The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions.

Individuals from staff in the illustrious family unit face pay freezes and ventures have likewise been ended amid the terminations.&nbsp;

These incorporate Buckingham Palace, which as a rule invites guests during summers when the Queen is at Balmoral.

"The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by a coronavirus and the royal household is no exception," said a spokesperson of Buckingham Palace.

The number of people who have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for COVID-19 rose by 160 to 34,796, the health department said on Twitter on Monday.

A total of 246,406 people have tested positive for the virus, up 2,684.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions.

The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions. Individuals from staff in the illustrious family unit face pay freezes and ventures have likewise been ended amid the terminations. These incorporate Buckingham Palace, which as a rule invites guests during summers when the Queen is at Balmoral. "The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by a coronavirus and the royal household is no exception," said a spokesperson of Buckingham Palace. The number of people who have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for COVID-19 rose by 160 to 34,796, the health department said on Twitter on Monday. A total of 246,406 people have tested positive for the virus, up 2,684. (With inputs from Reuters)

Queen Elizabeth II hit by £18 million hole in finances after palaces shut to tourists

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.7 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;4,716,931 people worldwide and 315,244 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around &nbsp;1,734,631 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The US is the worst-hit country with nearly 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases.US economy, the world's largest, has been thrown into a recession due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan.&nbsp;

The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.7 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,716,931 people worldwide and 315,244 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.7 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,716,931 people worldwide and 315,244 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,734,631 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The US is the worst-hit country with nearly 90,000 deaths and over 1.4 million confirmed COVID-19 cases.US economy, the world's largest, has been thrown into a recession due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan. The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases surge to 4.7 million, death toll at 315,244

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday took a coronavirus test during his televised briefing and urged any fellow New Yorkers with symptoms or having been exposed to the virus to follow his example.

"You don't have to be New York tough to take that test," he said during the live broadcast of his popular daily briefing.

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Cuomo's sometimes folksy and often informative briefings have been followed by thousands of viewers since New York emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot in the US, with more than 350,000 cases and more than 22,000 confirmed deaths.

"You have to be smart, united, disciplined; you have to love yourself, your family, New Yorkers," he said, after a nurse in the protective gown, mask and face shield had Cuomo close his eyes while she inserted a nasal swab to take a sample.

"If I am not here tomorrow, that means I tested positive," the governor quipped. He has been tested several times previously, he said, but never before the public.

Cuomo said the criteria for being tested had been expanded to include not just those with flu-like symptoms, but also people returning to work, medical and nursing-home personnel, and anyone who interacts with the public at work or who has been exposed to a sick person.

"We just don't have enough New Yorkers coming to be tested," which is vitally important as parts of the state reopen some non-essential activities, the governor said.

Later, Cuomo turned to Twitter to underline his message, saying: "It's quick, easy and painless. If I have time, you do too."

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday took a coronavirus test during his televised briefing and urged any fellow New Yorkers with symptoms or having been exposed to the virus to follow his example.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday took a coronavirus test during his televised briefing and urged any fellow New Yorkers with symptoms or having been exposed to the virus to follow his example. "You don't have to be New York tough to take that test," he said during the live broadcast of his popular daily briefing. × Cuomo's sometimes folksy and often informative briefings have been followed by thousands of viewers since New York emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot in the US, with more than 350,000 cases and more than 22,000 confirmed deaths. "You have to be smart, united, disciplined; you have to love yourself, your family, New Yorkers," he said, after a nurse in the protective gown, mask and face shield had Cuomo close his eyes while she inserted a nasal swab to take a sample. "If I am not here tomorrow, that means I tested positive," the governor quipped. He has been tested several times previously, he said, but never before the public. Cuomo said the criteria for being tested had been expanded to include not just those with flu-like symptoms, but also people returning to work, medical and nursing-home personnel, and anyone who interacts with the public at work or who has been exposed to a sick person. "We just don't have enough New Yorkers coming to be tested," which is vitally important as parts of the state reopen some non-essential activities, the governor said. Later, Cuomo turned to Twitter to underline his message, saying: "It's quick, easy and painless. If I have time, you do too."

Watch: New York governor takes coronavirus test on live tv

Coronavirus brought Belgium its deadliest April since world War 2 last month, according to a new study as the country begins slowly to lift lockdown measures.

A total of 14,790 people died in Belgium last month as COVID-19 swept the nation -- substantially higher than the normal April total of deaths below 9,000, researchers from VUB university in Brussels found.

Not since the Nazi occupation of the 1940s has Belgium seen such a high mortality rate in April, the month when high winter death rates usually drop off with the onset of spring, the researchers found.

"Mortality in Belgium is exceptionally high, reaching unprecedented levels, especially in the period from 1 to 12 April," the university said in a statement.

April 10 saw 639 deaths, "more than double the number that would have been expected for that day".

"April 2020 was the deadliest April since the Second World War, both in absolute numbers and per capita," it said.

There were 15.7 deaths per 1,000 population last month, Professor Patrick Deboosere of the Interface Demography research group that produced the study told AFP.

This compares with 16.3 deaths per 1,000 population in April 1941. 
Belgium has been hit hard by the pandemic, suffering one of the world's highest per capita death tolls, though the virus appears to be easing and lockdown restrictions are starting to be lifted.

The government has also been praised by the World Health Organization for keeping more accurate tolls than some of its neighbours, and the per capita rate may be higher because of this.

Coronavirus brought Belgium its deadliest April since world War 2 last month, according to a new study as the country begins slowly to lift lockdown measures. A total of 14,790 people died in Belgium last month as COVID-19 swept the nation -- substantially higher than the normal April total of deaths below 9,000, researchers from VUB university in Brussels found.

Coronavirus brought Belgium its deadliest April since world War 2 last month, according to a new study as the country begins slowly to lift lockdown measures. A total of 14,790 people died in Belgium last month as COVID-19 swept the nation -- substantially higher than the normal April total of deaths below 9,000, researchers from VUB university in Brussels found. Not since the Nazi occupation of the 1940s has Belgium seen such a high mortality rate in April, the month when high winter death rates usually drop off with the onset of spring, the researchers found. "Mortality in Belgium is exceptionally high, reaching unprecedented levels, especially in the period from 1 to 12 April," the university said in a statement. April 10 saw 639 deaths, "more than double the number that would have been expected for that day". "April 2020 was the deadliest April since the Second World War, both in absolute numbers and per capita," it said. There were 15.7 deaths per 1,000 population last month, Professor Patrick Deboosere of the Interface Demography research group that produced the study told AFP. This compares with 16.3 deaths per 1,000 population in April 1941. Belgium has been hit hard by the pandemic, suffering one of the world's highest per capita death tolls, though the virus appears to be easing and lockdown restrictions are starting to be lifted. The government has also been praised by the World Health Organization for keeping more accurate tolls than some of its neighbours, and the per capita rate may be higher because of this.

Coronavirus gives Belgium deadliest April since World War II: Study

A 10-year-old Indian-American girl scout brought laurels to the country after she was honoured by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump along with other coronavirus crisis heroes for helping the people on the frontlines.

Sravya Annappareddy has been honoured by President Donald Trump for donating cookies to nurses and firefighters and sending personalised greeting cards to healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the US, the worst affected country in the world.

“The men and women we honour today remind us that the bonds that unite us in times of hardship can also raise us to new heights as we reopen and recover and rebuild,” President Trump said in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden held Friday.

The 10-year-old Telugu girl born in the US was among three girl scouts in that country to be honoured by President Donald Trump on Saturday in White House for applauding COVID front line workers.&nbsp;

Sravya, along with Laila Khan and Lauren Matney from Troop 744 based out of Elkridge, Maryland, donated 100 boxes of Girl Scouts cookies to local firefighters, doctors and nurses.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A 10-year-old Indian-American girl scout brought laurels to the country after she was honoured by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump along with other coronavirus crisis heroes for helping the people on the frontlines.

A 10-year-old Indian-American girl scout brought laurels to the country after she was honoured by US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump along with other coronavirus crisis heroes for helping the people on the frontlines. Sravya Annappareddy has been honoured by President Donald Trump for donating cookies to nurses and firefighters and sending personalised greeting cards to healthcare workers fighting COVID-19 pandemic in the US, the worst affected country in the world. “The men and women we honour today remind us that the bonds that unite us in times of hardship can also raise us to new heights as we reopen and recover and rebuild,” President Trump said in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden held Friday. The 10-year-old Telugu girl born in the US was among three girl scouts in that country to be honoured by President Donald Trump on Saturday in White House for applauding COVID front line workers. Sravya, along with Laila Khan and Lauren Matney from Troop 744 based out of Elkridge, Maryland, donated 100 boxes of Girl Scouts cookies to local firefighters, doctors and nurses. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump honours Indian girl for gesture towards coronavirus heroes

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970.

Of the total cases, 51,401 are active and 2649 are fatalities so far while at least 27,920 people have recovered from the disease.

Friday marks the 52nd straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970.

Union Health Ministry on Friday morning said 100 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,967 positive cases were reported since Thursday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,649 and total cases to 81,970. Of the total cases, 51,401 are active and 2649 are fatalities so far while at least 27,920 people have recovered from the disease. Friday marks the 52nd straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic. The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,649 as total cases reach 81,970

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide, mostly in Europe and the United States, since it emerged in China late last year. Also read: Amid COVID-19 , Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have surpassed 4.

The novel coronavirus has killed more than 300,000 people worldwide, mostly in Europe and the United States, since it emerged in China late last year. Also read: Amid COVID-19 , Trump threatens to 'cut off whole relationship with China' Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have surpassed 4.4 million worldwide as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also Read: US will be first country to receive COVID vaccine, says Sanofi COVID-19 has now infected 4,438,371 people worldwide and 302,115 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,587,780 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States has registered the most deaths at 85,194 followed by Britain with 33,614, Italy at 31,368, France at 27,425 and Spain with 27,321 fatalities. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus death toll rises to more than 300,000

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.3 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 4,345,646 people worldwide and 297,108 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,547,406 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States logged more than 1,800 deaths on Wednesday, bringing the nation's total to 84,059.

The US president has increasingly looked to pin the blame on China, where the virus first emerged late last year.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 could become endemic like HIV, warning against any attempt to predict how long it would keep circulating and calling for a “massive effort” to counter it.

“It is important to put this on the table: this virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away,” WHO emergencies expert Mike Ryan told an online briefing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.3 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,345,646 people worldwide and 297,108 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.3 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,345,646 people worldwide and 297,108 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,547,406 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States logged more than 1,800 deaths on Wednesday, bringing the nation's total to 84,059. The US president has increasingly looked to pin the blame on China, where the virus first emerged late last year. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 could become endemic like HIV, warning against any attempt to predict how long it would keep circulating and calling for a “massive effort” to counter it. “It is important to put this on the table: this virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities, and this virus may never go away,” WHO emergencies expert Mike Ryan told an online briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4.3 million mark, death toll at 297,108  

Union Health Ministry on Thursday morning said 134 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,722 positive cases were reported since Wednesday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,549 and total cases to 78,003.

Of the total cases, 49,219 are active and 2,549 are fatalities so far while at least 26,234 people have recovered from the disease.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-government-outlines-economy-revival-plan-298549/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thursday marks the 51st straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

Union Health Ministry on Thursday morning said 134 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,722 positive cases were reported since Wednesday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,549 and total cases to 78,003.

Union Health Ministry on Thursday morning said 134 new deaths due to COVID-19 and an additional 3,722 positive cases were reported since Wednesday in the country, taking the number of deaths to 2,549 and total cases to 78,003. Of the total cases, 49,219 are active and 2,549 are fatalities so far while at least 26,234 people have recovered from the disease. Thursday marks the 51st straight day of the ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the central government to contain the spread of the pandemic. The lockdown, announced on March 25, was on May 1 again extended for the second time until May 17.

India COVID-19 death toll rises to 2,549 as total cases reach 78,003 

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India.

The drug earlier this month received the US Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization to treat COVID-19 patients.

Jubilant also gets the rights to manufacture the drug and scale up production in nearly all low-income and middle-income countries, as well as some high-income nations.

Gilead has said it was negotiating long-term licenses with several generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan to produce remdesivir for developing countries and that it would provide technology to aid the production.

With no approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing, and the company is being closely watched on the pricing and distribution of the limited supply of the drug.

Not-for-profit Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, criticized Gilead for a lack of transparency on the terms of the agreement.

"We believe that instead of business as usual, such agreements should be made public and licenses have to be global including all countries - low, middle and high income," said Leena Menghaney, the South Asia head for MSF's Access Campaign.

Gilead did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agreement with Jubilant.

The pandemic has killed nearly 286,000 people globally, according to a Reuters tally, and several drugmakers are racing to develop a viable treatment or vaccine to combat the outbreak.

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India.

India's Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd said on Tuesday it had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for selling Gilead Sciences Inc's experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir in 127 countries, including India. The drug earlier this month received the US Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization to treat COVID-19 patients. Jubilant also gets the rights to manufacture the drug and scale up production in nearly all low-income and middle-income countries, as well as some high-income nations. Gilead has said it was negotiating long-term licenses with several generic drugmakers in India and Pakistan to produce remdesivir for developing countries and that it would provide technology to aid the production. With no approved treatment for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, interest in remdesivir has been growing, and the company is being closely watched on the pricing and distribution of the limited supply of the drug. Not-for-profit Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, criticized Gilead for a lack of transparency on the terms of the agreement. "We believe that instead of business as usual, such agreements should be made public and licenses have to be global including all countries - low, middle and high income," said Leena Menghaney, the South Asia head for MSF's Access Campaign. Gilead did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the agreement with Jubilant. The pandemic has killed nearly 286,000 people globally, according to a Reuters tally, and several drugmakers are racing to develop a viable treatment or vaccine to combat the outbreak.

India's Jubilant signs licensing deal for US pharma firm Gilead's covid-19 drug

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newborn-babies-among-40-killed-as-two-terror-attacks-rock-afghanistan-forces-to-resume-offensive-operations-298326">Switch to offensive mode: Afghan President to troops after 36 killed in twin attacks</a> 
 
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Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that he was ordering the military to switch from a defensive mode to an offensive mode after at least 36 people were killed in twin attacks. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/newborn-babies-among-40-killed-as-two-terror-attacks-rock-afghanistan-forces-to-resume-offensive-operations-298326">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-might-take-some-time-top-health-expert-anthony-fauci-298327">Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci</a> 
 
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Leading US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Tuesday warned Congress that while the federal government is working to help manufacture a vaccine against the new coronavirus, its development "might take some time" to come to market. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-might-take-some-time-top-health-expert-anthony-fauci-298327">READ MORE</a> 
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Switch to offensive mode: Afghan President to troops after 36 killed in twin attacks Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that he was ordering the military to switch from a defensive mode to an offensive mode after at least 36 people were killed in twin attacks.

Switch to offensive mode: Afghan President to troops after 36 killed in twin attacks Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday that he was ordering the military to switch from a defensive mode to an offensive mode after at least 36 people were killed in twin attacks. READ MORE Coronavirus vaccine might take some time: Top health expert Anthony Fauci Leading US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Tuesday warned Congress that while the federal government is working to help manufacture a vaccine against the new coronavirus, its development "might take some time" to come to market. READ MORE

Morning news brief: Afghanistan to resume offensive operations, firms eye pandemic boom and more

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.2 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;4,262,799 people worldwide and 291,981 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around &nbsp;1,493,661 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States reached 1,367,927 as of 23:32 GMT Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. Of note, the death toll reached 82,246, making it the worst-hit country in terms of total infections and deaths.

Of these, hardest-hit New York State reported 27,284 fatalities. New Jersey reported 9,531 deaths, Massachusetts reported 5,141 deaths and Michigan reported 4,674 deaths, data from the CSSE showed.

In Europe, another 627 coronavirus patients died in Britain as of Monday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 32,692, the Department of Health and Social Care said Tuesday. The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.2 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,262,799 people worldwide and 291,981 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4.2 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,262,799 people worldwide and 291,981 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,493,661 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States reached 1,367,927 as of 23:32 GMT Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University. Of note, the death toll reached 82,246, making it the worst-hit country in terms of total infections and deaths. Of these, hardest-hit New York State reported 27,284 fatalities. New Jersey reported 9,531 deaths, Massachusetts reported 5,141 deaths and Michigan reported 4,674 deaths, data from the CSSE showed. In Europe, another 627 coronavirus patients died in Britain as of Monday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 32,692, the Department of Health and Social Care said Tuesday. The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community. (With inputs from agencies)

Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4.2 million mark, death toll at  291,981

COVID-19 has now infected 4,178,156 people worldwide and 286,353 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,456,318 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States continues to control its daily death rate below 900 for the second consecutive day. According to a real-time tally by John Hopkins University, the country has recorded 830 deaths due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours taking the total toll 81,378.

The total cases for coronavirus have gone up till 1,346,723. On Sunday, the United States recorded 776 deaths that were the lowest since March.

But the death rate is climbing slowly which is a concern for the country as few states relax their lockdown.&nbsp;

In the United States, New York continues to be the worst-hit after 26,682 deaths and 337,055 cases.&nbsp;

COVID-19 has now infected 4,178,156 people worldwide and 286,353 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,456,318 people of that tally have recovered.

COVID-19 has now infected 4,178,156 people worldwide and 286,353 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,456,318 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States continues to control its daily death rate below 900 for the second consecutive day. According to a real-time tally by John Hopkins University, the country has recorded 830 deaths due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours taking the total toll 81,378. The total cases for coronavirus have gone up till 1,346,723. On Sunday, the United States recorded 776 deaths that were the lowest since March. But the death rate is climbing slowly which is a concern for the country as few states relax their lockdown. In the United States, New York continues to be the worst-hit after 26,682 deaths and 337,055 cases.

Coronavirus global roundup, May 12: Cases surge past 4.1 million mark, death toll at  286,353

Observing that the coronavirus pandemic has shown the existing international system's limitations, India's envoy in the US has said that the world after COVID-19 needs a template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity.

Economic growth and human welfare need to go hand in hand and there is a need to ensure equitable, affordable and timely access to health products and technologies for all, India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said in a virtual interaction with The Asia Group hosted by former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Monday.

"The current pandemic shows the limitations of the existing international system. In the post-COVID world, we need a template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity," Mr Sandhu said.

Indian Pharma companies are global leaders in producing affordable low-cost medicines and vaccines, he said, adding that India is a reliable partner for providing affordable medicines to the US.

"Our long-standing and robust partnership with the US in the area of health and scientific research has further deepened during the time of the pandemic," he said.

Similarly, India has been working with the US private sector in vaccine development. Serum Institute of India has collaborated with Codagenix Inc - a New York based clinical-stage Biotechnology Company - to rapidly co-develop a live-attenuated vaccine against the emergent coronavirus, Mr Sandhu said.

Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad has collaborated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the vaccine company FluGen to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 called CoroFlu, he said. Mr Sandhu said that the containment of the virus and economic recovery will require strong international cooperation to complement the national policy efforts.

India is also working with its international partners, including its neighbours, to combat the pandemic. It has delivered medical supplies and assistance to over 123 partner countries, he said.

"We have taken the lead in the SAARC region through an Emergency Relief corpus with an initial seed fund of USD 10 million. Our Rapid Response Medical Teams have been deployed in the Maldives, Kuwait. Our health experts are sharing best practices through online training for our neighbours and are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines," the Indian diplomat said.

Noting that much has changed in the last few weeks, Sandhu said that the world looks a completely different place as a nation after nation has taken shelter at home to stop the relentless march of the invisible enemy. Understandably, each country has erected its line of defence with the aim to minimise the loss of life.

"The global health crisis has brought in its wake an economic crisis of a scale that has not been seen in a long time.

"Grappling with these twin crises, governments today face an impossible choice between public health and economy. We will need a delicate balancing act. We need to revitalise our economies as well as enhance resilience, scalability and sustainability of our healthcare systems," he added.

Observing that the coronavirus pandemic has shown the existing international system's limitations, India's envoy in the US has said that the world after COVID-19 needs a template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity.

Observing that the coronavirus pandemic has shown the existing international system's limitations, India's envoy in the US has said that the world after COVID-19 needs a template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity. Economic growth and human welfare need to go hand in hand and there is a need to ensure equitable, affordable and timely access to health products and technologies for all, India's Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said in a virtual interaction with The Asia Group hosted by former US Ambassador to India Richard Verma on Monday. "The current pandemic shows the limitations of the existing international system. In the post-COVID world, we need a template of globalisation based on fairness, equality and humanity," Mr Sandhu said. Indian Pharma companies are global leaders in producing affordable low-cost medicines and vaccines, he said, adding that India is a reliable partner for providing affordable medicines to the US. "Our long-standing and robust partnership with the US in the area of health and scientific research has further deepened during the time of the pandemic," he said. Similarly, India has been working with the US private sector in vaccine development. Serum Institute of India has collaborated with Codagenix Inc - a New York based clinical-stage Biotechnology Company - to rapidly co-develop a live-attenuated vaccine against the emergent coronavirus, Mr Sandhu said. Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad has collaborated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the vaccine company FluGen to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 called CoroFlu, he said. Mr Sandhu said that the containment of the virus and economic recovery will require strong international cooperation to complement the national policy efforts. India is also working with its international partners, including its neighbours, to combat the pandemic. It has delivered medical supplies and assistance to over 123 partner countries, he said. "We have taken the lead in the SAARC region through an Emergency Relief corpus with an initial seed fund of USD 10 million. Our Rapid Response Medical Teams have been deployed in the Maldives, Kuwait. Our health experts are sharing best practices through online training for our neighbours and are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines," the Indian diplomat said. Noting that much has changed in the last few weeks, Sandhu said that the world looks a completely different place as a nation after nation has taken shelter at home to stop the relentless march of the invisible enemy. Understandably, each country has erected its line of defence with the aim to minimise the loss of life. "The global health crisis has brought in its wake an economic crisis of a scale that has not been seen in a long time. "Grappling with these twin crises, governments today face an impossible choice between public health and economy. We will need a delicate balancing act. We need to revitalise our economies as well as enhance resilience, scalability and sustainability of our healthcare systems," he added.

'Need globalisation template based on fairness': Indian envoy on covid-19

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-abruptly-ends-press-conference-on-covid-19-after-heated-argument-with-two-women-reporters-298103">Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after a heated argument with two women reporters</a>

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Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after a heated argument with two women reporters US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter.

Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after a heated argument with two women reporters US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. READ MORE International tourism may decline by 60-80% in 2020 due to Covid-19: UN body The global international agency said the pandemic has already caused a 22 per cent fall in international tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2020. READ MORE Coronavirus cases spike in France amid easing of lockdown; ICU patients fall in Italy The country reported 263 deaths after today recording 70 deaths the previous day. The total death toll due to the virus has now risen to 26,643, the health ministry said with 177, 094 people infected with the virus. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Trump abruptly ends press meet, World tourism faces crisis and more

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter.

CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-stocks-rattled-after-donald-trump-says-no-deadline-on-us-china-trade-deal-266025">Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal</a> 
 
"Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?"

"They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?"

Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back.

"Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race.

"I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said.

He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response.

Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else.

When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House.

The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter.

"I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei.

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I <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithWeijiaJiang?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithWeijiaJiang</a> against Trump's racist tantrums.
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Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!"

Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings.

More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus.

US President Donald Trump abruptly ended his coronavirus press briefing on Monday after getting into a testy exchange with an Asian-American reporter. CBS News reporter Weijia Jiang asked Trump why he continued to insist that the US was doing better than other countries when it came to testing for the virus. Also read: Global stocks rattled after Donald Trump says no 'deadline' on US-China trade deal "Why does that matter?" she asked. "Why is this a global competition when, every day, Americans are still losing their lives?" "They're losing their lives everywhere in the world," Trump replied. "And maybe that's a question you should ask China. Don't ask me, ask China that question, OK?" Jiang, who identifies herself in her Twitter bio as a "Chinese born West Virginian," pushed back. "Sir, why are you saying that to me specifically?" she said, implying it was due to her race. "I'm saying it to anybody who would ask a nasty question like that," Trump said. He then attempted to move on to another reporter as Jiang continued to press him about his response. Trump called on another female reporter but then immediately called on someone else. When the woman tried to ask her question, Trump abruptly ended the press conference and walked back into the White House. The internet was quick to rally round Jiang, with the hashtag #StandWithWeijiaJiang soon trending on Twitter. "I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums," tweeted "Star Trek" actor and prominent Asian-American activist George Takei. I #StandWithWeijiaJiang against Trump's racist tantrums. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 11, 2020 × Reporter and CNN political analyst April Ryan, who has also been on the receiving end of Trump's words, tweeted: "Welcome to the club! This is sickening! It is his habit!" Trump, who has never been shy about his dislike for the news media, has often locked horns with journalists during his coronavirus press briefings. More than 80,000 people have died in the US from the coronavirus pandemic, out of more than 1.3 million cases, according to the latest figures on Monday from Johns Hopkins University, by far the highest death toll of any country.

Donald Trump abruptly ends press conference on COVID-19 after heated argument with two women reporters

The United States will complete 10 million coronavirus testings this week, United States President Donald Trump said on Monday.

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"This week the United States will pass 10 million tests conducted, nearly double the number of any other country. We are testing more people per capita than South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Sweden, Finland, and many other countries, in some cases combined," Trump said at a White House briefing.

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As of Monday morning, the figure stood at 9 million tests, accelerating by 300,000 per day.

"Three weeks ago we were conducting roughly 150,000 tests per day.&nbsp; 
Now we are doing approximately 300,000 tests per day, a 100 per cent increase, and it will go up substantially from that number," Trump said.

Wide testing for coronavirus is viewed as a necessary prerequisite to reopening the US after quarantines and lockdowns.

In an effort to further ramp up testing, Trump announced the allocation of USD 11 billion to every state, territory, and tribe.

The United States will complete 10 million coronavirus testings this week, United States President Donald Trump said on Monday. Also Read: As nations ease coronavirus restrictions, is it a risky gamble?

The United States will complete 10 million coronavirus testings this week, United States President Donald Trump said on Monday. Also Read: As nations ease coronavirus restrictions, is it a risky gamble? "This week the United States will pass 10 million tests conducted, nearly double the number of any other country. We are testing more people per capita than South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Sweden, Finland, and many other countries, in some cases combined," Trump said at a White House briefing. Also read: Coronavirus cases spike in France amid easing of lockdown; ICU patients fall in Italy As of Monday morning, the figure stood at 9 million tests, accelerating by 300,000 per day. "Three weeks ago we were conducting roughly 150,000 tests per day. Now we are doing approximately 300,000 tests per day, a 100 per cent increase, and it will go up substantially from that number," Trump said. Wide testing for coronavirus is viewed as a necessary prerequisite to reopening the US after quarantines and lockdowns. In an effort to further ramp up testing, Trump announced the allocation of USD 11 billion to every state, territory, and tribe.

US to complete 10 million coronavirus tests this week: Donald Trump

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura. All of them are under treatment at designated COVID health care hospitals.

Earlier, a CISF ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19.

The 1.62 lakh personnel strong force tasked primarily to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain has 66 active cases of the pandemic till now, as per officials.

The CAPFs like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB -- as per latest data-- have about 758 active cases of the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday. Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura.

Nine personnel of the Border Security Force have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, an official statement said on Tuesday. Among the nine jawans, six are from Delhi, 1 from Kolkata and 2 from Tripura. All of them are under treatment at designated COVID health care hospitals. Earlier, a CISF ASI posted at the Indian Museum in Kolkata and a head constable rank official posted to guard the Mumbai international airport had died of COVID-19. The 1.62 lakh personnel strong force tasked primarily to guard civil airports in the country and vital infrastructure in the aerospace and nuclear domain has 66 active cases of the pandemic till now, as per officials. The CAPFs like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB -- as per latest data-- have about 758 active cases of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Nine new cases of covid-19 reported in BSF in the past 24 hours

The Wuhan city administration beefing up its measures for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and all residents of the capital city of central China's Hubei Province will be required to take nucleic acid tests in the next 10 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-global-roundup-may-12-cases-surge-past-41-million-mark-death-toll-at-286353-298150">Coronavirus global roundup, May 12: Cases surge past 4.1 million mark, death toll at 286,353</a> 
 
The decision came after six new cases of coronavirus were reported in Wuhan over the weekend.

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A month after coronavirus lockdown was lifted in the city where the global pandemic began a cluster of new infections seems to be sparking authorities into a wave of mass-testing.

All of the latest cases in Wuhan were previously classified as asymptomatic, people who test positive for the virus and are capable of infecting others but do not show clinical signs.

Hundreds of asymptomatic cases in Wuhan, which was released on April 8 from a months-long lockdown, are being monitored.

On average, the city has conducted about 47,000 nucleic acid tests each day since the lockdown was lifted, Reuters calculations based on reports by Wuhan’s health authority show.

New outbreaks in China in the past two months have mainly developed in residential compounds or hospitals, while the number of asymptomatic cases is not known, as these only appear on the radar when they show up positive during tests.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Wuhan city administration beefing up its measures for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and all residents of the capital city of central China's Hubei Province will be required to take nucleic acid tests in the next 10 days.

The Wuhan city administration beefing up its measures for preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and all residents of the capital city of central China's Hubei Province will be required to take nucleic acid tests in the next 10 days. Coronavirus global roundup, May 12: Cases surge past 4.1 million mark, death toll at 286,353 The decision came after six new cases of coronavirus were reported in Wuhan over the weekend. A month after coronavirus lockdown was lifted in the city where the global pandemic began a cluster of new infections seems to be sparking authorities into a wave of mass-testing. All of the latest cases in Wuhan were previously classified as asymptomatic, people who test positive for the virus and are capable of infecting others but do not show clinical signs. Hundreds of asymptomatic cases in Wuhan, which was released on April 8 from a months-long lockdown, are being monitored. On average, the city has conducted about 47,000 nucleic acid tests each day since the lockdown was lifted, Reuters calculations based on reports by Wuhan’s health authority show. New outbreaks in China in the past two months have mainly developed in residential compounds or hospitals, while the number of asymptomatic cases is not known, as these only appear on the radar when they show up positive during tests. (With inputs from Reuters)

Wuhan plans citywide nucleic acid testing in next 10 days after new cases emerge

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaWatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaWatch</a> With an addition of 4,213 new cases, the total stands at 67,152. Here is the corona virus update as of 8 am today. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/DYl6hWwMzY">pic.twitter.com/DYl6hWwMzY</a>
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1259728486643625986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Of the total cases in the country, 44029 are active cases while 20917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11.

In India, the state of Maharashtra has emerged as the epicentre of the coronavirus spread where the number of cases witnessed a massive spike recently. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases with over 22,000 positive cases of infection and more than 830 deaths.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed.

India's COVID-19 tally continued to rise with the total number of confirmed cases touching 67152 on Monday, data on the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website showed. #CoronaWatch With an addition of 4,213 new cases, the total stands at 67,152. Here is the corona virus update as of 8 am today. #StayHomeSaveLives #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/DYl6hWwMzY — PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) May 11, 2020 × Of the total cases in the country, 44029 are active cases while 20917 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 2206 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. India added 4,213 new Covid-19 cases over 24 hours, according to the Union Ministry’s 8:00 am update on May 11. In India, the state of Maharashtra has emerged as the epicentre of the coronavirus spread where the number of cases witnessed a massive spike recently. According to the Health Ministry, Maharashtra has the highest number of cases with over 22,000 positive cases of infection and more than 830 deaths. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved 21 institutions for participating in a randomised controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications associated with COVID-19. The sample size of the study is 452. Once 400 patients are enrolled, no more sites will be added. The clinical trial liability insurance has been bought centrally by the ICMR, officials said. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus in India: Total COVID-19 cases top 67,000; more than 2,200 dead

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-time-to-end-lockdown-but-modify-measures-british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-297868">'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> 
 
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In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures." <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-time-to-end-lockdown-but-modify-measures-british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-297868">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-states-reports-776-deaths-in-last-24-hours-lowest-since-march-297871">United States reports 776 deaths in last 24 hours; lowest since March</a> 
 
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According to a real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University, the US reported 776 deaths in the past 24 hours bringing the total death toll of the country to 80,562. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-states-reports-776-deaths-in-last-24-hours-lowest-since-march-297871">READ MORE</a> 
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'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week.

'Not the time to end lockdown, but modify measures': British Prime Minister Boris Johnson In a televised address, Johnson said: "This is not the time simply to end the lockdown this week. Instead, we are taking the first careful steps to modify our measures." READ MORE United States reports 776 deaths in last 24 hours; lowest since March According to a real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University, the US reported 776 deaths in the past 24 hours bringing the total death toll of the country to 80,562. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: US death toll passes 80,000, UK to begin lifting lockdown and more

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,408,771 people of that tally have recovered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-health-expert-warns-coronavirus-still-has-a-long-run-297841" hreflang="en">US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-outbreak-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report</a>

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States recorded 776 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 79,522, according to the real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University.

The figure was the lowest daily tally since March, with 24-hour totals in recent weeks ranging from 1,000 to 2,500.

The country -- hardest hit by the pandemic in terms of the number of fatalities -- has now confirmed a total of 1,329,072 cases, the Baltimore-based school reported.

There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of the virus as the number of cases rose to 2,19,183 (31,855 deaths) and 2,09,688 (1,915 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the UK are expected soon.

After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 82,918 and 4,633 fatalities.

A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 4 million worldwide on Monday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. COVID-19 has now infected 4,101,482 people worldwide and 282,700 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,408,771 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: US health expert warns coronavirus still has a long run A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States recorded 776 coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 79,522, according to the real-time tally by Johns Hopkins University. The figure was the lowest daily tally since March, with 24-hour totals in recent weeks ranging from 1,000 to 2,500. The country -- hardest hit by the pandemic in terms of the number of fatalities -- has now confirmed a total of 1,329,072 cases, the Baltimore-based school reported. There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday said that there will be no immediate end to coronavirus lockdown in the country. The United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of the virus as the number of cases rose to 2,19,183 (31,855 deaths) and 2,09,688 (1,915 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the UK are expected soon. After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 82,918 and 4,633 fatalities. A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

Global Covid-19 cases surge past 4 million mark, death toll at 282,700

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-outbreak-warns-internal-report-296619">Also read |&nbsp;China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report</a>

"Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-us-china-cold-war-now-begun-295905">Also read |&nbsp;Has the US-China cold war now begun?</a>

Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/trump-torn-over-us-china-trade-deal-as-officials-push-to-fulfill-its-terms-297563">Also read |&nbsp;Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms</a>

This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection.

On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative.

There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday.

United States Vice President Mike Pence is not planning to undergo self-quarantine after his aide tested positive for coronavirus, said his spokesperson, adding that Pence plans to be in at the White House on Monday. Devin O'Malley, the vice president's spokesman, said Pence "will continue to follow the advice of the White House Medical Unit and is not in quarantine," CNN reported. Also read | China faces increasing global backlash over coronavirus outbreak, warns internal report "Additionally, Vice President Pence has tested negative every single day and plans to be at the White House tomorrow," O'Malley said in a statement. Also read | Has the US-China cold war now begun? Another official said that Pence schedule will probably be on the lighter side for the next few days but he is not doing a full self-isolation. Also read | Trump 'torn' over US-China trade deal as officials push to fulfill its terms This comes after Katie Miller, the vice president's press secretary, was notified Friday about the result of her coronavirus test, Washington Post reported. She is the second White House to be tested positive for lethal infection. On Thursday, the White House acknowledged the positive test result for a member of the U.S. military who works on the White House campus and added that Trump and Pence had since tested negative. There are at least 1,328,201 cases of coronavirus in the United States and at least 79,508 people have died in the US from the virus.

US Vice President Mike Pence 'won't self-quarantine' despite his staffer testing COVID-19 positive

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

"It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. 
 
“Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus.&nbsp;

UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing".

Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. 
 
The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019.&nbsp;

"The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION.&nbsp;

The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response."&nbsp;

While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed.&nbsp;

&nbsp;President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft.

Doubts have emerged over the future of COVID resolution at United National Security council as US last week "broke silence procedure" on it and it is unclear how France and Tunisia who are the "penholders" intend to go forward with the draft. "It will take a bit more time. if the US had not broken silence probably another of the P5 would have. COVID Still under discussion", told a diplomatic source from New York to WION. “Breaking the silence” is standard diplomatic language and not just in UNSC to describe when a party or parties does not agree with the text or some parts of the text. If there is usually a deadline and when no-one breaks the silence before then, it means there is consensus. UNSC member countries are hopeful that some solution will come out soon. Another source from New York told WION "Discussions on the COVID-19 resolution are ongoing". Currently, a Franco-Tunisian resolution is on the table with both the countries being the penholder for the draft on COVID. The US-China tiff on the COVID resolution continues especially in the context of WHO and the emergence of COVID crisis which was first reported in China in December of 2019. "The problem is with the language in the text mentioning WHO that the US don’t agree on", a 3rd source told WION. The former President of the United Nations Security Council has said "differences over the role of the World Health Organization" has "stalled" any outcomes over COVID resolution at the core UN body. Speaking exclusively to WION last week, Permanent Representative of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations Ambassador José Singer Weisinger, "Security Council can’t remain silent" and "cannot remain inactive towards the response." While the first case of COVID was first reported China's Wuhan in December, it was only during the Presidency of the Dominican Republic in the month of April that it was formally discussed. President of UNSC decides the agenda of the body and it is president for a period of one month. All 15 countries rotationally become the president of UNSC each month, with Estonia being the President for the current month.

United National Security Council covid resolution in limbo

The number of positive coronavirus cases globally has crossed the 4 million mark as the total cases reported are nearly 4,026,691.

As many as 276,894 people have lost their lives due to the deadly virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sent-coronavirus-tests-to-us-for-processing-297776">Also read:&nbsp;Britain sent coronavirus tests to US for processing</a>

United States is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus. The total positive cases in America rose to 1,320,413, including 78,644 deaths.

Germany saw a sudden rise in the positive cases which increased the total tally to 168,049 and the total deaths to&nbsp;7,327.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-sees-rapid-spike-in-coronavirus-patients-297693">Also read:&nbsp;Maldives sees rapid spike in coronavirus patients</a>

Italy and Spain are aiming to partially open the lockdown as the cases have slowed down, with Italy having total&nbsp;217,185 positive, including&nbsp;30,201 deaths, and Spain having&nbsp;240,711 positive cases, including 26,299 deaths.

United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of virus as the number of cases rose to 211,364 (31,241 deaths) and&nbsp;198,676 (1,827 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the uK are expected soon.

After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to&nbsp;82,887 and&nbsp;4,633 fatalities.

A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

The number of positive coronavirus cases globally has crossed the 4 million mark as the total cases reported are nearly 4,026,691. As many as 276,894 people have lost their lives due to the deadly virus.

The number of positive coronavirus cases globally has crossed the 4 million mark as the total cases reported are nearly 4,026,691. As many as 276,894 people have lost their lives due to the deadly virus. Also read: Britain sent coronavirus tests to US for processing United States is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus. The total positive cases in America rose to 1,320,413, including 78,644 deaths. Germany saw a sudden rise in the positive cases which increased the total tally to 168,049 and the total deaths to 7,327. Also read: Maldives sees rapid spike in coronavirus patients Italy and Spain are aiming to partially open the lockdown as the cases have slowed down, with Italy having total 217,185 positive, including 30,201 deaths, and Spain having 240,711 positive cases, including 26,299 deaths. United Kingdom and Russia are struggling to contain the spread of virus as the number of cases rose to 211,364 (31,241 deaths) and 198,676 (1,827 deaths) respectively. However, few relaxations in the lockdown of the uK are expected soon. After months of no new positive case, Wuhan, the alleged epicentre of the virus, has reported new positive cases, taking the total number of coronavirus cases to 82,887 and 4,633 fatalities. A total of 201 countries have been infected by the virus in the past 6 months.

Global COVID-19 tally crosses the 4 million mark

After his military aide tested positive for coronavirus, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would undergo the COVID-19 test every day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-surge-to-38-million-death-toll-at-269584-297351">Also read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.8 million, death toll at 269,584</a> 
 
A military aide of Trump, whom officials described as a personal vale, tested positive for coronavirus. The president said he had very little contact with him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a>

"I have had very little contact, personal contact, with this gentleman. I know who he is. Good person. But I have had very little contact. (Vice President) Mike (Pence) has had very little contact with him. But Mike was tested and I was tested. We were both tested," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">Also Read: China&nbsp;lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations</a>&nbsp;

Responding to questions, Trump said he, the vice president and other staff of the White House would be tested for coronavirus every day.

"I just had a test. I had one yesterday and one today, and it is negative. Mike just had a test and it is negative," he said.

"But they do the tests and it just shows you that the fallacy -- it is what I have been saying -- testing is not a perfect art. No matter what you do, testing is not a perfect art. So we test once a week. Now we are going to go testing once a day. But even when you test once a day, somebody could -- something happens where they catch something," the president said.

After his military aide tested positive for coronavirus, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would undergo the COVID-19 test every day. Also read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.

After his military aide tested positive for coronavirus, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would undergo the COVID-19 test every day. Also read: Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.8 million, death toll at 269,584 A military aide of Trump, whom officials described as a personal vale, tested positive for coronavirus. The president said he had very little contact with him. Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply "I have had very little contact, personal contact, with this gentleman. I know who he is. Good person. But I have had very little contact. (Vice President) Mike (Pence) has had very little contact with him. But Mike was tested and I was tested. We were both tested," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House. Also Read: China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations Responding to questions, Trump said he, the vice president and other staff of the White House would be tested for coronavirus every day. "I just had a test. I had one yesterday and one today, and it is negative. Mike just had a test and it is negative," he said. "But they do the tests and it just shows you that the fallacy -- it is what I have been saying -- testing is not a perfect art. No matter what you do, testing is not a perfect art. So we test once a week. Now we are going to go testing once a day. But even when you test once a day, somebody could -- something happens where they catch something," the president said.

Trump to undergo covid-19 test every day as military aide tests positive for coronavirus

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.8 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a>

COVID-19 has now infected 3,846,861 people worldwide and 269,584 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around &nbsp;1,285,807 people of that tally have recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">Also Read: China&nbsp;lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations</a>&nbsp;

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

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The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

As of Friday morning, 1,257,023 people have been infected with the coronavirus across the US, while the death toll has surged to 75,662, according to the Johns Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan.&nbsp;

The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.8 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply COVID-19 has now infected 3,846,861 people worldwide and 269,584 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.8 million worldwide on Friday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply COVID-19 has now infected 3,846,861 people worldwide and 269,584 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,285,807 people of that tally have recovered. Also Read: China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. As of Friday morning, 1,257,023 people have been infected with the coronavirus across the US, while the death toll has surged to 75,662, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan. The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.8 million, death toll at 269,584

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/11/136508-karona.jpg?itok=CNCGVxG8" />

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-virus-symptoms-multiply-297322">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-verbal-message-to-xi-jinping-for-chinas-success-on-its-handling-of-covid-19-297320">Kim Jong-un sends 'verbal message' to Xi Jinping for China's success on its handling of COVID-19</a>

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North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings" to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", the state news agency of North Korea reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-sends-verbal-message-to-xi-jinping-for-chinas-success-on-its-handling-of-covid-19-297320">READ MORE</a> 
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As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer.

As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. READ MORE Kim Jong-un sends 'verbal message' to Xi Jinping for China's success on its handling of COVID-19 North Korea's Kim Jong Un has sent a "warm greetings" to Chinese leader Xi Jinping in a "verbal message", the state news agency of North Korea reported Friday, after weeks of speculation about his health. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Coronavirus symptoms multiply, Russia reports record increase in cases and more

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer.

What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">Also Read: China&nbsp;lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations</a>&nbsp;

The new coronavirus can also push the immune system into overdrive, unleashing an indiscriminate assault -- known as a cytokine storm -- on pathogens and their human hosts alike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-censors-european-unions-friendship-letter-297279">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter'</a>

"Most viruses can cause disease in two ways," explained Jeremy Rossman, a senior lecturer in virology at the University of Kent.

"They can damage tissue where the virus replicates, or they can cause damage as a side-effect of the immune system fighting off the disease."

Doctors suspect, for example, that COVID-19 is behind the hospitalisation in recent weeks of several dozen children in New York, London and Paris diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disorder similar to toxic shock syndrome.

Affecting mainly young children, the painful disease attacks artery walls and can cause organ failure.

Dozens of medical studies in recent weeks have detailed other potentially lethal impacts including strokes and heart damage.

Researchers from the urology department of Nanjing Medical University, writing this week in Nature Reviews, described patients developing severe urinary complications and acute kidney injury.

They also observed "dramatic changes" in male sex hormones.

'1-in-10,000 still a lot'

"After recovery from COVID-19, young men who are interested in having children should receive a consultation regarding their fertility," they concluded.

Does that mean that COVID-19 causes a uniquely broad array of symptoms? Not necessarily, virologists and other experts say.

"If it is a common disease, then even rare complications will happen frequently," Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals said.

There are nearly 3.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world, but the true number of infections -- taking into account undetected and asymptomatic infection — "is going to be in the tens, possibly hundreds of millions," he said.

"So if one-in-1,000, or even one-in-10,000, get complications, that is still thousands of people."

Some of the rarer symptoms associated with COVID-19 are also known to have been triggered by influenza, which kills several hundred thousand people worldwide every year, he noted.

For the new coronavirus, frontline general practitioners across the globe have been the first to look for patterns in the unfolding pandemic.

"At the outset, we were told to watch out for headaches, fever and a light cough," recalls Sylvie Monnoye, a family doctor in central Paris for nearly three decades.

"Then they added a runny nose and a scratchy throat. After that, digestive problems, including stomach aches and severe diarrhoea."

The list kept growing: skin lesions, neurological problems, sharp chest pains, loss of taste and smell.

A feeling of confusion

"We started to think that we should suspect everything," Monnoye said, dressed from head-to-toe in protective wear.

Some patients were so terrified, she added, that they cowered in the corner of her office afraid to touch anything or get too close to her.

An internal US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report with a breakdown of symptoms for 2,591 COVID-10 patients admitted to hospital between March 1 and May 1 chimes with such anecdotal accounts.

Three-quarters of the patients experienced chills, fever and/or coughing, with nearly as many showing shortness of breath.

These are, by far, the most common COVID-19 symptoms.

Nearly a third complained of flu-like muscle aches, while 28 per cent experienced diarrhoea and a quarter nausea or vomiting, according to the internal report, leaked to the media.

Some 18 per cent had headaches, while 10 to 15 per cent were hit by chest or abdominal pain, runny nose, sore throat and/or a feeling of confusion.

Less than one per cent of the CDC cohort had other symptoms, including seizures, rashes and conjunctivitis.

Health authorities have been slow in alerting the public to this panoply of possible impacts.

Loss of smell

Until the end of April, the CDC itself only listed three on its website: coughing, fever and shortness of breath. The update included only a few more: chills, muscle pain, headaches and loss of smell or taste. France's health officials made a similar update on May 5.

A loss of smell and taste was found in only 3.5 per cent of patients included in the CDC report, but experts suspect these symptoms are -- for reasons unknown -- far more prevalent in less severe cases where people were not hospitalised.

Monnoye said it was among the most common of the symptoms she encountered, and agreed that it was "probably linked to a milder form of the disease".

"I don't have any patients with these symptoms who had serious complications," she said.

The loss of taste and smell, experts note, is extremely rare with other types of virus.

Another cluster of symptoms rarely found within flu patients appears to arise from blood clots.

Heart problems, liver thrombosis, lung embolisms and brain damage in COVID-19 patients have been traced to such clots in a flurry of recent studies. Others have described kidney failure and even gummed-up dialysis machines.

"When one is very sick with COVID, you can have a problem with blood clots forming, and that seems to be much, much more common than with other viral infections," added Javid.

"Compared to influenza, you are much more likely to become seriously ill, and to die."

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys.

Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms — ranging from disagreeable to the deadly — grows longer. What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys. Also Read: China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations The new coronavirus can also push the immune system into overdrive, unleashing an indiscriminate assault -- known as a cytokine storm -- on pathogens and their human hosts alike. Also Read: Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter' "Most viruses can cause disease in two ways," explained Jeremy Rossman, a senior lecturer in virology at the University of Kent. "They can damage tissue where the virus replicates, or they can cause damage as a side-effect of the immune system fighting off the disease." Doctors suspect, for example, that COVID-19 is behind the hospitalisation in recent weeks of several dozen children in New York, London and Paris diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disorder similar to toxic shock syndrome. Affecting mainly young children, the painful disease attacks artery walls and can cause organ failure. Dozens of medical studies in recent weeks have detailed other potentially lethal impacts including strokes and heart damage. Researchers from the urology department of Nanjing Medical University, writing this week in Nature Reviews, described patients developing severe urinary complications and acute kidney injury. They also observed "dramatic changes" in male sex hormones. '1-in-10,000 still a lot' "After recovery from COVID-19, young men who are interested in having children should receive a consultation regarding their fertility," they concluded. Does that mean that COVID-19 causes a uniquely broad array of symptoms? Not necessarily, virologists and other experts say. "If it is a common disease, then even rare complications will happen frequently," Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals said. There are nearly 3.8 million confirmed COVID-19 cases around the world, but the true number of infections -- taking into account undetected and asymptomatic infection — "is going to be in the tens, possibly hundreds of millions," he said. "So if one-in-1,000, or even one-in-10,000, get complications, that is still thousands of people." Some of the rarer symptoms associated with COVID-19 are also known to have been triggered by influenza, which kills several hundred thousand people worldwide every year, he noted. For the new coronavirus, frontline general practitioners across the globe have been the first to look for patterns in the unfolding pandemic. "At the outset, we were told to watch out for headaches, fever and a light cough," recalls Sylvie Monnoye, a family doctor in central Paris for nearly three decades. "Then they added a runny nose and a scratchy throat. After that, digestive problems, including stomach aches and severe diarrhoea." The list kept growing: skin lesions, neurological problems, sharp chest pains, loss of taste and smell. A feeling of confusion "We started to think that we should suspect everything," Monnoye said, dressed from head-to-toe in protective wear. Some patients were so terrified, she added, that they cowered in the corner of her office afraid to touch anything or get too close to her. An internal US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report with a breakdown of symptoms for 2,591 COVID-10 patients admitted to hospital between March 1 and May 1 chimes with such anecdotal accounts. Three-quarters of the patients experienced chills, fever and/or coughing, with nearly as many showing shortness of breath. These are, by far, the most common COVID-19 symptoms. Nearly a third complained of flu-like muscle aches, while 28 per cent experienced diarrhoea and a quarter nausea or vomiting, according to the internal report, leaked to the media. Some 18 per cent had headaches, while 10 to 15 per cent were hit by chest or abdominal pain, runny nose, sore throat and/or a feeling of confusion. Less than one per cent of the CDC cohort had other symptoms, including seizures, rashes and conjunctivitis. Health authorities have been slow in alerting the public to this panoply of possible impacts. Loss of smell Until the end of April, the CDC itself only listed three on its website: coughing, fever and shortness of breath. The update included only a few more: chills, muscle pain, headaches and loss of smell or taste. France's health officials made a similar update on May 5. A loss of smell and taste was found in only 3.5 per cent of patients included in the CDC report, but experts suspect these symptoms are -- for reasons unknown -- far more prevalent in less severe cases where people were not hospitalised. Monnoye said it was among the most common of the symptoms she encountered, and agreed that it was "probably linked to a milder form of the disease". "I don't have any patients with these symptoms who had serious complications," she said. The loss of taste and smell, experts note, is extremely rare with other types of virus. Another cluster of symptoms rarely found within flu patients appears to arise from blood clots. Heart problems, liver thrombosis, lung embolisms and brain damage in COVID-19 patients have been traced to such clots in a flurry of recent studies. Others have described kidney failure and even gummed-up dialysis machines. "When one is very sick with COVID, you can have a problem with blood clots forming, and that seems to be much, much more common than with other viral infections," added Javid. "Compared to influenza, you are much more likely to become seriously ill, and to die."

As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, virus symptoms multiply

Over the last couple of days, Tamil Nadu has been witnessing its highest ever spike in cases with the daily new case figures ranging between 500 and 771. &nbsp;A closer look at the government data also reveals that a little over 5 per cent (273/5409) of Tamil Nadu’s Corona Virus positive cases are children who are aged 12 and below. Nearly 60 children in this age category alone were infected over the last 48 hours. WION spoke to Doctors and Medical experts from the Government and Private sector to understand what these many numbers of Covid-19 cases among children mean.&nbsp;

Dr Subramanian Swaminathan&nbsp;

Infectious Diseases Specialist

This increase in cases among children is very much an expected trend and cases in children will grow in parallel with cases in adults. Initially, the testing was maximum in adults and now as more children are being tested we have more cases turning positive. We must also realize that social distancing doesn’t apply to children, especially in the below 12 age group. Even when we don’t have children stepping out of homes, there is a possibility of transmission from a parent who goes out for work. That is exactly why we have schools being held in abeyance for as long as possible. It is difficult to read patterns from the numbers in children, but certainly, there is no point in mass-testing among children, as children eventually recover and the high-risk category are the elderly and those with other ailments.

Dr K&nbsp;Kolandaisamy&nbsp;

Retired Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine

Our strategy is to delay the spread of the virus, we have been testing and isolating the positive cases and their contacts. It is only natural that children also get infected from their contacts at home, but there is nothing to worry about it. The real risk is for the elderly, cancer patients, those who have undergone organ transplants and those with other medical complications, lifestyle disorders. It is this high-risk portion of our population that needs the maximum protection. When healthy people get affected, they are asymptomatic (no or very fewer symptoms) and have the immunity to recover from it, and this applies to children and those who are maintaining good health, irrespective of age.&nbsp;

Right from the time of the swine flu outbreak, our health department has been following the strategy of posting staff who are between 25-50 years of age in the frontlines. Those who are above 50 and have existing health issues are posted on the desk, data entry jobs that minimize their exposure to risk. We always ensure the frontline staff are aged below 50, besides being non-smokers, non-diabetic and free of co-morbidities. If we save the vulnerable population, then there is no need to worry even when the numbers are rising.&nbsp;

Madhusudhan Reddy, Joint Commissioner (Health), Chennai Corporation&nbsp;

The purpose of the lockdown is to slow the spread of the virus and ensure that the government machinery, infrastructure has adequate time to respond to people’s needs and saves lives. While the lockdown cannot eradicate the virus, it can delay the transmission so that the medical facilities can cope up with the increasing cases. It is certain that an eternal lockdown is also not possible due to the social-economic harm that it can cause. The public must not worry about the spike in numbers, as it is a result of increased testing. For instance, Tamil Nadu had done a total of nearly 3000 tests as on April 1st, but as on date, the total tests have exceeded 2 lakh. Presently we are testing over 13,000 people on a daily basis and this includes entire families as well.

Initially, most of the cases we observed were the middle-aged males who had stepped outside for work, but with time it spread to the women in the house, the elderly and eventually also children. With more testing, gender balance and age balance will be achieved.

Dr K.E.Vivekanandan, Head of the Dept,&nbsp;

Professor of Pediatrics, Govt Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai&nbsp;

We have seen about 30 Pediatric Covid-19 cases in our hospital so far, but there has been no serious case. A good number of them have been discharged and some of them are under quarantine in the hospital post-recovery. We have seen positive cases in newborn babies as well, but even then, with mother’s milk alone and nil medication, we are able to treat them. If they are older than a year we prescribe certain medicines that aid in the recovery. A normal diet along with some vitamin syrups are what we prescribe for the little patients in our care.

All the pediatric cases we have seen in our hospital so far are asymptomatic and the infection was transmitted from their parents. Since the children themselves don’t go out, they get it from their parents and elders. So, when we have a Covid-19 positive child, naturally there would be a positive case in the same house, or perhaps they could have been living in a containment zone with many cases. We have seen a total healing rate in kids and there was no instance of high fever or cough or breathlessness. In the case of mid cold and flu, we provide the usual medication and syrups. If there are children living in containment zones who are exhibiting mild symptoms, it is better for parents to take them to the nearest health centre.

Even for a majority of adults in our hospital, we have seen that there are no symptoms at all. They would be totally normal but they test Covid-19 positive. The way ahead is to intensify testing even further in the risky areas, containment zones in the cities where cases are high.

Over the last couple of days, Tamil Nadu has been witnessing its highest ever spike in cases with the daily new case figures ranging between 500 and 771. A closer look at the government data also reveals that a little over 5 per cent (273/5409) of Tamil Nadu’s Corona Virus positive cases are children who are aged 12 and below.

Over the last couple of days, Tamil Nadu has been witnessing its highest ever spike in cases with the daily new case figures ranging between 500 and 771. A closer look at the government data also reveals that a little over 5 per cent (273/5409) of Tamil Nadu’s Corona Virus positive cases are children who are aged 12 and below. Nearly 60 children in this age category alone were infected over the last 48 hours. WION spoke to Doctors and Medical experts from the Government and Private sector to understand what these many numbers of Covid-19 cases among children mean. Dr Subramanian Swaminathan Infectious Diseases Specialist This increase in cases among children is very much an expected trend and cases in children will grow in parallel with cases in adults. Initially, the testing was maximum in adults and now as more children are being tested we have more cases turning positive. We must also realize that social distancing doesn’t apply to children, especially in the below 12 age group. Even when we don’t have children stepping out of homes, there is a possibility of transmission from a parent who goes out for work. That is exactly why we have schools being held in abeyance for as long as possible. It is difficult to read patterns from the numbers in children, but certainly, there is no point in mass-testing among children, as children eventually recover and the high-risk category are the elderly and those with other ailments. Dr K Kolandaisamy Retired Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Our strategy is to delay the spread of the virus, we have been testing and isolating the positive cases and their contacts. It is only natural that children also get infected from their contacts at home, but there is nothing to worry about it. The real risk is for the elderly, cancer patients, those who have undergone organ transplants and those with other medical complications, lifestyle disorders. It is this high-risk portion of our population that needs the maximum protection. When healthy people get affected, they are asymptomatic (no or very fewer symptoms) and have the immunity to recover from it, and this applies to children and those who are maintaining good health, irrespective of age. Right from the time of the swine flu outbreak, our health department has been following the strategy of posting staff who are between 25-50 years of age in the frontlines. Those who are above 50 and have existing health issues are posted on the desk, data entry jobs that minimize their exposure to risk. We always ensure the frontline staff are aged below 50, besides being non-smokers, non-diabetic and free of co-morbidities. If we save the vulnerable population, then there is no need to worry even when the numbers are rising. Madhusudhan Reddy, Joint Commissioner (Health), Chennai Corporation The purpose of the lockdown is to slow the spread of the virus and ensure that the government machinery, infrastructure has adequate time to respond to people’s needs and saves lives. While the lockdown cannot eradicate the virus, it can delay the transmission so that the medical facilities can cope up with the increasing cases. It is certain that an eternal lockdown is also not possible due to the social-economic harm that it can cause. The public must not worry about the spike in numbers, as it is a result of increased testing. For instance, Tamil Nadu had done a total of nearly 3000 tests as on April 1st, but as on date, the total tests have exceeded 2 lakh. Presently we are testing over 13,000 people on a daily basis and this includes entire families as well. Initially, most of the cases we observed were the middle-aged males who had stepped outside for work, but with time it spread to the women in the house, the elderly and eventually also children. With more testing, gender balance and age balance will be achieved. Dr K.E.Vivekanandan, Head of the Dept, Professor of Pediatrics, Govt Kilpauk Medical College, Chennai We have seen about 30 Pediatric Covid-19 cases in our hospital so far, but there has been no serious case. A good number of them have been discharged and some of them are under quarantine in the hospital post-recovery. We have seen positive cases in newborn babies as well, but even then, with mother’s milk alone and nil medication, we are able to treat them. If they are older than a year we prescribe certain medicines that aid in the recovery. A normal diet along with some vitamin syrups are what we prescribe for the little patients in our care. All the pediatric cases we have seen in our hospital so far are asymptomatic and the infection was transmitted from their parents. Since the children themselves don’t go out, they get it from their parents and elders. So, when we have a Covid-19 positive child, naturally there would be a positive case in the same house, or perhaps they could have been living in a containment zone with many cases. We have seen a total healing rate in kids and there was no instance of high fever or cough or breathlessness. In the case of mid cold and flu, we provide the usual medication and syrups. If there are children living in containment zones who are exhibiting mild symptoms, it is better for parents to take them to the nearest health centre. Even for a majority of adults in our hospital, we have seen that there are no symptoms at all. They would be totally normal but they test Covid-19 positive. The way ahead is to intensify testing even further in the risky areas, containment zones in the cities where cases are high.

Over 5% of Tamil Nadu’s Covid-19 cases are children; health experts say no reason to worry 

More than a third of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Afghan capital have been among doctors and other healthcare staff, two senior health officials said on Thursday, in a sign that the war-torn country is struggling to deal with the pandemic.

The officials cited a lack of protective equipment for medics as well as a lack of awareness among some medical staff of the precautions needed to avoid infection.&nbsp;

The high rate of infection among healthcare workers has sparked alarm among medics and some doctors have closed their clinics.&nbsp;

However, it is not clear whether the disproportionate rate of infection might be at least in part because medical staff are more likely to be tested for the illness. Few people with the classic COVID-19 symptoms of high fever and respiratory problems are being tested in Afghanistan, because of a shortage of testing kits.

The total of 925 confirmed cases in Kabul has included some 346 medical staff, a government health official and an Afghan doctor who is on the board of a government-led pandemic task force said.

As of Thursday, 3,563 people have tested positive and 106 people have died from COVID-19 in Afghanistan, according to official figures.

The two officials, who asked not to be named as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said at least 13 doctors had died in different parts of the country last month and in the first week of May.&nbsp;

At least nine of those doctors had been attached to public, private or military hospitals in Kabul, two other health officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The government has said it is providing the best available facilities to deal with the health crisis, which it calls a big challenge.

The rate in Kabul compares with a global rate of infection for medical staff issued on Wednesday by the International Council of Nurses, which said 6% of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 were among healthcare workers, based on data from 30 countries.&nbsp;

Some doctors have closed their clinics, putting a strain on limited health resources in Afghanistan.

"I have decided to suspend my practice for two months, many doctors will not open their clinics and private nursing homes... pregnant women are being told to find midwives instead of coming to hospitals," said a cardiologist in Kabul.&nbsp;

With a population of more than 37 million, Afghanistan has roughly 172 hospitals, and four doctors per 10,000 people, according to a 2019 government report. The healthcare system is dependent on millions of dollars in foreign donor aid for support.

At least six doctors who Reuters spoke with say the government has not made accurate data about COVID-19 cases public, and many hospitals are teetering on the verge of collapse.

"The situation is so bad that it`s best for doctors to sit at home," said a Western doctor who has been working in Kabul for six years.

The health ministry said it is collecting data on confirmed cases but in some cases infections are not reported to the ministry. There are parts of the country that are under the control of the militant Taliban group where it is hard for the government to access data.

The government also says that while it is doing its best to protect people, a large part of the response to the pandemic is dependent on foreign aid. 
Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz has tested positive for the illness, the minister said on Thursday.

More than a third of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Afghan capital have been among doctors and other healthcare staff, two senior health officials said on Thursday, in a sign that the war-torn country is struggling to deal with the pandemic.

More than a third of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Afghan capital have been among doctors and other healthcare staff, two senior health officials said on Thursday, in a sign that the war-torn country is struggling to deal with the pandemic. The officials cited a lack of protective equipment for medics as well as a lack of awareness among some medical staff of the precautions needed to avoid infection. The high rate of infection among healthcare workers has sparked alarm among medics and some doctors have closed their clinics. However, it is not clear whether the disproportionate rate of infection might be at least in part because medical staff are more likely to be tested for the illness. Few people with the classic COVID-19 symptoms of high fever and respiratory problems are being tested in Afghanistan, because of a shortage of testing kits. The total of 925 confirmed cases in Kabul has included some 346 medical staff, a government health official and an Afghan doctor who is on the board of a government-led pandemic task force said. As of Thursday, 3,563 people have tested positive and 106 people have died from COVID-19 in Afghanistan, according to official figures. The two officials, who asked not to be named as they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said at least 13 doctors had died in different parts of the country last month and in the first week of May. At least nine of those doctors had been attached to public, private or military hospitals in Kabul, two other health officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The government has said it is providing the best available facilities to deal with the health crisis, which it calls a big challenge. The rate in Kabul compares with a global rate of infection for medical staff issued on Wednesday by the International Council of Nurses, which said 6% of all confirmed cases of COVID-19 were among healthcare workers, based on data from 30 countries. Some doctors have closed their clinics, putting a strain on limited health resources in Afghanistan. "I have decided to suspend my practice for two months, many doctors will not open their clinics and private nursing homes... pregnant women are being told to find midwives instead of coming to hospitals," said a cardiologist in Kabul. With a population of more than 37 million, Afghanistan has roughly 172 hospitals, and four doctors per 10,000 people, according to a 2019 government report. The healthcare system is dependent on millions of dollars in foreign donor aid for support. At least six doctors who Reuters spoke with say the government has not made accurate data about COVID-19 cases public, and many hospitals are teetering on the verge of collapse. "The situation is so bad that it`s best for doctors to sit at home," said a Western doctor who has been working in Kabul for six years. The health ministry said it is collecting data on confirmed cases but in some cases infections are not reported to the ministry. There are parts of the country that are under the control of the militant Taliban group where it is hard for the government to access data. The government also says that while it is doing its best to protect people, a large part of the response to the pandemic is dependent on foreign aid. Health Minister Ferozuddin Feroz has tested positive for the illness, the minister said on Thursday.

Large number of COVID-19 cases among Afghan medics spark alarm in Kabul