With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala.

The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent.

On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries.

&nbsp;The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million.

Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent.

As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours.

A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

With only 2,503 new Covid infections, Indian recorded its lowest single-day cases in the two years, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The death toll climbed to 5,15,877 with 27 fresh fatalities, including 15 from Kerala. The active cases dipped to 36,168, the lowest in 675 days, comprising 0.08 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate further improved to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate also stood at 0.47 per cent. On Sunday, the country registered 3,116 infections along with 47 deaths and 5,559 recoveries. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,41,449 and the case fatality rate was recorded as 1.20 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 180 million. Daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.47 per cent and weekly positivity rate at 0.47 per cent. As many as 77 million total tests have been conducted so far and 5,32,232 tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. A total of 5,15,877 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,43,752 from Maharashtra, 66,808 from Kerala, 40,018 from Karnataka, 38,023 from Tamil Nadu, 26,141 from Delhi, 23,492 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,187 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. India's COVID-19 tally surpassed the 10-million mark on December 19, 2020. The country crossed the grim milestone of 2 million on May 4 and three million on June 23 last year. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 2,503 new Covid infections, lowest single-day rise in two years

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection.

Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity.

"Our latest findings point to specific molecular targets in critical COVID-19. These results explain why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all," said Professor Kenneth Baillie, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-says-hong-kong-must-stick-to-dynamic-zero-covid-strategy-460251" hreflang="en">COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy</a>

A single genetic variant disrupting a key messenger molecule in immune system signalling, called interferon alpha-10 was enough to increase a patient's risk of severe disease, according to the <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-022-04576-6">study published in the journal Nature</a>.

This points to the gene's crucial role in the immune system. It may suggest that treating patients with interferon, a protein released by immune cells to protect against viruses, in the early stages of infection may be beneficial.

Furthermore, the study found that variations in genes that control the levels of a vital component of blood clotting, known as Factor 8, are associated with critical illness in COVID-19.

Some of the abnormal clotting seen in severe cases of COVID-19 may be explained by this. According to researchers, factor 8 underlies the most common type of haemophilia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-weekly-child-covid-cases-in-us-drop-below-100k-for-1st-time-460200" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time</a>

"It is now true to say that we understand the mechanisms of Covid better than the other syndromes we treat in intensive care in normal times -- sepsis, flu, and other forms of critical illness. COVID-19 is showing us the way to tackle those problems in the future," Baillie said.

Researchers sequenced the genomes of 7,491 patients from 224 intensive care units in the UK for the study.

The DNA of these people was compared with that of 48,400 other people who had not suffered from COVID-19, and 1,630 people who had suffered mild Covid.

As a result of obtaining the whole genome sequence for each participant in the study, the researchers were able to create a precise map and identify genetic variations that contribute to the severity of COVID-19.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong: Shipping containers hired to store dead bodies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-shipping-containers-hired-to-store-dead-bodies-460391/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The team found 16 genes that differed in the DNA of the ICU patients from the DNA of the other groups.

A total of seven other genetic variations associated with severe COVID-19 have also been confirmed in earlier studies by the same team.

The findings could lead to new tests and treatments to help protect the public from this virus, the team said.

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity.

Researchers in the UK have discovered 16 new genetic variants that can increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Some of the genes are associated with blood clotting, immune response, and inflammation intensity. "Our latest findings point to specific molecular targets in critical COVID-19. These results explain why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all," said Professor Kenneth Baillie, Consultant in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Also read | COVID-19: China says Hong Kong must stick to 'dynamic zero' COVID strategy A single genetic variant disrupting a key messenger molecule in immune system signalling, called interferon alpha-10 was enough to increase a patient's risk of severe disease, according to the study published in the journal Nature. This points to the gene's crucial role in the immune system. It may suggest that treating patients with interferon, a protein released by immune cells to protect against viruses, in the early stages of infection may be beneficial. Furthermore, the study found that variations in genes that control the levels of a vital component of blood clotting, known as Factor 8, are associated with critical illness in COVID-19. Some of the abnormal clotting seen in severe cases of COVID-19 may be explained by this. According to researchers, factor 8 underlies the most common type of haemophilia. Also read | COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time "It is now true to say that we understand the mechanisms of Covid better than the other syndromes we treat in intensive care in normal times -- sepsis, flu, and other forms of critical illness. COVID-19 is showing us the way to tackle those problems in the future," Baillie said. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 7,491 patients from 224 intensive care units in the UK for the study. The DNA of these people was compared with that of 48,400 other people who had not suffered from COVID-19, and 1,630 people who had suffered mild Covid. As a result of obtaining the whole genome sequence for each participant in the study, the researchers were able to create a precise map and identify genetic variations that contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong: Shipping containers hired to store dead bodies The team found 16 genes that differed in the DNA of the ICU patients from the DNA of the other groups. A total of seven other genetic variations associated with severe COVID-19 have also been confirmed in earlier studies by the same team. The findings could lead to new tests and treatments to help protect the public from this virus, the team said.

This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all

China&nbsp;reported&nbsp;195&nbsp;new&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in the&nbsp;mainland&nbsp;for Feb.&nbsp;19, up from&nbsp;137&nbsp;cases&nbsp;a&nbsp;day&nbsp;earlier, the health authority said on Sunday.

Ninety-four of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;infections were imported, the National Health Commission said in a statement, while 101 were locally transmitted, compared with 80 a&nbsp;day&nbsp;earlier. There were no&nbsp;new&nbsp;deaths.

China&nbsp;also reported 39&nbsp;new&nbsp;asymptomatic patients, compared with 37 a&nbsp;day&nbsp;earlier.&nbsp;China&nbsp;does not classify asymptomatic&nbsp;cases&nbsp;as confirmed&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases.

As of Saturday,&nbsp;mainland&nbsp;China&nbsp;had 107,707 confirmed coronavirus infections, while the&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;death toll remained at 4,636, it said.

China reported 195 new COVID-19 cases in the mainland for Feb. 19, up from 137 cases a day earlier, the health authority said on Sunday. Ninety-four of the new infections were imported, the National Health Commission said in a statement, while 101 were locally transmitted, compared with 80 a day earlier.

China reported 195 new COVID-19 cases in the mainland for Feb. 19, up from 137 cases a day earlier, the health authority said on Sunday. Ninety-four of the new infections were imported, the National Health Commission said in a statement, while 101 were locally transmitted, compared with 80 a day earlier. There were no new deaths. China also reported 39 new asymptomatic patients, compared with 37 a day earlier. China does not classify asymptomatic cases as confirmed COVID-19 cases. As of Saturday, mainland China had 107,707 confirmed coronavirus infections, while the COVID-19 death toll remained at 4,636, it said.

Mainland China reports 195 new COVID-19 cases vs 137 a day earlier

Hong Kong is battling a resurgent Covid wave as the officials on Thursday reported that cases multiplied by 60 times this month, putting the health infrastructure under tremendous strain.

The city reported a record of more than 6,100 confirmed Coronavirus cases and over 6,300 suspected infections on Thursday, according to South China Morning Post.

The jump in cases is the biggest test yet of the Hong Kong’s “dynamic zero Covid” policy.

Officials have eased discharge criteria for patients to relieve pressure off the health system over reports that people are waiting for at least 14 days to get a hospital bed.

There were even reports that some patients, including the elderly, were left lying on beds outside in chilly, sometimes rainy weather, in shocking scenes that prompted an apology from authorities in the Chinese-controlled city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/next-covid-variant-may-be-more-dangerous-than-omicron-say-scientists-453061">Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists</a>

Schools, gyms, cinemas and most public venues are shut, and many office employees are working from home.

The situation is so dire at public hospitals that one health worker tends to at least 20 patients on an average during night shifts, South China Morning reported citing David Chan Kwok-shing, chairman of the labour union Hospital Authority Employees Alliance.

“Some said they have never faced such a bad situation,” he told a radio programme.

Considering that hospitals are stretched out, many Coronavirus patients with mild or no symptoms are reportedly being asked to self-quarantine at home while waiting to be admitted.

As of Tuesday, about 12,000 patients were still in a holding pattern while awaiting admission, the Hong Kong-based newspaper reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong is battling a resurgent Covid wave as the officials on Thursday reported that cases multiplied by 60 times this month, putting the health infrastructure under tremendous strain.

Hong Kong is battling a resurgent Covid wave as the officials on Thursday reported that cases multiplied by 60 times this month, putting the health infrastructure under tremendous strain. The city reported a record of more than 6,100 confirmed Coronavirus cases and over 6,300 suspected infections on Thursday, according to South China Morning Post. The jump in cases is the biggest test yet of the Hong Kong’s “dynamic zero Covid” policy. Officials have eased discharge criteria for patients to relieve pressure off the health system over reports that people are waiting for at least 14 days to get a hospital bed. There were even reports that some patients, including the elderly, were left lying on beds outside in chilly, sometimes rainy weather, in shocking scenes that prompted an apology from authorities in the Chinese-controlled city. Also read | Next Covid variant may be more dangerous than Omicron, say scientists Schools, gyms, cinemas and most public venues are shut, and many office employees are working from home. The situation is so dire at public hospitals that one health worker tends to at least 20 patients on an average during night shifts, South China Morning reported citing David Chan Kwok-shing, chairman of the labour union Hospital Authority Employees Alliance. “Some said they have never faced such a bad situation,” he told a radio programme. Considering that hospitals are stretched out, many Coronavirus patients with mild or no symptoms are reportedly being asked to self-quarantine at home while waiting to be admitted. As of Tuesday, about 12,000 patients were still in a holding pattern while awaiting admission, the Hong Kong-based newspaper reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong’s ‘dynamic zero Covid’ policy put to test as cases multiply by 60 times

Several Democratic-run US states have announced plans to lift&nbsp;mask&nbsp;mandates in indoor places and schools, as coronavirus infections decline in America.

The announcements signal a move towards a policy of accepting Covid-19&nbsp;as part of&nbsp;everyday life.

Mask-wearing became a political battleground in the United States in the early days of the pandemic.

Many Democratic governors enforced strict mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida banned the enforcement of face coverings.

California governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday evening that the state's indoor&nbsp;mask&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;would end for vaccinated residents on February 15.

California's "case rate has decreased by 65 per cent since our Omicron peak. Our hospitalizations have stabilized across the state," tweeted Newsom.

"Unvaccinated people will still need to wear masks indoors. Get vaccinated. Get boosted," he added.

Newsom's announcement came after New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced that children and staff would not need to wear masks in schools from March 7.

"This is not a declaration of victory as much as an acknowledgement that we can responsibly live with this thing," he said, referring to the coronavirus.

In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont said he was recommending that school boards drop mandatory&nbsp;mask-wearing in schools after February 28.

Delaware governor John Carney announced that his state's indoor&nbsp;mask&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;would expire on Friday, and that masks in schools will end by March 31.

"We're in a much better place than we were several weeks ago," he wrote on Twitter.

In Oregon, Governor Kate Brown tweeted that she "will lift&nbsp;mask&nbsp;requirements no later than March 31."

New York, the early epicenter of America's outbreak in spring 2020, hasn't officially announced plans to lift Covid restrictions, but Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to end the city's indoor&nbsp;mask&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;on Wednesday, the New York Times reported, citing multiple people briefed on the decision.

CDC recommendations&nbsp;

The varying measures highlight the disparate nature of&nbsp;mask&nbsp;rules, which can differ&nbsp;between local authorities in the heavily defederalised country.

The lifting of the mandates still allows individual school boards to require masks if they want to.

But the mandates' revocation appears to be out of sync with guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which Joe Biden's administration follows.

The CDC recommends&nbsp;that vaccinated people wear masks indoors if they are "in an area&nbsp;of substantial or high transmission."

Wearing a&nbsp;mask&nbsp;that covers the nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation travelling into, within or out of the United States.

The CDC also requires masks inside US transportation hubs such as airports and train stations.

The United States is currently recording about 73,000 new cases a day, down from a peak of about 800,000 a day in early January, according to the CDC.

More than 900,000 people have&nbsp;been killed by Covid-19 in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker.

Despite falling numbers of new cases linked to the Omicron variant, daily deaths are still averaging 2,300, according to government figures.

Several Democratic-run US states have announced plans to lift mask mandates in indoor places and schools, as coronavirus infections decline in America. The announcements signal a move towards a policy of accepting Covid-19 as part of everyday life.

Several Democratic-run US states have announced plans to lift mask mandates in indoor places and schools, as coronavirus infections decline in America. The announcements signal a move towards a policy of accepting Covid-19 as part of everyday life. Mask-wearing became a political battleground in the United States in the early days of the pandemic. Many Democratic governors enforced strict mandates, while Republican-led states such as Texas and Florida banned the enforcement of face coverings. California governor Gavin Newsom announced Monday evening that the state's indoor mask mandate would end for vaccinated residents on February 15. California's "case rate has decreased by 65 per cent since our Omicron peak. Our hospitalizations have stabilized across the state," tweeted Newsom. "Unvaccinated people will still need to wear masks indoors. Get vaccinated. Get boosted," he added. Newsom's announcement came after New Jersey governor Phil Murphy announced that children and staff would not need to wear masks in schools from March 7. "This is not a declaration of victory as much as an acknowledgement that we can responsibly live with this thing," he said, referring to the coronavirus. In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont said he was recommending that school boards drop mandatory mask-wearing in schools after February 28. Delaware governor John Carney announced that his state's indoor mask mandate would expire on Friday, and that masks in schools will end by March 31. "We're in a much better place than we were several weeks ago," he wrote on Twitter. In Oregon, Governor Kate Brown tweeted that she "will lift mask requirements no later than March 31." New York, the early epicenter of America's outbreak in spring 2020, hasn't officially announced plans to lift Covid restrictions, but Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to end the city's indoor mask mandate on Wednesday, the New York Times reported, citing multiple people briefed on the decision. CDC recommendations The varying measures highlight the disparate nature of mask rules, which can differ between local authorities in the heavily defederalised country. The lifting of the mandates still allows individual school boards to require masks if they want to. But the mandates' revocation appears to be out of sync with guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which Joe Biden's administration follows. The CDC recommends that vaccinated people wear masks indoors if they are "in an area of substantial or high transmission." Wearing a mask that covers the nose and mouth is required on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation travelling into, within or out of the United States. The CDC also requires masks inside US transportation hubs such as airports and train stations. The United States is currently recording about 73,000 new cases a day, down from a peak of about 800,000 a day in early January, according to the CDC. More than 900,000 people have been killed by Covid-19 in the United States, according to the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker. Despite falling numbers of new cases linked to the Omicron variant, daily deaths are still averaging 2,300, according to government figures.

Democratic-led US states roll back mask mandates

The world surpassed 400 million known coronavirus cases Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, just one month after reaching 300 million. It is a staggering increase driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant as governments and individuals worldwide wrestle with how to confront the next stage of the pandemic.

It took more than a year for the world to reach 100 million confirmed infections: The first cases were identified in late 2019, and the 100 millionth in January 2021. It took only seven months to double that number, and now six months to double it again. Daily case counts have begun to decline, but an average of more than 2.7 million infections have been reported every day.

The actual number of cases is undoubtedly higher, and probably drastically so. Many at-home rapid test results are never officially reported, and not all infected people get tested because they may lack access, have no symptoms or choose not to.

As the virus has mutated, almost 5 billion people have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and research indicates that vaccines still offer protection against the worst outcomes. The current, dominant form of the virus — omicron — is less likely to lead to hospitalisation or death, so case counts on their own have become less useful as a metric, at least in places with higher rates of vaccination or prior infection. In New York City, for example, cases peaked 541% higher this winter than last, but deaths rose much less, peaking 44% higher than last winter.

But scientists have cautioned that protection against infection may wane over time, and future variants may be better able to sidestep our defences.

Still, many governments have loosened restrictions as omicron-fueled surges in many places have declined. Australia will soon reopen its borders to vaccinated visitors. Sweden is lifting most of its pandemic regulations, following in the footsteps of Denmark and Norway. Just this week, the governors of California, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon said they would end statewide indoor mask mandates, some of which applied to schools and others to public places.

Dr Céline Gounder, an infectious disease expert and public health researcher at Kaiser Health News, said in an interview Tuesday that whether such relaxations were appropriate or premature depended on local context, including vaccination rates, number of infections and hospitalization rates relative to hospital capacity.

Within the United States, “if there’s anywhere that’s in a position to dial back on mitigation measures, it would be parts of the Northeast,” Gounder said. But she added that she was surprised at the decision to do so statewide in California, where circumstances vary greatly at the local level.

The moves reflect the profound exhaustion people are experiencing two years into the pandemic, and an understanding that the coronavirus is here to stay in some form. But what that looks like remains unclear. “The virus will become endemic” is a truth broadly accepted by people who disagree on what the word even means.

Endemicity can, but does not necessarily, mean a mild threat: The common cold is endemic, but so is malaria in many parts of the world. The coronavirus will probably end up posing a greater or lesser threat in different places, depending on vaccination rates and other factors. New variants could further complicate the picture, especially with billions of people around the world still unvaccinated.

Only 11% of people in low-income countries have received a dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 78% in high- and upper-middle-income countries, according to the Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford. Africa has the lowest vaccination rate of any continent, with just 15.4% of the population receiving at least one dose. Some people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems remain vulnerable despite vaccinations.

And the coronavirus continues to take a devastating toll, including in the United States, where the virus has killed at far higher rates than in other wealthy nations.

More than 5.7 million people worldwide have died of the virus, including more than 900,000 in the United States alone. On average, the United States is reporting 2,598 new deaths, the equivalent of a disaster worse than Pearl Harbor, every day. Globally, 10,900 people a day are dying from COVID-19.

“We’re concerned that a narrative has taken hold in some countries that because of vaccines, and because of omicron’s high transmissibility and lower severity, preventing transmission is no longer possible and no longer necessary,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said last week. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

The world surpassed 400 million known coronavirus cases Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, just one month after reaching 300 million.

The world surpassed 400 million known coronavirus cases Tuesday, according to the Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, just one month after reaching 300 million. It is a staggering increase driven by the highly transmissible omicron variant as governments and individuals worldwide wrestle with how to confront the next stage of the pandemic. It took more than a year for the world to reach 100 million confirmed infections: The first cases were identified in late 2019, and the 100 millionth in January 2021. It took only seven months to double that number, and now six months to double it again. Daily case counts have begun to decline, but an average of more than 2.7 million infections have been reported every day. The actual number of cases is undoubtedly higher, and probably drastically so. Many at-home rapid test results are never officially reported, and not all infected people get tested because they may lack access, have no symptoms or choose not to. As the virus has mutated, almost 5 billion people have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, and research indicates that vaccines still offer protection against the worst outcomes. The current, dominant form of the virus — omicron — is less likely to lead to hospitalisation or death, so case counts on their own have become less useful as a metric, at least in places with higher rates of vaccination or prior infection. In New York City, for example, cases peaked 541% higher this winter than last, but deaths rose much less, peaking 44% higher than last winter. But scientists have cautioned that protection against infection may wane over time, and future variants may be better able to sidestep our defences. Still, many governments have loosened restrictions as omicron-fueled surges in many places have declined. Australia will soon reopen its borders to vaccinated visitors. Sweden is lifting most of its pandemic regulations, following in the footsteps of Denmark and Norway. Just this week, the governors of California, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey and Oregon said they would end statewide indoor mask mandates, some of which applied to schools and others to public places. Dr Céline Gounder, an infectious disease expert and public health researcher at Kaiser Health News, said in an interview Tuesday that whether such relaxations were appropriate or premature depended on local context, including vaccination rates, number of infections and hospitalization rates relative to hospital capacity. Within the United States, “if there’s anywhere that’s in a position to dial back on mitigation measures, it would be parts of the Northeast,” Gounder said. But she added that she was surprised at the decision to do so statewide in California, where circumstances vary greatly at the local level. The moves reflect the profound exhaustion people are experiencing two years into the pandemic, and an understanding that the coronavirus is here to stay in some form. But what that looks like remains unclear. “The virus will become endemic” is a truth broadly accepted by people who disagree on what the word even means. Endemicity can, but does not necessarily, mean a mild threat: The common cold is endemic, but so is malaria in many parts of the world. The coronavirus will probably end up posing a greater or lesser threat in different places, depending on vaccination rates and other factors. New variants could further complicate the picture, especially with billions of people around the world still unvaccinated. Only 11% of people in low-income countries have received a dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 78% in high- and upper-middle-income countries, according to the Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford. Africa has the lowest vaccination rate of any continent, with just 15.4% of the population receiving at least one dose. Some people with disabilities, chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems remain vulnerable despite vaccinations. And the coronavirus continues to take a devastating toll, including in the United States, where the virus has killed at far higher rates than in other wealthy nations. More than 5.7 million people worldwide have died of the virus, including more than 900,000 in the United States alone. On average, the United States is reporting 2,598 new deaths, the equivalent of a disaster worse than Pearl Harbor, every day. Globally, 10,900 people a day are dying from COVID-19. “We’re concerned that a narrative has taken hold in some countries that because of vaccines, and because of omicron’s high transmissibility and lower severity, preventing transmission is no longer possible and no longer necessary,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, said last week. “Nothing could be further from the truth.”

World surpasses 400 million known coronavirus cases and confronts how to live with COVID

Pet hamsters that were imported into Hong Kong carried the Delta variant of Coronavirus, sparking a local outbreak, a research study has claimed.

The research, posted January 28 as a preprint on The Lancet which is yet to be peer-reviewed, confirms the earlier fears that a pet shop was the source of COVID-19, which infected more than 50 people and led to the culling of over 2,000 hamsters.

The researchers from the Hong Kong University and government officials had conducted a genomic analysis of viral samples from the rodents to confirm hamster-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

A 23-year-old pet store worker was found to be infected with the Delta variant, which led health officials to determine the possibility of Covid transmission, as the city reportedly hadn’t reported Delta cases since October 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

They detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in 15 of 28 Syrian hamsters, but in none of the dwarf hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas or mice, British science journal The Nature reported.

The researchers then analysed genomic sequences of samples collected from 12 hamsters and the first 3 infected people, including the pet-shop worker and a visitor to the shop.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-allows-hamster-pet-stores-to-resume-business-after-covid-19-cull-448959">Hong Kong allows hamster pet stores to resume business after COVID-19 cull</a>

All of the samples contained a variant of Delta that had not previously been detected in Hong Kong and probably originated from the same source, the study concluded.

“The viral genomes obtained from hamsters are phylogenetically related with some sequence heterogeneity and phylogenetic dating suggest infection in these hamsters occurred around 21 November 2021. Two separate transmission events to humans are documented, one leading to onward household spread,” the study said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pet hamsters that were imported into Hong Kong carried the Delta variant of Coronavirus, sparking a local outbreak, a research study has claimed. The research, posted January 28 as a preprint on The Lancet which is yet to be peer-reviewed, confirms the earlier fears that a pet shop was the source of COVID-19, which infected more than 50 people and led to the culling of over 2,000 hamsters.

Pet hamsters that were imported into Hong Kong carried the Delta variant of Coronavirus, sparking a local outbreak, a research study has claimed. The research, posted January 28 as a preprint on The Lancet which is yet to be peer-reviewed, confirms the earlier fears that a pet shop was the source of COVID-19, which infected more than 50 people and led to the culling of over 2,000 hamsters. The researchers from the Hong Kong University and government officials had conducted a genomic analysis of viral samples from the rodents to confirm hamster-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A 23-year-old pet store worker was found to be infected with the Delta variant, which led health officials to determine the possibility of Covid transmission, as the city reportedly hadn’t reported Delta cases since October 2021. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission They detected SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA in 15 of 28 Syrian hamsters, but in none of the dwarf hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas or mice, British science journal The Nature reported. The researchers then analysed genomic sequences of samples collected from 12 hamsters and the first 3 infected people, including the pet-shop worker and a visitor to the shop. Also read | Hong Kong allows hamster pet stores to resume business after COVID-19 cull All of the samples contained a variant of Delta that had not previously been detected in Hong Kong and probably originated from the same source, the study concluded. “The viral genomes obtained from hamsters are phylogenetically related with some sequence heterogeneity and phylogenetic dating suggest infection in these hamsters occurred around 21 November 2021. Two separate transmission events to humans are documented, one leading to onward household spread,” the study said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study

A research paper has claimed that lockdowns enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic had only minimal impact in cutting down deaths compared to other forms of restrictions, and called for an end to such policy as a future pandemic plan.

The conclusion was arrived at after studying the effects of different COVID-19 measures across the countries.

The analysis was done by the experts from Johns Hopkins University in US, Lund University in Sweden and the Centre for Political Studies in Denmark, UK newspaper The Telegraph reported.

The researchers claimed to have found that lockdown measures “may have increased deaths” by stopping access to outdoor space.

“We do find some evidence that limiting gatherings was counterproductive and increased COVID-19 mortality,” the authors said in the study.

“Often, lockdowns have limited people’s access to safe outdoor places such as beaches, parks, and zoos, or included outdoor mask mandates or strict outdoor gathering restrictions, pushing people to meet at less safe indoor places.”

However, the team found that there were some other measures which did in fact save lives.

Closing non-essential businesses—especially pubs&nbsp;and bars—was estimated to have lowered mortality by about 10.6 per cent.

Shutting schools lowered deaths by 4.4 per cent, while asking people to stay at home prevented 2.9 per cent of deaths and border controls roughly 0.1 per cent.

In comparison, the legally enforced lockdowns prevented only 0.2 per cent deaths, the research said.

“Lockdowns during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic have had devastating effects. They have contributed to reducing economic activity, rising unemployment, reducing schooling, causing political unrest, contributing to domestic violence and undermining liberal democracy,” the experts said,

“These costs to society must be compared to the benefits of lockdowns, which our meta-analysis has shown are marginal at best. Such a standard benefit-cost calculation leads to a strong conclusion: lockdowns should be rejected out of hand as a pandemic policy instrument,” they concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

A research paper has claimed that lockdowns enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic had only minimal impact in cutting down deaths compared to other forms of restrictions, and called for an end to such policy as a future pandemic plan.

A research paper has claimed that lockdowns enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic had only minimal impact in cutting down deaths compared to other forms of restrictions, and called for an end to such policy as a future pandemic plan. The conclusion was arrived at after studying the effects of different COVID-19 measures across the countries. The analysis was done by the experts from Johns Hopkins University in US, Lund University in Sweden and the Centre for Political Studies in Denmark, UK newspaper The Telegraph reported. The researchers claimed to have found that lockdown measures “may have increased deaths” by stopping access to outdoor space. “We do find some evidence that limiting gatherings was counterproductive and increased COVID-19 mortality,” the authors said in the study. “Often, lockdowns have limited people’s access to safe outdoor places such as beaches, parks, and zoos, or included outdoor mask mandates or strict outdoor gathering restrictions, pushing people to meet at less safe indoor places.” However, the team found that there were some other measures which did in fact save lives. Closing non-essential businesses—especially pubs and bars—was estimated to have lowered mortality by about 10.6 per cent. Shutting schools lowered deaths by 4.4 per cent, while asking people to stay at home prevented 2.9 per cent of deaths and border controls roughly 0.1 per cent. In comparison, the legally enforced lockdowns prevented only 0.2 per cent deaths, the research said. “Lockdowns during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic have had devastating effects. They have contributed to reducing economic activity, rising unemployment, reducing schooling, causing political unrest, contributing to domestic violence and undermining liberal democracy,” the experts said, “These costs to society must be compared to the benefits of lockdowns, which our meta-analysis has shown are marginal at best. Such a standard benefit-cost calculation leads to a strong conclusion: lockdowns should be rejected out of hand as a pandemic policy instrument,” they concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Lockdowns had little to no effect in cutting down Covid deaths, claims study

Google parent Alphabet Inc reported record quarterly sales that topped expectations on Tuesday, as its internet advertising business surged on consumers using Google search as they shopped online and advertisers upping their marketing budgets.

Alphabet`s shares jumped more than 8% in after-hours trading, also rising on the company`s announcement that it would undertake a 20-to-one stock split.

The results were the latest to reinforce that the global trend toward a more digital economy has made Big Tech companies resistant to small-market shocks. While concerns about rising inflation, COVID-19 variants and supply-chain shortages have rattled Wall Street and hurt sales at some businesses, the companies that control key gateways to e-commerce, hybrid work and streaming entertainment have not seen a dip since the early days of the pandemic.

Alphabet`s sales jumped 32% to $75.3 billion in the fourth quarter, for a third straight quarterly sales record and topping the average estimate of $72 billion among financial analysts tracked by Refinitiv.

Consumers dove into Google search looking for apparel and hobbyist items, while retail, finance, entertainment and travel advertisers raised marketing budgets, Google`s chief business officer, Philipp Schindler, said on an earnings call.

Analysts said Google, which generates more revenue from internet ads than any other company, is proving that its growth is unstoppable for the foreseeable future.

"The pandemic has handily accelerated the world’s reliance on digital advertising," said Sophie Lund-Yates, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Sitting through traditional TV advert breaks or reading billboards suddenly feels completely archaic in the age of streaming and mobile phone addiction."

Shares of Alphabet rose 8.6% in after-hours trading, to $2,990.10, erasing their losses for the year-to-date. Shares of competitors in online ads including Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc, Twitter Inc, Trade Desk Inc and Snap Inc all rose as well.

Under the planned 20-for-one stock split, investors as of July 1 will receive 19 additional shares for each one held. The split, which is subject to shareholder approval, will make the stock more affordable and potentially eligible for inclusion in more market indexes.

Shares of Apple Inc and Tesla Inc rallied in 2020 after splits, but increasingly brokerages such as Robinhood Markets allow purchases of fractional shares, diminishing some benefit of the tactic.

Banner year

For the 2021 full year, Alphabet`s sales rose 41% to a record $258 billion. Sales had grown just 13% in 2020, the slowest rate in over a decade, after advertisers slashed spending in the first few weeks of the pandemic.

Across both 2021 and 2020, Google`s advertising business, including YouTube, accounted for 81% of Alphabet`s revenues.

Companies including Amazon.com Inc and ByteDance`s TikTok have been taking small pieces of Google`s share of the global advertising market. But market forecasters do not expect major slippage in Google`s leading position. Google`s secondary businesses, including Cloud, also have been lifting overall sales.

Google Cloud, which serves clients such as online shopping software maker Shopify Inc, increased quarterly revenue by 45% to $5.5 billion, above estimates of $5.4 billion.

The division`s operating loss narrowed by 45% to $3.1 billion in 2021.

Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told analysts that Cloud is exploring how to support clients that want to use blockchain, one of several emerging technologies that proponents view as crucial to kickstarting a new era of online innovations.

Alphabet also reported a quarterly sales record during the holiday season for its Google Pixel smartphones, despite what Pichai called "extremely challenging" supply constraints.

Alphabet`s quarterly profit was $20.6 billion, or $30.69 per share, beating expectations of $27.56 per share and marking a fourth straight quarter of record profit. The profit benefited from unrealized gains from Alphabet`s investments in startups, and the company also got a $2 billion boost last year from extending the useful life of its servers and networking gear.

For the 2021 year, Alphabet`s profit increased 89% to $76 billion.

Alphabet`s total costs in 2021 increased 27% to $178.9 billion as the company began to resume its pre-pandemic pace of hiring and construction. The company also noted increased legal fees, costs from a one-time bonus of $1,600 to all employees https://www.reuters.com/article/google-bonus-idCNL4N2ST4F5, and a rise in charitable contributions as it matched increased giving by employees.

Numerous lawsuits accusing Google of anticompetitive conduct in the advertising and mobile app store markets continue to be one of the company`s biggest challenges.

Google already has said its efforts to lower Play app store fees to assuage some of the concerns will hurt revenue.

Alphabet`s cash hoard grew by nearly $3 billion in 2021 to $139.6 billion, with another $50 billion going to buying back shares.

The operating loss for Other Bets, a unit that includes self-driving technology company Waymo and other non-Google ventures, was $5.3 billion in 2021, widening from $4.5 billion in 2020. The company offered no 2022 financial outlook for the unit.

Google parent Alphabet Inc reported record quarterly sales that topped expectations on Tuesday, as its internet advertising business surged on consumers using Google search as they shopped online and advertisers upping their marketing budgets.

Google parent Alphabet Inc reported record quarterly sales that topped expectations on Tuesday, as its internet advertising business surged on consumers using Google search as they shopped online and advertisers upping their marketing budgets. Alphabet`s shares jumped more than 8% in after-hours trading, also rising on the company`s announcement that it would undertake a 20-to-one stock split. The results were the latest to reinforce that the global trend toward a more digital economy has made Big Tech companies resistant to small-market shocks. While concerns about rising inflation, COVID-19 variants and supply-chain shortages have rattled Wall Street and hurt sales at some businesses, the companies that control key gateways to e-commerce, hybrid work and streaming entertainment have not seen a dip since the early days of the pandemic. Alphabet`s sales jumped 32% to $75.3 billion in the fourth quarter, for a third straight quarterly sales record and topping the average estimate of $72 billion among financial analysts tracked by Refinitiv. Consumers dove into Google search looking for apparel and hobbyist items, while retail, finance, entertainment and travel advertisers raised marketing budgets, Google`s chief business officer, Philipp Schindler, said on an earnings call. Analysts said Google, which generates more revenue from internet ads than any other company, is proving that its growth is unstoppable for the foreseeable future. "The pandemic has handily accelerated the world’s reliance on digital advertising," said Sophie Lund-Yates, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Sitting through traditional TV advert breaks or reading billboards suddenly feels completely archaic in the age of streaming and mobile phone addiction." Shares of Alphabet rose 8.6% in after-hours trading, to $2,990.10, erasing their losses for the year-to-date. Shares of competitors in online ads including Facebook owner Meta Platforms Inc, Twitter Inc, Trade Desk Inc and Snap Inc all rose as well. Under the planned 20-for-one stock split, investors as of July 1 will receive 19 additional shares for each one held. The split, which is subject to shareholder approval, will make the stock more affordable and potentially eligible for inclusion in more market indexes. Shares of Apple Inc and Tesla Inc rallied in 2020 after splits, but increasingly brokerages such as Robinhood Markets allow purchases of fractional shares, diminishing some benefit of the tactic. Banner year For the 2021 full year, Alphabet`s sales rose 41% to a record $258 billion. Sales had grown just 13% in 2020, the slowest rate in over a decade, after advertisers slashed spending in the first few weeks of the pandemic. Across both 2021 and 2020, Google`s advertising business, including YouTube, accounted for 81% of Alphabet`s revenues. Companies including Amazon.com Inc and ByteDance`s TikTok have been taking small pieces of Google`s share of the global advertising market. But market forecasters do not expect major slippage in Google`s leading position. Google`s secondary businesses, including Cloud, also have been lifting overall sales. Google Cloud, which serves clients such as online shopping software maker Shopify Inc, increased quarterly revenue by 45% to $5.5 billion, above estimates of $5.4 billion. The division`s operating loss narrowed by 45% to $3.1 billion in 2021. Alphabet Chief Executive Sundar Pichai told analysts that Cloud is exploring how to support clients that want to use blockchain, one of several emerging technologies that proponents view as crucial to kickstarting a new era of online innovations. Alphabet also reported a quarterly sales record during the holiday season for its Google Pixel smartphones, despite what Pichai called "extremely challenging" supply constraints. Alphabet`s quarterly profit was $20.6 billion, or $30.69 per share, beating expectations of $27.56 per share and marking a fourth straight quarter of record profit. The profit benefited from unrealized gains from Alphabet`s investments in startups, and the company also got a $2 billion boost last year from extending the useful life of its servers and networking gear. For the 2021 year, Alphabet`s profit increased 89% to $76 billion. Alphabet`s total costs in 2021 increased 27% to $178.9 billion as the company began to resume its pre-pandemic pace of hiring and construction. The company also noted increased legal fees, costs from a one-time bonus of $1,600 to all employees https://www.reuters.com/article/google-bonus-idCNL4N2ST4F5, and a rise in charitable contributions as it matched increased giving by employees. Numerous lawsuits accusing Google of anticompetitive conduct in the advertising and mobile app store markets continue to be one of the company`s biggest challenges. Google already has said its efforts to lower Play app store fees to assuage some of the concerns will hurt revenue. Alphabet`s cash hoard grew by nearly $3 billion in 2021 to $139.6 billion, with another $50 billion going to buying back shares. The operating loss for Other Bets, a unit that includes self-driving technology company Waymo and other non-Google ventures, was $5.3 billion in 2021, widening from $4.5 billion in 2020. The company offered no 2022 financial outlook for the unit.

Google propels record Alphabet revenue, driving shares up 8%

Denmark became the first country in Europe to lift all&nbsp;Covid restrictions on Tuesday, despite rising cases and threats posed by a sub-variant of Omicron.

Experts say that the Scandinavian country took the decision after considering its high vaccination rate to cope with the milder variant, adding that the virus no longer qualifies as a “critical threat”.

As of Tuesday, limits on indoor gatherings have been lifted, while the use of facemasks and Covid passes will no longer be mandatory.

Only a few restrictions remain in place at the country's borders, for unvaccinated travellers arriving from non-Schengen countries.

The latest decision to ease restrictions comes in the wake of Denmark registering around 40,000-50,000 new Covid cases a day, or almost 1 per cent of the country’s 5.8 million inhabitants.

According to local media reports, over 60 per cent of Danes have received a third dose compared to EU average of just under 45%.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-experts-weigh-in-on-neocov-fears-after-wuhan-scientists-issue-warning-449002">COVID-19: Indian experts weigh in on 'NeoCoV' fears after Wuhan scientists issue warning</a>

The health authorities estimate that 80 per cent of the population are protected against severe forms of the disease.

“We have an extremely high coverage of adults vaccinated with three doses,” epidemiologist Lone Simonsen of the University of Roskilde told AFP.

Under the current Covid regulations, the Danish Health Authority “recommends” those who test positive to isolate for four days, while contact cases are no longer being asked to undergo quarantine.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-company-t-mobile-to-sack-unvaccinated-corporate-staff-on-april-2-say-reports-448927">US company T-Mobile to sack unvaccinated corporate staff on April 2, say reports</a>

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed the move, writing "good morning to a completely open Denmark" on Facebook and thanking the population for getting vaccinated.

Apart from Denmark, several European countries, such as Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, have also eased Covid restrictions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Denmark became the first country in Europe to lift all Covid restrictions on Tuesday, despite rising cases and threats posed by a sub-variant of Omicron. Experts say that the Scandinavian country took the decision after considering its high vaccination rate to cope with the milder variant, adding that the virus no longer qualifies as a “critical threat”.

Denmark became the first country in Europe to lift all Covid restrictions on Tuesday, despite rising cases and threats posed by a sub-variant of Omicron. Experts say that the Scandinavian country took the decision after considering its high vaccination rate to cope with the milder variant, adding that the virus no longer qualifies as a “critical threat”. As of Tuesday, limits on indoor gatherings have been lifted, while the use of facemasks and Covid passes will no longer be mandatory. Only a few restrictions remain in place at the country's borders, for unvaccinated travellers arriving from non-Schengen countries. The latest decision to ease restrictions comes in the wake of Denmark registering around 40,000-50,000 new Covid cases a day, or almost 1 per cent of the country’s 5.8 million inhabitants. According to local media reports, over 60 per cent of Danes have received a third dose compared to EU average of just under 45%. Also read | COVID-19: Indian experts weigh in on 'NeoCoV' fears after Wuhan scientists issue warning The health authorities estimate that 80 per cent of the population are protected against severe forms of the disease. “We have an extremely high coverage of adults vaccinated with three doses,” epidemiologist Lone Simonsen of the University of Roskilde told AFP. Under the current Covid regulations, the Danish Health Authority “recommends” those who test positive to isolate for four days, while contact cases are no longer being asked to undergo quarantine. Also Read | US company T-Mobile to sack unvaccinated corporate staff on April 2, say reports Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed the move, writing "good morning to a completely open Denmark" on Facebook and thanking the population for getting vaccinated. Apart from Denmark, several European countries, such as Ireland, France, and the Netherlands, have also eased Covid restrictions. (With inputs from agencies)

Denmark becomes first European country to lift all Covid restrictions

The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people.

But that change has also led to the generation of medical waste in the last two years across the world.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, posing threat to humans and the environment.

The 71-page document said that 87,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were ordered via a UN portal between March 2020 and November 2021.

Most of this equipment has likely ended up as waste, the WHO said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-billion-ppe-items-worth-ps27-billion-will-go-waste-reveals-uk-government-449112">&nbsp;5 billion PPE items worth £2.7 billion will go waste, reveals UK government</a>

The extra waste is "threatening human and&nbsp;environmental health&nbsp;and exposing a dire need to improve waste management practices", the UN health agency said.

It noted that a race to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) kits made countries blind towards disposing of COVID-19 health care waste safely and sustainably.

The WHO does not recommend using gloves for vaccine injections but the report said it appeared to be common practice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-china-summoned-over-suspected-fraud-449141">AstraZeneca China summoned over suspected fraud</a>

Gloves, in terms of volume, constitute the greatest proportion of PPE waste of all items procured by the UN, the report said.

The report also mentions that around 140 million test kits with the potential to generate 2,600 tonnes of mostly plastic trash and enough chemical waste to fill one-third of an Olympic swimming pool.

In addition, it estimates that some 8 billion vaccine doses administered globally have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles, and safety boxes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people.

The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people. But that change has also led to the generation of medical waste in the last two years across the world. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, posing threat to humans and the environment. The 71-page document said that 87,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were ordered via a UN portal between March 2020 and November 2021. Most of this equipment has likely ended up as waste, the WHO said. Also read | 5 billion PPE items worth £2.7 billion will go waste, reveals UK government The extra waste is "threatening human and environmental health and exposing a dire need to improve waste management practices", the UN health agency said. It noted that a race to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) kits made countries blind towards disposing of COVID-19 health care waste safely and sustainably. The WHO does not recommend using gloves for vaccine injections but the report said it appeared to be common practice. Also read | AstraZeneca China summoned over suspected fraud Gloves, in terms of volume, constitute the greatest proportion of PPE waste of all items procured by the UN, the report said. The report also mentions that around 140 million test kits with the potential to generate 2,600 tonnes of mostly plastic trash and enough chemical waste to fill one-third of an Olympic swimming pool. In addition, it estimates that some 8 billion vaccine doses administered globally have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles, and safety boxes. (With inputs from agencies)

Discarded syringes, used PPE, test kits: WHO says Covid waste posing threat to environment, humans

At the start of 2020, the National Symphony Orchestra was planning its first international tour with conductor Gianandrea Noseda, and an epic Beethoven cycle to mark the 250th anniversary of the legendary composer's birth.

Instead, the coronavirus pandemic forced the ensemble out of the Kennedy Center in the US capital for 18 months, and the Beethoven symphonic series has been rescheduled, starting this month and wrapping up in... 2023.

The NSO and other professional orchestras in the United States have resumed live performances in recent months while navigating a maelstrom of Covid-19 rules, trying to keep everyone healthy, and convincing wary listeners to buy tickets again.

"It has been a big challenge," Noseda told AFP after an afternoon rehearsal for January's concerts, which include some of the Beethoven symphonies -- but not the Ninth, as the chorus required would put too many unmasked people on stage.

Noseda, who was not able to travel to Washington for a year as the crisis unfolded, detailed the NSO's pandemic evolution from virtual concerts, small groups on stage and plexiglass between musicians to the more or less normal 2021-22 season.

"The alternative would have been no performance at all," the 57-year-old Italian maestro said, explaining that he managed to keep in touch with his players during the long hiatus through Zoom calls and emails.&nbsp;

Now, Noseda says there is a "really perceivable" sense of musicians and audiences appreciating the moment, and not looking too far ahead.

"I fully enjoy that moment," he said. "It's a gift to you."

- Vaccines, testing and adaptability -&nbsp;

So how do you go about making sure that dozens of musicians can be on stage together safely for rehearsals and concerts, especially when some of them -- brass and woodwind players -- cannot be masked?

The plexiglass partitions seen earlier in the pandemic are gone, but all NSO members who can play while masked do so, and protocols are rigid.

"It's a new world for all of us," said NSO executive director Gary Ginstling, explaining that general manager Genevieve Twomey and her team have basically become "an in-house medical team" conducting weekly testing and monitoring.

Twomey said "very few" positive results had been detected so far within the orchestra.

But in Texas, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra was forced to cancel two concerts and cut planned works from two others this month because they could not replace key musicians who had tested positive.

"Omicron has been particularly challenging because it's so contagious and prevalent," DSO president and CEO Kim Noltemy told AFP in a statement.

For Jamie Roberts, the NSO's assistant principal oboe player who clearly performs without a mask, "once there was a vaccine, and people could get a vaccine, I felt really safe."

Colin Williams, the associate principal trombone player at the New York Philharmonic, agreed that protocols in place had been "worth it," ensuring the musicians' safety and that of their loved ones at home.

"I personally feel that when I'm at work, I don't feel like I'm in danger," Williams told AFP.

Roberts, 37, says she is thrilled to be back on stage, but before that became possible, she helped shape the orchestra's virtual programming, dubbed NSO at Home.&nbsp;

Many other US classical ensembles launched similar initiatives to keep attendees engaged.

"We believe that creating programs for home viewing is an integral part of our future and the future of the field," said Jim Roe, the president and executive director of the New York-based Orchestra of St Luke's.

So, will Americans don masks to experience live orchestral music, as they weather the surge in Covid-19 cases?

Officials with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra feared Omicron would dent sales. In the end, 80 percent of tickets for its January concerts were sold.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-elton-john-postpones-concerts-after-testing-covid-19-positive-447729" hreflang="en">Elton John postpones concerts after testing COVID-19 positive</a>

While some cities such as New York and Washington have implemented vaccine and mask mandates at concert venues with ease, the Dallas symphony ran up against Governor Greg Abbott's executive orders barring such requirements.

Noltemy said the DSO, mindful of an "obligation" to keep attendees safe, is keeping its mask rules in place, despite the risk of being fined for doing so.&nbsp;

The organization is also offering free on-site rapid testing for those without proof of vaccination in hand "to ensure the safest possible environment," Noltemy said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-spider-man-to-avengers-endgame-check-out-top-10-highest-grossing-superhero-films-of-all-time-447184" hreflang="en">From 'Spider-Man' to 'Avengers: Endgame': Check out top 10 highest-grossing superhero films of all time</a>

- Looking ahead -

So, what does the future hold? Can orchestras plan to travel this year, or the year after that? And if not, how will that affect programming?

In Chicago, when a scheduled Asian tour for January was canceled, conductor Riccardo Muti planned a series of concerts in the Windy City, including some that are free to the public.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/notes-of-the-beatles-hit-song-hey-jude-to-be-sold-as-nft-by-john-lennons-son-447550" hreflang="en">Notes of The Beatles' hit song 'Hey Jude' to be sold as NFT by John Lennon's son</a>

Back in Washington, while the NSO has planned a full season, Ginstling admitted future travel was uncertain.

"There are a lot more questions than answers right now," he said.

But Roberts, the oboe player, said she is simply reveling in the moment, being reunited with her colleagues.

"We missed each other, it's a family," she said. "It's a really cool job."

At the start of 2020, the National Symphony Orchestra was planning its first international tour with conductor Gianandrea Noseda, and an epic Beethoven cycle to mark the 250th anniversary of the legendary composer's birth.

At the start of 2020, the National Symphony Orchestra was planning its first international tour with conductor Gianandrea Noseda, and an epic Beethoven cycle to mark the 250th anniversary of the legendary composer's birth. Instead, the coronavirus pandemic forced the ensemble out of the Kennedy Center in the US capital for 18 months, and the Beethoven symphonic series has been rescheduled, starting this month and wrapping up in... 2023. The NSO and other professional orchestras in the United States have resumed live performances in recent months while navigating a maelstrom of Covid-19 rules, trying to keep everyone healthy, and convincing wary listeners to buy tickets again. "It has been a big challenge," Noseda told AFP after an afternoon rehearsal for January's concerts, which include some of the Beethoven symphonies -- but not the Ninth, as the chorus required would put too many unmasked people on stage. Noseda, who was not able to travel to Washington for a year as the crisis unfolded, detailed the NSO's pandemic evolution from virtual concerts, small groups on stage and plexiglass between musicians to the more or less normal 2021-22 season. "The alternative would have been no performance at all," the 57-year-old Italian maestro said, explaining that he managed to keep in touch with his players during the long hiatus through Zoom calls and emails. Now, Noseda says there is a "really perceivable" sense of musicians and audiences appreciating the moment, and not looking too far ahead. "I fully enjoy that moment," he said. "It's a gift to you." - Vaccines, testing and adaptability - So how do you go about making sure that dozens of musicians can be on stage together safely for rehearsals and concerts, especially when some of them -- brass and woodwind players -- cannot be masked? The plexiglass partitions seen earlier in the pandemic are gone, but all NSO members who can play while masked do so, and protocols are rigid. "It's a new world for all of us," said NSO executive director Gary Ginstling, explaining that general manager Genevieve Twomey and her team have basically become "an in-house medical team" conducting weekly testing and monitoring. Twomey said "very few" positive results had been detected so far within the orchestra. But in Texas, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra was forced to cancel two concerts and cut planned works from two others this month because they could not replace key musicians who had tested positive. "Omicron has been particularly challenging because it's so contagious and prevalent," DSO president and CEO Kim Noltemy told AFP in a statement. For Jamie Roberts, the NSO's assistant principal oboe player who clearly performs without a mask, "once there was a vaccine, and people could get a vaccine, I felt really safe." Colin Williams, the associate principal trombone player at the New York Philharmonic, agreed that protocols in place had been "worth it," ensuring the musicians' safety and that of their loved ones at home. "I personally feel that when I'm at work, I don't feel like I'm in danger," Williams told AFP. Roberts, 37, says she is thrilled to be back on stage, but before that became possible, she helped shape the orchestra's virtual programming, dubbed NSO at Home. Many other US classical ensembles launched similar initiatives to keep attendees engaged. "We believe that creating programs for home viewing is an integral part of our future and the future of the field," said Jim Roe, the president and executive director of the New York-based Orchestra of St Luke's. So, will Americans don masks to experience live orchestral music, as they weather the surge in Covid-19 cases? Officials with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra feared Omicron would dent sales. In the end, 80 percent of tickets for its January concerts were sold. Elton John postpones concerts after testing COVID-19 positive While some cities such as New York and Washington have implemented vaccine and mask mandates at concert venues with ease, the Dallas symphony ran up against Governor Greg Abbott's executive orders barring such requirements. Noltemy said the DSO, mindful of an "obligation" to keep attendees safe, is keeping its mask rules in place, despite the risk of being fined for doing so. The organization is also offering free on-site rapid testing for those without proof of vaccination in hand "to ensure the safest possible environment," Noltemy said. From 'Spider-Man' to 'Avengers: Endgame': Check out top 10 highest-grossing superhero films of all time - Looking ahead - So, what does the future hold? Can orchestras plan to travel this year, or the year after that? And if not, how will that affect programming? In Chicago, when a scheduled Asian tour for January was canceled, conductor Riccardo Muti planned a series of concerts in the Windy City, including some that are free to the public. Notes of The Beatles' hit song 'Hey Jude' to be sold as NFT by John Lennon's son Back in Washington, while the NSO has planned a full season, Ginstling admitted future travel was uncertain. "There are a lot more questions than answers right now," he said. But Roberts, the oboe player, said she is simply reveling in the moment, being reunited with her colleagues. "We missed each other, it's a family," she said. "It's a really cool job."

Despite Covid hurdles, US orchestras find the joy in music

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma.

The researchers from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan analysed the differences in viral environmental stability between the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and all variants of concern (VOCs).

The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted recently on the preprint repository BioRxiv, stated that Omicron can survive on the skin for over 21 hours and more than eight days on any plastic surface.

Hence, it might be the reason why Omicron spreads faster than other strains, the study noted.

“The high environmental stability of these VOCs could increase the risk of contact transmission and contribute to their spread,” the authors of the study said.

“This study showed that Omicron has the highest environmental stability among VOCs, which might be one of the factors that have allowed the variant to replace the&nbsp;Delta variant&nbsp;and spread rapidly,” they said.

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The study found that the Omicron variant can survive up to 193.5 hours on plastic surfaces and 21.1 hours on the skin.

In comparison, the original strain and other later variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants survived for 56 hours, 191.3 hours, 156.6 hours, 59.3 hours, and 114 hours, respectively.

Whereas on the skin, the average virus survival times were 8.6 hours for the original version, 19.6 hours for Alpha, 19.1 hours for Beta, 11 hours for Gamma and 16.8 hours for Delta, they said.

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The findings also analysed the effectiveness of ethanol-based sanitisers on the variants.

The research noted that Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants showed a slight increase in resistance to ethanol in response to increased environmental stability.

Whereas on the skin surface, all VOCs were completely inactivated by 15-second exposure to 35 per cent ethanol.

"Therefore, it is highly recommended that current infection control (hand hygiene) practices use disinfectants... as proposed by the World Health Organisation,” the researchers added.

(With inputs from agencies)

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma.

A study by Japanese researchers has claimed that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 can remain alive on skin and plastic more than the earlier variants like Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma. The researchers from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine in Japan analysed the differences in viral environmental stability between the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and all variants of concern (VOCs). The yet-to-be peer-reviewed study, posted recently on the preprint repository BioRxiv, stated that Omicron can survive on the skin for over 21 hours and more than eight days on any plastic surface. Hence, it might be the reason why Omicron spreads faster than other strains, the study noted. “The high environmental stability of these VOCs could increase the risk of contact transmission and contribute to their spread,” the authors of the study said. “This study showed that Omicron has the highest environmental stability among VOCs, which might be one of the factors that have allowed the variant to replace the Delta variant and spread rapidly,” they said. Also read | Can weed cure Covid? Cannabis compound stops coronavirus in test tube The study found that the Omicron variant can survive up to 193.5 hours on plastic surfaces and 21.1 hours on the skin. In comparison, the original strain and other later variants like Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta variants survived for 56 hours, 191.3 hours, 156.6 hours, 59.3 hours, and 114 hours, respectively. Whereas on the skin, the average virus survival times were 8.6 hours for the original version, 19.6 hours for Alpha, 19.1 hours for Beta, 11 hours for Gamma and 16.8 hours for Delta, they said. Also read | New research hints at 4 factors that may increase chances of long COVID The findings also analysed the effectiveness of ethanol-based sanitisers on the variants. The research noted that Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants showed a slight increase in resistance to ethanol in response to increased environmental stability. Whereas on the skin surface, all VOCs were completely inactivated by 15-second exposure to 35 per cent ethanol. "Therefore, it is highly recommended that current infection control (hand hygiene) practices use disinfectants... as proposed by the World Health Organisation,” the researchers added. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron survives over 21 hours on skin and more than 8 days on plastic: Study

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases,&nbsp;about 27,469 more than today.

The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent.

The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra.

A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal.

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses.

At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said.

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

India’s Covid cases saw a marginal dip on Monday, with the country registering 3,06,064 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours, according to the Union Health Ministry data. On Sunday, India registered 3,33,533 cases, about 27,469 more than today. The death toll has climbed to 4,89,848 with 439 fresh fatalities, the data stated. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 20.75 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 17.03 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,68,04,145, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.24 per cent. The 439 new fatalities include 77 from Kerala and 44 from Maharashtra. A total of 4,89,848 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,42,115 from Maharashtra, 51,816 from Kerala,38,582 from Karnataka, 37,218 from Tamil Nadu, 25,620 from Delhi, 23,056 from Uttar Pradesh and 20,338 from West Bengal. The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed over 162 million doses. At least 72 per cent of India's adult population is fully vaccinated whereas around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid vaccine, the government’s data said. (With inputs from agencies)

India’s Covid tally dips marginally, over 3,00,000 new infections recorded

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The extra doses are 90% effective against hospitalization with the variant, the agency reported. Booster shots also reduced the likelihood of a visit to an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The extra doses were most effective against infection and death among Americans 50 and older, the data showed.

Overall, the new data show that the vaccines were more protective against the delta variant than against omicron, which lab studies have found is partially able to sidestep the body’s immune response.

It is generally accepted that booster shots keep people from becoming infected, at least for a while. Data from Israel and other countries have also suggested that boosters can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially in older adults.

“Data from other countries have also shown significant benefit of getting the booster, but this is really showing it in the U.S.,” Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, said of the figures released Friday. “These numbers should be very convincing.”

On Thursday night, the CDC published additional data showing that in December, unvaccinated Americans 50 and older were about 45 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated and got a third shot.

Yet less than 40% of fully vaccinated Americans who are eligible for a booster shot have received one.

Friday’s results are based on three new studies led by the CDC. In one study, researchers analyzed hospitalizations and visits to emergency departments and urgent care clinics in 10 states from Aug. 26, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022.

Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization with the omicron variant fell to just 57% in people who had received their second dose more than six months earlier, the authors found. A third shot restored that protection to 90%.

It is unclear whether protection from the boosters might also wane as it did after two shots, noted Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at Emory University.

“We just have to recognize that all these estimates of omicron third-dose protection are going to be people who are pretty recently boosted,” she said. “We do wonder the durability of boosters themselves.”

When debating booster shot recommendations for all American adults, scientific advisers to the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC repeatedly bemoaned the lack of booster shot data that was specific to the United States.

There are differences between Israel and the United States — for example, in the way Israel defines severe illness — that made it challenging to interpret the relevance of Israeli data for Americans, they said.

Some members of the Biden administration supported the use of booster doses even before the scientific advisers of the agencies had a chance to review the data from Israel. Federal health officials intensified their boosters-for-all campaign after the arrival of the omicron variant.

The CDC now recommends booster shots for everyone 12 and older, five months after getting two doses of the mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, or two months after a single dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.

The usefulness of booster shots in Americans younger than 50 was a topic of vigorous debate in the fall. Several experts argued at the time that third shots were unnecessary for younger adults because two doses of the vaccine were holding up well.

Some of those experts remained unconvinced by the new data.

It was clear even months ago that older adults and those with weakened immune systems would benefit from extra doses of the vaccine, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee.

But “where is the evidence that a third dose benefits a healthy young person?” he asked.

“If you’re trying to stop the spread of this virus, vaccinate the unvaccinated,” he said. “We keep trying to further protect the already protected.”

But other experts changed their minds in favor of boosters because of the highly contagious omicron variant. Even if two doses were enough to keep young people out of hospitals, they said, a third dose could limit virus spread by preventing infections.

“They’re both data-driven, legitimate positions,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. But at this point, the debate is over: “We are using boosters in everyone and that’s what’s happening.”

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are not just preventing infections with the contagious omicron variant — they are also keeping infected Americans from ending up in the hospital, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The extra doses are 90% effective against hospitalization with the variant, the agency reported. Booster shots also reduced the likelihood of a visit to an emergency department or urgent care clinic. The extra doses were most effective against infection and death among Americans 50 and older, the data showed. Overall, the new data show that the vaccines were more protective against the delta variant than against omicron, which lab studies have found is partially able to sidestep the body’s immune response. It is generally accepted that booster shots keep people from becoming infected, at least for a while. Data from Israel and other countries have also suggested that boosters can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization, especially in older adults. “Data from other countries have also shown significant benefit of getting the booster, but this is really showing it in the U.S.,” Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University, said of the figures released Friday. “These numbers should be very convincing.” On Thursday night, the CDC published additional data showing that in December, unvaccinated Americans 50 and older were about 45 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who were vaccinated and got a third shot. Yet less than 40% of fully vaccinated Americans who are eligible for a booster shot have received one. Friday’s results are based on three new studies led by the CDC. In one study, researchers analyzed hospitalizations and visits to emergency departments and urgent care clinics in 10 states from Aug. 26, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022. Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization with the omicron variant fell to just 57% in people who had received their second dose more than six months earlier, the authors found. A third shot restored that protection to 90%. It is unclear whether protection from the boosters might also wane as it did after two shots, noted Natalie Dean, a biostatistician at Emory University. “We just have to recognize that all these estimates of omicron third-dose protection are going to be people who are pretty recently boosted,” she said. “We do wonder the durability of boosters themselves.” When debating booster shot recommendations for all American adults, scientific advisers to the Food and Drug Administration and the CDC repeatedly bemoaned the lack of booster shot data that was specific to the United States. There are differences between Israel and the United States — for example, in the way Israel defines severe illness — that made it challenging to interpret the relevance of Israeli data for Americans, they said. Some members of the Biden administration supported the use of booster doses even before the scientific advisers of the agencies had a chance to review the data from Israel. Federal health officials intensified their boosters-for-all campaign after the arrival of the omicron variant. The CDC now recommends booster shots for everyone 12 and older, five months after getting two doses of the mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, or two months after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The usefulness of booster shots in Americans younger than 50 was a topic of vigorous debate in the fall. Several experts argued at the time that third shots were unnecessary for younger adults because two doses of the vaccine were holding up well. Some of those experts remained unconvinced by the new data. It was clear even months ago that older adults and those with weakened immune systems would benefit from extra doses of the vaccine, said Dr. Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a member of the FDA’s vaccine advisory committee. But “where is the evidence that a third dose benefits a healthy young person?” he asked. “If you’re trying to stop the spread of this virus, vaccinate the unvaccinated,” he said. “We keep trying to further protect the already protected.” But other experts changed their minds in favor of boosters because of the highly contagious omicron variant. Even if two doses were enough to keep young people out of hospitals, they said, a third dose could limit virus spread by preventing infections. “They’re both data-driven, legitimate positions,” said John Moore, a virus expert at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. But at this point, the debate is over: “We are using boosters in everyone and that’s what’s happening.”

Booster shots are instrumental in fighting Omicron, CDC data show

Canada’s top health official has said that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 may have peaked in the country.

Canada’s chief public health officer Dr Theresa Tam in a statement released on Friday said that there have been “early indications that infections may have peaked at the national level, including daily case counts, test positivity, Rt (or effective reproduction number), and wastewater surveillance trends”.

But the country continued to detect a large number of Covid infections, with around 24,000 cases being detected on Friday.

The average case count has decreased by 28 per cent compared with the previous week, according to Tam, but she warned that the 22 per cent test positivity rate indicates there is still “widespread” disease activity across the country.

“We still have some difficult weeks ahead and potential for more bumps along the way,” Tam said.

Several hospitals in Canada remained under strain, with growing hospitalisations.

Multiple Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, have started easing restrictions that were imposed when the Omicron fuelled the fifth wave in the country.

However, there could still be “some difficult weeks ahead and potential for more bumps along the way”, Tam said, adding that vaccinations and several effective treatments have led health authorities to “remain hopeful” these would change the nature of the pandemic to “reduce severity going forward”.

An average of more than 10,000 people were being treated in the hospitals each day during the last seven days, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

(With inputs from agencies)

Canada’s top health official has said that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 may have peaked in the country. Canada’s chief public health officer Dr Theresa Tam in a statement released on Friday said that there have been “early indications that infections may have peaked at the national level, including daily case counts, test positivity, Rt (or effective reproduction number), and wastewater surveillance trends”.

Canada’s top health official has said that the fast-spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 may have peaked in the country. Canada’s chief public health officer Dr Theresa Tam in a statement released on Friday said that there have been “early indications that infections may have peaked at the national level, including daily case counts, test positivity, Rt (or effective reproduction number), and wastewater surveillance trends”. But the country continued to detect a large number of Covid infections, with around 24,000 cases being detected on Friday. The average case count has decreased by 28 per cent compared with the previous week, according to Tam, but she warned that the 22 per cent test positivity rate indicates there is still “widespread” disease activity across the country. “We still have some difficult weeks ahead and potential for more bumps along the way,” Tam said. Several hospitals in Canada remained under strain, with growing hospitalisations. Multiple Canadian provinces, including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, have started easing restrictions that were imposed when the Omicron fuelled the fifth wave in the country. However, there could still be “some difficult weeks ahead and potential for more bumps along the way”, Tam said, adding that vaccinations and several effective treatments have led health authorities to “remain hopeful” these would change the nature of the pandemic to “reduce severity going forward”. An average of more than 10,000 people were being treated in the hospitals each day during the last seven days, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron wave may have peaked in Canada, says top health official

The pacific island of Kiribati, which mostly kept the Coronavirus infection at bay, has announced fresh lockdown measures after passengers on the first international flight in 10 months tested positive.

The government detected four new cases from community transmission a day after 36 people on the flight from Fiji tested positive.

Until last week, Kiribati had recorded only two Covid cases.

Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America.

Under the lockdown rules, all essential service providers, including wholesale and retail food providers, will remain open to the public from 6 am to 2 pm.

All government offices have been ordered to closed and the staff have been told to work from home.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-covid-free-island-gets-36-positive-cases-on-its-first-international-flight-446558">This COVID-free island gets 36 positive cases on its first international flight</a>

This does not apply to essential and emergency services such as hospitals, police, banking, the Kiribati Port Authority, Kiribati Oil Company and gas stations, key government ministries and agencies such as broadcasting.

"The only way that we can fight this virus is through complete vaccination," the office of President Taneti Maamau said on Facebook.

"The public is urged to complete their vaccination doses in order to protect themselves and families."

On Tuesday, the government confirmed that 36 of the 54 passengers had tested positive. In a Facebook post, the government said that all passengers are being monitored by health officials.

All of the passengers on the flight are fully vaccinated, the government said.

However, three members of the quarantine facility's security team have since tested positive. Another person who does not work at the facility has also contracted the virus, the government said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The pacific island of Kiribati, which mostly kept the Coronavirus infection at bay, has announced fresh lockdown measures after passengers on the first international flight in 10 months tested positive.

The pacific island of Kiribati, which mostly kept the Coronavirus infection at bay, has announced fresh lockdown measures after passengers on the first international flight in 10 months tested positive. The government detected four new cases from community transmission a day after 36 people on the flight from Fiji tested positive. Until last week, Kiribati had recorded only two Covid cases. Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America. Under the lockdown rules, all essential service providers, including wholesale and retail food providers, will remain open to the public from 6 am to 2 pm. All government offices have been ordered to closed and the staff have been told to work from home. Also read | This COVID-free island gets 36 positive cases on its first international flight This does not apply to essential and emergency services such as hospitals, police, banking, the Kiribati Port Authority, Kiribati Oil Company and gas stations, key government ministries and agencies such as broadcasting. "The only way that we can fight this virus is through complete vaccination," the office of President Taneti Maamau said on Facebook. "The public is urged to complete their vaccination doses in order to protect themselves and families." On Tuesday, the government confirmed that 36 of the 54 passengers had tested positive. In a Facebook post, the government said that all passengers are being monitored by health officials. All of the passengers on the flight are fully vaccinated, the government said. However, three members of the quarantine facility's security team have since tested positive. Another person who does not work at the facility has also contracted the virus, the government said. (With inputs from agencies)

Remote Pacific island which had only 2 two cases until now goes into lockdown

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours.

The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890. The total number of positive cases across the Union territory now stands at 3,84,381.&nbsp;

The state government further informed that five Covid deaths have been reported from J&amp;K, in which four are from the Jammu division and 1 from the Kashmir division.

''Out of 2,06,88,396 test results available, 3,84381 samples have tested positive, and 2,03,04,015 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 82,903 Covid tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.'' said the J&amp;K administration said in a statement.&nbsp;

Srinagar district with 1341 cases has reported the maximum, followed by Baramulla (688), Budgam (550), Pulwama (170), Kupwara (208), Anantnag (237), Bandipora (241), Ganderbal (246), Kulgam (106) and Shopian (43) as of today, said J&amp;K administration.&nbsp;

The government has 4,994 beds available for the Covid patients out of which 466 beds (9.33 per cent) are occupied by the patients.

The administration has imposed weekend lockdown across the Union territory. People have been advised to follow the Covid protocol.&nbsp;

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours. The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890.

India’s northern Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a steep rise in Covid positive cases, with 5,720 new infections being detected in a span of 24 hours. The Kashmir division recorded 3,830 Covid positive cases while the Jammu division reported 1,890. The total number of positive cases across the Union territory now stands at 3,84,381. The state government further informed that five Covid deaths have been reported from J&K, in which four are from the Jammu division and 1 from the Kashmir division. ''Out of 2,06,88,396 test results available, 3,84381 samples have tested positive, and 2,03,04,015 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 82,903 Covid tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.'' said the J&K administration said in a statement. Srinagar district with 1341 cases has reported the maximum, followed by Baramulla (688), Budgam (550), Pulwama (170), Kupwara (208), Anantnag (237), Bandipora (241), Ganderbal (246), Kulgam (106) and Shopian (43) as of today, said J&K administration. The government has 4,994 beds available for the Covid patients out of which 466 beds (9.33 per cent) are occupied by the patients. The administration has imposed weekend lockdown across the Union territory. People have been advised to follow the Covid protocol.

With 5,720 new infections, Jammu & Kashmir reports uptick in Covid cases

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said.

“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.

The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after&nbsp;restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">&nbsp;Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels.

In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-wave-50000-to-300000-more-deaths-in-us-by-march-model-predicts-445852">Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts</a>

In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels.

“The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024.

With countries battered by Omicron and Deltra variants of Coronavirus, a UN agency has said that tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The highly contagious Omicron variant, though mild, will “disrupt the recovery” in early 2022 after the last year witnessed four per cent growth over 2020, the World Tourism Organisation said. “The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates and traveller confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release. The Madrid-based UN agency, however, pointed out that the tourism industry might “see better prospects" for this year after restrictions in the early months due to the Omicron wave. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission The agency predicts a 30 to 78 per cent rise in international arrivals this year over 2021, while remaining far below 2019 levels. In 2021, some countries reported a marginal rise in passenger arrivals. In Europe and the Americas, foreign visitor arrivals surged by 19 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively, last year over 2020. Also read | Omicron wave: 50,000 to 300,000 more deaths in US by March, model predicts In the Middle East, however, arrivals declined by 24 per cent in 2021, while in the Asia-Pacific region they were 65 per cent below 2020 levels, and 94 per cent down on pre-pandemic levels. “The economic contribution of tourism in 2021 (measured in tourism direct gross domestic product) is estimated at $1.9 trillion, above the $1.6 trillion in 2020, but still well below the pre-pandemic value of $3.5 trillion,” the statement noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Global tourism not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024: UN agency

After hamsters in a pet store tested positive for COVID-19, Hong Kong's authorities were forced to slaughter thousands of small animals, sparking an uproar.

Thousands of people volunteered in Hong Kong on Wednesday to adopt unwanted hamsters after the government issued a mass cull order due to COVID-19 worries, raising fears that panicked owners might abandon their pets.

Animal rights activists in Hong Kong were outraged, with a Change.org petition garnering over 23,000 signatures in less than a day and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) condemning the decision.&nbsp;

After connecting a coronavirus outbreak to a worker at the Little Boss petshop, where 11 hamsters tested positive for COVID-19, authorities ordered the culling of 2,000 hamsters from dozens of pet stores and storage facilities on Tuesday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-to-cull-thousands-of-hamsters-after-finding-traces-of-animal-to-human-covid-transmission-445851">Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission</a>

There is no indication that animals play a significant role in human coronavirus infection, according to scientists from around the world and Hong Kong's health and veterinary authorities.&nbsp;

But having pursued a policy of zero tolerance for COVID-19, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said on Tuesday she could not rule out any transmission possibilities and therefore the government could not take any chances. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-in-beijing-may-have-arrived-by-mail-from-canada-report-445443">Omicron in Beijing may have arrived by mail from Canada: Report</a>

Soon after, health workers in hazmat suits were seen walking out of pet shops around the city carrying red plastic bags into their vans. Some 150 of the petshop`s customers were sent into quarantine.

Public broadcaster RTHK said some hamster owners were seen handing over their animals at a government facility in the New Territories, while groups swiftly formed on social media to identify new owners for unwanted pet rodents.

Ocean, 29, a hamster owner and the administrator of "Hong Kong the Cute Hamster Group" on the Telegram social media app, said the group was contacted by almost 3,000 people willing to take care of unwanted animals temporarily. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-first-local-omicron-case-weeks-ahead-of-olympic-games-445071">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games</a>

Three young owners were pressured by their families to get rid of their hamsters even though they had all owned them for more than half a year, said Ocean, who declined to give her last name, fearing angry reactions from those who support the cull.

(With inputs from agencies)

After hamsters in a pet store tested positive for COVID-19, Hong Kong's authorities were forced to slaughter thousands of small animals, sparking an uproar. Thousands of people volunteered in Hong Kong on Wednesday to adopt unwanted hamsters after the government issued a mass cull order due to COVID-19 worries, raising fears that panicked owners might abandon their pets.

After hamsters in a pet store tested positive for COVID-19, Hong Kong's authorities were forced to slaughter thousands of small animals, sparking an uproar. Thousands of people volunteered in Hong Kong on Wednesday to adopt unwanted hamsters after the government issued a mass cull order due to COVID-19 worries, raising fears that panicked owners might abandon their pets. Animal rights activists in Hong Kong were outraged, with a Change.org petition garnering over 23,000 signatures in less than a day and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) condemning the decision. After connecting a coronavirus outbreak to a worker at the Little Boss petshop, where 11 hamsters tested positive for COVID-19, authorities ordered the culling of 2,000 hamsters from dozens of pet stores and storage facilities on Tuesday. Also read | Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission There is no indication that animals play a significant role in human coronavirus infection, according to scientists from around the world and Hong Kong's health and veterinary authorities. But having pursued a policy of zero tolerance for COVID-19, Health Secretary Sophia Chan said on Tuesday she could not rule out any transmission possibilities and therefore the government could not take any chances. Also read | Omicron in Beijing may have arrived by mail from Canada: Report Soon after, health workers in hazmat suits were seen walking out of pet shops around the city carrying red plastic bags into their vans. Some 150 of the petshop`s customers were sent into quarantine. Public broadcaster RTHK said some hamster owners were seen handing over their animals at a government facility in the New Territories, while groups swiftly formed on social media to identify new owners for unwanted pet rodents. Ocean, 29, a hamster owner and the administrator of "Hong Kong the Cute Hamster Group" on the Telegram social media app, said the group was contacted by almost 3,000 people willing to take care of unwanted animals temporarily. Also read | Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games Three young owners were pressured by their families to get rid of their hamsters even though they had all owned them for more than half a year, said Ocean, who declined to give her last name, fearing angry reactions from those who support the cull. (With inputs from agencies)

Upset at culling plans, thousands of Hong Kongers volunteer to adopt the pets

Hong Kong has decided to kill 2,000 hamsters and temporarily suspend imports of small animals after finding evidence for the first time traces of possible animal-to-human transmission of Covid virus in the city.

Authorities on Tuesday detected traces of the virus on 11 hamsters out of 178 hamsters, rabbits and chinchillas tested at the Little Boss pet shop and associated warehouse in Causeway Bay.

They were undertaking the test while investigating the city’s first untraceable Delta variant diagnosis in more than three months, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper post reported.

It is said that a 23-year-old woman who worked at the Little Boss pet shop in Causeway Bay may have contracted the disease from the hamsters who were found to be Covid positive.

Two employees were also confirmed to have the disease, including one who cleans out the animal cages and handles the hamsters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-in-beijing-may-have-arrived-by-mail-from-canada-report-445443">Omicron in Beijing may have arrived by mail from Canada: Report</a>

Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dr Leung Siu-fai announced that all owners who had bought hamsters since December 22 would have to turn over the animals.

“We have assessed that the risks of these batches are relatively high and therefore made the decision based on public health needs,” SCMP quoted Leung as saying.

“We urge all pet owners to observe strict hygiene when handling their pets and cages. Do not kiss them or abandon them on the streets,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-reports-first-local-omicron-case-weeks-ahead-of-olympic-games-445071">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games</a>

The virus transmission claim comes a day after the Chinese authorities blamed an untraceable lone Omicron variant case in Beijing on a package sent from Canada, via US and Hong Kong.

China has now advised its citizens not to order goods from overseas, claiming that they might get infected through the packages sent from abroad.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong has decided to kill 2,000 hamsters and temporarily suspend imports of small animals after finding evidence for the first time traces of possible animal-to-human transmission of Covid virus in the city.

Hong Kong has decided to kill 2,000 hamsters and temporarily suspend imports of small animals after finding evidence for the first time traces of possible animal-to-human transmission of Covid virus in the city. Authorities on Tuesday detected traces of the virus on 11 hamsters out of 178 hamsters, rabbits and chinchillas tested at the Little Boss pet shop and associated warehouse in Causeway Bay. They were undertaking the test while investigating the city’s first untraceable Delta variant diagnosis in more than three months, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper post reported. It is said that a 23-year-old woman who worked at the Little Boss pet shop in Causeway Bay may have contracted the disease from the hamsters who were found to be Covid positive. Two employees were also confirmed to have the disease, including one who cleans out the animal cages and handles the hamsters. Also read | Omicron in Beijing may have arrived by mail from Canada: Report Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Dr Leung Siu-fai announced that all owners who had bought hamsters since December 22 would have to turn over the animals. “We have assessed that the risks of these batches are relatively high and therefore made the decision based on public health needs,” SCMP quoted Leung as saying. “We urge all pet owners to observe strict hygiene when handling their pets and cages. Do not kiss them or abandon them on the streets,” he added. Also read | Beijing reports first local Omicron case weeks ahead of Olympic games The virus transmission claim comes a day after the Chinese authorities blamed an untraceable lone Omicron variant case in Beijing on a package sent from Canada, via US and Hong Kong. China has now advised its citizens not to order goods from overseas, claiming that they might get infected through the packages sent from abroad. (With inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong to cull thousands of hamsters after finding traces of animal-to-human Covid transmission

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants.

China’s economy slowed markedly in the final months of last year as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well. Lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus also dented consumer spending. Stringent regulations on everything from internet businesses to after-school tutoring companies have set off a wave of layoffs.

China’s National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that economic output from October through December was only 4% higher than during the same period a year earlier. That was a deceleration from the 4.9% growth in the third quarter, July through September.

The world’s demand for consumer electronics, furniture and other home comforts during the pandemic has produced record-setting exports for China, preventing its growth from stalling. Overall of last year, China’s economic output was 8.1% higher than in 2020, the government said. But much of the growth was in the first half of last year.

The snapshot of China’s economy, the main locomotive of global growth in the past few years, adds to expectations that the broader world economic outlook is beginning to dim. Making matters worse, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is now starting to spread in China, leading to more restrictions around the country and raising fears of renewed disruption of supply chains.

The slowing economy poses a quandary for China’s leaders. The measures they have imposed to address income inequality and rein in companies are part of a long-term plan to protect the economy and national security. But officials are wary of causing short-term economic instability, particularly in a year of unusual political importance.

Next month, Beijing hosts the Winter Olympics, which will focus an international spotlight on the country’s performance. In the fall, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, is expected to claim a third five-year term at a Communist Party congress.

Xi has sought to strike an optimistic note. “We have every confidence in the future of China’s economy,” he said in a speech on Monday to a virtual session of the World Economic Forum.

But with growth in his country slowing, demand slackening and debt still at near-record levels, Xi could face some of the biggest economic challenges since Deng Xiaoping began lifting the country out of its Maoist straitjacket four decades ago.

“I’m afraid that the operation and development of China’s economy in the next several years may be relatively difficult,” Li Daokui, a prominent economist and Chinese government adviser, said in a speech late last month. “Looking at the five years as a whole, it may be the most difficult period since our reform and opening up 40 years ago.”

China also faces the problem of a rapidly aging population, which could create an even greater burden on China’s economy and its labour force. The National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that China’s birthrate fell sharply last year and was now barely higher than the death rate.

Private Sector Struggles

As costs for many raw materials have risen and the pandemic has prompted some consumers to stay home, millions of private businesses have crumbled, most of them small and family owned.

That is a big concern because private companies are the backbone of the Chinese economy, accounting for three-fifths of output and four-fifths of urban employment.

Kang Shiqing invested much of his savings nearly three years ago to open a women’s clothing store in Nanping, a river town in Fujian province in southeast China. But when the pandemic hit a year later, the number of customers dropped drastically and never recovered.

As in many countries, there has been a broad shift in China toward online shopping, which can undercut stores by using less labour and operating from inexpensive warehouses. Kang was stuck paying high rent for his store despite the pandemic. He finally closed it in June.

“We can hardly survive,” he said.

Another persistent difficulty for small businesses in China is the high cost of borrowing, often at double-digit interest rates from private lenders.

Chinese leaders are aware of the challenges private companies face. Premier Li Keqiang has promised further cuts in taxes and fees to help the country’s many struggling small businesses.

On Monday, China’s central bank made a small move to reduce interest rates, which could help reduce slightly the interest costs of the country’s heavily indebted real estate developers. The central bank pushed down by about a tenth of a percentage point its interest rate benchmarks for one-week and one-year lending.

Construction Stalls

The building and fitting out of new homes has represented one-quarter of China’s economy. Heavy lending and widespread speculation have helped China erect the equivalent of 140 square feet of new housing for every urban resident in the past two decades.

This autumn, the sector faltered. The government wants to limit speculation and deflate a bubble that had made new homes unaffordable for young families.

China Evergrande Group is only the largest and most visible of a lengthening list of real estate developers in China that have run into severe financial difficulty lately. Kaisa Group, China Aoyuan Property Group and Fantasia are among other developers that have struggled to make payments as bond investors become more wary of lending money to China’s real estate sector.

As real estate companies try to conserve cash, they are starting fewer construction projects. And that has been a big problem for the economy. The price of steel reinforcing bars for the concrete in apartment towers, for example, dropped by one-quarter in October and November before stabilizing at a much lower level in December.

The decline in home prices in smaller cities has hurt the value of people’s assets, which in turn made them less willing to spend. Even in Shanghai and Beijing, apartment prices are no longer surging.

There have been faint hints of renewed government support for the real estate sector in recent weeks, but no sign of a return to lavish lending by state-controlled banks.

The financial distress of Evergrande “is a signal that money will be pushed from real estate to the stock market,” said Hu Jinghui, an economist who is the former chair of the China Alliance of Real Estate Agencies, a national trade group. “The policies can be loosened, but there can be no return to the past.”

Local Governments Feel the Pinch

The slowdown in the housing market has also hurt local governments, which rely on land sales as a key source of revenue.

The International Monetary Fund estimates that government land sales each year have been raising money equal to 7% of the country’s annual economic output. But in recent months, developers have curtailed land purchases.

Starved of revenue, some local governments have halted hiring and cut bonuses and benefits for civil servants, prompting widespread complaints on social media.

In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, a civil servant’s complaint of a 25% cut in her pay spread quickly on the internet. The municipal government did not respond to a fax requesting comment. In northern Heilongjiang province, the city of Hegang announced that it would not hire any more “low-level” workers. City officials deleted the announcement from the government’s website after it drew public attention.

Some governments have also raised fees on businesses to try to make up for the shortfall.

Bazhou, a city in Hebei province, collected 11 times as much money in fines on small businesses from October through December as it did in the first nine months of last year. Beijing criticized the city for undermining a national effort to reduce the cost of doing business.

Pockets of Strength in Exports

Strong overseas demand for China’s exports, particularly consumer goods, spurred a national wave of new factory investments, up 13.5% last year from 2020.

Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewellery selling well. Retail sales rebounded 12.5% last year compared with pandemic-depressed levels in 2020. But retail sales fell in December from November, as coronavirus restrictions kept some shoppers at home.

Few anticipate that the government will allow a severe economic downturn this year, before the Communist Party congress. Economists expect the government to soften its restrictions on lending and step up government spending.

“The first half of the year will be challenging,” said Zhu Ning, deputy dean of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance. “But then the second half will see a rebound.”

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants.

Construction and property sales have slumped. Small businesses have shut because of rising costs and weak sales. Debt-laden local governments are cutting the pay of civil servants. China’s economy slowed markedly in the final months of last year as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well. Lockdowns and travel restrictions to contain the coronavirus also dented consumer spending. Stringent regulations on everything from internet businesses to after-school tutoring companies have set off a wave of layoffs. China’s National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that economic output from October through December was only 4% higher than during the same period a year earlier. That was a deceleration from the 4.9% growth in the third quarter, July through September. The world’s demand for consumer electronics, furniture and other home comforts during the pandemic has produced record-setting exports for China, preventing its growth from stalling. Overall of last year, China’s economic output was 8.1% higher than in 2020, the government said. But much of the growth was in the first half of last year. The snapshot of China’s economy, the main locomotive of global growth in the past few years, adds to expectations that the broader world economic outlook is beginning to dim. Making matters worse, the omicron variant of the coronavirus is now starting to spread in China, leading to more restrictions around the country and raising fears of renewed disruption of supply chains. The slowing economy poses a quandary for China’s leaders. The measures they have imposed to address income inequality and rein in companies are part of a long-term plan to protect the economy and national security. But officials are wary of causing short-term economic instability, particularly in a year of unusual political importance. Next month, Beijing hosts the Winter Olympics, which will focus an international spotlight on the country’s performance. In the fall, Xi Jinping, China’s leader, is expected to claim a third five-year term at a Communist Party congress. Xi has sought to strike an optimistic note. “We have every confidence in the future of China’s economy,” he said in a speech on Monday to a virtual session of the World Economic Forum. But with growth in his country slowing, demand slackening and debt still at near-record levels, Xi could face some of the biggest economic challenges since Deng Xiaoping began lifting the country out of its Maoist straitjacket four decades ago. “I’m afraid that the operation and development of China’s economy in the next several years may be relatively difficult,” Li Daokui, a prominent economist and Chinese government adviser, said in a speech late last month. “Looking at the five years as a whole, it may be the most difficult period since our reform and opening up 40 years ago.” China also faces the problem of a rapidly aging population, which could create an even greater burden on China’s economy and its labour force. The National Bureau of Statistics said Monday that China’s birthrate fell sharply last year and was now barely higher than the death rate. Private Sector Struggles As costs for many raw materials have risen and the pandemic has prompted some consumers to stay home, millions of private businesses have crumbled, most of them small and family owned. That is a big concern because private companies are the backbone of the Chinese economy, accounting for three-fifths of output and four-fifths of urban employment. Kang Shiqing invested much of his savings nearly three years ago to open a women’s clothing store in Nanping, a river town in Fujian province in southeast China. But when the pandemic hit a year later, the number of customers dropped drastically and never recovered. As in many countries, there has been a broad shift in China toward online shopping, which can undercut stores by using less labour and operating from inexpensive warehouses. Kang was stuck paying high rent for his store despite the pandemic. He finally closed it in June. “We can hardly survive,” he said. Another persistent difficulty for small businesses in China is the high cost of borrowing, often at double-digit interest rates from private lenders. Chinese leaders are aware of the challenges private companies face. Premier Li Keqiang has promised further cuts in taxes and fees to help the country’s many struggling small businesses. On Monday, China’s central bank made a small move to reduce interest rates, which could help reduce slightly the interest costs of the country’s heavily indebted real estate developers. The central bank pushed down by about a tenth of a percentage point its interest rate benchmarks for one-week and one-year lending. Construction Stalls The building and fitting out of new homes has represented one-quarter of China’s economy. Heavy lending and widespread speculation have helped China erect the equivalent of 140 square feet of new housing for every urban resident in the past two decades. This autumn, the sector faltered. The government wants to limit speculation and deflate a bubble that had made new homes unaffordable for young families. China Evergrande Group is only the largest and most visible of a lengthening list of real estate developers in China that have run into severe financial difficulty lately. Kaisa Group, China Aoyuan Property Group and Fantasia are among other developers that have struggled to make payments as bond investors become more wary of lending money to China’s real estate sector. As real estate companies try to conserve cash, they are starting fewer construction projects. And that has been a big problem for the economy. The price of steel reinforcing bars for the concrete in apartment towers, for example, dropped by one-quarter in October and November before stabilizing at a much lower level in December. The decline in home prices in smaller cities has hurt the value of people’s assets, which in turn made them less willing to spend. Even in Shanghai and Beijing, apartment prices are no longer surging. There have been faint hints of renewed government support for the real estate sector in recent weeks, but no sign of a return to lavish lending by state-controlled banks. The financial distress of Evergrande “is a signal that money will be pushed from real estate to the stock market,” said Hu Jinghui, an economist who is the former chair of the China Alliance of Real Estate Agencies, a national trade group. “The policies can be loosened, but there can be no return to the past.” Local Governments Feel the Pinch The slowdown in the housing market has also hurt local governments, which rely on land sales as a key source of revenue. The International Monetary Fund estimates that government land sales each year have been raising money equal to 7% of the country’s annual economic output. But in recent months, developers have curtailed land purchases. Starved of revenue, some local governments have halted hiring and cut bonuses and benefits for civil servants, prompting widespread complaints on social media. In Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, a civil servant’s complaint of a 25% cut in her pay spread quickly on the internet. The municipal government did not respond to a fax requesting comment. In northern Heilongjiang province, the city of Hegang announced that it would not hire any more “low-level” workers. City officials deleted the announcement from the government’s website after it drew public attention. Some governments have also raised fees on businesses to try to make up for the shortfall. Bazhou, a city in Hebei province, collected 11 times as much money in fines on small businesses from October through December as it did in the first nine months of last year. Beijing criticized the city for undermining a national effort to reduce the cost of doing business. Pockets of Strength in Exports Strong overseas demand for China’s exports, particularly consumer goods, spurred a national wave of new factory investments, up 13.5% last year from 2020. Some areas of consumer spending have been fairly robust, notably the luxury sector, with sports cars and jewellery selling well. Retail sales rebounded 12.5% last year compared with pandemic-depressed levels in 2020. But retail sales fell in December from November, as coronavirus restrictions kept some shoppers at home. Few anticipate that the government will allow a severe economic downturn this year, before the Communist Party congress. Economists expect the government to soften its restrictions on lending and step up government spending. “The first half of the year will be challenging,” said Zhu Ning, deputy dean of the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance. “But then the second half will see a rebound.”

China’s economy is slowing, a worrying sign for the world

According to federal health officials in the United States, the Omicron COVID-19 form is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster."

Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge.&nbsp;

Officials in the United States are comparing the ultra-transmissible omicron coronavirus variation to a natural disaster as the country continues to set records, with over 1.4 million new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday and over 140,000 hospitalisations.

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<h5>"I think that we're talking about a natural disaster," Janet Woodcock, acting commissioner of the Food Drug Administration, said in a Senate Health Committee hearing Tuesday. "I think right now, we need to focus on continuity of operations for hospitals and other essential services as this variant sweeps through the population."</h5>
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Officials are now preparing for the weeks ahead, which are projected to bring even more cases, putting a strain on health-care systems and other critical services across the country.&nbsp;

The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the United States.

According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 percent of COVID-19 cases in the United States, having replaced Delta in less than a month.

Simultaneously, the variety is thought to be less harmful than prior strains, and there is some evidence that it will reach a peak soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to federal health officials in the United States, the Omicron COVID-19 form is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster.

According to federal health officials in the United States, the Omicron COVID-19 form is so contagious that most people in the country will be infected, and the pandemic has been compared to a "natural disaster." Authorities said they are hopeful that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge. Officials in the United States are comparing the ultra-transmissible omicron coronavirus variation to a natural disaster as the country continues to set records, with over 1.4 million new COVID-19 cases reported on Monday and over 140,000 hospitalisations. "I think that we're talking about a natural disaster," Janet Woodcock, acting commissioner of the Food Drug Administration, said in a Senate Health Committee hearing Tuesday. "I think right now, we need to focus on continuity of operations for hospitals and other essential services as this variant sweeps through the population." × Officials are now preparing for the weeks ahead, which are projected to bring even more cases, putting a strain on health-care systems and other critical services across the country. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the United States. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 percent of COVID-19 cases in the United States, having replaced Delta in less than a month. Simultaneously, the variety is thought to be less harmful than prior strains, and there is some evidence that it will reach a peak soon. (With inputs from agencies)

Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie&nbsp;were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News.

It is being said that around 40 staff gathered in Johnson’s residence in Downing Street for the drinks party, even though there was a restriction on social mixing.

An email was sent by the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to over 100 employees in Downing Street on May 20, 2020, ITV said.

The leaked email asked them to bring alcohol to the party and to “make the most of the lovely weather”.

Following the revelation, the Liberal Democrats called for a police investigation, following which the Scotland Yard announced that the Metropolitan Police is considering probing the event.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-former-aide-talks-about-another-party-in-no-10-garden-during-lockdown-in-2020-443153">UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020</a>

Johnson, who won a landslide victory in a 2019 election, has been facing criticism over allegations that there were parties in breach of COVID-19 rules in government offices, including his own.

London's police, which previously declined to investigate claims of government officials gathering during the national lockdowns, on Monday said it was in contact with the Cabinet Office after “widespread reporting” of breaches of health protection laws in Downing Street.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-would-be-a-better-prime-minister-for-uk-than-boris-johnson-poll-443631">Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll</a>

A senior government official, Sue Gray, is investigating allegations that at least five parties were held in government departments last year during COVID-19 lockdowns, reports Reuters.

It was Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings who was the first to claim in a blog that a drinks party had been held in the Downing Street garden in May 2020 despite warnings by him that it was against the rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were among 100 people who attended a “bring your own booze” party at his Downing Street residence during the first nationwide Covid lockdown in 2020, according to a leaked email seen by broadcaster ITV News. It is being said that around 40 staff gathered in Johnson’s residence in Downing Street for the drinks party, even though there was a restriction on social mixing. An email was sent by the Prime Minister's Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds to over 100 employees in Downing Street on May 20, 2020, ITV said. The leaked email asked them to bring alcohol to the party and to “make the most of the lovely weather”. Following the revelation, the Liberal Democrats called for a police investigation, following which the Scotland Yard announced that the Metropolitan Police is considering probing the event. Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson's former aide talks about another party in No 10 garden during lockdown in 2020 Johnson, who won a landslide victory in a 2019 election, has been facing criticism over allegations that there were parties in breach of COVID-19 rules in government offices, including his own. London's police, which previously declined to investigate claims of government officials gathering during the national lockdowns, on Monday said it was in contact with the Cabinet Office after “widespread reporting” of breaches of health protection laws in Downing Street. Also read | Rishi Sunak would be a better prime minister for UK than Boris Johnson: Poll A senior government official, Sue Gray, is investigating allegations that at least five parties were held in government departments last year during COVID-19 lockdowns, reports Reuters. It was Johnson's former chief adviser Dominic Cummings who was the first to claim in a blog that a drinks party had been held in the Downing Street garden in May 2020 despite warnings by him that it was against the rules. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson to face the music over reports of holding booze party during Covid lockdown

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant.

Speaking to news agency AFP, the WHO in Europe said that the soaring infection rates may have opposite effects.

“The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out,” WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood said.

So far, studies have indicated that though the Omicron variant can easily bypass the immunity offered by vaccines, the new strain is milder than the previous variants.

Europe is in the midst of a fresh Covid wave, with several regions recording over 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021.

“We're in a very dangerous phase, we're seeing infection rates rise very significantly in Western Europe, and the full impact of that is not yet clear," Smallwood said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-sustainable-to-vaccinate-the-planet-every-6-months-says-oxford-vaccine-co-creator-442308">Not sustainable to vaccinate the planet every 6 months, says Oxford vaccine co-creator</a>

Of the European infections, more than 4.9 million have been reported over the past seven days alone, with 17 out of 52 countries or territories beating their previous record of most cases in a single week.

France alone has recorded more than one million new cases over the past week, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of all positive cases it has announced since the start of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035">Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

Covid-related deaths are however decreasing in Europe, reports AFP.

Europe recorded on average 3,413 coronavirus deaths a day over the past week, a seven per cent drop from the previous week.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant. Speaking to news agency AFP, the WHO in Europe said that the soaring infection rates may have opposite effects. “The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out,” WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood said. So far, studies have indicated that though the Omicron variant can easily bypass the immunity offered by vaccines, the new strain is milder than the previous variants. Europe is in the midst of a fresh Covid wave, with several regions recording over 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021. “We're in a very dangerous phase, we're seeing infection rates rise very significantly in Western Europe, and the full impact of that is not yet clear," Smallwood said. Also read | Not sustainable to vaccinate the planet every 6 months, says Oxford vaccine co-creator Of the European infections, more than 4.9 million have been reported over the past seven days alone, with 17 out of 52 countries or territories beating their previous record of most cases in a single week. France alone has recorded more than one million new cases over the past week, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of all positive cases it has announced since the start of the pandemic. Also read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens Covid-related deaths are however decreasing in Europe, reports AFP. Europe recorded on average 3,413 coronavirus deaths a day over the past week, a seven per cent drop from the previous week. (With inputs from agencies)

Rising Omicron cases may lead to more dangerous variants, warns WHO

Lupita Nyong’o has tested positive for COVID.

The actress who will next be seen in ‘The 355’ announced today that she will be unable to attend virtual interviews for the upcoming Universal picture.&nbsp;

She wrote, “I too have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m fully vaccinated and taking care in isolation, so I trust I will be well. Please do all you can to keep yourself and others protected from serious illness. #StayMaskedAndVaxxed.”

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I too have tested positive for COVID-19. I'm fully vaccinated and taking care in isolation, so I trust I will be well. Please do all you can to keep yourself and others protected from serious illness. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayMaskedAndVaxxed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayMaskedAndVaxxed</a>
— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lupita_Nyongo/status/1478449030288101376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the upcoming film from director Simon Kinberg, a CIA agent joins forces with three international agents on a lethal mission to retrieve a top-secret weapon that’s fallen into mercenary hands, looking at the same time to stay a step ahead of a mysterious woman who’s tracking their every move.&nbsp;

The film also stars Jessica Chastain, Diane Kruger, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Édgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan.

Lupita Nyong’o has tested positive for COVID. The actress who will next be seen in ‘The 355’ announced today that she will be unable to attend virtual interviews for the upcoming Universal picture.

Lupita Nyong’o has tested positive for COVID. The actress who will next be seen in ‘The 355’ announced today that she will be unable to attend virtual interviews for the upcoming Universal picture. She wrote, “I too have tested positive for COVID-19. I’m fully vaccinated and taking care in isolation, so I trust I will be well. Please do all you can to keep yourself and others protected from serious illness. #StayMaskedAndVaxxed.” I too have tested positive for COVID-19. I'm fully vaccinated and taking care in isolation, so I trust I will be well. Please do all you can to keep yourself and others protected from serious illness. #StayMaskedAndVaxxed — Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) January 4, 2022 × In the upcoming film from director Simon Kinberg, a CIA agent joins forces with three international agents on a lethal mission to retrieve a top-secret weapon that’s fallen into mercenary hands, looking at the same time to stay a step ahead of a mysterious woman who’s tracking their every move. The film also stars Jessica Chastain, Diane Kruger, Penélope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, Édgar Ramirez and Sebastian Stan.

Lupita Nyong’o tests positive for Covid

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly, his four family members including daughter Sana Ganguly have been tested positive for COVID-19. Sana Ganguly and the other members are asymptomatic and is in isolation at their residence.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-postpones-ranji-trophy-and-other-domestic-tournaments-amid-covid-19-surge-442269">BCCI postpones Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments amid COVID-19 surge</a>

Ganguly's wife Dona Ganguly has been tested negative for COVID-19. Earlier, Ganguly was himself tested positive for COVID-19 and got admitted into Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital. He later got discharged on December 31, after testing negative for the Omicron variant. Ganguly was in a hemodynamically stable condition and was maintaining oxygen saturation of 99 per cent on room air.

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly, his four family members including daughter Sana Ganguly have been tested positive for COVID-19.

After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly, his four family members including daughter Sana Ganguly have been tested positive for COVID-19. Sana Ganguly and the other members are asymptomatic and is in isolation at their residence. ALSO READ | BCCI postpones Ranji Trophy and other domestic tournaments amid COVID-19 surge Ganguly's wife Dona Ganguly has been tested negative for COVID-19. Earlier, Ganguly was himself tested positive for COVID-19 and got admitted into Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital. He later got discharged on December 31, after testing negative for the Omicron variant. Ganguly was in a hemodynamically stable condition and was maintaining oxygen saturation of 99 per cent on room air.

BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly's daughter, 3 other family members test positive for Covid-19

India detected 37,379 new coronavirus cases and 124 more fatalities in the span of 24 hours, the most Covid cases since September, according to the Union health ministry's data updated on Tuesday.

The Omicron tally too saw a jump, as 1,892 cases were reported across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Of those cases, 766 have recovered or migrated, the health ministry said.

Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of 568 cases, followed by Delhi (382), Kerala (185), Rajasthan (174), Gujarat (152), and Tamil Nadu (121).

With Tuesday’s figures, India’s active cases have now increased to 1,71,830 and the country’s Covid tally rose to 3,49,60,261, according to the data.

The active cases comprise 0.49 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.13 per cent, the health ministry said.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 3.24 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.05 per cent, according to the health ministry.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035">&nbsp;Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

“Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-levels-of-coronavirus-revealed-in-wastewater-samples-across-united-states-442013">Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US</a>

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 146.70 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2 million mark on August 7, 2020, 3 million lakh on August 23, 4 million on September 5 and 5 million on September 16.

It went past 6 million on September 28, 7 million on October 11, crossed 8 million on October 29, 9 million on November 20 and surpassed the 10million-mark on December 19.

(With inputs from agencies)

India detected 37,379 new coronavirus cases and 124 more fatalities in the span of 24 hours, the most Covid cases since September, according to the Union health ministry's data updated on Tuesday.

India detected 37,379 new coronavirus cases and 124 more fatalities in the span of 24 hours, the most Covid cases since September, according to the Union health ministry's data updated on Tuesday. The Omicron tally too saw a jump, as 1,892 cases were reported across 23 states and Union Territories so far. Of those cases, 766 have recovered or migrated, the health ministry said. Maharashtra recorded the maximum number of 568 cases, followed by Delhi (382), Kerala (185), Rajasthan (174), Gujarat (152), and Tamil Nadu (121). With Tuesday’s figures, India’s active cases have now increased to 1,71,830 and the country’s Covid tally rose to 3,49,60,261, according to the data. The active cases comprise 0.49 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.13 per cent, the health ministry said. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 3.24 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 2.05 per cent, according to the health ministry. Also read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” the ministry said on its website, adding the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Also read | Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 146.70 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 2 million mark on August 7, 2020, 3 million lakh on August 23, 4 million on September 5 and 5 million on September 16. It went past 6 million on September 28, 7 million on October 11, crossed 8 million on October 29, 9 million on November 20 and surpassed the 10million-mark on December 19. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports over 37,000 new cases, 124 deaths as Omicron tally reaches to 1,892

A 11-month-old baby tested positive for novel coronavirus in India and was later hospitalised after the condition of the infant became severe.

The baby is the son of a famous Indian TV actor, Nakuul Mehta, who had tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago.

Sharing ordeal on&nbsp;Instagram, Nakuul’s wife Jankee Parekh, who was also infected with Covid, said her baby had to be admitted to the ICU after his fever crossed 104.2.

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“We rushed him in the middle of the night to the hospital when his fever crossed 104.2 &amp; what followed were very hard days in the Covid ICU with my baby boy. My fighter went through it all. Right from being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, to him getting pricked 3 IVS, a bunch of blood tests, RTPCR, bottles of saline, antibiotics &amp; injections to get his body temperature down. Sometimes, I wonder how did this tiny human get so much strength to face all of it?” Jankee said.

Jankee revealed that it was tough to take care of her son as she was severely fatigued after suffering from Covid.

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“His fever finally broke after 3 days.&nbsp;Having to single handedly take care of Sufi 24/7 at the hospital felt exhausting. Little did I realise that a huge part of the fatigue &amp; exhaustion was also because I was positive too.”

Shen urged all the parents to take extra precautions as the fast-spreading Omicron continues to drive up cases across the country.

“Of what we have read, Omicron is supposedly milder on adults, but to all of you with babies please do not put your guard down. Not now. Our babies cannot wear masks or get vaccinated so we need to be all the more cautious as we are coming back home to them. The idea of sharing this fight has been to make sure I can extend this awareness, even if it’s to just 1 more parent.”

A 11-month-old baby tested positive for novel coronavirus in India and was later hospitalised after the condition of the infant became severe. The baby is the son of a famous Indian TV actor, Nakuul Mehta, who had tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago.

A 11-month-old baby tested positive for novel coronavirus in India and was later hospitalised after the condition of the infant became severe. The baby is the son of a famous Indian TV actor, Nakuul Mehta, who had tested positive for COVID-19 two weeks ago. Sharing ordeal on Instagram, Nakuul’s wife Jankee Parekh, who was also infected with Covid, said her baby had to be admitted to the ICU after his fever crossed 104.2. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jankee Parekh Mehta (@jank_ee) × “We rushed him in the middle of the night to the hospital when his fever crossed 104.2 & what followed were very hard days in the Covid ICU with my baby boy. My fighter went through it all. Right from being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance, to him getting pricked 3 IVS, a bunch of blood tests, RTPCR, bottles of saline, antibiotics & injections to get his body temperature down. Sometimes, I wonder how did this tiny human get so much strength to face all of it?” Jankee said. Jankee revealed that it was tough to take care of her son as she was severely fatigued after suffering from Covid. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nakuul Mehta (@nakuulmehta) × “His fever finally broke after 3 days. Having to single handedly take care of Sufi 24/7 at the hospital felt exhausting. Little did I realise that a huge part of the fatigue & exhaustion was also because I was positive too.” Shen urged all the parents to take extra precautions as the fast-spreading Omicron continues to drive up cases across the country. “Of what we have read, Omicron is supposedly milder on adults, but to all of you with babies please do not put your guard down. Not now. Our babies cannot wear masks or get vaccinated so we need to be all the more cautious as we are coming back home to them. The idea of sharing this fight has been to make sure I can extend this awareness, even if it’s to just 1 more parent.”

11-month-old tests positive for COVID-19 in India

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country.

The prime minister’s comments come amid growing calls to tighten restrictions over the festive period in England, unlike in other UK regions where nightclubs have closed and there are limits on social gatherings.

Speaking to reporters on a visit to Buckinghamshire, the prime minister said the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations.

Defending his move to impose lighter restrictions, he said, “Mixture of things we're doing at the moment were the correct measures.”

The prime minister stressed continuing with “Plan B”, which includes mask wearing in certain indoor settings and guidance to work from home where possible, ensuring it is taken “seriously” by people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-levels-of-coronavirus-revealed-in-wastewater-samples-across-united-states-442013">Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US</a>

On Monday, 157,758 new coronavirus cases were reported across England and Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland to be reported after the holiday weekend.

A further 42 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test were reported in England.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-2700-flights-cancelled-in-united-states-due-to-omicron-related-disruptions-441784" hreflang="en">Over 2,700 flights cancelled in United States due to Omicron-related disruptions</a>

Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, The Sunday Times newspaper reported.

Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier.

The number of people in hospital with Covid in England was reported on Sunday as the highest since February at more than 13,000, with 769 of those on ventilators.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country.

UK’s state-run hospitals will face “considerable pressure” in the coming weeks due to the nationwide spread of Omicron infection, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, as the new variant of Covid surges through the country. The prime minister’s comments come amid growing calls to tighten restrictions over the festive period in England, unlike in other UK regions where nightclubs have closed and there are limits on social gatherings. Speaking to reporters on a visit to Buckinghamshire, the prime minister said the country was in a “much better position” than this time last year thanks to vaccinations. Defending his move to impose lighter restrictions, he said, “Mixture of things we're doing at the moment were the correct measures.” The prime minister stressed continuing with “Plan B”, which includes mask wearing in certain indoor settings and guidance to work from home where possible, ensuring it is taken “seriously” by people. Also read | Record levels of coronavirus revealed in wastewater samples across US On Monday, 157,758 new coronavirus cases were reported across England and Scotland, with data from Wales and Northern Ireland to be reported after the holiday weekend. A further 42 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test were reported in England. Also read | Over 2,700 flights cancelled in United States due to Omicron-related disruptions Around 50,000 NHS staff were absent from work Friday because they were ill or self-isolating due to Covid-19, The Sunday Times newspaper reported. Chris Hopson, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospitals in England, told Sky News that “the pressure on hospitals outside London is now growing” after the capital bore the brunt of virus cases earlier. The number of people in hospital with Covid in England was reported on Sunday as the highest since February at more than 13,000, with 769 of those on ventilators. (With inputs from agencies)

UK hospitals to face ‘considerable pressure’, says PM Johnson amid record Omicron cases

K-pop band BTS member Suga has fully recovered from covid-19 and is doing well now. He was tested positive on December 24 following his return from the USA on December 23.&nbsp; 
 
The band's agency, Big Hit released the statement and announced that the rapper would be returning to his daily activities soon. 
 
Big Hit's statement read, "Hello, this is Big Hit Music. We would like to inform you that BTS member SUGA has made a full recovery from COVID-19, and his quarantine has concluded as of today (January 3) at noon. Suga, who had been receiving treatment from home for the past 10 days from Friday, December 24, is now able to return to his daily activities." 
 
The statement continued, "Suga did not exhibit any particular symptoms during his quarantine and is currently recuperating while resting at home. We would like to thank all fans who have shown concern for the artist’s health as well as those in the medical field who are doing their best to overcome COVID-19." 
 
"We will continue to place the health of the artists as our top priority and vigilantly follow health care guidelines. Thank you, " Big Hit concluded the statement.&nbsp; 
 
The other two members of the famous group RM (Kim Nam-Joon) and Jin (Kim Seok-jin) had also tested covid positive after coming back from the US. They are currently quarantined at their home.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

K-pop band BTS member Suga has fully recovered from covid-19 and is doing well now. He was tested positive on December 24 following his return from the USA on December 23.

K-pop band BTS member Suga has fully recovered from covid-19 and is doing well now. He was tested positive on December 24 following his return from the USA on December 23. The band's agency, Big Hit released the statement and announced that the rapper would be returning to his daily activities soon. Big Hit's statement read, "Hello, this is Big Hit Music. We would like to inform you that BTS member SUGA has made a full recovery from COVID-19, and his quarantine has concluded as of today (January 3) at noon. Suga, who had been receiving treatment from home for the past 10 days from Friday, December 24, is now able to return to his daily activities." The statement continued, "Suga did not exhibit any particular symptoms during his quarantine and is currently recuperating while resting at home. We would like to thank all fans who have shown concern for the artist’s health as well as those in the medical field who are doing their best to overcome COVID-19." "We will continue to place the health of the artists as our top priority and vigilantly follow health care guidelines. Thank you, " Big Hit concluded the statement. The other two members of the famous group RM (Kim Nam-Joon) and Jin (Kim Seok-jin) had also tested covid positive after coming back from the US. They are currently quarantined at their home.

K-pop band BTS member Suga recovers from Covid-19

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