Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

"Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brutal-third-wave-hits-africa-as-vaccination-slows-393940">'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows</a>

Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away."

Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent&nbsp;increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak.

Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them.

South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-south-africa-enters-strict-lockdown-to-battle-delta-variant-394526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Vaccination</a> rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent&nbsp;of the African population, fully vaccinated.

But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June.

In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. &nbsp;

A US shipment of 20 million Johnson &amp; Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

"Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said.

Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them.

Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come.

According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered &nbsp;5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

Africa has just lived through its most devastating week of the pandemic, but the worst is yet to come as the third wave gathers pace on the continent, the World Health Organization said Thursday. "Africa has just marked the continent’s most dire pandemic week ever. But the worst is yet to come as the fast-moving third wave continues to gain speed and new ground," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa. Also read | 'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows Cases are doubling every 18 days, compared with every 21 days only a week ago, she said during a virtual press conference, adding that "the end to this precipitous rise is still weeks away." Coronavirus cases have been rising in Africa since the start of the third wave on the continent on May 3. During the week ending July 4, more than 251,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded on the continent, a 20 per cent increase over the previous week and a 12 per cent jump from the previous January peak. Sixteen African countries are now seeing a resurgence of the virus, with the more contagious Delta strain detected in 10 of them. South Africa is the worst-hit country in Africa, with new daily infections hitting record highs of 26,000 cases over the weekend, fuelled by the Delta variant. Vaccination rates remain sluggish, with only 16 million people, 2 per cent of the African population, fully vaccinated. But Moeti said there was some room for optimism because vaccine deliveries were picking up after grinding to a near halt in May and early June. In the past two weeks, more than 1.6 million doses were delivered to Africa through the Covax scheme, which was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines to poorer countries. A US shipment of 20 million Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer-BioNTech is due to arrive soon, to be distributed to 49 countries. Donations from Norway and Sweden are due to follow. Also read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC "Our appeals for 'we first and not me first' are finally turning talk into action. But the deliveries can't come soon enough because the third wave looms large across the continent," she said. Africa has so far received 66 million doses and has administered 50 million of them. Moeti urged governments to expand vaccination sites and take other measures to take advantage of the vaccine deliveries when they come. According to the latest figures, Africa has officially registered 5,730,638 cases and 147,125 deaths from COVID-19.

Worst of COVID-19 is yet to come for Africa: WHO

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid lockdowns</a>, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality.

This warning has come as the UK, the US and a few other European countries have decided to reopen shops, eateries and have eased social distancing and mask rules.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-chasing-covid-19-vaccines-like-hunger-games-health-minister-amid-low-supply-396111" hreflang="en">Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply</a>

The WHO's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, has warned authorities that if the same trend continues, a new wave of infections of coronavirus might not be very far.

"All of the countries of the Americas, we still have nearly 1 million cases a week. 1 million. A week. You know it's not, it isn't over. And the same in Europe. In the European region with half a million cases a week. It's not like this thing has gone away," Ryan warned.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnsons-plan-to-ease-covid-restrictions-is-reckless-labour-party-396232">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnsons-plan-to-ease-covid-restrictions-is-reckless-labour-party-396232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His warning has also come at a time when countries all over the world are reporting an increase in cases mainly due to the new Delta variant. This new variant is believed to be more transmissible which has resulted in a higher infection rate.

The Delta variant has now been reported in nearly 100 countries and WHO officials believe it could be the next dominant variant of COVID-19 now. An increase in Delta variant caused cases have been reported in areas where the population has not yet been vaccinated.

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended Covid lockdowns, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality.

As the countries are reopening their economies after repeated and extended Covid lockdowns, a World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned it to be a 'premature rush' back to normality. This warning has come as the UK, the US and a few other European countries have decided to reopen shops, eateries and have eased social distancing and mask rules. Also read | Australians chasing COVID-19 vaccines like Hunger Games: Health minister amid low supply The WHO's head of emergencies programme, Mike Ryan, has warned authorities that if the same trend continues, a new wave of infections of coronavirus might not be very far. "All of the countries of the Americas, we still have nearly 1 million cases a week. 1 million. A week. You know it's not, it isn't over. And the same in Europe. In the European region with half a million cases a week. It's not like this thing has gone away," Ryan warned. WATCH | His warning has also come at a time when countries all over the world are reporting an increase in cases mainly due to the new Delta variant. This new variant is believed to be more transmissible which has resulted in a higher infection rate. The Delta variant has now been reported in nearly 100 countries and WHO officials believe it could be the next dominant variant of COVID-19 now. An increase in Delta variant caused cases have been reported in areas where the population has not yet been vaccinated.

Countries reopening economy is a 'premature rush' back to normality: WHO

Myanmar&nbsp;authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta.

Inhabitants of Mandalay, as well as two townships in the southern Bago region,&nbsp;woke up to new restrictions banning more than one person from leaving home for non-medical reasons.

There was no timeframe given for the new rules, announced by the health and sports ministry of the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-battles-virus-surge-amid-protests-against-military-junta-392984">Myanmar battles virus surge amid protests against military junta</a>

Those travelling to government jobs are exempted.

The affected areas are home to more than two million people, according to a 2014 census, and join towns in western Chin state near the Indian border that have been locked down since May.

Authorities reported more than 1,500 new cases on Thursday, up from around 100 per day in early June.

Myanmar's creaking healthcare system had struggled to respond to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> even before the February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-extends-suspension-of-international-flights-till-june-end-388469">Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end</a>

Swathes of the country were put under partial lockdown last year, although enforcement was often lax in the developing nation where many face a stark choice between following regulations and feeding their families.

Since the coup, thousands of doctors, volunteers and civil servants have joined a mass civil disobedience campaign to protest against the military regime.

Myanmar&nbsp;has reported 3,347 virus-related deaths, although true figures are likely to be higher.

A shipment of 1.5 million vaccines arrived from India earlier this year.

On Thursday state media reported junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had agreed to buy two million vaccines from Russia, without specifying which shot. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A spokeswoman from the health ministry said last week that authorities were also negotiating with China to buy more vaccines.

Myanmar&nbsp;has been in turmoil since the February putsch, with more than 880 civilians killed in a crackdown and almost 6,500 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta.

Myanmar authorities imposed stay-at-home-measures on the country's second city Friday as coronavirus cases in the coup-wracked country surge, with many health workers striking to protest against the junta. Inhabitants of Mandalay, as well as two townships in the southern Bago region, woke up to new restrictions banning more than one person from leaving home for non-medical reasons. There was no timeframe given for the new rules, announced by the health and sports ministry of the State Administration Council, as the junta calls itself. Also read | Myanmar battles virus surge amid protests against military junta Those travelling to government jobs are exempted. The affected areas are home to more than two million people, according to a 2014 census, and join towns in western Chin state near the Indian border that have been locked down since May. Authorities reported more than 1,500 new cases on Thursday, up from around 100 per day in early June. Myanmar's creaking healthcare system had struggled to respond to COVID-19 even before the February coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi. Also read | Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end Swathes of the country were put under partial lockdown last year, although enforcement was often lax in the developing nation where many face a stark choice between following regulations and feeding their families. Since the coup, thousands of doctors, volunteers and civil servants have joined a mass civil disobedience campaign to protest against the military regime. Myanmar has reported 3,347 virus-related deaths, although true figures are likely to be higher. A shipment of 1.5 million vaccines arrived from India earlier this year. On Thursday state media reported junta leader Min Aung Hlaing had agreed to buy two million vaccines from Russia, without specifying which shot. A spokeswoman from the health ministry said last week that authorities were also negotiating with China to buy more vaccines. Myanmar has been in turmoil since the February putsch, with more than 880 civilians killed in a crackdown and almost 6,500 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Myanmar orders 2 million to stay home as COVID-19 cases spike

Russia reported its fifth record for daily COVID-19 deaths in a row on Saturday, as countries around the world rushed to contain the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

The variant has propelled a resurgence of the virus which has already killed nearly four million people, forcing numerous nations to reimpose restrictions well over a year after the pandemic first swept the world.

Thousands of troops and police hit the streets in Indonesia to enforce a partial lockdown imposed on Saturday, as the country recorded a record 27,913 new daily cases as well as 493 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-on-run-but-delta-variant-is-of-concern-joe-biden-urges-people-to-get-vaccinated-395658">'Delta variant is of concern': Joe Biden urges people to get vaccinated</a>

Mosques, restaurants and shopping malls were shuttered in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali after the daily caseload quadrupled in less than a month, with the Delta variant blamed.

The overwhelmed healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse as jammed hospitals turn away patients, leading desperate families to hunt for oxygen tanks to treat the sick and dying at home.

"The stricter restrictions came too late," said Jakarta resident Maya Puspita Sari.

"Before, people who got COVID-19 were strangers, but now it's also the people closest to me who are infected... The virus is getting so much closer and it's terrifying."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/could-your-face-mask-detect-covid-394963" hreflang="en">Could your face mask detect Covid?</a>

Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Myanmar ordered two million people in the second city of Mandalay to stay at home Friday as the coup-hit country struggles to contain coronavirus cases.

New measures were also put in place in Portugal, with a night curfew entering&nbsp;into force for nearly half the population in a bid rein in rising Delta infections.

New waves in Russia, Iran

Russia has so far ruled out a new lockdown to fight surging Delta cases, even as it reported 697 more deaths on Saturday -- setting a new nationwide record for the fifth straight day.

Second city Saint Petersburg hosted a Euro 2020 quarter-final between Spain and Switzerland on Friday night, with concern raised after hundreds of cases were detected among spectators attending games across the continent.

Russia had hoped its vaccination campaign would tamp down a new wave, but it has met with widespread scepticism and a sluggish rollout, with only 16 percent of the 146 million population jabbed.

AFP journalists saw hundreds of people waiting at vaccination points across Moscow on Friday.

"I've been queueing for about two hours already," 21-year-old student Svetlana Stepereva said in the northeast of the capital.&nbsp;

"I want to get a jab and feel safe."

This week President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines.

Iran, battling the Middle East's deadliest outbreak of the coronavirus, has warned it could be hit by yet another wave of infections.

"It is feared that we are on the way to a fifth wave throughout the country," President Hassan Rouhani told a meeting of Iran's anti-virus taskforce, warning the public to be careful as "the Delta variant has spread" in southern provinces.

Delta rises in Africa, Fiji

The Delta variant, first identified in India and now present in at least 85 countries, has driven outbreaks in places that had previously been able to mostly avoid the pandemic's ravages.

Fiji, which went an entire year without recording any community coronavirus cases until Delta arrived in April, recorded its biggest-ever infection increase on Saturday.

Authorities reported two deaths and warned of more to come as the virus threatens to overwhelm the South Pacific nation's health system.

Africa has also been largely spared the worst of the pandemic, but infection numbers have increased in the continent for six weeks running, driven by the Delta variant.

Deaths rose by 15 percent across 38 African countries to nearly 3,000 in the same period.

"The speed and scale of Africa's third wave is like nothing we've seen before," Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, said this week.

South Africa, the continent's worst-hit country, posted a new record of 24,000 cases on Friday.

"We are indeed... in the eye of the storm of the third wave," Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla said.

Meanwhile in Italy 300 healthcare workers have lodged a legal challenge against the requirement that they get vaccinated against coronavirus, according to media reports.

"This isn't a battle by anti-vaxxers but a democratic battle," constitutional lawyer Daniele Granara, who helped build up the case, told the Giornale di Brescia newspaper.

Russia reported its fifth record for daily COVID-19 deaths in a row on Saturday, as countries around the world rushed to contain the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Russia reported its fifth record for daily COVID-19 deaths in a row on Saturday, as countries around the world rushed to contain the rapid spread of the highly contagious Delta variant. The variant has propelled a resurgence of the virus which has already killed nearly four million people, forcing numerous nations to reimpose restrictions well over a year after the pandemic first swept the world. Thousands of troops and police hit the streets in Indonesia to enforce a partial lockdown imposed on Saturday, as the country recorded a record 27,913 new daily cases as well as 493 deaths. Also read | 'Delta variant is of concern': Joe Biden urges people to get vaccinated Mosques, restaurants and shopping malls were shuttered in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali after the daily caseload quadrupled in less than a month, with the Delta variant blamed. The overwhelmed healthcare system is teetering on the brink of collapse as jammed hospitals turn away patients, leading desperate families to hunt for oxygen tanks to treat the sick and dying at home. "The stricter restrictions came too late," said Jakarta resident Maya Puspita Sari. "Before, people who got COVID-19 were strangers, but now it's also the people closest to me who are infected... The virus is getting so much closer and it's terrifying." Also read | Could your face mask detect Covid? Elsewhere in Southeast Asia, Myanmar ordered two million people in the second city of Mandalay to stay at home Friday as the coup-hit country struggles to contain coronavirus cases. New measures were also put in place in Portugal, with a night curfew entering into force for nearly half the population in a bid rein in rising Delta infections. New waves in Russia, Iran Russia has so far ruled out a new lockdown to fight surging Delta cases, even as it reported 697 more deaths on Saturday -- setting a new nationwide record for the fifth straight day. Second city Saint Petersburg hosted a Euro 2020 quarter-final between Spain and Switzerland on Friday night, with concern raised after hundreds of cases were detected among spectators attending games across the continent. Russia had hoped its vaccination campaign would tamp down a new wave, but it has met with widespread scepticism and a sluggish rollout, with only 16 percent of the 146 million population jabbed. AFP journalists saw hundreds of people waiting at vaccination points across Moscow on Friday. "I've been queueing for about two hours already," 21-year-old student Svetlana Stepereva said in the northeast of the capital. "I want to get a jab and feel safe." This week President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines. Iran, battling the Middle East's deadliest outbreak of the coronavirus, has warned it could be hit by yet another wave of infections. "It is feared that we are on the way to a fifth wave throughout the country," President Hassan Rouhani told a meeting of Iran's anti-virus taskforce, warning the public to be careful as "the Delta variant has spread" in southern provinces. Delta rises in Africa, Fiji The Delta variant, first identified in India and now present in at least 85 countries, has driven outbreaks in places that had previously been able to mostly avoid the pandemic's ravages. Fiji, which went an entire year without recording any community coronavirus cases until Delta arrived in April, recorded its biggest-ever infection increase on Saturday. Authorities reported two deaths and warned of more to come as the virus threatens to overwhelm the South Pacific nation's health system. Africa has also been largely spared the worst of the pandemic, but infection numbers have increased in the continent for six weeks running, driven by the Delta variant. Deaths rose by 15 percent across 38 African countries to nearly 3,000 in the same period. "The speed and scale of Africa's third wave is like nothing we've seen before," Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization's regional director for Africa, said this week. South Africa, the continent's worst-hit country, posted a new record of 24,000 cases on Friday. "We are indeed... in the eye of the storm of the third wave," Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla said. Meanwhile in Italy 300 healthcare workers have lodged a legal challenge against the requirement that they get vaccinated against coronavirus, according to media reports. "This isn't a battle by anti-vaxxers but a democratic battle," constitutional lawyer Daniele Granara, who helped build up the case, told the Giornale di Brescia newspaper.

Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Researchers have developed a prototype <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> testing face mask that has the capability to do just that.

Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/confused-about-masks-heres-what-scientists-know-344077">Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know</a>

According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus.

Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”.

Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. &nbsp;

"The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University.

Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them.

In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-secret-weapon-that-makes-cotton-most-suitable-for-reusable-face-masks-369402">Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks</a>

In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself.

Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated.

The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics.&nbsp;

These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins".

The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing&nbsp;face&nbsp;mask for at least 15 minutes after its&nbsp;sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis.&nbsp;

A strip on the&nbsp;mask&nbsp;displays the result.&nbsp;

Wearable warning

The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments.&nbsp;

The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen.&nbsp;

From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar.

"In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the&nbsp;face&nbsp;masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

&nbsp;

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not.

Do you also hate the uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful RT-PCR Covid nasal swab test? Good news, soon that might become a thing of the past, replaced by masks that can tell if the wearer has COVID-19 or not. Researchers have developed a prototype COVID-19 testing face mask that has the capability to do just that. Equipped with a patch of sensors that are attached to a pad that collects the user's breath particles, this mask needs to be worn for just 15 minutes to get a result. Also read | Confused about masks? Here's what scientists know According to research published in the journal Nature Biotechnology, this is what the future looks like: tiny sensors incorporated into wearable fabrics like masks and jackets which could provide instant information on exposure to disease-causing pathogens such as the coronavirus. Peter Nguyen the study’s co-author, says that these highly sensitive tests can be integrated into smart wearables “beyond what a FitBit or Applewatch can offer”. Although up till now, these tests have been restricted for use in laboratories, they may soon be available to the public. "The concept is similar to how our own skin works, where you automatically sense your environment with exquisite sensitivity without needing to actively participate in the details of the process itself," says Nguyen, a research scientist at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Earlier such tests were based on living cells, which according to researchers can be too fragile and sometimes even dangerous in non-medical settings. However, in this new study, scientists were able to re-create the cell parts that sense dangerous microorganisms and freeze-dry them. In this new study, researchers have made use of cell-free reactions which contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. These freeze-dried cells can then be re-activated to begin testing by adding water similar to a "package of instant ramen noodles", says Nguyen. Also read | Scientists discover secret weapon that makes cotton most suitable for reusable face masks In the new study, researchers used cell-free reactions that contain the tools of a living cell without the cell itself. Since these cells are not alive, the sensors can be freeze-dried and stored for months until they are ready to be activated. The authors of this study show that these sensors, which use CRISPR gene-editing technology, have the capability to match laboratory virus detection and they can be woven into wearable fabrics. These wearable detectors might be useful for "anyone working in an environment where they might be exposed to pathogens or toxins". The user needs to wear the prototype COVID-19 testing face mask for at least 15 minutes after its sensors collect their breath particles. After the fifteen minutes are up, they pierce a small pouch on the mask and water wicks the sample into the sensor for analysis. A strip on the mask displays the result. Wearable warning The researchers have also developed a jacket for a liquid "exposure event", for people working in dangerous environments. The jacket also employs the gene-editing tool CRISPR, to create sensors that light up when exposed to the target pathogen. From tiny sensors in the fabric, Fibre optic threads in the jacket carry information to a miniature detector. This detector which is placed within the garment is the size of a small candy bar. "In the short term, we see the wearables and especially the face masks being used in the clinic for specialised situations," he added. However according to Nguyen in the long run, especially in cases of local outbreaks, for easy at-home testing these garments could also be used by regular people.

Could your face mask detect Covid?

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> policies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-suspend-entry-from-three-countries-dubai-updates-travel-protocols-392673">UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols</a>

In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23.

Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours.

A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change.

"We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume."

Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-jets-in-demand-indians-flee-the-country-fly-to-uae-to-escape-covid-surge-381327">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine.

A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections.

Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries. Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own COVID-19 policies. Also read | UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23. Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours. A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change. "We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume." Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine. A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections. Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

UAE ban on entry from India unchanged, aviation notice says

Over 70 per cent of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections.

The national health institute, Ricardo Jorge, said in its report that the Delta variant, first identified in India, represented 51 per cent of cases in mainland Portugal, showing the variant is "spreading rapidly" as it happened in Britain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-health-agency-warns-delta-variant-rise-portugal-fears-fourth-wave-393465">Europe health agency warns Delta variant rise; Portugal fears fourth wave</a>

New coronavirus cases rose by 1,604 on Friday, the biggest jump since February 19, when the country of just over 10 million people was still under lockdown. In total, Portugal has recorded 871,483 cases and 17,081 deaths since the pandemic began.

Although most new cases are still concentrated in the populous Lisbon region, the southern Algarve region, famous for its beaches and golf courses, has the highest COVID-19 reproduction "R" number of 1.34, the report said.

The jump in infections comes after tourism-dependent Portugal opened to visitors from the European Union and Britain in mid-May. Most businesses have reopened and, as the summer season kicks off, beaches are packed.

On Thursday, Portugal imposed stricter rules, including forcing restaurants to shut earlier over the weekend in Lisbon and in the Algarve tourism magnet Albufeira, a popular destination for British visitors.

Britain removed Portugal from its quarantine-free travel list earlier this month and Germany declared Portugal to be a "virus-variant zone" on Thursday, a measure that will trigger severe restrictions on travel to and from the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-removes-portugal-from-green-list-mandates-quarantine-389310">UK removes Portugal from 'green list', mandates quarantine</a>

The number of people in need of hospital care in Portugal, which faced its toughest battle against the virus in January, has also increased. There are 71 COVID-19 patients in intensive care in Lisbon, occupying 86 per cent of beds allocated to those infected by the virus.

To tackle the surge, Portugal is speeding up the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> of younger people at a time only around 30 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated so far.

Over 70 per cent of coronavirus cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious Delta variant, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections.

Over 70 per cent of coronavirus cases in the Lisbon area are from the more contagious Delta variant, which is quickly spreading to other parts of the country, a report said late on Friday, as authorities scramble to stop a worrying rise in infections. The national health institute, Ricardo Jorge, said in its report that the Delta variant, first identified in India, represented 51 per cent of cases in mainland Portugal, showing the variant is "spreading rapidly" as it happened in Britain. Also read | Europe health agency warns Delta variant rise; Portugal fears fourth wave New coronavirus cases rose by 1,604 on Friday, the biggest jump since February 19, when the country of just over 10 million people was still under lockdown. In total, Portugal has recorded 871,483 cases and 17,081 deaths since the pandemic began. Although most new cases are still concentrated in the populous Lisbon region, the southern Algarve region, famous for its beaches and golf courses, has the highest COVID-19 reproduction "R" number of 1.34, the report said. The jump in infections comes after tourism-dependent Portugal opened to visitors from the European Union and Britain in mid-May. Most businesses have reopened and, as the summer season kicks off, beaches are packed. On Thursday, Portugal imposed stricter rules, including forcing restaurants to shut earlier over the weekend in Lisbon and in the Algarve tourism magnet Albufeira, a popular destination for British visitors. Britain removed Portugal from its quarantine-free travel list earlier this month and Germany declared Portugal to be a "virus-variant zone" on Thursday, a measure that will trigger severe restrictions on travel to and from the country. Also read | UK removes Portugal from 'green list', mandates quarantine The number of people in need of hospital care in Portugal, which faced its toughest battle against the virus in January, has also increased. There are 71 COVID-19 patients in intensive care in Lisbon, occupying 86 per cent of beds allocated to those infected by the virus. To tackle the surge, Portugal is speeding up the vaccination of younger people at a time only around 30 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated so far.

Delta variant 'spreading rapidly' from Lisbon to rest of Portugal

After WHO scientist's warning that the Delta variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is becoming globally dominant, a Chinese disease control researcher claims that antibodies triggered by the two Chinese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a>&nbsp;—&nbsp;Sinovac and Sinopharm — are less effective against it.

According to Feng Zijian, researcher and former deputy director at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, while these shots do offer some protection against the Delta variant, compared to other variants, these shots are not that effective. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta is the fastest COVID-19 variant and will pick off the most vulnerable: WHO</a>

Feng, without naming the two vaccines said that these vaccines fall into the category of inactivated vaccines, i.e., they contain "killed" or inactivated coronavirus that cannot replicate in human cells. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Out of the seven vaccines developed in China under the country's mass inoculation scheme, five are inactivated vaccines. This also includes Sinopharm which is in use in countries such as Brazil, Chile and Bahrain, along with the shots developed by Sinovac Biotech.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-vaccines-are-losing-efficacy-against-delta-variant-warns-who-epidemiologist-393091">Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist</a>

According to officials, the Delta variant is behind the infections in three cities in the southern Guangdong province. In one month, between May 21 and June 21, a total of 170 locally confirmed patients were reported here. However, it remains unclear that how many of them contracted the Delta variant.

"In the Guangdong outbreak ... none of those vaccinated infections became severe cases, and none of the severe cases were vaccinated," said Feng.

After WHO scientist's warning that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is becoming globally dominant, a Chinese disease control researcher claims that antibodies triggered by the two Chinese vaccines — Sinovac and Sinopharm — are less effective against it.

After WHO scientist's warning that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is becoming globally dominant, a Chinese disease control researcher claims that antibodies triggered by the two Chinese vaccines — Sinovac and Sinopharm — are less effective against it. According to Feng Zijian, researcher and former deputy director at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, while these shots do offer some protection against the Delta variant, compared to other variants, these shots are not that effective. Also read | Delta is the fastest COVID-19 variant and will pick off the most vulnerable: WHO Feng, without naming the two vaccines said that these vaccines fall into the category of inactivated vaccines, i.e., they contain "killed" or inactivated coronavirus that cannot replicate in human cells. Out of the seven vaccines developed in China under the country's mass inoculation scheme, five are inactivated vaccines. This also includes Sinopharm which is in use in countries such as Brazil, Chile and Bahrain, along with the shots developed by Sinovac Biotech. Also read | Covid vaccines are losing efficacy against Delta variant, warns WHO epidemiologist According to officials, the Delta variant is behind the infections in three cities in the southern Guangdong province. In one month, between May 21 and June 21, a total of 170 locally confirmed patients were reported here. However, it remains unclear that how many of them contracted the Delta variant. "In the Guangdong outbreak ... none of those vaccinated infections became severe cases, and none of the severe cases were vaccinated," said Feng.

Chinese vaccines not as efficient against Delta variant: Researcher

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> variant first identified in India, now spreading fast in Britain and elsewhere, has doubled to just over 6 per cent of all new infections in&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;during the week ending June 6 from the previous seven days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-dancing-like-theres-no-corona-first-german-nightclub-reopens-391252">Dancing like there's no corona: First German nightclub reopens</a>

"By the autumn, it will be the dominant strain," said Lothar Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI.&nbsp;

It was "biologically logical" for the strain to become dominant simply because it was more infectious, he said.

Data from Britain, which has one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, show that inoculation helps prevent serious disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-demands-replacement-of-60-million-contaminated-jj-vaccine-doses-391456">Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&amp;J vaccine doses</a>

Nevertheless, "that is valid only for fully vaccinated people," said Wieler, noting that those who have received only one jab could still catch the variant and spread it.

Around 29 percent of Germans are fully vaccinated.

Germany&nbsp;has eased most restrictions, reopening restaurants, shops, pools and museums in the last weeks as new infections dip sharply.

On Friday, it recorded 1,076 new cases, while the the number of new cases over a seven day period continued to drop to 10 per 100,000 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-decline-in-covid-cases-germany-prepares-for-concerts-open-air-gigs-386928">With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs</a>

Wieler said however that it was necessary to keep wearing masks indoors, such as on public transport or at offices.&nbsp;

"We have achieved really good results but the virus is still active and please let us give this virus no chance," he urged.

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain.

One in two Germans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, health authorities said Friday, warning against complacency as the Delta variant is expected to become the dominant strain. The Covid variant first identified in India, now spreading fast in Britain and elsewhere, has doubled to just over 6 per cent of all new infections in Germany during the week ending June 6 from the previous seven days. Also read | Dancing like there's no corona: First German nightclub reopens "By the autumn, it will be the dominant strain," said Lothar Wieler, who heads the disease control agency RKI. It was "biologically logical" for the strain to become dominant simply because it was more infectious, he said. Data from Britain, which has one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, show that inoculation helps prevent serious disease. Also read | Germany demands replacement of 60 million contaminated J&J vaccine doses Nevertheless, "that is valid only for fully vaccinated people," said Wieler, noting that those who have received only one jab could still catch the variant and spread it. Around 29 percent of Germans are fully vaccinated. Germany has eased most restrictions, reopening restaurants, shops, pools and museums in the last weeks as new infections dip sharply. On Friday, it recorded 1,076 new cases, while the the number of new cases over a seven day period continued to drop to 10 per 100,000 people. Also read | With decline in covid cases, Germany prepares for concerts, open-air gigs Wieler said however that it was necessary to keep wearing masks indoors, such as on public transport or at offices. "We have achieved really good results but the virus is still active and please let us give this virus no chance," he urged.

Half of Germans have first jab but variant fuels fears

Trade unions warn about a "social tsunami", left-wing parties of a "massacre for employment", the imminent end of&nbsp;Italy's coronavirus freeze on layoffs is causing tensions in Mario Draghi's national unity government.

Supporters say the freeze, which is unique in Europe, saved thousands of jobs after the pandemic plunged&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;into a deep recession, but the European Union has been disparaging, and employers are angling for its end.

Companies were first banned from sacking workers under former premier Giuseppe Conte in February 2020, when a wave of COVID-19 sparked Europe's first nationwide lockdown in&nbsp;Italy. The measure was later extended.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-battered-italy-faces-worst-recession-since-wwii-301977">Virus-battered Italy faces worst recession since WWII</a>

When Draghi took office in February this year, he said the government "should protect workers... but it would be a mistake to protect all economic activities equally", saying there must be a "choice".

The European Commission entered the fray this month, denouncing the ban on layoffs as "counterproductive" as it protects employees on long-term contracts but not those in more precarious jobs, notably women and young people.

It asserted that in France and Germany, which instead offered financial support for people whose hours were cut by struggling companies, the effects of the pandemic on employment have been less severe than in&nbsp;Italy.

Coronavirus cases are now on the wane and&nbsp;Italy's freeze is due to expire at the end of June for the biggest companies, notably in industry and construction, although small and medium-sized firms, particularly in services, have until the end of October.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-new-government-will-overhaul-renzi-labour-reform-minister-says-141946">Italy's new government will overhaul Renzi labour reform, minister says</a>

The members of Draghi's coalition government, who rallied around the former European Central Bank chief after Conte's government collapsed, are divided on the subject.

The biggest party in parliament, the Five Star Movement, has echoed trade unions in calling for a further extension of the layoff ban for everyone, while far-right League leader Matteo Salvini wants companies to take back the "freedom to hire".

Labour Minister Andrea Orlando, from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), last month raised the prospect of an extension under certain conditions until August, before back-tracking under pressure from employers.

'A million more unemployed'&nbsp;

The minister for economic development, Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, has instead proposed extending the freeze for the hardest-hit sectors, such as textiles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-covid-caused-such-suffering-in-italys-wealthiest-region-344552">Why COVID caused such suffering in Italy's wealthiest region</a>

The fear is that&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;could face a wave of redundancies when the ban ends.

"The most realistic estimates point to 70,000 to 100,000 layoffs, which is certainly not negligible, but is not enormous," Francesco Seghezzi, head of the Adapt Foundation, which specialises in research on employment, told AFP.

Trade unions fear the numbers could be much higher, warning of "a million more unemployed", while the Bank of&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;estimates 440,000 jobs were saved in 2020 thanks to the rule.

Despite the ban, there were 550,000 layoffs in&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;in 2020, as those related to disciplinary issues or the closure of companies were exempt.

There are also hundreds of thousands of workers in more precarious jobs whose contracts were not renewed.&nbsp;In total, almost a million jobs were lost last year in&nbsp;Italy.

The unemployment rate reached 10.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, the highest since the beginning of 2019. Among the 15-24 age group, it rose to 39.2 per cent for women and 32.7 per cent for men.

But the economy is picking up steam once again and some sectors such as manufacturing and construction are struggling to find staff owing to a lack of skilled recruits.

Almost 1.3 million jobs, most of them temporary, need to be filled between June and August, according to the Union of Chamber of Commerce (Unioncamere).

Confindustria,&nbsp;Italy's main employers' organisation, has forecast economic growth of around five per cent in 2021, a prediction shared by the Bank of&nbsp;Italy.

Confindustria president Carlo Bonomi believes the conditions are ripe for a "little economic miracle".

"The signs of economic recovery are so encouraging that the lifting of the ban on layoffs could have a less dramatic impact than initially feared," David Benassi, professor of sociology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, told AFP.

Trade unions warn about a "social tsunami", left-wing parties of a "massacre for employment", the imminent end of Italy's coronavirus freeze on layoffs is causing tensions in Mario Draghi's national unity government.

Trade unions warn about a "social tsunami", left-wing parties of a "massacre for employment", the imminent end of Italy's coronavirus freeze on layoffs is causing tensions in Mario Draghi's national unity government. Supporters say the freeze, which is unique in Europe, saved thousands of jobs after the pandemic plunged Italy into a deep recession, but the European Union has been disparaging, and employers are angling for its end. Companies were first banned from sacking workers under former premier Giuseppe Conte in February 2020, when a wave of COVID-19 sparked Europe's first nationwide lockdown in Italy. The measure was later extended. Also read | Virus-battered Italy faces worst recession since WWII When Draghi took office in February this year, he said the government "should protect workers... but it would be a mistake to protect all economic activities equally", saying there must be a "choice". The European Commission entered the fray this month, denouncing the ban on layoffs as "counterproductive" as it protects employees on long-term contracts but not those in more precarious jobs, notably women and young people. It asserted that in France and Germany, which instead offered financial support for people whose hours were cut by struggling companies, the effects of the pandemic on employment have been less severe than in Italy. Coronavirus cases are now on the wane and Italy's freeze is due to expire at the end of June for the biggest companies, notably in industry and construction, although small and medium-sized firms, particularly in services, have until the end of October. Also read | Italy's new government will overhaul Renzi labour reform, minister says The members of Draghi's coalition government, who rallied around the former European Central Bank chief after Conte's government collapsed, are divided on the subject. The biggest party in parliament, the Five Star Movement, has echoed trade unions in calling for a further extension of the layoff ban for everyone, while far-right League leader Matteo Salvini wants companies to take back the "freedom to hire". Labour Minister Andrea Orlando, from the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), last month raised the prospect of an extension under certain conditions until August, before back-tracking under pressure from employers. 'A million more unemployed' The minister for economic development, Giancarlo Giorgetti, a member of the League, has instead proposed extending the freeze for the hardest-hit sectors, such as textiles. Also read | Why COVID caused such suffering in Italy's wealthiest region The fear is that Italy could face a wave of redundancies when the ban ends. "The most realistic estimates point to 70,000 to 100,000 layoffs, which is certainly not negligible, but is not enormous," Francesco Seghezzi, head of the Adapt Foundation, which specialises in research on employment, told AFP. Trade unions fear the numbers could be much higher, warning of "a million more unemployed", while the Bank of Italy estimates 440,000 jobs were saved in 2020 thanks to the rule. Despite the ban, there were 550,000 layoffs in Italy in 2020, as those related to disciplinary issues or the closure of companies were exempt. There are also hundreds of thousands of workers in more precarious jobs whose contracts were not renewed. In total, almost a million jobs were lost last year in Italy. The unemployment rate reached 10.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, the highest since the beginning of 2019. Among the 15-24 age group, it rose to 39.2 per cent for women and 32.7 per cent for men. But the economy is picking up steam once again and some sectors such as manufacturing and construction are struggling to find staff owing to a lack of skilled recruits. Almost 1.3 million jobs, most of them temporary, need to be filled between June and August, according to the Union of Chamber of Commerce (Unioncamere). Confindustria, Italy's main employers' organisation, has forecast economic growth of around five per cent in 2021, a prediction shared by the Bank of Italy. Confindustria president Carlo Bonomi believes the conditions are ripe for a "little economic miracle". "The signs of economic recovery are so encouraging that the lifting of the ban on layoffs could have a less dramatic impact than initially feared," David Benassi, professor of sociology at the University of Milano-Bicocca, told AFP.

'Massacre of unemployment' feared as Italy eyes end to Covid ban on layoffs

Europe's drug regulator on Friday identified another very rare blood condition as a potential side effect of AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</a> and said it was looking into cases of heart inflammation after inoculation with all coronavirus shots.

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) safety committee said that capillary leak syndrome (CLS) must be added as a new side effect to labelling on AstraZeneca's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> vaccine, known as Vaxzevria.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trust-in-astrazeneca-vaccine-is-shaken-in-europe-371386">Trust in AstraZeneca vaccine is shaken in Europe</a>

People who had previously sustained the condition, where fluids leak from the smallest blood vessels causing swelling and a drop in blood pressure, should not receive the shot, the EMA added.

The regulator first began looking into these cases in April and the recommendation adds to AstraZeneca's woes after its vaccine was associated with very rare and potentially lethal cases of blood clotting that come with a low platelet count.

Last month, the EMA had advised against giving a second AstraZeneca shot to people with that clotting condition, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/after-admitting-mistake-astrazeneca-faces-difficult-questions-about-its-vaccine-345516">After admitting mistake, AstraZeneca faces difficult questions about its vaccine</a>

The committee reviewed six validated cases of CLS in people, mostly women, who had received Vaxzevria, including one death. Three had a history of the condition.

More than 78 million Vaxzevria doses have been administered in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland &amp; Norway and Britain.

In a statement, AstraZeneca pointed to the extreme rarity of CLS cases, at less than 1 in 10 million vaccinated individuals.

"We are working actively, in collaboration with regulatory authorities, on risk minimization measures... that includes information to those being vaccinated...information to drive early diagnosis and intervention, and appropriate treatment," the company said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-is-no-longer-wests-favourite-jab-384178">AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is no longer West's favourite jab</a>

Britain’s regulator, the MHRA said it was considering precautionary advice for people with a history of CLS but does not see a causal link with the vaccine.

Two of eight reports of capillary leak syndrome following AstraZeneca vaccination in the UK were in people with a history of the condition, and 40 million doses of the vaccine had been given, it said.

Separately, the EMA said it was continuing its probe into cases of heart inflammation known as myocarditis and pericarditis, primarily following inoculation with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA shots, but also after the J&amp;J and AstraZeneca vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-probes-blood-clot-cases-after-astrazeneca-vaccine-suspension-370309">Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension</a>

US&nbsp;health officials said on Thursday they had registered a higher-than-expected number of heart inflammation cases in young men who received a second dose of the mRNA shots, though a causal relationship could not be established.

Israel’s Health Ministry said this month it had found a likely link to the condition in young men who received the Pfizer/BioNTech shot.

Both Pfizer and Moderna have acknowledged the observations but said a causal association with their vaccines has not been established.

BioNTech said adverse events, including myocarditis and pericarditis, are being regularly and thoroughly reviewed by the companies and regulatory authorities.

"More than 300 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccine have been administered globally and the benefit risk profile of our vaccine remains positive."

The United States and Israel have been months ahead of the EU in vaccinating men below 30, who are particularly prone to heart inflammation, giving them potentially more cases to analyse.

Europe's drug regulator on Friday identified another very rare blood condition as a potential side effect of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and said it was looking into cases of heart inflammation after inoculation with all coronavirus shots.

Europe's drug regulator on Friday identified another very rare blood condition as a potential side effect of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and said it was looking into cases of heart inflammation after inoculation with all coronavirus shots. The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) safety committee said that capillary leak syndrome (CLS) must be added as a new side effect to labelling on AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine, known as Vaxzevria. Also read | Trust in AstraZeneca vaccine is shaken in Europe People who had previously sustained the condition, where fluids leak from the smallest blood vessels causing swelling and a drop in blood pressure, should not receive the shot, the EMA added. The regulator first began looking into these cases in April and the recommendation adds to AstraZeneca's woes after its vaccine was associated with very rare and potentially lethal cases of blood clotting that come with a low platelet count. Last month, the EMA had advised against giving a second AstraZeneca shot to people with that clotting condition, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). Also read | After admitting mistake, AstraZeneca faces difficult questions about its vaccine The committee reviewed six validated cases of CLS in people, mostly women, who had received Vaxzevria, including one death. Three had a history of the condition. More than 78 million Vaxzevria doses have been administered in the European Union, Liechtenstein, Iceland & Norway and Britain. In a statement, AstraZeneca pointed to the extreme rarity of CLS cases, at less than 1 in 10 million vaccinated individuals. "We are working actively, in collaboration with regulatory authorities, on risk minimization measures... that includes information to those being vaccinated...information to drive early diagnosis and intervention, and appropriate treatment," the company said. Also read | AstraZeneca Covid vaccine is no longer West's favourite jab Britain’s regulator, the MHRA said it was considering precautionary advice for people with a history of CLS but does not see a causal link with the vaccine. Two of eight reports of capillary leak syndrome following AstraZeneca vaccination in the UK were in people with a history of the condition, and 40 million doses of the vaccine had been given, it said. Separately, the EMA said it was continuing its probe into cases of heart inflammation known as myocarditis and pericarditis, primarily following inoculation with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA shots, but also after the J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines. Also read | Norway probes blood clot cases after AstraZeneca vaccine suspension US health officials said on Thursday they had registered a higher-than-expected number of heart inflammation cases in young men who received a second dose of the mRNA shots, though a causal relationship could not be established. Israel’s Health Ministry said this month it had found a likely link to the condition in young men who received the Pfizer/BioNTech shot. Both Pfizer and Moderna have acknowledged the observations but said a causal association with their vaccines has not been established. BioNTech said adverse events, including myocarditis and pericarditis, are being regularly and thoroughly reviewed by the companies and regulatory authorities. "More than 300 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have been administered globally and the benefit risk profile of our vaccine remains positive." The United States and Israel have been months ahead of the EU in vaccinating men below 30, who are particularly prone to heart inflammation, giving them potentially more cases to analyse.

EU adds another rare blood condition as side effect of AstraZeneca shot

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned.

Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month. Officials claim that it is now the dominant strain in England. Hancock said that the number of coronavirus cases in the country have jumped, but stated how hospitalisations and deaths continue to remain “flat”.

"It's too early to make a final decision on that," Hancock told Sky News. "The prime minister and I and the team will be looking at all the data over this week. We've said that we'll give people enough time ahead of the June 21 date… We are not saying 'No' to June 21 at this point," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-reports-zero-covid-19-deaths-for-the-first-time-since-july-2020-388963/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hancock stressed on the importance of getting both the jabs of COVID-19 vaccine, which have been proven to work against the delta variant. He added that the quick vaccine rollout in the country had weakened but not broken the link between the virus, hospitalisation and death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uks-johnson-calls-on-g7-to-vaccinate-world-by-end-of-2022-389687" hreflang="en">UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022</a>

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that nothing in the data points to potential derailment of the restriction lifting plans in the country, but urged people to exercise caution.

Britain is among the world’s hardest hit countries with a death toll of 127,836 - the sixth-highest in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-approves-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-for-12-to-15-year-olds-389483" hreflang="en">UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds</a>

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned.

United Kingdom’s Health Minister Matt Hancock on Sunday said that it is still too early to say whether the government would lift all Covid restrictions in England on June 21 as planned. Hancock referred to a “very significant” impact from the delta variant of coronavirus which was first detected in India last month. Officials claim that it is now the dominant strain in England. Hancock said that the number of coronavirus cases in the country have jumped, but stated how hospitalisations and deaths continue to remain “flat”. "It's too early to make a final decision on that," Hancock told Sky News. "The prime minister and I and the team will be looking at all the data over this week. We've said that we'll give people enough time ahead of the June 21 date… We are not saying 'No' to June 21 at this point," he added. Hancock stressed on the importance of getting both the jabs of COVID-19 vaccine, which have been proven to work against the delta variant. He added that the quick vaccine rollout in the country had weakened but not broken the link between the virus, hospitalisation and death. Also read: UK's Johnson calls on G7 to vaccinate world by end of 2022 United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson said last week that nothing in the data points to potential derailment of the restriction lifting plans in the country, but urged people to exercise caution. Britain is among the world’s hardest hit countries with a death toll of 127,836 - the sixth-highest in the world, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Also read: UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds

Too soon to say if lockdown in England will end as planned, says Health Minister Hancock

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality. 
 
The report titled 'Gender &amp; Creativity: Progress on the Precipice' explores existing, and at times widening, gender gaps in the field, notably in the context of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, and calls for a new commitment and transformative actions to promote gender equality.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-hungary-push-against-gender-equality-at-eu-social-summit-383530">Poland, Hungary push against 'gender equality' at EU social summit</a> 
 
The digital divide remains a pressing concern, with women disproportionately facing obstacles to access digital tools for artistic creation and distribution, including digital music platforms, online tutorials, and sound-mixing software. For example, it is estimated that worldwide, 250 million fewer women than men use the Internet, and women still represent only 21 per cent of performers in electronic music festivals in Europe and North America, said UNESCO in a statement. 
 
"From the technological perspective, the digital gender divide is leaving women and girls behind in all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life, resulting in isolation and limited access to tools and reliable information. Achieving gender equality will mean overcoming these vulnerabilities, and this is especially so for women working in the cultural and creative sectors," says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-tokyo-2020-chief-needs-deep-understanding-of-gender-equality-organisers-364037">New Tokyo 2020 chief needs deep understanding of gender equality: Organisers</a> 
 
The report also highlights innovative gender policies, measures and programmes from around the world that can serve as a model for policymakers. 
 
According to UNESCO, gender equality is fundamental to ensuring a genuine diversity of cultural expressions and equal opportunities in artistic work and cultural employment.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/towards-a-gender-equal-world-a-mission-for-all-345415">Towards a gender-equal world: A mission for all</a> 
 
Qualitative and quantitative data, however, reveals that women and gender diverse artists and creators continue to face numerous barriers, including unequal access to decent work, fair remuneration, and leadership positions. 
 
In Uruguay, for example, it is estimated that women occupy 25 per cent of managerial positions in public and private cultural organisations, 24 per cent in Montenegro and only 3 per cent in Mali.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-equality-swiss-army-to-start-issuing-female-underwear-for-women-recruits-374452">Gender equality: Swiss Army to start issuing female underwear for women recruits</a> 
 
In Indonesia, a recent study shows that while female professionals are advancing in the film industry as a whole, they are still largely underrepresented in creative decision-making roles, representing only 20 per cent of scriptwriters, 19 per cent of producers and 7 per cent of directors. In France, where women direct 34 per cent of visual and performing arts organisations subsidized by the Ministry of Culture and 43 per cent of museums, only 9 per cent of directors of the 100 largest cultural enterprises are women.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-have-to-wait-1356-years-to-be-on-equal-footing-with-men-world-economic-forum-374431">Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum</a> 
 
The report also examines the safety and well-being of people of all genders in the workplace. Women and gender-diverse artists and creative professionals continue to be the targets of harassment, bullying and abuse. In recent years, the digital environment has become the new frontier in the fight for gender equality and artistic freedom. 
 
According to Lisabona Rahman, founder of the Sinematik Gak Harus Toxic (Cinema does not Need to be Toxic) campaign in Indonesia, "The prevailing demeaning attitude towards women is the source of harassment and abuse and as long as men continue to dominate powerful positions in the industry and perpetuate heteronormativity, it will not end."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ranks-153rd-out-of-156-countries-on-gender-inequality-374608">Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality</a>&nbsp; 
 
The overwhelmingly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality is well-documented, from the rise in gender-based violence, the disproportionate absence of girl children from online classes, to female professionals` limited eligibility for social and economic assistance. Although women have played a key role in responding to the crisis, gender inequalities have widened across the board, says UNESCO. 
 
According to the report, without the systematic application of a gender perspective to policy responses, COVID-19 could have a long-lasting regressive effect on gender equality in the cultural and creative industries, as women are disproportionately represented in culture and other sectors most affected by the pandemic.

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality.

A new report launched by UNESCO highlights the need for policy measures to reach gender parity in the cultural and creative industries, despite recent progress in promoting gender equality. The report titled 'Gender & Creativity: Progress on the Precipice' explores existing, and at times widening, gender gaps in the field, notably in the context of COVID-19, and calls for a new commitment and transformative actions to promote gender equality. Also Read | Poland, Hungary push against 'gender equality' at EU social summit The digital divide remains a pressing concern, with women disproportionately facing obstacles to access digital tools for artistic creation and distribution, including digital music platforms, online tutorials, and sound-mixing software. For example, it is estimated that worldwide, 250 million fewer women than men use the Internet, and women still represent only 21 per cent of performers in electronic music festivals in Europe and North America, said UNESCO in a statement. "From the technological perspective, the digital gender divide is leaving women and girls behind in all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life, resulting in isolation and limited access to tools and reliable information. Achieving gender equality will mean overcoming these vulnerabilities, and this is especially so for women working in the cultural and creative sectors," says UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Also Read | New Tokyo 2020 chief needs deep understanding of gender equality: Organisers The report also highlights innovative gender policies, measures and programmes from around the world that can serve as a model for policymakers. According to UNESCO, gender equality is fundamental to ensuring a genuine diversity of cultural expressions and equal opportunities in artistic work and cultural employment. Also Read | Towards a gender-equal world: A mission for all Qualitative and quantitative data, however, reveals that women and gender diverse artists and creators continue to face numerous barriers, including unequal access to decent work, fair remuneration, and leadership positions. In Uruguay, for example, it is estimated that women occupy 25 per cent of managerial positions in public and private cultural organisations, 24 per cent in Montenegro and only 3 per cent in Mali. Also Read | Gender equality: Swiss Army to start issuing female underwear for women recruits In Indonesia, a recent study shows that while female professionals are advancing in the film industry as a whole, they are still largely underrepresented in creative decision-making roles, representing only 20 per cent of scriptwriters, 19 per cent of producers and 7 per cent of directors. In France, where women direct 34 per cent of visual and performing arts organisations subsidized by the Ministry of Culture and 43 per cent of museums, only 9 per cent of directors of the 100 largest cultural enterprises are women. Also Read | Women have to wait 135.6 years to be on equal footing with men: World Economic Forum The report also examines the safety and well-being of people of all genders in the workplace. Women and gender-diverse artists and creative professionals continue to be the targets of harassment, bullying and abuse. In recent years, the digital environment has become the new frontier in the fight for gender equality and artistic freedom. According to Lisabona Rahman, founder of the Sinematik Gak Harus Toxic (Cinema does not Need to be Toxic) campaign in Indonesia, "The prevailing demeaning attitude towards women is the source of harassment and abuse and as long as men continue to dominate powerful positions in the industry and perpetuate heteronormativity, it will not end." Also Read | Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality The overwhelmingly negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality is well-documented, from the rise in gender-based violence, the disproportionate absence of girl children from online classes, to female professionals` limited eligibility for social and economic assistance. Although women have played a key role in responding to the crisis, gender inequalities have widened across the board, says UNESCO. According to the report, without the systematic application of a gender perspective to policy responses, COVID-19 could have a long-lasting regressive effect on gender equality in the cultural and creative industries, as women are disproportionately represented in culture and other sectors most affected by the pandemic.

UNESCO reports persistent gender bias in cultural, creative industries

The Delta variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, or the B1.617.2 highly transmissible <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">variant of concern (VOC)</a> first identified in India, has now become the dominant VOC in the UK as infections rose by 5,472 in a week to hit a total of 12,431, health officials in Britain said on Thursday.

Public Health England (PHE), which monitors all COVID variants in the country, said that experts now believe that Delta has now overtaken Alpha;&nbsp;the VOC first detected in the Kent region of England.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-agrees-to-add-japan-to-safe-travel-list-holds-off-on-britain-over-concerns-of-delta-variant-389198">EU agrees to add Japan to safe travel list, holds off on Britain over concerns of Delta variant</a>

PHE also said that early evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of hospitalisation with Delta compared to Alpha, although more data is needed to have a more definitive view on that.

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"With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible," said Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency.

"The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of COVID-19 as a whole. Work from home where you can, and practice 'hands, face, space, fresh air' at all times. If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives," she said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/signs-of-an-early-wave-uk-grapples-with-unlock-measures-amid-third-wave-fears-388604">'Signs of an early wave': UK grapples with unlock measures amid third wave fears</a>

According to the breakdown of official figures, this week 278 people with the Delta variant attended hospital in an emergency.&nbsp;Last week, 201 people attended the hospital.

"Once again, the majority of these had not been vaccinated," PHE said.

The areas most affected by the Delta variant remain in the northwest of England with Bolton, where cases have risen by 795 to 2149, and Blackburn with Darwen which has seen 368 new cases, bringing it to 724 in total.

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PHE said there are 'encouraging signs' that the transmission rate in Bolton has begun to fall and that the actions taken by residents and local authority teams have been successful in reducing spread.

Experts continue to urge people to, remain cautious,&nbsp;as the country approaches the next stage of the roadmap, with June 21 scheduled as a date for an end of all lockdown restrictions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-coronavirus-variants-are-coming-warn-scientists-behind-modernas-covid-vaccine-388394">'New coronavirus variants are coming', warn scientists behind Moderna's Covid vaccine</a>

"Variant cases are on the increase in several areas and it is absolutely crucial that everyone plays their part in preventing their spread," PHE said.

In Bolton, local teams have gone door to door in targeted areas on consecutive weekends to distribute test kits, share vital safety messages and encourage people to get the vaccine at a local drop-in centre.

Take up of both testing and the vaccine was described as "positive".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-vaccine-passport-plans-to-be-scrapped-the-telegraph-388486">UK vaccine passport plans to be scrapped: The Telegraph</a>

Blackburn with Darwen has also seen local teams making door-to-door visits, and over 10,000 additional PCR tests have been given out.

Mobile testing units have been deployed to the area and wastewater sampling continues, in order to track the spread of the variant.

PHE said its health protection teams continue to work with local authorities and schools to carry out surveillance of COVID-19 cases in schools to understand and reduce transmission in these settings.&nbsp;

The Delta variant of COVID-19, or the B1.617.2 highly transmissible variant of concern (VOC) first identified in India, has now become the dominant VOC in the UK as infections rose by 5,472 in a week to hit a total of 12,431, health officials in Britain said on Thursday.

The Delta variant of COVID-19, or the B1.617.2 highly transmissible variant of concern (VOC) first identified in India, has now become the dominant VOC in the UK as infections rose by 5,472 in a week to hit a total of 12,431, health officials in Britain said on Thursday. Public Health England (PHE), which monitors all COVID variants in the country, said that experts now believe that Delta has now overtaken Alpha; the VOC first detected in the Kent region of England. Also Read | EU agrees to add Japan to safe travel list, holds off on Britain over concerns of Delta variant PHE also said that early evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of hospitalisation with Delta compared to Alpha, although more data is needed to have a more definitive view on that. "With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible," said Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency. "The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of COVID-19 as a whole. Work from home where you can, and practice 'hands, face, space, fresh air' at all times. If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be vaccinated and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives," she said. Also Read | 'Signs of an early wave': UK grapples with unlock measures amid third wave fears According to the breakdown of official figures, this week 278 people with the Delta variant attended hospital in an emergency. Last week, 201 people attended the hospital. "Once again, the majority of these had not been vaccinated," PHE said. The areas most affected by the Delta variant remain in the northwest of England with Bolton, where cases have risen by 795 to 2149, and Blackburn with Darwen which has seen 368 new cases, bringing it to 724 in total. Also Read | Britain seeks extra AstraZeneca shots to combat Beta COVID-19 variant PHE said there are 'encouraging signs' that the transmission rate in Bolton has begun to fall and that the actions taken by residents and local authority teams have been successful in reducing spread. Experts continue to urge people to, remain cautious, as the country approaches the next stage of the roadmap, with June 21 scheduled as a date for an end of all lockdown restrictions. Also Read | 'New coronavirus variants are coming', warn scientists behind Moderna's Covid vaccine "Variant cases are on the increase in several areas and it is absolutely crucial that everyone plays their part in preventing their spread," PHE said. In Bolton, local teams have gone door to door in targeted areas on consecutive weekends to distribute test kits, share vital safety messages and encourage people to get the vaccine at a local drop-in centre. Take up of both testing and the vaccine was described as "positive". Also Read | UK vaccine passport plans to be scrapped: The Telegraph Blackburn with Darwen has also seen local teams making door-to-door visits, and over 10,000 additional PCR tests have been given out. Mobile testing units have been deployed to the area and wastewater sampling continues, in order to track the spread of the variant. PHE said its health protection teams continue to work with local authorities and schools to carry out surveillance of COVID-19 cases in schools to understand and reduce transmission in these settings.

Covid-19 Delta variant now dominant in UK as cases rise by 5,472 in a week

Australia's&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;state authorities said on Friday they had detected the highly infectious&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;virus&nbsp;variant&nbsp;for the&nbsp;first&nbsp;time&nbsp;in the&nbsp;latest&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;in Melbourne, stoking concerns of a major spike in&nbsp;cases.

"That&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant, it is now infamous in India and increasingly found in the United Kingdom. It is a&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of significant concern,"&nbsp;Victoria&nbsp;state Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/only-one-of-three-strains-of-b1617-variant-now-a-variant-of-concern-who-388917">Only one of three strains of B.1.617 variant now a 'variant of concern': WHO</a>

Sutton said the new&nbsp;variant&nbsp;had not been linked to any sequenced&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infection&nbsp;cases&nbsp;across Australia from hotel quarantine or elsewhere.

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In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that he had agreed with the&nbsp;Victorian government to develop a new quarantine facility in Melbourne, and wanted to see mandatory <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> for aged care workers across the country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

Four new locally acquired&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were reported on Friday, versus three a day earlier.

Australia's Victoria state authorities said on Friday they had detected the highly infectious Delta COVID-19 virus variant for the first time in the latest outbreak in Melbourne, stoking concerns of a major spike in cases.

Australia's Victoria state authorities said on Friday they had detected the highly infectious Delta COVID-19 virus variant for the first time in the latest outbreak in Melbourne, stoking concerns of a major spike in cases. "That variant is the Delta variant, it is now infamous in India and increasingly found in the United Kingdom. It is a variant of significant concern," Victoria state Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton told reporters in Melbourne. Also Read | Only one of three strains of B.1.617 variant now a 'variant of concern': WHO Sutton said the new variant had not been linked to any sequenced COVID-19 infection cases across Australia from hotel quarantine or elsewhere. In Canberra, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that he had agreed with the Victorian government to develop a new quarantine facility in Melbourne, and wanted to see mandatory vaccination for aged care workers across the country. Also Read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases Four new locally acquired cases were reported on Friday, versus three a day earlier.

Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said.

Proposals to initiate text-based discussions on an IP waiver, rather than more general talks, gained traction at an informal meeting of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights (TRIPS) council, the official said.

The United States, China, Ukraine and New Zealand have thrown their weight behind the bid to waive certain TRIPS provisions relating to the medical prevention, containment or treatment tools needed to battle Covid-19, said the official.

However, some members "continued to express doubts about the convenience of starting negotiations and asked for more time" to analyse the proposal, the official said.

They included the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Japan, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.

Agreements at the WTO require the consensus backing of all 164 member states.

India and South Africa came forward with the original idea in October. They have submitted a revised proposal, which currently has the express support of 63 WTO members.

The new text which they and other backers have circulated says the waiver should apply not only to vaccines, but to treatments, diagnostics, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them.

It also says the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which the WTO's General Council should determine whether it should be prolonged.

Differences in IP importance

The trade official said differences continued on the question of whether, and to what extent, IP protection was holding up the goal of beating the pandemic, and about the use and potential improvement of existing flexibilities within the TRIPS terms.

Questions were also raised on the duration and termination of the proposed waiver, the official said.

The United States said it was open to text-based talks on any proposal that could address the immediate need for increased vaccine production and distribution, the official said.

China said that as the initial proposal had been laid down in October, it was time to move to the next stage, the official added.

Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya were among the countries that expressed the need to start negotiations, said the official.

Meanwhile, the EU said the immediate goal should be ramping up production alongside measures such as lifting export restrictions for vaccine ingredients.

Switzerland, also home to major pharmaceutical firms, said WTO members should explore ways to use the flexibilities within TRIPS rather than waiving them all together, the trade official said.

The TRIPS Council will hold a formal meeting on June 8-9.

More than 1.9 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been injected in at least 213 territories around the world, according to an AFP count.

Just 0.3 per cent have been administered in the 29 lowest-income countries, home to nine per cent of the world's population.

Proponents argue the temporary removal of IP rights will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access.

That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation.

The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for vaccines, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said.

The EU, Britain and Japan continued to voice doubts at the WTO on Monday about a proposed intellectual property waiver on Covid-19 products such as vaccines, a Geneva trade official said. Proposals to initiate text-based discussions on an IP waiver, rather than more general talks, gained traction at an informal meeting of the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of IP Rights (TRIPS) council, the official said. The United States, China, Ukraine and New Zealand have thrown their weight behind the bid to waive certain TRIPS provisions relating to the medical prevention, containment or treatment tools needed to battle Covid-19, said the official. However, some members "continued to express doubts about the convenience of starting negotiations and asked for more time" to analyse the proposal, the official said. They included the European Union, Australia, Brazil, Britain, Japan, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan. Agreements at the WTO require the consensus backing of all 164 member states. India and South Africa came forward with the original idea in October. They have submitted a revised proposal, which currently has the express support of 63 WTO members. The new text which they and other backers have circulated says the waiver should apply not only to vaccines, but to treatments, diagnostics, medical devices and protective equipment, along with the material and components needed to produce them. It also says the waiver should last for "at least three years" from the date it takes effect, following which the WTO's General Council should determine whether it should be prolonged. Differences in IP importance The trade official said differences continued on the question of whether, and to what extent, IP protection was holding up the goal of beating the pandemic, and about the use and potential improvement of existing flexibilities within the TRIPS terms. Questions were also raised on the duration and termination of the proposed waiver, the official said. The United States said it was open to text-based talks on any proposal that could address the immediate need for increased vaccine production and distribution, the official said. China said that as the initial proposal had been laid down in October, it was time to move to the next stage, the official added. Pakistan, Argentina, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia and Kenya were among the countries that expressed the need to start negotiations, said the official. Meanwhile, the EU said the immediate goal should be ramping up production alongside measures such as lifting export restrictions for vaccine ingredients. Switzerland, also home to major pharmaceutical firms, said WTO members should explore ways to use the flexibilities within TRIPS rather than waiving them all together, the trade official said. The TRIPS Council will hold a formal meeting on June 8-9. More than 1.9 billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been injected in at least 213 territories around the world, according to an AFP count. Just 0.3 per cent have been administered in the 29 lowest-income countries, home to nine per cent of the world's population. Proponents argue the temporary removal of IP rights will boost production in developing countries and address the dramatic inequity in access. That notion has long met with fierce opposition from pharmaceutical giants and their host countries, which insisted patents were not the main roadblocks to scaling up production and warned the move could hamper innovation. The positions appeared to shift earlier this month, when Washington came out in support of a global patent waiver for vaccines, with other long-time opponents voicing openness to discuss the matter.

European Union and UK raise doubts about COVID-19 vaccine patent waiver 

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/millions-face-hunger-in-myanmar-as-food-shortage-deepens-387966">Millions face hunger in Myanmar as food shortage deepens</a>

Myanmar has so far reported 143,571 COVID-19 cases and 3,216 deaths in the country.

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Myanmar`s military junta today also announced the extension of its "non-operation period" against ethnic armed groups to the end of June.

All military operations will be suspended across the country except for the period when security and administrative machinery of the government in addition to state defence and administrative measures are encroached on, the military said in a statement.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-economy-to-shrink-by-10-this-year-as-protests-swell-world-bank-373213">Myanmar's economy to shrink by 10% this year as protests swell: World Bank</a>

The extension is meant to facilitate talks with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory ethnic armed organizations, according to the statement.

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Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar due to the February 1 military coup, people are facing a shortage of cash and rising prices of goods and services as they are withdrawing their savings from banks out of concern for the future.

Four months into military rule since the military coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and with a weakening local currency, the junta has yet to rein in the economic woes precipitated by the power grab, reported Kyodo News.

So far, more than 800 people have died in Myanmar since the military took over the elected government.

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Myanmar on Sunday extended the suspension period of international commercial flights to the end of June due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Transport and Communications also announced the extension of the effective period for temporary measures to prevent the importation of COVID-19 to the country through air travel which will end on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. Also Read | Millions face hunger in Myanmar as food shortage deepens Myanmar has so far reported 143,571 COVID-19 cases and 3,216 deaths in the country. Myanmar`s military junta today also announced the extension of its "non-operation period" against ethnic armed groups to the end of June. All military operations will be suspended across the country except for the period when security and administrative machinery of the government in addition to state defence and administrative measures are encroached on, the military said in a statement. Also Read | Myanmar's economy to shrink by 10% this year as protests swell: World Bank The extension is meant to facilitate talks with the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) signatory ethnic armed organizations, according to the statement. Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar due to the February 1 military coup, people are facing a shortage of cash and rising prices of goods and services as they are withdrawing their savings from banks out of concern for the future. Four months into military rule since the military coup that ousted the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, and with a weakening local currency, the junta has yet to rein in the economic woes precipitated by the power grab, reported Kyodo News. So far, more than 800 people have died in Myanmar since the military took over the elected government.

Myanmar extends suspension of international flights till June end

Memorial Day weekend is underway in the United States, and things are decidedly different for travellers than they were a year ago.

More than half of all adults in the United States have now been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A federal mandate requires travellers in aeroplanes or on public transportation to wear masks, although most airlines then were asking passengers to wear them. And many, many more people are likely to leave town for the holiday this year than in 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Darby LaJoye, the acting administrator at the Transportation Security Administration, said that the number of travellers at US airports has been increasing steadily during the spring, reaching nearly 1.9 million last Sunday, nearly eight times the figure for May 17, the comparable Sunday in 2020.

On Friday, the number of daily travellers topped 1.9 million, a level of travel not seen since March 2020, according to agency data released Saturday. The TSA predicted that airports would probably see 2 million passengers in a day over the holiday weekend, the latest crest in the recent waves of returning travellers. LaJoye said that the increasing number of passengers could lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coming-soon-the-vaccine-passport-362262">Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’</a>

AAA, the automobile owners group, predicted earlier this month that, all told, more than 37 million people would travel 50 miles or more from Thursday to Monday, a 60 per cent increase from last year, though still 9 per cent below 2019. A great majority will travel by car.

“We will continue to see a very steady increase as we approach the summer travel season,” LaJoye said. “As vaccinations continue to rise and confidence continues to build, the nation’s planes, trains, buses and roads are going to be heavily traveled.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-safe-to-fly-during-the-pandemic-answers-from-the-experts-345896">Is it safe to fly during the pandemic? Answers from the experts</a>

To help control the spread of the virus, the TSA has erected acrylic barriers, installed new machines allowing some passengers to scan their own documents and adjusted the rules to allow passengers to have up to 12 ounces of hand sanitiser in their carry-on bags.

A year ago in the United States, there was no authorized coronavirus vaccine, mask requirements were left up to local officials and individual carriers, and air traffic was sparse.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-eases-travel-advisories-for-uk-israel-384211">US State Department eases travel advisories for UK, Israel</a>&nbsp;

Now, people 12 or older can get vaccinated, and those who choose to travel have a sense of their own safety that even the boldest voyagers last year did not. (Still, travelling, and many other activities, can be complicated for younger children and their families).

“Thanks to vaccines, tens of millions of Americans are able to get back to something closer to normal, visiting friends and family,” Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said this past week at a news conference.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccinated-people-can-resume-travel-at-low-risk-us-cdc-says-375133">Vaccinated people can resume travel at 'low risk', US CDC says</a>

This year’s holiday falls at a time when parts of the world, like the United States and the European Union, are progressively reopening their borders and allowing tourism to restart. But the virus continues to ravage other areas, notably India, South America and Southeast Asia, where vaccine supplies are scarce and worrisome virus variants have been detected.

As it happens, the average number of new cases being reported in the US is about the same now as it was around Memorial Day last year, about 23,000 a day, although testing was far scarcer as the pandemic initially hit. In each case, the figure had been declining from a peak in mid-April.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/citing-covid-risk-us-warns-against-travel-to-olympic-host-japan-387229">Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan</a>

Last year, reports of revellers ignoring mask and social distancing rules over the holiday weekend were legion. Within weeks of some states reopening, virus cases were starting to surge to record levels. Jumps in virus cases have been seen after other holiday weekends, Walensky noted this past week.

Now that many people have been vaccinated, any virus outbreaks in the United States after the holiday will probably look different, according to Dr Wafaa El-Sadr, a public health researcher at Columbia University. She said she was concerned about “micro-epidemics” in vulnerable areas.

“We could potentially see these surges focused in specific communities where there’s low vaccination rates and low masking rates,” El-Sadr said.

Memorial Day weekend is underway in the United States, and things are decidedly different for travellers than they were a year ago. More than half of all adults in the United States have now been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Memorial Day weekend is underway in the United States, and things are decidedly different for travellers than they were a year ago. More than half of all adults in the United States have now been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A federal mandate requires travellers in aeroplanes or on public transportation to wear masks, although most airlines then were asking passengers to wear them. And many, many more people are likely to leave town for the holiday this year than in 2020. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Darby LaJoye, the acting administrator at the Transportation Security Administration, said that the number of travellers at US airports has been increasing steadily during the spring, reaching nearly 1.9 million last Sunday, nearly eight times the figure for May 17, the comparable Sunday in 2020. On Friday, the number of daily travellers topped 1.9 million, a level of travel not seen since March 2020, according to agency data released Saturday. The TSA predicted that airports would probably see 2 million passengers in a day over the holiday weekend, the latest crest in the recent waves of returning travellers. LaJoye said that the increasing number of passengers could lead to longer wait times at security checkpoints. Also Read | Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’ AAA, the automobile owners group, predicted earlier this month that, all told, more than 37 million people would travel 50 miles or more from Thursday to Monday, a 60 per cent increase from last year, though still 9 per cent below 2019. A great majority will travel by car. “We will continue to see a very steady increase as we approach the summer travel season,” LaJoye said. “As vaccinations continue to rise and confidence continues to build, the nation’s planes, trains, buses and roads are going to be heavily traveled.” Also Read | Is it safe to fly during the pandemic? Answers from the experts To help control the spread of the virus, the TSA has erected acrylic barriers, installed new machines allowing some passengers to scan their own documents and adjusted the rules to allow passengers to have up to 12 ounces of hand sanitiser in their carry-on bags. A year ago in the United States, there was no authorized coronavirus vaccine, mask requirements were left up to local officials and individual carriers, and air traffic was sparse. Also Read | US State Department eases travel advisories for UK, Israel Now, people 12 or older can get vaccinated, and those who choose to travel have a sense of their own safety that even the boldest voyagers last year did not. (Still, travelling, and many other activities, can be complicated for younger children and their families). “Thanks to vaccines, tens of millions of Americans are able to get back to something closer to normal, visiting friends and family,” Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said this past week at a news conference. Also Read | Vaccinated people can resume travel at 'low risk', US CDC says This year’s holiday falls at a time when parts of the world, like the United States and the European Union, are progressively reopening their borders and allowing tourism to restart. But the virus continues to ravage other areas, notably India, South America and Southeast Asia, where vaccine supplies are scarce and worrisome virus variants have been detected. As it happens, the average number of new cases being reported in the US is about the same now as it was around Memorial Day last year, about 23,000 a day, although testing was far scarcer as the pandemic initially hit. In each case, the figure had been declining from a peak in mid-April. Also Read | Citing Covid risk, US warns against travel to Olympic host Japan Last year, reports of revellers ignoring mask and social distancing rules over the holiday weekend were legion. Within weeks of some states reopening, virus cases were starting to surge to record levels. Jumps in virus cases have been seen after other holiday weekends, Walensky noted this past week. Now that many people have been vaccinated, any virus outbreaks in the United States after the holiday will probably look different, according to Dr Wafaa El-Sadr, a public health researcher at Columbia University. She said she was concerned about “micro-epidemics” in vulnerable areas. “We could potentially see these surges focused in specific communities where there’s low vaccination rates and low masking rates,” El-Sadr said.

Here’s how holiday weekend travel in the US will be different from 2020

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

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WHO director-general&nbsp;Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to donate&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all&nbsp;countries&nbsp;by September, and 30 per cent by year-end.

Tedros&nbsp;also called on&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;manufacturers to give COVAX the first right of refusal on new volumes of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> or to commit 50 per cent of their volumes to COVAX this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in vaccine distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged countries to donate vaccine doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all countries by September, and 30 per cent by year-end.

The COVID-19 pandemic is being perpetuated by a "scandalous inequity" in vaccine distribution, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing its annual ministerial assembly, urged countries to donate vaccine doses to the COVAX mechanism to inoculate 10 per cent of populations of all countries by September, and 30 per cent by year-end. Tedros also called on vaccine manufacturers to give COVAX the first right of refusal on new volumes of vaccines or to commit 50 per cent of their volumes to COVAX this year.

WHO's Tedros urges countries and drug makers to get more vaccine to poorer countries

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised a monoclonal antibody drug against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir, which claims to reduce hospitalisation and death among <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Coronavirus</a> patients by 85 per cent and is also effective against the variants. 
 
The drug Sotrovimab has been given an emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kg.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeking-a-pill-to-cure-covid-drugmakers-eye-alternative-to-vaccines-387717">Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines</a> 
 
The drug has shown positive results among patients 65 years of age and older or individuals who have certain medical conditions and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation or death. 
 
Laboratory tests have shown that Sotrovimab is able to neutralise the current circulating variants of Covid first reported in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, California, New York and India.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/black-fungus-drug-amphotericin-b-to-be-priced-at-rs-1200-for-each-vial-in-india-387750">Black fungus drug Amphotericin B to be priced at Rs 1200 for each vial in India</a> 
 
"With the authorisation of this monoclonal antibody treatment, we are providing another option to help keep high-risk patients with COVID-19 out of the hospital," Patrizia Cavazzoni, Director of the FDA`s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement on Wednesday. 
 
"It is important to expand the arsenal of monoclonal antibody therapies that are expected to retain activity against the circulating variants of COVID-19 in the United States," Cavazzoni added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modernas-single-dose-vaccine-in-india-likely-next-year-pfizer-ready-with-50-mn-doses-for-2021-387438">Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021</a> 
 
However, Sotrovimab is not authorised for patients who are hospitalised due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy due to the disease, the FDA said. 
 
This treatment has not shown benefit in patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 and monoclonal antibodies may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalised patients requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-is-troubled-with-fresh-covid-wave-a-drug-and-therapy-bring-hope-379586">As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope</a> 
 
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system`s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody that is specifically directed against the spike protein of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">SARS-CoV-2</a> and is designed to block the virus` attachment and entry into human cells. 
 
The EUA is based on an interim analysis from a Phase 1/2/3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in 583 non-hospitalised adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drug-prevents-coronavirus-infection-in-nursing-homes-maker-claims-358546">Drug prevents coronavirus infection in nursing homes, maker claims</a> 
 
Of these patients, 291 received Sotrovimab and 292 received placebo within five days of onset of COVID-19 symptoms. The primary endpoint was progression of COVID-19 (defined as hospitalisation for greater than 24 hours for acute management of any illness or death from any cause) through day 29. 
 
Hospitalisation or death occurred in 21 (7 per cent) patients who received placebo compared to 3 (1 per cent) patients treated with Sotrovimab, an 85 per cent reduction.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-emergency-use-authorisation-to-regeneron-covid-19-antibodies-344588">US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies</a> 
 
The drug will be distributed and administered as a 500 milligram single dose intravenously by health care providers. Potential side effects of Sotrovimab include anaphylaxis and infusion-related reactions, rash and diarrhoea, the FDA said.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised a monoclonal antibody drug against COVID-19, developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir, which claims to reduce hospitalisation and death among Coronavirus patients by 85 per cent and is also effective against the variants.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorised a monoclonal antibody drug against COVID-19, developed by GlaxoSmithKline and Vir, which claims to reduce hospitalisation and death among Coronavirus patients by 85 per cent and is also effective against the variants. The drug Sotrovimab has been given an emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and children 12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kg. Also Read | Seeking a pill to cure Covid: Drugmakers eye alternative to vaccines The drug has shown positive results among patients 65 years of age and older or individuals who have certain medical conditions and are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalisation or death. Laboratory tests have shown that Sotrovimab is able to neutralise the current circulating variants of Covid first reported in the UK, South Africa, Brazil, California, New York and India. Also Read | Black fungus drug Amphotericin B to be priced at Rs 1200 for each vial in India "With the authorisation of this monoclonal antibody treatment, we are providing another option to help keep high-risk patients with COVID-19 out of the hospital," Patrizia Cavazzoni, Director of the FDA`s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement on Wednesday. "It is important to expand the arsenal of monoclonal antibody therapies that are expected to retain activity against the circulating variants of COVID-19 in the United States," Cavazzoni added. Also Read | Moderna's single-dose vaccine in India likely next year; Pfizer ready with 50 mn doses for 2021 However, Sotrovimab is not authorised for patients who are hospitalised due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy due to the disease, the FDA said. This treatment has not shown benefit in patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 and monoclonal antibodies may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when administered to hospitalised patients requiring high flow oxygen or mechanical ventilation. Also Read | As India is troubled with fresh Covid wave, a drug and therapy bring hope Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system`s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses. Sotrovimab is a monoclonal antibody that is specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and is designed to block the virus` attachment and entry into human cells. The EUA is based on an interim analysis from a Phase 1/2/3 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials in 583 non-hospitalised adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms and a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. Also Read | Drug prevents coronavirus infection in nursing homes, maker claims Of these patients, 291 received Sotrovimab and 292 received placebo within five days of onset of COVID-19 symptoms. The primary endpoint was progression of COVID-19 (defined as hospitalisation for greater than 24 hours for acute management of any illness or death from any cause) through day 29. Hospitalisation or death occurred in 21 (7 per cent) patients who received placebo compared to 3 (1 per cent) patients treated with Sotrovimab, an 85 per cent reduction. Also Read | US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies The drug will be distributed and administered as a 500 milligram single dose intravenously by health care providers. Potential side effects of Sotrovimab include anaphylaxis and infusion-related reactions, rash and diarrhoea, the FDA said.

US FDA authorises GSK-Vir monoclonal antibody drug for Covid

The French city of&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly&nbsp;50&nbsp;people tested positive for a "very&nbsp;rare"&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, health authorities told AFP on Friday.

All adult residents of the city's northern Bacalan neighbourhood will be granted "unconditional" access to jabs, "this weekend or at worst early next week", said Patrick Dehail, medical advisor to the regional health authority.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-1676-mn-387421">Global COVID-19 caseload tops 167.6&nbsp;mn</a>

"We are working with the (health) ministry to obtain the&nbsp;extra&nbsp;doses required," Dehail said, adding that the boosted local effort will then be expanded to the wider&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;area.

"We are talking about a&nbsp;variant&nbsp;that has already been identified at the national level but which has been&nbsp;very&nbsp;rare&nbsp;until now," he added.&nbsp;

At least 46 people have been infected with the&nbsp;variant&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;neighbourhood, with mass&nbsp;testing&nbsp;launched Friday to track down further&nbsp;cases. None of those infected so far has been hospitalised.

Labelled VOC 20I/484Q, the strain is related to the British&nbsp;variant&nbsp;of COVID-19, but with an additional mutation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-covid-19-virus-variants-respond-to-approved-vaccines-who-386258">All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO</a>

This mutation, (E484K), is also carried by the South African and Brazilian variants and is suspected of reducing the immunity acquired by either past infection or by some vaccines.

However, Dehail said there was as yet "no reason" to suggest that the&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is resistant to mRNA vaccines such as those made by Pfizer or Moderna, or that it causes a more serious form of COVID-19.

The&nbsp;variant&nbsp;has been detected in the northern Paris region as well as&nbsp;Bordeaux&nbsp;in southwest&nbsp;France.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/for-coffee-paris-cafes-and-restaurants-reopen-after-covid-lockdown-386242">'For coffee!': Paris cafes and restaurants reopen after covid lockdown</a>

In&nbsp;France&nbsp;as a whole, vaccinations have so far been limited to the&nbsp;over-50s, although people outside this age group can book unused slots advertised at short notice. All adults will be eligible for vaccinations in&nbsp;France&nbsp;from May 31.

The French city of Bordeaux will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly 50 people tested positive for a "very rare" variant of COVID-19, health authorities told AFP on Friday.

The French city of Bordeaux will fast-track vaccinations for residents in one neighbourhood after nearly 50 people tested positive for a "very rare" variant of COVID-19, health authorities told AFP on Friday. All adult residents of the city's northern Bacalan neighbourhood will be granted "unconditional" access to jabs, "this weekend or at worst early next week", said Patrick Dehail, medical advisor to the regional health authority. Also Read | Global COVID-19 caseload tops 167.6 mn "We are working with the (health) ministry to obtain the extra doses required," Dehail said, adding that the boosted local effort will then be expanded to the wider Bordeaux area. "We are talking about a variant that has already been identified at the national level but which has been very rare until now," he added. At least 46 people have been infected with the variant in the Bordeaux neighbourhood, with mass testing launched Friday to track down further cases. None of those infected so far has been hospitalised. Labelled VOC 20I/484Q, the strain is related to the British variant of COVID-19, but with an additional mutation. Also Read | All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO This mutation, (E484K), is also carried by the South African and Brazilian variants and is suspected of reducing the immunity acquired by either past infection or by some vaccines. However, Dehail said there was as yet "no reason" to suggest that the variant is resistant to mRNA vaccines such as those made by Pfizer or Moderna, or that it causes a more serious form of COVID-19. The variant has been detected in the northern Paris region as well as Bordeaux in southwest France. Also Read | 'For coffee!': Paris cafes and restaurants reopen after covid lockdown In France as a whole, vaccinations have so far been limited to the over-50s, although people outside this age group can book unused slots advertised at short notice. All adults will be eligible for vaccinations in France from May 31.

Covid in France: Race to vaccinate in Bordeaux as rare variant detected

India is perhaps facing the biggest humanitarian challenge after the Independence because of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic and the Indian Navy will collectively rise to confront the adversity facing the nation, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In a message to Navy personnel, Admiral Singh said the Navy will step up its outreach in extending medical assistance as the pandemic is spreading to rural India and people residing in those areas are in need of help.

"This is an unprecedented situation for us. This is perhaps the biggest humanitarian challenge to the country to date since independence," he said.

"I think, possibly, there is no one among us, who doesn't have someone in the family, or someone very close to us, who has not been COVID positive, or hospitalised, or worse still, succumbed to the disease," the Navy chief said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-wave-in-india-death-toll-rises-as-active-cases-dip-384608">Second wave in India: Death toll rises as active cases dip</a>&nbsp;

The chief of naval staff said that the force has to contribute back to the nation with its "full might" in these "difficult times".

"No one knows when the pandemic will end. But I can say, with utmost confidence that our courage, our determination, will never end. We will collectively rise as 'Team Navy' in this adversity, and do our best for the nation, for the Navy and for our communities," Admiral Singh said.

"I am proud of what has been achieved in the last few weeks, especially by our healthcare teams and our operational units. I look forward to continuing this effort and supporting our country in these difficult times," he said.

The Navy chief said all the Navy teams are putting their shoulder to the wheel to support the national effort.

"At this time, I see two priorities for the Navy; first, to contribute fully to the national effort, and second, to protect our communities, our defence civilians, our ex-servicemen, and all their families in every way," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-covid-crisis-international-assistance-delivered-at-aiims-safdarjung-lady-harding-itbp-drdo-383784">India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO</a>

The Navy has been vigorously supporting civilian authorities in several states to deal with the fast-spreading coronavirus cases, including through setting up of dedicated health facilities to treat people with COVID-19.

The Navy has already launched a mega operation to bring liquid medical oxygen from several countries in Persian Gulf and south-east Asia.

"The pandemic is spreading to rural areas and they are in need of help. Our outlying units could adopt a village and render assistance just like INS Chilka has done," he said.

India is perhaps facing the biggest humanitarian challenge after the Independence because of the coronavirus pandemic and the Indian Navy will collectively rise to confront the adversity facing the nation, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on Wednesday.

India is perhaps facing the biggest humanitarian challenge after the Independence because of the coronavirus pandemic and the Indian Navy will collectively rise to confront the adversity facing the nation, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh said on Wednesday. In a message to Navy personnel, Admiral Singh said the Navy will step up its outreach in extending medical assistance as the pandemic is spreading to rural India and people residing in those areas are in need of help. "This is an unprecedented situation for us. This is perhaps the biggest humanitarian challenge to the country to date since independence," he said. "I think, possibly, there is no one among us, who doesn't have someone in the family, or someone very close to us, who has not been COVID positive, or hospitalised, or worse still, succumbed to the disease," the Navy chief said. Also read | Second wave in India: Death toll rises as active cases dip The chief of naval staff said that the force has to contribute back to the nation with its "full might" in these "difficult times". "No one knows when the pandemic will end. But I can say, with utmost confidence that our courage, our determination, will never end. We will collectively rise as 'Team Navy' in this adversity, and do our best for the nation, for the Navy and for our communities," Admiral Singh said. "I am proud of what has been achieved in the last few weeks, especially by our healthcare teams and our operational units. I look forward to continuing this effort and supporting our country in these difficult times," he said. The Navy chief said all the Navy teams are putting their shoulder to the wheel to support the national effort. "At this time, I see two priorities for the Navy; first, to contribute fully to the national effort, and second, to protect our communities, our defence civilians, our ex-servicemen, and all their families in every way," he said. Also read | India covid crisis: International assistance delivered at AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lady Harding, ITBP, DRDO The Navy has been vigorously supporting civilian authorities in several states to deal with the fast-spreading coronavirus cases, including through setting up of dedicated health facilities to treat people with COVID-19. The Navy has already launched a mega operation to bring liquid medical oxygen from several countries in Persian Gulf and south-east Asia. "The pandemic is spreading to rural areas and they are in need of help. Our outlying units could adopt a village and render assistance just like INS Chilka has done," he said.

Will contribute with 'full might' in difficult times: Navy chief on COVID-19

The&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;on Wednesday banned&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;from across&nbsp;South&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;in a bid to contain surging <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infections despite having one of the world's most successful vaccination roll-outs.

Sri Lanka and other countries in the region have also imposed travel restrictions as they battle a new wave of the&nbsp;virus&nbsp;that has hit India and its neighbours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bans-travellers-from-india-with-immediate-effect-383172">Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect</a>

The&nbsp;Maldives, whose economy relies on tourists visiting its pristine atolls, has suffered a more than 15-fold increase in daily infections in the past week.

The Indian Ocean nation, which halted international flights for more than three months last year, saw a record single-day rise of 1,500&nbsp;cases&nbsp;on Tuesday, compared with less than 100 just one month ago.

Authorities said tourist arrivals from the key Indian market and other&nbsp;South&nbsp;Asian countries would stop from Thursday. They have already banned the entry of foreign labourers from around&nbsp;South&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;except for health workers.

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"These restrictions apply to&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka,"&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;Immigration said in a statement.

Anyone who has only transited through&nbsp;South&nbsp;Asia&nbsp;would also be included, it added.

Indians have been the largest single group of visitors to the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;this year. Bollywood stars such as Alia Bhatt and her partner Ranbir Kapoor are among celebrities to have been pictured using the country as an escape from the pandemic.

Travellers&nbsp;from other countries are still permitted to travel to the&nbsp;Maldives&nbsp;with a negative coronavirus test but are not allowed to have contact with the local population.

A curfew from 9 pm to 4 am has been extended to start at 4 pm as part of measures to counter the&nbsp;virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-imposes-night-curfew-after-steep-jump-in-covid-19-infections-383421">Maldives imposes night curfew after steep jump in COVID-19 infections</a>

Neighbouring Sri Lanka has also announced a night curfew until the end of the month and ordered a three-day shutdown from Friday as part of its anti-virus&nbsp;campaign.

People have been banned from travelling outside of their home provinces after medical experts warned Sri Lanka's healthcare system could collapse unless immediate lockdown measures were implemented.

About 60 per cent of the&nbsp;Maldives' resident population of 515,000 has received a shot, one of the world's highest figures, but less than a quarter have had two injections, a top UN official said.

But the UN Resident Coordinator in the&nbsp;Maldives, Catherine Haswell, told AFP that more than half the population aged between 18 and 29 were yet to receive the first jab.

"At least 80 to 90 percent of the population needs to vaccinated with both doses to reach herd immunity," Haswell said.

The Maldives on Wednesday banned travellers from across South Asia in a bid to contain surging COVID-19 infections despite having one of the world's most successful vaccination roll-outs.

The Maldives on Wednesday banned travellers from across South Asia in a bid to contain surging COVID-19 infections despite having one of the world's most successful vaccination roll-outs. Sri Lanka and other countries in the region have also imposed travel restrictions as they battle a new wave of the virus that has hit India and its neighbours. Also read | Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect The Maldives, whose economy relies on tourists visiting its pristine atolls, has suffered a more than 15-fold increase in daily infections in the past week. The Indian Ocean nation, which halted international flights for more than three months last year, saw a record single-day rise of 1,500 cases on Tuesday, compared with less than 100 just one month ago. Authorities said tourist arrivals from the key Indian market and other South Asian countries would stop from Thursday. They have already banned the entry of foreign labourers from around South Asia except for health workers. "These restrictions apply to travellers originating from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka," Maldives Immigration said in a statement. Anyone who has only transited through South Asia would also be included, it added. Indians have been the largest single group of visitors to the Maldives this year. Bollywood stars such as Alia Bhatt and her partner Ranbir Kapoor are among celebrities to have been pictured using the country as an escape from the pandemic. Travellers from other countries are still permitted to travel to the Maldives with a negative coronavirus test but are not allowed to have contact with the local population. A curfew from 9 pm to 4 am has been extended to start at 4 pm as part of measures to counter the virus. Also read | Maldives imposes night curfew after steep jump in COVID-19 infections Neighbouring Sri Lanka has also announced a night curfew until the end of the month and ordered a three-day shutdown from Friday as part of its anti-virus campaign. People have been banned from travelling outside of their home provinces after medical experts warned Sri Lanka's healthcare system could collapse unless immediate lockdown measures were implemented. About 60 per cent of the Maldives' resident population of 515,000 has received a shot, one of the world's highest figures, but less than a quarter have had two injections, a top UN official said. But the UN Resident Coordinator in the Maldives, Catherine Haswell, told AFP that more than half the population aged between 18 and 29 were yet to receive the first jab. "At least 80 to 90 percent of the population needs to vaccinated with both doses to reach herd immunity," Haswell said.

Maldives bans South Asia travellers as virus cases soar

Huma Qureshi will next be seen in Hollywood flick ‘Army of the Dead’ with famed director Zack Snyder. She has now joined hands with an organisation for COVID-19 relief work in Delhi and with the help of Zack, contributing towards establishing a “temporary hospital facility” to bring relief to those suffering from the disease.

Huma took to social media to make the announcement. She said, "I’ve joined hands with @savethechildren_india to help Delhi fight the pandemic. They need our help now more than ever. We are working to build a temporary hospital facility in Delhi, that will have 100 beds along with an oxygen plant.”

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She added, “The project also aims to provide medical kits to patients for treatment at home, that will include consultation with a doctor &amp; psychosocial therapist to ensure that the patient make a full recovery. Take the pledge with me, help breath life back into Delhi.”

Huma Qureshi will next be seen in Hollywood flick ‘Army of the Dead’ with famed director Zack Snyder. She has now joined hands with an organisation for COVID-19 relief work in Delhi and with the help of Zack, contributing towards establishing a “temporary hospital facility” to bring relief to those suffering from the disease.

Huma Qureshi will next be seen in Hollywood flick ‘Army of the Dead’ with famed director Zack Snyder. She has now joined hands with an organisation for COVID-19 relief work in Delhi and with the help of Zack, contributing towards establishing a “temporary hospital facility” to bring relief to those suffering from the disease. Huma took to social media to make the announcement. She said, "I’ve joined hands with @savethechildren_india to help Delhi fight the pandemic. They need our help now more than ever. We are working to build a temporary hospital facility in Delhi, that will have 100 beds along with an oxygen plant.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Huma S Qureshi (@iamhumaq) × She added, “The project also aims to provide medical kits to patients for treatment at home, that will include consultation with a doctor & psychosocial therapist to ensure that the patient make a full recovery. Take the pledge with me, help breath life back into Delhi.”

Huma Qureshi, Zack Snyder build temporary hospital facility to fight COVID-19

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