourning gatherings, offices and families of coronavirus victims without a mask. Several lawmakers have entered quarantine since the outbreak of the pandemic but only Yaakov Litzman, who was the Health Minister before the formation of the new government on May 17, was diagnosed positive with the COVID-19. (With inputs from PTI)

Israel's lawmaker who was spotted without masks tests positive; 700 employees quarantined

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions.

Following the same, Haryana government has announced that students can head back to the schools from July, and college can reopen from August.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-parents-start-petition-to-keep-schools-colleges-shut-302778">Also watch:&nbsp;Indian Parents Start Petition to Keep Schools, Colleges Shut</a>&nbsp;

Haryana education minister, Kanwar Pal Gujjar, announced resuming teaching work in schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 from July, in the first phase of unlocking the economy. All colleges and universities, private or government, can reopen from August; first-year students will only commence their classes from September. However, the resumption can begin only in shifts, as only 50 per cent students will be allowed to attend the classes at a time.

“We will do it in a phased manner by starting teaching work for classes 10, 11 and 12 on July 1; for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 after 15 days; and for the primary classes from August,” said Kanwar Pal Gujjar.

“The classes would be held in shifts so that half the students of a class come in first shift and the rest in the second shift. We are yet to decide whether it should be morning and evening shift or on alternate days”, he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/unlock-10-from-salons-to-schools-whats-reopening-and-what-stays-closed-302116">Have a look|&nbsp;Unlock 1.0: From salons to schools, what's reopening and what stays closed</a>

The state will first conduct few demo classes in selected schools to test the social distancing norms, and will collect feedback from teachers, parents and students on conducting classes in shifts.

The Directorate School Education has meanwhile asked District Education Officers to form committees and take feedback on the proposed plans from the stakeholders, to avoid making frequent changes later. A detailed report is being expected by June 07.

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions.

As the country shifted from lockdown 4.0 to unlock 1.0, state governments were given the freedom to decide closure and reopening of facilities on the basis of the local conditions. Following the same, Haryana government has announced that students can head back to the schools from July, and college can reopen from August. Also watch: Indian Parents Start Petition to Keep Schools, Colleges Shut Haryana education minister, Kanwar Pal Gujjar, announced resuming teaching work in schools for classes 10, 11 and 12 from July, in the first phase of unlocking the economy. All colleges and universities, private or government, can reopen from August; first-year students will only commence their classes from September. However, the resumption can begin only in shifts, as only 50 per cent students will be allowed to attend the classes at a time. “We will do it in a phased manner by starting teaching work for classes 10, 11 and 12 on July 1; for classes 6, 7, 8 and 9 after 15 days; and for the primary classes from August,” said Kanwar Pal Gujjar. “The classes would be held in shifts so that half the students of a class come in first shift and the rest in the second shift. We are yet to decide whether it should be morning and evening shift or on alternate days”, he added. Have a look| Unlock 1.0: From salons to schools, what's reopening and what stays closed The state will first conduct few demo classes in selected schools to test the social distancing norms, and will collect feedback from teachers, parents and students on conducting classes in shifts. The Directorate School Education has meanwhile asked District Education Officers to form committees and take feedback on the proposed plans from the stakeholders, to avoid making frequent changes later. A detailed report is being expected by June 07.

Haryana announces reopening of schools and colleges in phases; 50% students to attend in shifts

The Hindi entertainment industry <a href="Bollywood music composer Wajid Khan of the duo Sajid-Wajid dies at 42; celebs pay tributes">mourned the loss of music composer Wajid Khan</a> of the famous duo Sajid-Wajid after he died in Mumbai of kidney infection and COVID-19 related severity reportedly.

Now, Wajid’s mother Razina has tested COVID-19 positive as she was taking care of the ailing son in the hospital. She is being looked after at the same hospital.&nbsp;

According to various media reports, “Wajid’s mother Razina had already contracted coronavirus before the late musician was infected with the virus. Wajid, who was suffering from kidney and throat infection, tested positive for Covid-19 later. Sajid-Wajid’s mother is better now and her condition has improved. She stayed in Surana Sethia hospital to take care of her ailing son. However, she contracted Covid-19 after she came in contact with other coronavirus patients at the hospital.”

Meanwhile, Sajid had confirmed brother Wajid’s condition to PTI and said, “Wajid had underlying kidney issues. He died of a cardiac arrest,” while confirming that the composer had tested positive for Covid-19.&nbsp;

Wajid Khan was put to rest at Versova cemetery Monday afternoon with close friends and family members in attendance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rip-wajid-khan-heres-taking-a-look-at-salman-khan-and-late-composers-best-works-302337" hreflang="en">RIP Wajid Khan: Here's taking a look at Salman Khan and late composer's best works</a>

Hindi film industry personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, <a href="Salman Khan mourns the death of 'beautiful soul' Wajid Khan">Salman Khan</a>, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, paid homage to the music composer.

The Hindi entertainment industry mourned the loss of music composer Wajid Khan of the famous duo Sajid-Wajid after he died in Mumbai of kidney infection and COVID-19 related severity reportedly.

The Hindi entertainment industry mourned the loss of music composer Wajid Khan of the famous duo Sajid-Wajid after he died in Mumbai of kidney infection and COVID-19 related severity reportedly. Now, Wajid’s mother Razina has tested COVID-19 positive as she was taking care of the ailing son in the hospital. She is being looked after at the same hospital. According to various media reports, “Wajid’s mother Razina had already contracted coronavirus before the late musician was infected with the virus. Wajid, who was suffering from kidney and throat infection, tested positive for Covid-19 later. Sajid-Wajid’s mother is better now and her condition has improved. She stayed in Surana Sethia hospital to take care of her ailing son. However, she contracted Covid-19 after she came in contact with other coronavirus patients at the hospital.” Meanwhile, Sajid had confirmed brother Wajid’s condition to PTI and said, “Wajid had underlying kidney issues. He died of a cardiac arrest,” while confirming that the composer had tested positive for Covid-19. Wajid Khan was put to rest at Versova cemetery Monday afternoon with close friends and family members in attendance. RIP Wajid Khan: Here's taking a look at Salman Khan and late composer's best works Hindi film industry personalities including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Akshay Kumar, paid homage to the music composer.

Now, Wajid Khan's mother tests COVID-19 positive: Report

The Metropolitan Opera canceled its fall 2020 performances on Monday and postponed several new productions to future seasons as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc with New York's cultural life.

The storied opera house, which has been dark since mid-March because of the health crisis, said it still planned to go ahead with an abbreviated season to start December 31 instead of September.

"Given the enormous organizational complexity of the Met's schedule, we have no choice but to cancel our fall season," General Manager Peter Gelb said.

"The health and safety of our company members and our audience is our top priority, and it is simply not feasible to return to the opera house for a September opening while social distancing remains a requirement."

The announcement comes a week before New York City is slated to begin its "phase one" reopening following a near-total shutdown of most non-essential activities as the city implemented social distancing protocols to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The first phase permits manufacturers, wholesale suppliers and some retailers to resume operations with restrictions.&nbsp;

However, live performances are not permitted until "phase four" of the New York State plan, for which there is still no timetable.

The Met's truncated schedule means it won't stage a new production of Verdi's "Aida" scheduled to open the season, or a premiere of Prokofiev's "The Fiery Angel."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/opera-returns-to-vienna-with-hotel-window-concert-302574" hreflang="en">Opera returns to Vienna with hotel 'window concert'</a></h2>

Those new productions will be performed in future seasons, the company said. The Met will also postpone new productions of two Mozart operas, "The Magic Flute" and "Don Giovanni," and will instead present revivals of the pieces in the 2020-21 season.

The opera house still intends to go ahead with the April 2021 premiere of the modern work "Dead Man Walking" by Jake Heggie.

The Met also announced other tweaks to its plans, including shortening some performances and moving up the curtain time to earlier in the evening when possible.

The Metropolitan Opera canceled its fall 2020 performances on Monday and postponed several new productions to future seasons as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc with New York's cultural life.

The Metropolitan Opera canceled its fall 2020 performances on Monday and postponed several new productions to future seasons as the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc with New York's cultural life. The storied opera house, which has been dark since mid-March because of the health crisis, said it still planned to go ahead with an abbreviated season to start December 31 instead of September. "Given the enormous organizational complexity of the Met's schedule, we have no choice but to cancel our fall season," General Manager Peter Gelb said. "The health and safety of our company members and our audience is our top priority, and it is simply not feasible to return to the opera house for a September opening while social distancing remains a requirement." The announcement comes a week before New York City is slated to begin its "phase one" reopening following a near-total shutdown of most non-essential activities as the city implemented social distancing protocols to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The first phase permits manufacturers, wholesale suppliers and some retailers to resume operations with restrictions. However, live performances are not permitted until "phase four" of the New York State plan, for which there is still no timetable. The Met's truncated schedule means it won't stage a new production of Verdi's "Aida" scheduled to open the season, or a premiere of Prokofiev's "The Fiery Angel." Opera returns to Vienna with hotel 'window concert' Those new productions will be performed in future seasons, the company said. The Met will also postpone new productions of two Mozart operas, "The Magic Flute" and "Don Giovanni," and will instead present revivals of the pieces in the 2020-21 season. The opera house still intends to go ahead with the April 2021 premiere of the modern work "Dead Man Walking" by Jake Heggie. The Met also announced other tweaks to its plans, including shortening some performances and moving up the curtain time to earlier in the evening when possible.

Met Opera cancels fall season due to COVID-19

India stepped into Unlock 1.0, but the number of coronavirus cases saw another steep rise.

India's total toll of coronavirus cases reached&nbsp;1,90,535, as&nbsp;8,392 new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours. A total of 230 deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours.

The total toll includes&nbsp;93,322 active cases, 91,819 cured/discharged/migrated and 5,394 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-crosses-1000-mark-in-terms-of-new-coronavirus-cases-in-one-day-302201">Also read:&nbsp;Tamil Nadu crosses 1,000-mark in terms of new coronavirus cases in one day</a>

Chandigarh reported 503 new cases, including 388 active cases, 114 discharged and 1 death, said the State Health Department.

Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Jharkhand's Health Secretary, reported 25 new&nbsp;cases, which has taken the toll to 635.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
199 more <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported in Telangana today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2698, including 1188 active cases, 1428 recovered and 82 deaths: State Health Department <a href="https://t.co/thiCIMDEHb">pic.twitter.com/thiCIMDEHb</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1267160869730828289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Indore reported 53 more cases. Total number of cases in the district is now at 3,539, including 1,990 discharged, 1,414 under treatment, and 135 deaths.

ICMR also made a new record of testing as the organization collected 1,00,180 samples in the last 24 hours. A total of 38,37,207 samples have been tested till now.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Total 38,37,207 samples have been tested till now, of which 1,00,180 samples have been tested in the last 24 hours: ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) <a href="https://t.co/8GAJ6X3vAY">pic.twitter.com/8GAJ6X3vAY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1267313777277460481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

198 new cases and 7 deaths were reported in Madhya Pradesh in the past 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 8,089 and death toll to 350. Number of active cases stands&nbsp;at 2,897 in the state.

Chhattisgarh reported 51 new cases, taking the toll to&nbsp;498, including 383 active cases, 114 discharged and 1 death.

Assam has reported 22 new cases. The total number of cases in the state is 1,361, out of which 1,169 are active cases.

India stepped into Unlock 1.0, but the number of coronavirus cases saw another steep rise. India's total toll of coronavirus cases reached 1,90,535, as 8,392 new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours.

India stepped into Unlock 1.0, but the number of coronavirus cases saw another steep rise. India's total toll of coronavirus cases reached 1,90,535, as 8,392 new cases have been reported in the past 24 hours. A total of 230 deaths were also reported in the last 24 hours. The total toll includes 93,322 active cases, 91,819 cured/discharged/migrated and 5,394 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: Tamil Nadu crosses 1,000-mark in terms of new coronavirus cases in one day Chandigarh reported 503 new cases, including 388 active cases, 114 discharged and 1 death, said the State Health Department. Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Jharkhand's Health Secretary, reported 25 new cases, which has taken the toll to 635. 199 more #COVID19 cases reported in Telangana today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 2698, including 1188 active cases, 1428 recovered and 82 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/thiCIMDEHb — ANI (@ANI) May 31, 2020 × Indore reported 53 more cases. Total number of cases in the district is now at 3,539, including 1,990 discharged, 1,414 under treatment, and 135 deaths. ICMR also made a new record of testing as the organization collected 1,00,180 samples in the last 24 hours. A total of 38,37,207 samples have been tested till now. Total 38,37,207 samples have been tested till now, of which 1,00,180 samples have been tested in the last 24 hours: ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) pic.twitter.com/8GAJ6X3vAY — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2020 × 198 new cases and 7 deaths were reported in Madhya Pradesh in the past 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 8,089 and death toll to 350. Number of active cases stands at 2,897 in the state. Chhattisgarh reported 51 new cases, taking the toll to 498, including 383 active cases, 114 discharged and 1 death. Assam has reported 22 new cases. The total number of cases in the state is 1,361, out of which 1,169 are active cases.

COVID 19: India's cases nearly 2 lakh; ICMR conducts more than 1 lakh tests

The world-renowned annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Gujarat's Ahmedabad will be held for the first time in 143 years without the accompaniment of troupes, tableau trucks, and massive crowds in view of novel coronavirus outbreak.

Only three chariots, each to be pulled by 30 persons, will be taken out in the presence of temple trustees and priests as part of the 143rd edition of the yatra on June 23, coinciding with "Ashadhi Beej", said temple trustee Mahendra Jha.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-cases-nearly-2-lakh-icmr-conducts-more-than-1-lakh-tests-302270">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India's cases nearly 2 lakh; ICMR conducts more than 1 lakh tests</a>

"This will be the first time in 143 years that only three chariots will take part. Due to coronavirus pandemic, there will be no trucks carrying devotees, akhadas, singing troupes, tableaux. It will be a simple affair and we want people to catch it live on television this time," he told PTI.

Traditionally, the procession, led by chariots of Lord Jagannath, brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, starts early morning from the 400-year-old temple and returns by late evening, the route full of people running into several hundred thousand, decorated elephants, some 100 trucks with tableaux, singers, akhadas etc.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-crosses-1000-mark-in-terms-of-new-coronavirus-cases-in-one-day-302201">Also read:&nbsp;Tamil Nadu crosses 1,000-mark in terms of new coronavirus cases in one day</a>

The procession comes back to the Lord Jagannath Temple after covering a distance of 18 kilometres in 12 hours.

"We will try to return to the temple as early as possible. All guidelines in place like social distancing etc will be followed strictly," Jha added.

The world-renowned annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Gujarat's Ahmedabad will be held for the first time in 143 years without the accompaniment of troupes, tableau trucks, and massive crowds in view of novel coronavirus outbreak.

The world-renowned annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Gujarat's Ahmedabad will be held for the first time in 143 years without the accompaniment of troupes, tableau trucks, and massive crowds in view of novel coronavirus outbreak. Only three chariots, each to be pulled by 30 persons, will be taken out in the presence of temple trustees and priests as part of the 143rd edition of the yatra on June 23, coinciding with "Ashadhi Beej", said temple trustee Mahendra Jha. Also read: COVID 19: India's cases nearly 2 lakh; ICMR conducts more than 1 lakh tests "This will be the first time in 143 years that only three chariots will take part. Due to coronavirus pandemic, there will be no trucks carrying devotees, akhadas, singing troupes, tableaux. It will be a simple affair and we want people to catch it live on television this time," he told PTI. Traditionally, the procession, led by chariots of Lord Jagannath, brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra, starts early morning from the 400-year-old temple and returns by late evening, the route full of people running into several hundred thousand, decorated elephants, some 100 trucks with tableaux, singers, akhadas etc. Also read: Tamil Nadu crosses 1,000-mark in terms of new coronavirus cases in one day The procession comes back to the Lord Jagannath Temple after covering a distance of 18 kilometres in 12 hours. "We will try to return to the temple as early as possible. All guidelines in place like social distancing etc will be followed strictly," Jha added.

Gujarat Rath Yatra to be simple affair due to coronavirus outbreak

covid-19-3

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

covid 19-3