Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India.

Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in).

The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11.

Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-happens-when-covid-19-meets-toxic-air-india-is-about-to-find-out-335584">What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out</a>

India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines.

Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read.

Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

"As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet.

According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine.

They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival.

(WIth inputs from agencies)

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government.

Fully vaccinated foreign travellers from 99 countries, who have a mutual recognition pact of vaccine certificates with India, have been permitted to enter without undergoing quarantine, according to revised guidelines issued by the Indian government. However, they would be required to follow certain mandatory procedures before arriving in India. Before their scheduled arrival, travellers from these listed countries, including the US, the UK, France, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Russia, are required submit a self-declaration form on the Air Suvidha portal (newdelhiairport.in). The passengers also have to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR report, 72 hours prior to their journey, according to the revised Guidelines for International Arrivals released by the Union health ministry on November 11. Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to the authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise. Also read | What happens when COVID-19 meets toxic air? India is about to find out India shares an agreement with some of the 99 nations on ‘mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates’ of nationally recognised or the WHO recognised vaccines. Some of the countries, which features in ‘Category A’ list, do not have a mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine agreement with India, but they permit quarantine-free entry in their land to fully vaccinated Indian nationals, the guidelines read. Some of the countries currently considered to be "at risk" by India, which means the travellers from where would need to follow additional measures on arrival including testing, are the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe and Singapore. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan "As India opened its doors to fully-vaccinated international tourists from all over the world beginning Monday, India tourism Mumbai accorded a warm welcome to the first set of international tourists who landed at Mumbai International Airport by Air France flight AF218," the Union Ministry of Tourism said in a tweet. According to the guidelines, if fully-vaccinated travellers are coming from a country with which India has reciprocal arrangements for mutual acceptance of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines, they shall be allowed to leave the airport and need not undergo home quarantine. They shall self-monitor their health for 14 days post arrival. (WIth inputs from agencies)

India allows quarantine-free entry of vaccinated foreign nationals from 99 countries

The holidays are around the corner and the COVID-19 cases in US are refusing to die down. Fearful of contracting coronavirus infection, a majority of families in America are now banning their unvaccinated relatives from holiday gatherings this year.

A poll was conducted on November 2 by OnePoll agency to examine how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted people’s relationships with their loved ones ahead of the holidays this year. Around 2,000 US residents were surveyed, of them 65 per cent are vaccinated.

The results revealed that 63 per cent of the respondents don’t feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated family members to their parties. Six in 10 people have cut off ties with unvaccinated family members.

Half the poll (53 per cent) feel that the politicisation of the vaccine has completely divided their families.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-cases-among-children-peaked-in-september-shows-data-421035">US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data</a>

Seventy-two per cent of the vaccinated respondents said that it was impossible to make their family members understand the importance of the vaccine. On the other hand, 14 per cent of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot&nbsp;themselves.

Two in three respondents felt that they cannot go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated first. Of the 65 per cent who are fully vaccinated, nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) have reportedly cut off ties with their family members who refuse to get the vaccine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-asks-us-government-to-allow-covid-vaccine-for-children-ages-5-11-418917">Also read |&nbsp;Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11</a>

Seventy-two percent of the vaccinated respondents said that it was impossible to make their family members understand the importance of the vaccine. On the other hand, 14 per cent of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot&nbsp;themselves.

When asked about their decision, one respondent said, “I don’t trust the vaccine is safe,” while another says they are “concerned about side effects.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-stole-millions-of-covid-vaccines-from-uk-in-an-act-of-war-report-418646">Also read |&nbsp;France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report</a>

One even believes the vaccine “was rushed and people who are getting vaccinated are still getting sick.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The holidays are around the corner and the COVID-19 cases in US are refusing to die down. Fearful of contracting coronavirus infection, a majority of families in America are now banning their unvaccinated relatives from holiday gatherings this year.

The holidays are around the corner and the COVID-19 cases in US are refusing to die down. Fearful of contracting coronavirus infection, a majority of families in America are now banning their unvaccinated relatives from holiday gatherings this year. A poll was conducted on November 2 by OnePoll agency to examine how the COVID-19 vaccine has impacted people’s relationships with their loved ones ahead of the holidays this year. Around 2,000 US residents were surveyed, of them 65 per cent are vaccinated. The results revealed that 63 per cent of the respondents don’t feel comfortable inviting unvaccinated family members to their parties. Six in 10 people have cut off ties with unvaccinated family members. Half the poll (53 per cent) feel that the politicisation of the vaccine has completely divided their families. Also read | US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data Seventy-two per cent of the vaccinated respondents said that it was impossible to make their family members understand the importance of the vaccine. On the other hand, 14 per cent of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot themselves. Two in three respondents felt that they cannot go home for the holidays without getting vaccinated first. Of the 65 per cent who are fully vaccinated, nearly six in 10 (58 per cent) have reportedly cut off ties with their family members who refuse to get the vaccine. Also read | Pfizer asks US government to allow COVID vaccine for children ages 5-11 Seventy-two percent of the vaccinated respondents said that it was impossible to make their family members understand the importance of the vaccine. On the other hand, 14 per cent of survey respondents don’t plan to ever get the shot themselves. When asked about their decision, one respondent said, “I don’t trust the vaccine is safe,” while another says they are “concerned about side effects.” Also read | France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report One even believes the vaccine “was rushed and people who are getting vaccinated are still getting sick.” (With inputs from agencies)

Majority of Americans are cutting ties with anti-vaxxer family members: Survey

After 13 gorillas were found to be infected with COVID-19 at Atlanta Zoo, another such case has come to the fore, where eight big cats were tested positive with the deadly virus in another US zoo.

In Saint Louis Zoo, two African lions, two snow leopards, two jaguars, Amur tiger and a Puma have tested positive for coronavirus, according to local media.

All the infected animals had mild symptoms, although some had a cough and nasal discharge as well, the zoo said. Most of the infected cats showed no signs of illness, but a few had a decreased appetite and were less active for short periods of time.&nbsp;

“As in humans, we would expect that full protection against this virus would not be developed until a few weeks after the second injection in a series,” news agency AP quoted Dr Sathya Chinnadurai, the zoo’s director of animal health, as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-covid-19-spreads-to-gorillas-at-us-zoo-as-13-apes-test-positive-412439">Now, COVID-19 spreads to gorillas at US zoo as 13 apes test positive</a>

The outbreak was limited to the big cats as one of the other 12,000 animals in the zoo have tested positive, the local newspaper reported.

Staff are yet to trace the source of the infection among the cats. Notably, all the zoo staff are fully vaccinated.

Zoo officials said that all of the cats received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine that is tailor-made for the animals. The two doses were administered during a roughly three-week period that began September 30, but the cats were likely exposed between doses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-dog-to-test-positive-for-coronavirus-in-us-dies-says-report-317133">First dog to test positive for coronavirus in US dies, says report</a>

As of Thursday, at least 50 animals had received both coronavirus vaccine doses, while an additional 42 had received one dose.&nbsp;

In September, at least 13 western lowland gorillas seem to have tested positive for COVID-19, said Atlanta's zoo in the US. It includes 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity.

Similarly in UK, a pet dog tested positive for Covid on Friday. It is being said that the pet, who is recovering at home, caught the virus from its owner.

(With inputs from agencies)

After 13 gorillas were found to be infected with COVID-19 at Atlanta Zoo, another such case has come to the fore, where eight big cats were tested positive with the deadly virus in another US zoo.

After 13 gorillas were found to be infected with COVID-19 at Atlanta Zoo, another such case has come to the fore, where eight big cats were tested positive with the deadly virus in another US zoo. In Saint Louis Zoo, two African lions, two snow leopards, two jaguars, Amur tiger and a Puma have tested positive for coronavirus, according to local media. All the infected animals had mild symptoms, although some had a cough and nasal discharge as well, the zoo said. Most of the infected cats showed no signs of illness, but a few had a decreased appetite and were less active for short periods of time. “As in humans, we would expect that full protection against this virus would not be developed until a few weeks after the second injection in a series,” news agency AP quoted Dr Sathya Chinnadurai, the zoo’s director of animal health, as saying. Also read | Now, COVID-19 spreads to gorillas at US zoo as 13 apes test positive The outbreak was limited to the big cats as one of the other 12,000 animals in the zoo have tested positive, the local newspaper reported. Staff are yet to trace the source of the infection among the cats. Notably, all the zoo staff are fully vaccinated. Zoo officials said that all of the cats received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine that is tailor-made for the animals. The two doses were administered during a roughly three-week period that began September 30, but the cats were likely exposed between doses. Also read | First dog to test positive for coronavirus in US dies, says report As of Thursday, at least 50 animals had received both coronavirus vaccine doses, while an additional 42 had received one dose. In September, at least 13 western lowland gorillas seem to have tested positive for COVID-19, said Atlanta's zoo in the US. It includes 60-year-old Ozzie, the oldest male gorilla in captivity. Similarly in UK, a pet dog tested positive for Covid on Friday. It is being said that the pet, who is recovering at home, caught the virus from its owner. (With inputs from agencies)

US: 8 big cats test positive for COVID-19 at St. Louis Zoo

Europe is once again becoming the epicentre of a fresh COVID-19 outbreak, with some countries looking to impose lockdowns till Christmas and New Year as cases continue to rise.

Europe accounts for more than half of the average 7-day infections globally and about half of latest deaths, according to a Reuters tally, the highest levels since April last year when the virus was at its initial peak in Italy.

Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Croatia are among countries that have recently seen a surge in Covid cases. On Thursday, Germany recorded 50,196 new COVID-19 infections for the first time since the pandemic began.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381">'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge</a>

According to EU data, the pace of inoculation has slowed in recent months. Only about 65 per cent of the population of the European Economic Area (EEA), including the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, have received two doses.

The situation is so precarious that UK Prime Minister Boris Johson warned of “storm clouds” forming over parts of Europe. While outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;on Saturday called for a "national effort" to break a fourth wave of coronavirus that is sweeping Germany and again urged people to get vaccinated.

Speaking in a broadcast clip, Boris Johnson said, “I’m seeing the storm clouds gathering over parts of the European continent. And I’ve got to be absolutely frank with people: we’ve been here before. We remember what happens when the wave starts rolling in,” he said.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europe-becomes-covid-19-epicenter-yet-again-428905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe head, Hans Kluge, has said a lack of uptake of&nbsp;Covid vaccines is behind the increase.

The WHO’s recent report showed that Europe, including Russia, was the only region to record a rise in cases, up 7 per cent, while other areas reported declines or stable trends.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-19-cases-surge-in-europe-who-top-official-urges-us-to-pay-attention-427863">As COVID-19 cases surge in Europe, WHO top official urges US to pay attention</a>

Similarly, it reported a 10 percent increase in deaths, while other regions reported declines.

Germany and Austria are planning to impose a fresh lockdown as vaccine hesitancy still lingers on among the people.

Whereas other EU countries are planning to introduce booster shots for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems to avoid lockdown.

Norway, for example, has already given third dose to those aged 65 and above, while it is planning to offer the booster shot to everyone aged 18 and older.

Italy said that from December 1, it will also offer the third dose to people over 40.

(With inputs from agencies)

Europe is once again becoming the epicentre of a fresh COVID-19 outbreak, with some countries looking to impose lockdowns till Christmas and New Year as cases continue to rise.

Europe is once again becoming the epicentre of a fresh COVID-19 outbreak, with some countries looking to impose lockdowns till Christmas and New Year as cases continue to rise. Europe accounts for more than half of the average 7-day infections globally and about half of latest deaths, according to a Reuters tally, the highest levels since April last year when the virus was at its initial peak in Italy. Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Croatia are among countries that have recently seen a surge in Covid cases. On Thursday, Germany recorded 50,196 new COVID-19 infections for the first time since the pandemic began. Also read | 'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge According to EU data, the pace of inoculation has slowed in recent months. Only about 65 per cent of the population of the European Economic Area (EEA), including the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, have received two doses. The situation is so precarious that UK Prime Minister Boris Johson warned of “storm clouds” forming over parts of Europe. While outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday called for a "national effort" to break a fourth wave of coronavirus that is sweeping Germany and again urged people to get vaccinated. Speaking in a broadcast clip, Boris Johnson said, “I’m seeing the storm clouds gathering over parts of the European continent. And I’ve got to be absolutely frank with people: we’ve been here before. We remember what happens when the wave starts rolling in,” he said. Watch The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Europe head, Hans Kluge, has said a lack of uptake of Covid vaccines is behind the increase. The WHO’s recent report showed that Europe, including Russia, was the only region to record a rise in cases, up 7 per cent, while other areas reported declines or stable trends. Also read | As COVID-19 cases surge in Europe, WHO top official urges US to pay attention Similarly, it reported a 10 percent increase in deaths, while other regions reported declines. Germany and Austria are planning to impose a fresh lockdown as vaccine hesitancy still lingers on among the people. Whereas other EU countries are planning to introduce booster shots for the elderly and those with weakened immune systems to avoid lockdown. Norway, for example, has already given third dose to those aged 65 and above, while it is planning to offer the booster shot to everyone aged 18 and older. Italy said that from December 1, it will also offer the third dose to people over 40. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe becoming COVID-19’s epicentre yet again, some countries planning lockdown, booster shots

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing&nbsp;Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.

On&nbsp;Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections.&nbsp;According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October.

According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic.

Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381">&nbsp;'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge</a>

However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak.

“It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times.

She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system.

“We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/grave-concern-covid-cases-soar-in-germany-426732">&nbsp;'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany</a>

Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent.

About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports.

“What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month.

(With inputs from agencies)

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”.

Germany is in the midst of fourth Covid wave. Many hospitals are being overburdened, even as outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel described the rise in infections as “dramatic”. On Thursday, Germany registered a record 50,196 new COVID-19 infections. According to health authorities, it is the first time Germany has exceeded 50,000 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The death rates have also soared since mid-October. According to a report from the New York Times, unvaccinated Germans are primarily responsible for the fourth Covid wave in the country, producing thousands of new daily infections — more than the country has had at any point in the pandemic. Many factors are being attributed to surge in cases, including winter temperature, a slow rollout of booster vaccines, and more pronounced spike in infections in neighbouring eastern European nations. Also read | 'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge However, experts are of the opinion that unvaccinated Germans are the primary cause of the present outbreak. “It’s our low rate of vaccination; we haven’t done what was necessary,” said Herold, a scientist, told the New York Times. She was part of a team of scientists who modelled the impact of a fourth wave. Early in the year, she had warned that at least 85 per cent of the whole population would need to be vaccinated to avert a delta variant-fuelled crisis in the health care system. “We are still below 70 per cent. I don’t know how we can win this race against time with the fourth wave. I fear we’ve already lost,” she was quoted as saying. Also read | 'Grave concern': Covid cases soar in Germany Pressure is also building on hospitals, in an outbreak blamed on Germany's relatively low vaccination rates of just over 67 per cent. About 1 in 3 Germans not yet fully vaccinated, the German vaccination rate is among the lowest in Western Europe, according to reports. “What we are experiencing is above all a pandemic of the unvaccinated,” the minister of health, Jens Spahn, said this month. (With inputs from agencies)

Unvaccinated Germans responsible for fourth Covid wave, say experts

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator.

“The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement.

Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-seeks-us-fdas-authorisation-for-covid-19-pill-420024">Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill</a>

It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-americans-should-get-vaccinated-even-if-mercks-covid-pill-cuts-deaths-418016">Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths&nbsp;</a>

Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body.

It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in&nbsp;the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days.

The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India. The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator. “The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement. Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults. Also read | Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA). Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Also read | Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body. It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply. Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days. The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data. (With inputs from agencies)

First anti-Covid pill to be launched soon in India, drug regulator reviewing data

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”.

The company first informed the federal regulatory agency about the defect in some lots in October.

On Wednesday, the FDA said it had identified additional lots that have been affected by the manufacturing defect.

The defective test kits were manufactured by Ellume between February 24, 2021 and Aug. 11, 2021. So far, 35 false positives from these tests have been reported to the FDA.

Incorrect results could lead a person to wrongly receive COVID-19 treatments or isolate when they don’t need to and might even lead to people avoid vaccination, the FDA said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-cases-among-children-peaked-in-september-shows-data-421035">US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data</a>

The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is an antigen test that detects proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal sample in people two years of age or older.

In&nbsp;a statement posted on the company’s website, founder and CEO Sean Parsons apologised to those who had received a false positive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-booster-policy-is-in-flux-as-studies-add-to-dissent-413520">US booster policy is in flux as studies add to dissent</a>

“We understand that trust is central to fulfilling our purpose as a company, and we recognize that this incident may have shaken the confidence of some of those who trusted Ellume to help them manage their health and to take back a bit of control of their lives during this pandemic,” Parsons said.

Ellume says it has corrected the manufacturing problem even as the FDA says they are monitoring the company’s efforts moving forward.

“The FDA is continuing to work with Ellume to assess the company's corrective actions, such as additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps, to address the reason for the manufacturing issue, and to help ensure that it is resolved and will not recur,” the regulatory agency said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”. The company first informed the federal regulatory agency about the defect in some lots in October. On Wednesday, the FDA said it had identified additional lots that have been affected by the manufacturing defect. The defective test kits were manufactured by Ellume between February 24, 2021 and Aug. 11, 2021. So far, 35 false positives from these tests have been reported to the FDA. Incorrect results could lead a person to wrongly receive COVID-19 treatments or isolate when they don’t need to and might even lead to people avoid vaccination, the FDA said. Also read | US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is an antigen test that detects proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal sample in people two years of age or older. In a statement posted on the company’s website, founder and CEO Sean Parsons apologised to those who had received a false positive. Also read | US booster policy is in flux as studies add to dissent “We understand that trust is central to fulfilling our purpose as a company, and we recognize that this incident may have shaken the confidence of some of those who trusted Ellume to help them manage their health and to take back a bit of control of their lives during this pandemic,” Parsons said. Ellume says it has corrected the manufacturing problem even as the FDA says they are monitoring the company’s efforts moving forward. “The FDA is continuing to work with Ellume to assess the company's corrective actions, such as additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps, to address the reason for the manufacturing issue, and to help ensure that it is resolved and will not recur,” the regulatory agency said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Firm recalls 2 million at-home Covid test kits after reports of ‘false positives’ in US

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts.

Six new cases were found in Beijing's central districts of Chaoyang and Haidian on Thursday morning, local media reported.

According to reports, the six cases were close contacts of people infected recently in northeastern Jilin province.

Raffles City mall in Dongcheng in the capital was sealed off on Wednesday evening after a close contact of a person infected with COVID-19 was found to have visited the mall, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Videos shared on social media platform Weibo showed crowds of shoppers in masks, lining up to be tested inside the shopping centre.

The Chinese authorities have been pursuing a zero-Covid policy, aiming to suppress cases whenever they arise with tough measures including limitations on movement. Notably, Beijing will also host the Winter Olympics&nbsp;in February.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-outbreak-in-china-authorities-shut-down-lanzhou-city-of-4-million-people-424081">New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people</a>

The latest spike occurred amid high-level meeting of top Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Beijing health officials said at a briefing that over 280 close contacts have been identified, with almost 12,000 people screened for the virus in both Chaoyang and Haidian districts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-ahead-of-communist-party-conclave-chinas-covid-cases-hit-three-month-high-426394">Just ahead of Communist Party conclave, China's Covid cases hit three-month high</a>

“This cluster outbreak was sudden with many places covering a large area. It involves many people, and prevention and control is very difficult,” said city government spokesman Xu Hejian.

“Today is a crucial day... and it is necessary to trace the source of the outbreak as soon as possible.”

Five residential communities, a primary school and two office compounds were placed under snap lockdowns early on Thursday, with tens of thousands of residents barred from leaving and made to undergo mass testing.

As of November 10, mainland China had reported 98,001 COVID-19 cases with confirmed symptoms, including locally transmitted cases and those who arrived from abroad, and 4,636 deaths in total.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts.

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts. Six new cases were found in Beijing's central districts of Chaoyang and Haidian on Thursday morning, local media reported. According to reports, the six cases were close contacts of people infected recently in northeastern Jilin province. Raffles City mall in Dongcheng in the capital was sealed off on Wednesday evening after a close contact of a person infected with COVID-19 was found to have visited the mall, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. Videos shared on social media platform Weibo showed crowds of shoppers in masks, lining up to be tested inside the shopping centre. The Chinese authorities have been pursuing a zero-Covid policy, aiming to suppress cases whenever they arise with tough measures including limitations on movement. Notably, Beijing will also host the Winter Olympics in February. Also read | New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people The latest spike occurred amid high-level meeting of top Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Beijing health officials said at a briefing that over 280 close contacts have been identified, with almost 12,000 people screened for the virus in both Chaoyang and Haidian districts. Also read | Just ahead of Communist Party conclave, China's Covid cases hit three-month high “This cluster outbreak was sudden with many places covering a large area. It involves many people, and prevention and control is very difficult,” said city government spokesman Xu Hejian. “Today is a crucial day... and it is necessary to trace the source of the outbreak as soon as possible.” Five residential communities, a primary school and two office compounds were placed under snap lockdowns early on Thursday, with tens of thousands of residents barred from leaving and made to undergo mass testing. As of November 10, mainland China had reported 98,001 COVID-19 cases with confirmed symptoms, including locally transmitted cases and those who arrived from abroad, and 4,636 deaths in total. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing closes down mall, several housing compounds amid fresh Covid flare-up

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus.

Kashmir division has reported 147 cases, while Jammu had 18 new cases.&nbsp;Notably, this is the highest number of infections that have been recorded in the last six weeks.

Srinagar is emerging as one of the hotspots for the Covid spread, as about 554 out of 968 active cases (that is 57 per cent) have been reported so far.

“We have taken a lot of containment measures. We have created micro containment zones. There are five wards which&nbsp;are under corona curfew, these are: Lal Bazaar, Hyderpora, Chanapora, and Bemina. We have&nbsp;also mobilised our health staff for screen testing. We have also upped the speed of the vaccination drive in the region,” said Ajaz Asad, District Collector, Srinagar.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/booster-dose-to-be-taken-6-months-after-covaxins-2nd-dose-bharat-biotech-cmd-428449">Booster dose to be taken 6 months after Covaxin's 2nd dose: Bharat Biotech CMD</a>

The medical staff fear that a further spike in the COVID cases could be expected as a huge influx of tourists is being witnessed in the state. They say that the current scale of testing capacity needs to be upgraded to test more tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/96-countries-accept-indias-covid-vaccination-certificates-says-health-minister-428210">96 countries accept India’s Covid vaccination certificates, says health minister</a>

“'There is a standard protocol for any tourist visiting the valley. At the airport, either you require an RT-PCR test or on the spot the Rapid Antigen Test. I feel there is a good influx of tourists at the moment as all the hotels are booked, that’s why we want to control the Covid cases at the beginning. We are taking all the measures to curb the spread&nbsp;of infection. We overcame the first and second wave with the support of people, and we can again if people adhere to the Covid protocols,” Asad said.&nbsp;

The Jammu Kashmir Administration is currently doing more than 50,000 tests across the Union Territory daily.

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus.

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus. Kashmir division has reported 147 cases, while Jammu had 18 new cases. Notably, this is the highest number of infections that have been recorded in the last six weeks. Srinagar is emerging as one of the hotspots for the Covid spread, as about 554 out of 968 active cases (that is 57 per cent) have been reported so far. “We have taken a lot of containment measures. We have created micro containment zones. There are five wards which are under corona curfew, these are: Lal Bazaar, Hyderpora, Chanapora, and Bemina. We have also mobilised our health staff for screen testing. We have also upped the speed of the vaccination drive in the region,” said Ajaz Asad, District Collector, Srinagar. Also read | Booster dose to be taken 6 months after Covaxin's 2nd dose: Bharat Biotech CMD The medical staff fear that a further spike in the COVID cases could be expected as a huge influx of tourists is being witnessed in the state. They say that the current scale of testing capacity needs to be upgraded to test more tourists. Also read | 96 countries accept India’s Covid vaccination certificates, says health minister “'There is a standard protocol for any tourist visiting the valley. At the airport, either you require an RT-PCR test or on the spot the Rapid Antigen Test. I feel there is a good influx of tourists at the moment as all the hotels are booked, that’s why we want to control the Covid cases at the beginning. We are taking all the measures to curb the spread of infection. We overcame the first and second wave with the support of people, and we can again if people adhere to the Covid protocols,” Asad said. The Jammu Kashmir Administration is currently doing more than 50,000 tests across the Union Territory daily.

Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot

As per a recent travel update, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates with India, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the UK government has announced that India-made Covaxin would be added to the list of authorised vaccinations.

As a result, travellers who have been vaccinated with Covaxin can enter the nation without being subjected to quarantine.

The new regulation will be implemented on November 22nd.&nbsp;

A statement released by the health ministry said, "At present, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and also those who recognise Indian vaccination certificates of travellers fully vaccinated with COVISHIELD/WHO approved/nationally approved vaccines. Consecutively, persons travelling from these countries are provided certain relaxations as enunciated in Union Health Ministry’s Guidelines on International Arrivals…"&nbsp;

Mandaviya said in a statement that the government is continuing to communicate with the rest of the globe in order for beneficiaries of the world's biggest COVID-19 vaccination campaign to be accepted and recognised, simplifying travel for education, business, and tourist purposes.&nbsp;

As a result, those travelling from certain countries are granted some exemptions, as stated in the Union Health Ministry's instructions on foreign arrivals, which were announced on October 20, 2021.

According to the ministry, the international travel vaccination certificate may also be accessed via the Co-WIN site for anyone who desires to go abroad.&nbsp;

Among the 96 countries are Canada, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Bangladesh, Mali, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Angola, Nigeria, Benin, Chad, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Finland, Estonia, Romania, Moldova, Albania, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Sweden, Austria, Montenegro, and Iceland.

Eswatini, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Armenia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Georgia, Andorra, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Maldives, Comoros, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Peru, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Brazil have also agreed to mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates with India.

Guyana, Antigua &amp; Barbuda, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Columbia, Trinidad &amp; Tobago, Commonwealth of Dominica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nepal, Iran, Lebanon, State of Palestine, Syria, South Sudan, Tunisia, Sudan, Egypt, Australia, Mongolia, and Philippines are the other countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per a recent travel update, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates with India, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday.

As per a recent travel update, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates with India, said Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the UK government has announced that India-made Covaxin would be added to the list of authorised vaccinations. As a result, travellers who have been vaccinated with Covaxin can enter the nation without being subjected to quarantine. The new regulation will be implemented on November 22nd. A statement released by the health ministry said, "At present, 96 countries have agreed to mutual recognition of vaccination certificates and also those who recognise Indian vaccination certificates of travellers fully vaccinated with COVISHIELD/WHO approved/nationally approved vaccines. Consecutively, persons travelling from these countries are provided certain relaxations as enunciated in Union Health Ministry’s Guidelines on International Arrivals…" Mandaviya said in a statement that the government is continuing to communicate with the rest of the globe in order for beneficiaries of the world's biggest COVID-19 vaccination campaign to be accepted and recognised, simplifying travel for education, business, and tourist purposes. As a result, those travelling from certain countries are granted some exemptions, as stated in the Union Health Ministry's instructions on foreign arrivals, which were announced on October 20, 2021. According to the ministry, the international travel vaccination certificate may also be accessed via the Co-WIN site for anyone who desires to go abroad. Among the 96 countries are Canada, the US, the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Bangladesh, Mali, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Angola, Nigeria, Benin, Chad, Hungary, Serbia, Poland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Finland, Estonia, Romania, Moldova, Albania, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Sweden, Austria, Montenegro, and Iceland. Eswatini, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Kyrgyz Republic, Belarus, Armenia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Georgia, Andorra, Kuwait, Oman, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Maldives, Comoros, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Peru, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Brazil have also agreed to mutual recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certificates with India. Guyana, Antigua & Barbuda, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Columbia, Trinidad & Tobago, Commonwealth of Dominica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nepal, Iran, Lebanon, State of Palestine, Syria, South Sudan, Tunisia, Sudan, Egypt, Australia, Mongolia, and Philippines are the other countries. (With inputs from agencies)

96 countries accept India’s Covid vaccination certificates, says health minister

An Australian study revealed that those who are completely vaccinated are 16 times less likely to end up in intensive care units (ICU) or die from COVID-19 than those who are not. This is the latest data indicating how vaccinations avert the most dreaded consequences.

According to data compiled by health authorities in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, nearly 16 out of every 100,000 people who had not received a Covid vaccine ended up in intensive care or died after contracting the virus, compared to fewer than 1 in every 100,000 who were fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

Separately, statistics from Texas, the United States, revealed that unvaccinated persons were 20 times more likely to die from the illness than those who were completely protected.

The findings came from a four-week in-state survey.

According to the study, the risk of mortality was 48 times greater for unvaccinated adults in their 30s and 63 times higher for those in their 40s.&nbsp;

The pandemic's impact on mortality has been mixed.

Last year, life expectancy fell in most locations, knocking 28.1 million years off the total duration in 31 nations.

Residents in a few localities that successfully kept COVID-19 at bay, on the other hand, lived longer.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian study revealed that those who are completely vaccinated are 16 times less likely to end up in intensive care units (ICU) or die from COVID-19 than those who are not.

An Australian study revealed that those who are completely vaccinated are 16 times less likely to end up in intensive care units (ICU) or die from COVID-19 than those who are not. This is the latest data indicating how vaccinations avert the most dreaded consequences. According to data compiled by health authorities in New South Wales, Australia's most populous state, nearly 16 out of every 100,000 people who had not received a Covid vaccine ended up in intensive care or died after contracting the virus, compared to fewer than 1 in every 100,000 who were fully vaccinated. Separately, statistics from Texas, the United States, revealed that unvaccinated persons were 20 times more likely to die from the illness than those who were completely protected. The findings came from a four-week in-state survey. According to the study, the risk of mortality was 48 times greater for unvaccinated adults in their 30s and 63 times higher for those in their 40s. The pandemic's impact on mortality has been mixed. Last year, life expectancy fell in most locations, knocking 28.1 million years off the total duration in 31 nations. Residents in a few localities that successfully kept COVID-19 at bay, on the other hand, lived longer. (With inputs from agencies)

Risk of death from Covid 48 times higher for unvaccinated people: Study

In pics | Aucklanders return to mall as New Zealand eases Covid curbs

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws.

According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, foreign flight arrivals at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy international airports are likely to increase 11% on Monday compared to a same day in October, with 253 planes planned to arrive, according to Xinhua news agency.

Bookings have increased since the Joe Biden administration said it will eliminate the limitations, according to airline officials.&nbsp; 
 
Watch :

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-reopens-borders-for-fully-vaccinated-international-visitors-427613/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines were each up more than 1 per cent in morning trading. Those carriers have the most international service of the US airlines and stand to benefit from the resumption of US-bound travel, " reported CNBC.

The ban, which was implemented by former US President Donald Trump in early 2020 and increased by Vice President Joe Biden earlier this year, barred travellers from 33 nations, including the United Kingdom, much of Europe, China, Brazil, and South Africa. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-lottery-25-year-old-australian-woman-wins-1mn-for-getting-vaccinated-427838">Also read | Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated</a>

Visitors can now travel into the US with documentation of complete COVID-19 vaccination.

A paper certificate, a photograph of the document, or a computerised version of the document can all be used to provide documentation.

Travelers under the age of 18 and travellers from countries with limited vaccination availability are excluded.&nbsp;

Accepted vaccines are those approved or authorised by the Food and Drug Administration and those listed for use by the World Health Organization: Johnson &amp; Johnson, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

The United States will also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the past three days for all vaccinated travellers. The country has required that since January for all arrivals, including US citizens. If a traveller is not vaccinated, the COVID-19 test must have been taken within one day of departure.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws.

The United States has reopened its borders to fully vaccinated overseas travellers, accepting people who had been barred from entering the country for the last 20 months, which is considered as a relief for the tourism sector and families who have been separated due to prior COVID-19 laws. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, foreign flight arrivals at Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy international airports are likely to increase 11% on Monday compared to a same day in October, with 253 planes planned to arrive, according to Xinhua news agency. Bookings have increased since the Joe Biden administration said it will eliminate the limitations, according to airline officials. Watch : "Shares of United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines were each up more than 1 per cent in morning trading. Those carriers have the most international service of the US airlines and stand to benefit from the resumption of US-bound travel, " reported CNBC. The ban, which was implemented by former US President Donald Trump in early 2020 and increased by Vice President Joe Biden earlier this year, barred travellers from 33 nations, including the United Kingdom, much of Europe, China, Brazil, and South Africa. Also read | Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated Visitors can now travel into the US with documentation of complete COVID-19 vaccination. A paper certificate, a photograph of the document, or a computerised version of the document can all be used to provide documentation. Travelers under the age of 18 and travellers from countries with limited vaccination availability are excluded. Accepted vaccines are those approved or authorised by the Food and Drug Administration and those listed for use by the World Health Organization: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Sinopharm and Sinovac. The United States will also require proof of a negative COVID-19 test from within the past three days for all vaccinated travellers. The country has required that since January for all arrivals, including US citizens. If a traveller is not vaccinated, the COVID-19 test must have been taken within one day of departure. (With inputs from agencies)

US opens border to fully vaccinated international travellers, benefiting airlines

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw.

According to reports, a group of philanthropists and companies known as the Million Dollar Vax Alliance had allocated the money in order to push Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 virus.

Zhu, from Sydney, told Nine’s Today programme&nbsp;that the lottery’s organisers tried to get in touch with her&nbsp;while she was at work.

“Then I called them back and she said: "Oh, you won a million dollars! You're the only one in Australia."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-covid-patient-overdoses-on-ivermectin-admitted-to-sydney-hospital-410299">Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital</a>

Zhu said she plans to spend some of the money on reuniting with her family and invest the rest of the money.

“I want to fly my family out from China first class and put them up in a five star hotel for Chinese New Year if the borders are open. I will buy presents for my family and invest the rest of the money so I can make more money in the future and to help people if they need help,” she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-ends-covid-19-vaccine-trials-after-participants-develop-antibodies-for-hiv-349006">Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV</a>

The Million Dollar Vax Alliance campaign has been credited with helping Australia to fully-vaccinate 80% of those aged over 16.

The lottery also gave out 100 gift cards worth $1,000 each day in October which - along with the grand prize - made a total of $4.1m.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw.

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw. According to reports, a group of philanthropists and companies known as the Million Dollar Vax Alliance had allocated the money in order to push Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 virus. Zhu, from Sydney, told Nine’s Today programme that the lottery’s organisers tried to get in touch with her while she was at work. “Then I called them back and she said: "Oh, you won a million dollars! You're the only one in Australia." Also read | Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital Zhu said she plans to spend some of the money on reuniting with her family and invest the rest of the money. “I want to fly my family out from China first class and put them up in a five star hotel for Chinese New Year if the borders are open. I will buy presents for my family and invest the rest of the money so I can make more money in the future and to help people if they need help,” she said. Also read | Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV The Million Dollar Vax Alliance campaign has been credited with helping Australia to fully-vaccinate 80% of those aged over 16. The lottery also gave out 100 gift cards worth $1,000 each day in October which - along with the grand prize - made a total of $4.1m. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season.

Army biscuits and luncheon meals are becoming the most searched items online. Rice, soya sauce, chilli sauce are trending in Alibaba’s e-commerce website, even as vendors are running out of stock. According to reports, the top search on the internet in China reads household stockpile list.

It all started with a notice from China’s Ministry of Commerce on November 1, directing local governments to encourage people to stockpile “daily necessities”, including vegetables, oils and poultry, in order to “meet the needs of daily life and emergencies.”

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【中国各地民众响应政府号召抢购物资】 
中国商务部周初一纸通知原本恐吓台湾要“武统”，结果引发该国民众疯抢商品。有家庭甚至储备发电机。 
 
网上视频<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E5%8F%B0%E6%B5%B7%E5%8D%B1%E6%9C%BA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#台海危机</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%90%AC%E7%9F%B3%E5%A4%B4%E7%A0%B8%E8%87%AA%E5%B7%B1%E8%84%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#搬石头砸自己脚</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZu3AYpExy">pic.twitter.com/TZu3AYpExy</a>
— 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) <a href="https://twitter.com/RFA_Chinese/status/1456095437509644298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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China is encouraging people to stockpile food which has resulted in mass panic buying. Many items are sold out and people are fighting over bags of food. It's unclear the real reason the Chinese government is encouraging this behavior. <a href="https://t.co/gzdiBfzFYc">pic.twitter.com/gzdiBfzFYc</a>
— 974Rebelion✊ (@JohnWick97440) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnWick97440/status/1457379106933383177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Anyone else seeing similar images coming out of China? Apparently people are panic buying? <a href="https://t.co/zhG6RLgpbM">pic.twitter.com/zhG6RLgpbM</a>
— shaquille o'atmeal (@crypt0e) <a href="https://twitter.com/crypt0e/status/1456476067317776392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The order triggered a heated debate online, with some users speculating that the call to stockpile food was related to the possible outbreak of war with Taiwan, while others are attributing to impending lockdown owing to the fresh Covid outbreak.

“The government didn't even tell us to stock goods when the Covid outbreak erupted in early 2020,” wrote one user on Weibo social networking site earlier this week.

One video posted on Weibo by the state-owned news magazine China News Weekly shows long lines of shoppers at grocery stores in Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu province. Their carts are stacked full of produce and other supplies, while shelves throughout the stores are empty.

Supermarkets in various cities around the country saw flour, rice and other food items flying off the shelves.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-panic-buying-in-china-427068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Ministry of Commerce responded by assuring people there was no imminent threat to the food supply, while the state-run&nbsp;Economic Daily&nbsp;newspaper tried to calm online speculation by saying that the intention of the notice was to make sure people were prepared for lockdowns or quarantine due to&nbsp;new coronavirus outbreaks.

China's instructions also pushed up domestic edible oil futures as well as Malaysian palm oil.

“It's going to be a cold winter, we want to make sure we have enough to eat,” Reuters quoted a woman outside a supermarket in central Beijing.

China's National Meteorological Centre is predicting a plunge in temperatures over the weekend in the northwest, southwest and most central and eastern regions.

Meanwhile, China continues to report rising number of Covid cases in several provinces. According to reports, hundreds of locally transmitted infections have been found in about two-thirds of its provinces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season.

Long serpentine queues, people jostling and fighting at the supermarkets to stock essential food items: These are the scenes of panic buying that is being witnessed across China—which is bracing for a fresh surge of COVID-19 outbreak and a long winter season. Army biscuits and luncheon meals are becoming the most searched items online. Rice, soya sauce, chilli sauce are trending in Alibaba’s e-commerce website, even as vendors are running out of stock. According to reports, the top search on the internet in China reads household stockpile list. It all started with a notice from China’s Ministry of Commerce on November 1, directing local governments to encourage people to stockpile “daily necessities”, including vegetables, oils and poultry, in order to “meet the needs of daily life and emergencies.” 【中国各地民众响应政府号召抢购物资】 中国商务部周初一纸通知原本恐吓台湾要“武统”，结果引发该国民众疯抢商品。有家庭甚至储备发电机。 网上视频#台海危机#搬石头砸自己脚 pic.twitter.com/TZu3AYpExy — 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) November 4, 2021 × China is encouraging people to stockpile food which has resulted in mass panic buying. Many items are sold out and people are fighting over bags of food. It's unclear the real reason the Chinese government is encouraging this behavior. pic.twitter.com/gzdiBfzFYc — 974Rebelion✊ (@JohnWick97440) November 7, 2021 × Anyone else seeing similar images coming out of China? Apparently people are panic buying? pic.twitter.com/zhG6RLgpbM — shaquille o'atmeal (@crypt0e) November 5, 2021 × The order triggered a heated debate online, with some users speculating that the call to stockpile food was related to the possible outbreak of war with Taiwan, while others are attributing to impending lockdown owing to the fresh Covid outbreak. “The government didn't even tell us to stock goods when the Covid outbreak erupted in early 2020,” wrote one user on Weibo social networking site earlier this week. One video posted on Weibo by the state-owned news magazine China News Weekly shows long lines of shoppers at grocery stores in Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu province. Their carts are stacked full of produce and other supplies, while shelves throughout the stores are empty. Supermarkets in various cities around the country saw flour, rice and other food items flying off the shelves. Watch The Ministry of Commerce responded by assuring people there was no imminent threat to the food supply, while the state-run Economic Daily newspaper tried to calm online speculation by saying that the intention of the notice was to make sure people were prepared for lockdowns or quarantine due to new coronavirus outbreaks. China's instructions also pushed up domestic edible oil futures as well as Malaysian palm oil. “It's going to be a cold winter, we want to make sure we have enough to eat,” Reuters quoted a woman outside a supermarket in central Beijing. China's National Meteorological Centre is predicting a plunge in temperatures over the weekend in the northwest, southwest and most central and eastern regions. Meanwhile, China continues to report rising number of Covid cases in several provinces. According to reports, hundreds of locally transmitted infections have been found in about two-thirds of its provinces. (With inputs from agencies)

China's new directive on stockpiling food triggers hoarding, panic buying

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.

The death toll has climbed to 4,60,791 with 526 more fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-welcome-all-students-schools-reopen-after-19-months-425900">'We welcome all students': Schools reopen after 19 months</a>

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 30 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 133 consecutive days now, the ministry said.

The active cases have declined to 1,44,845, comprising 0.42 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March last year, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.24 per cent, the highest since March last year, it said.

The data stated that a decrease of 2,105 cases has been recorded in active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.18 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 34 days.

The weekly positivity rate has been recorded at 1.28 per cent. It has been below two per cent for the last 44 days, according to the health ministry.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/28-million-more-years-of-life-lost-due-to-the-covid-19-pandemic-study-426635">28 million more years of life lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Study</a>

The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, has increased to 3,37,49,900, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.

The cumulative doses administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 108.21 crore.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year.

India crossed two crore cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23.

The 526 new fatalities include 467 from Kerala, 14 from West Bengal and 10 each from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the ministry said.

Kerala has been reconciling data on COVID-19 deaths since the past few days, hence the death tally of the state is high.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/panic-in-southern-indian-state-of-karnataka-as-32-students-test-positive-for-covid-19-at-residential-school-424685">Panic in southern Indian state of Karnataka as 32 students test positive for COVID-19 at residential school</a>

It said 4,60,791 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,40,372 from Maharashtra, 38,107 from Karnataka, 36,214 from Tamil Nadu, 33,515 from Kerala, 25,091 from Delhi, 22,903 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,215 from West Bengal.

The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of 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.&nbsp;

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday.

India saw a single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infections, which took the country's total tally of cases to 3,43,55,536, while active cases have declined to 1,44,845, the lowest in 260 days, according to Union health ministry data updated on Sunday. The death toll has climbed to 4,60,791 with 526 more fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 am. Also Read | 'We welcome all students': Schools reopen after 19 months The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been below 20,000 for 30 straight days and less than 50,000 daily new cases have been reported for 133 consecutive days now, the ministry said. The active cases have declined to 1,44,845, comprising 0.42 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March last year, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.24 per cent, the highest since March last year, it said. The data stated that a decrease of 2,105 cases has been recorded in active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 1.18 per cent. It has been less than two per cent for the last 34 days. The weekly positivity rate has been recorded at 1.28 per cent. It has been below two per cent for the last 44 days, according to the health ministry. Also Read | 28 million more years of life lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Study The number of people, who have recuperated from the disease, has increased to 3,37,49,900, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.34 per cent, the data stated. The cumulative doses administered so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 108.21 crore. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7 last year, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19 last year. India crossed two crore cases on May 4 and three crore cases on June 23. The 526 new fatalities include 467 from Kerala, 14 from West Bengal and 10 each from Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the ministry said. Kerala has been reconciling data on COVID-19 deaths since the past few days, hence the death tally of the state is high. Also Read | Panic in southern Indian state of Karnataka as 32 students test positive for COVID-19 at residential school It said 4,60,791 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,40,372 from Maharashtra, 38,107 from Karnataka, 36,214 from Tamil Nadu, 33,515 from Kerala, 25,091 from Delhi, 22,903 from Uttar Pradesh and 19,215 from West Bengal. The health ministry said that more than 70 per cent of 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 reports single-day rise of 10,853 COVID-19 infection, active cases lowest in 260 days

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19.

The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid.

They uncovered a “relatively unstudied gene called LZTFL1” which appears to stop cells in the airways and lungs from responding to the virus properly, potentially leading to respiratory failure and death.

They say that around 60% of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15% of people of European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene.

It is found in about 15% of those with European ancestry, while only 2% of people with Afro-Caribbean ancestry carry the gene.

Vaccines are key and help significantly reduce these risks, the researchers have asserted.

Professor James Davies, who led the study, said the discovery shows the “way in which the lung responds to the infection is critical”.

&nbsp;“The reason this has proved so difficult to work out is that the previously identified genetic signal affects the ‘dark matter’ of the genome,” he said.

“We found that the increased risk is not because of a difference in gene coding for a protein, but because of a difference in the DNA that makes a switch to turn a gene on,” he added.

The research was conducted by an artificial intelligence algorithm that had been trained by the team to analyse huge quantities of genetic data from hundreds of types of cells from all parts of the body.

The researchers hope that drugs and other therapies could target the mechanism that prevents the lung lining from responding as it should.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19. The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid.

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19. The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid. They uncovered a “relatively unstudied gene called LZTFL1” which appears to stop cells in the airways and lungs from responding to the virus properly, potentially leading to respiratory failure and death. They say that around 60% of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15% of people of European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene. It is found in about 15% of those with European ancestry, while only 2% of people with Afro-Caribbean ancestry carry the gene. Vaccines are key and help significantly reduce these risks, the researchers have asserted. Professor James Davies, who led the study, said the discovery shows the “way in which the lung responds to the infection is critical”. “The reason this has proved so difficult to work out is that the previously identified genetic signal affects the ‘dark matter’ of the genome,” he said. “We found that the increased risk is not because of a difference in gene coding for a protein, but because of a difference in the DNA that makes a switch to turn a gene on,” he added. The research was conducted by an artificial intelligence algorithm that had been trained by the team to analyse huge quantities of genetic data from hundreds of types of cells from all parts of the body. The researchers hope that drugs and other therapies could target the mechanism that prevents the lung lining from responding as it should. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Fatal gene that doubles risk of lung failure from Covid mostly found in South Asians

An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said.

The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US&nbsp;west coast, the US&nbsp;Tsunami Warning System said.

&quot;If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring,&quot; Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said in a warning for Alaska and British Columbia.

Tsunami warnings for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire U.S. west coast and Hawaii were issued.

&quot;Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter,&quot; the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said.

Japan&#39;s meteorological agency said it was monitoring the situation but did not issue a tsunami alert.

An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US west coast, the US Tsunami Warning System said.

An earthquake of magnitude 8.2 hit 256 km southeast of Chiniak, Alaska at a depth of 10 km on Tuesday, the US Geological Survey said. The quake prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire US west coast, the US Tsunami Warning System said. "If you are located in this coastal area, move inland to higher ground. Tsunami warnings mean that a tsunami with significant inundation is possible or is already occurring," Anchorage Office of Emergency Management said in a warning for Alaska and British Columbia. Tsunami warnings for parts of Alaska and Canada and a tsunami watch for the entire U.S. west coast and Hawaii were issued. "Based on all available data a tsunami may have been generated by this earthquake that could be destructive on coastal areas even far from the epicenter," the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. Japan's meteorological agency said it was monitoring the situation but did not issue a tsunami alert.

US mandates compulsory Covid jabs or weekly tests for private sector workers from January

The latest James Bond installment ‘No Time To Die’ might not be doing as well as expected of it at the box office but is staying afloat. The film’s Chinese box office collections were $28.2 million in its debut over the weekend.&nbsp;

This comes after several provinces across China have prompted shutdown owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases currently.&nbsp;

James Bond installment 'No Time to Die' left China’s box office stirred but not especially shaken with a &nbsp;debut over the weekend. In all, over 13 per cent of Chinese screens were non-operational for the weekend. Since the government is keen on blocking the rise of the cases, it is expected that more screens across more number of provinces will be further shut down. Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bsalman-khan-moves-release-date-of-antim-the-final-truth-ahead-to-avoid-a-clash-with-sooryavanshi-425802" hreflang="en">Diwali clash averted: Salman Khan moves 'Antim: The Final Truth' ahead</a>

Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/diwali-special-not-just-india-these-countries-also-celebrate-the-festival-425785" hreflang="en">Diwali special: Not just India, these countries also celebrate the festival</a>

Also, the Bond franchise has never been a powerful player in the Chinese market. Earlier, ‘Spectre’ earned $83.5 million and ‘Skyfall’ earned $59 million back in 2012.

<h5><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/romance-in-the-air-kim-kardashian-pete-davidson-spotted-holding-hands-425874" hreflang="en">Romance in the air? Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson spotted holding hands</a></h5>

The latest James Bond installment ‘No Time To Die’ might not be doing as well as expected of it at the box office but is staying afloat. The film’s Chinese box office collections were $28.

The latest James Bond installment ‘No Time To Die’ might not be doing as well as expected of it at the box office but is staying afloat. The film’s Chinese box office collections were $28.2 million in its debut over the weekend. This comes after several provinces across China have prompted shutdown owing to a rise in COVID-19 cases currently. James Bond installment 'No Time to Die' left China’s box office stirred but not especially shaken with a debut over the weekend. In all, over 13 per cent of Chinese screens were non-operational for the weekend. Since the government is keen on blocking the rise of the cases, it is expected that more screens across more number of provinces will be further shut down. Also read: Diwali clash averted: Salman Khan moves 'Antim: The Final Truth' ahead Also: Diwali special: Not just India, these countries also celebrate the festival Also, the Bond franchise has never been a powerful player in the Chinese market. Earlier, ‘Spectre’ earned $83.5 million and ‘Skyfall’ earned $59 million back in 2012. Romance in the air? Kim Kardashian, Pete Davidson spotted holding hands

China box office: 'No Time To Die' has a mediocre report card amid COVID-19 cinema shutdown

Effective&nbsp;vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create&nbsp;patches&nbsp;that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine.

The technique could help save children's tears at doctors' offices, and help people who have a phobia of syringes.

Beyond that, skin&nbsp;patches&nbsp;could assist with distribution efforts, because they don't have cold-chain requirements -- and might even heighten&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;efficacy.

A new mouse study in the area, published in the journal Science Advances, showed promising results.

The Australian-US team used&nbsp;patches&nbsp;measuring one square centimeter that were dotted with more than 5,000 microscopic spikes, "so tiny you can't actually see them," David Muller, a virologist at the University of Queensland and co-author of the paper, told AFP.

These tips have been coated with an experimental&nbsp;vaccine, and the patch is clicked on with an applicator that resembles a hockey puck. "It's like you get a good flick on the skin," said Muller.

The researchers used a so-called "subunit"&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;that reproduces the spikes that dot the surface of the coronavirus.

Mice were injected either via the patch over the course of two minutes, or with a syringe.

The immune systems of those who got the patch produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies after two doses, including in their lungs, vital to stopping Covid, and the&nbsp;patches&nbsp;outperformed syringes.&nbsp;

The researchers also found that a sub-group of mice, who were given only one dose of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;containing an additional substance called an adjuvant used to spur immune response, "didn't get sick at all," said Muller.

<h2>Easy to apply&nbsp;</h2>

What makes them more effective?

Vaccines&nbsp;are normally injected into our muscles, but muscle tissue doesn't contain very many immune cells needed to react to the drug, explained Muller.

In addition, the tiny spikes cause localized skin death, which alerts the body to a problem and triggers a greater immune response.&nbsp;

For the scientist, the logistical advantages couldn't be clearer.&nbsp;

First, when dry-coated on a patch, the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;is stable for at least 30 days at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and one week at 40C (104F), compared to a few hours at room temperature for the Moderna and Pfizer&nbsp;vaccines.

This offers a major advantage particularly for developing countries.

Second, "it's very simple to use," said Muller. "You don't necessarily need highly trained medical professionals to deliver it."

Burak Ozdoganlar, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in the US city of Pittsburgh, has also been working on the technology since 2007.

He sees yet another advantage: "Less amount of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;delivered precisely to skin can activate an immune response similar to intramuscular injection," he told AFP. It's an important factor as the developing world struggles to procure enough Covid&nbsp;vaccine.

Ozdoganlar can produce around 300-400&nbsp;patches&nbsp;a day in his lab, but hasn't been able to test them out on mRNA&nbsp;vaccines, which have come to the fore during the pandemic, because he hasn't been authorized by Pfizer or Moderna.

<h2>&nbsp;'The future'&nbsp;</h2>

The patch used in the study published on Friday was made by Australian company Vaxxas, which is the furthest along. Human trials are planned from April.&nbsp;

Two other American companies are also part of the race: Micron Biomedical and Vaxess.

The latter, founded in 2013 and based in Massachusetts, is working on a slightly different type of patch, with microneedles that dissolve in the skin.

They say this approach has the benefit of requiring fewer spikes per patch -- just 121 -- made of a protein polymer that is biocompatible.

"We're working on a seasonal Covid and flu combination product that will be mailed directly to patients' homes, for self-administration," CEO Michael Schrader told AFP.

The Covid&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;they are using is produced by the company Medigen, already authorized in Taiwan.&nbsp;

Vaxess has just opened a factory near Boston, with funding from the US National Institutes for Health. They aim to produce enough&nbsp;patches&nbsp;to vaccinate 2,000 to 3,000 people in clinical trials, which are to be launched next summer.

The main challenge right now is production, with no manufacturers yet able to make enough&nbsp;patches&nbsp;en masse.

Effective vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create patches that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine.

Effective vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create patches that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine. The technique could help save children's tears at doctors' offices, and help people who have a phobia of syringes. Beyond that, skin patches could assist with distribution efforts, because they don't have cold-chain requirements -- and might even heighten vaccine efficacy. A new mouse study in the area, published in the journal Science Advances, showed promising results. The Australian-US team used patches measuring one square centimeter that were dotted with more than 5,000 microscopic spikes, "so tiny you can't actually see them," David Muller, a virologist at the University of Queensland and co-author of the paper, told AFP. These tips have been coated with an experimental vaccine, and the patch is clicked on with an applicator that resembles a hockey puck. "It's like you get a good flick on the skin," said Muller. The researchers used a so-called "subunit" vaccine that reproduces the spikes that dot the surface of the coronavirus. Mice were injected either via the patch over the course of two minutes, or with a syringe. The immune systems of those who got the patch produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies after two doses, including in their lungs, vital to stopping Covid, and the patches outperformed syringes. The researchers also found that a sub-group of mice, who were given only one dose of vaccine containing an additional substance called an adjuvant used to spur immune response, "didn't get sick at all," said Muller. Easy to apply What makes them more effective? Vaccines are normally injected into our muscles, but muscle tissue doesn't contain very many immune cells needed to react to the drug, explained Muller. In addition, the tiny spikes cause localized skin death, which alerts the body to a problem and triggers a greater immune response. For the scientist, the logistical advantages couldn't be clearer. First, when dry-coated on a patch, the vaccine is stable for at least 30 days at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and one week at 40C (104F), compared to a few hours at room temperature for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. This offers a major advantage particularly for developing countries. Second, "it's very simple to use," said Muller. "You don't necessarily need highly trained medical professionals to deliver it." Burak Ozdoganlar, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in the US city of Pittsburgh, has also been working on the technology since 2007. He sees yet another advantage: "Less amount of vaccine delivered precisely to skin can activate an immune response similar to intramuscular injection," he told AFP. It's an important factor as the developing world struggles to procure enough Covid vaccine. Ozdoganlar can produce around 300-400 patches a day in his lab, but hasn't been able to test them out on mRNA vaccines, which have come to the fore during the pandemic, because he hasn't been authorized by Pfizer or Moderna. 'The future' The patch used in the study published on Friday was made by Australian company Vaxxas, which is the furthest along. Human trials are planned from April. Two other American companies are also part of the race: Micron Biomedical and Vaxess. The latter, founded in 2013 and based in Massachusetts, is working on a slightly different type of patch, with microneedles that dissolve in the skin. They say this approach has the benefit of requiring fewer spikes per patch -- just 121 -- made of a protein polymer that is biocompatible. "We're working on a seasonal Covid and flu combination product that will be mailed directly to patients' homes, for self-administration," CEO Michael Schrader told AFP. The Covid vaccine they are using is produced by the company Medigen, already authorized in Taiwan. Vaxess has just opened a factory near Boston, with funding from the US National Institutes for Health. They aim to produce enough patches to vaccinate 2,000 to 3,000 people in clinical trials, which are to be launched next summer. The main challenge right now is production, with no manufacturers yet able to make enough patches en masse.

Covid: Needle-free vaccine patches coming soon, say researchers and makers

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated.

In an updated assessment of how the virus originated, the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in its report said that a natural origin and a lab leak are both plausible hypotheses for how SARS-COV-2 first infected humans.

But it said the analysts disagree on which is more likely or whether any definitive assessment can be made at all.

The report issued on Friday is an update of a 90-day review that President Joe Biden's administration released in August.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/origin-of-wuhan-virus-needs-to-be-found-386627">Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found</a>

The report also dismissed suggestions that the coronavirus originated as a bioweapon, saying proponents of this theory "do not have direct access to the Wuhan Institute of Virology" and have been accused of spreading disinformation.

On Friday, China responded by criticizing the report.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virus-origin-probe-poisoned-by-politics-says-who-388122">Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO</a>

“The US moves of relying on its intelligence apparatus instead of scientists to trace the origins of COVID-19 is a complete political farce,” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said in an emailed statement.

“It will only undermine science-based origins study and hinder the global effort of finding the source of the virus,” the statement said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-calls-on-china-to-release-medical-records-of-wuhan-lab-workers-report-389348">Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report</a>

Chinese authorities had linked early COVID-19 cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, leading many scientists to theorise that the virus first passed to humans from animals.

But earlier this year, there were several US media reports suggesting growing evidence that the virus could instead have emerged from a virology lab in Wuhan.

In May, President Joe Biden ordered intelligence officials to investigate the virus's origins, including the lab leak theory, which is rejected by China.

(With inputs from agencies)

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated.

US intelligence agencies said they may never be able to conclude whether the COVID-19 virus was developed in a Wuhan lab or transmitted from animal to human, a declassified report has stated. In an updated assessment of how the virus originated, the Office of the US Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in its report said that a natural origin and a lab leak are both plausible hypotheses for how SARS-COV-2 first infected humans. But it said the analysts disagree on which is more likely or whether any definitive assessment can be made at all. The report issued on Friday is an update of a 90-day review that President Joe Biden's administration released in August. Also Read | Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found The report also dismissed suggestions that the coronavirus originated as a bioweapon, saying proponents of this theory "do not have direct access to the Wuhan Institute of Virology" and have been accused of spreading disinformation. On Friday, China responded by criticizing the report. Also Read | Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO “The US moves of relying on its intelligence apparatus instead of scientists to trace the origins of COVID-19 is a complete political farce,” Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, said in an emailed statement. “It will only undermine science-based origins study and hinder the global effort of finding the source of the virus,” the statement said. Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report Chinese authorities had linked early COVID-19 cases to a seafood market in Wuhan, leading many scientists to theorise that the virus first passed to humans from animals. But earlier this year, there were several US media reports suggesting growing evidence that the virus could instead have emerged from a virology lab in Wuhan. In May, President Joe Biden ordered intelligence officials to investigate the virus's origins, including the lab leak theory, which is rejected by China. (With inputs from agencies)

We may never know how COVID-19 originated, say US intelligence officials

Taking advantage of zero human presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, several exotic animals at a zoo in Cuba decided to engage in romantic encounters that led to a sudden surge in population of animals, including from some species that otherwise faced the threat of extinction.

The newborns include leopards, bengal tigers, zebras, giraffes and antelopes as well as oxen, according to veterinarian Rachel Ortiz of the zoo.

“While the epidemic has been negative for humans, it has proved beneficial in the case of zoos,” Ortiz told Reuters&nbsp; news agency.

“In particular, our park has had more than ten births of high-value species in danger of extinction, which may at some point rehabilitate biodiversity,” he said.

Ortiz said since the zoo was closed for the public during the pandemic, animals felt more relaxed which helped them to engage in reproductive activities.

The National Zoo, home to 1,473 animals of more than 120 species, including large mammals like elephants and rhinos, is a popular attraction for Cubans.

Cuba, a Caribbean island of white sand beaches and turquoise waters popular with tourists, closed its borders for nearly two years amid the epidemic and imposed strict quarantines to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

Deborah Maso, a doctor who oversees the African savannah exhibits, said the zoo faced shortages of food and medicines during the epidemic, but the workers dedicated the time needed to ensure that “the animals were successful in their endeavours”.

The birth of a baby giraffe, named Rachel, was particularly moving, Maso said.

“The birth of a giraffe stood out… It was a great achievement,” Maso said.

The officials believe that the National Zoo, which was recently opened to the public, will gain more attraction as the visitors may now baby leopard and giraffe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taking advantage of zero human presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, several exotic animals at a zoo in Cuba decided to engage in romantic encounters that led to a sudden surge in population of animals, including from some species that otherwise faced the threat of extinction.

Taking advantage of zero human presence during the COVID-19 pandemic, several exotic animals at a zoo in Cuba decided to engage in romantic encounters that led to a sudden surge in population of animals, including from some species that otherwise faced the threat of extinction. The newborns include leopards, bengal tigers, zebras, giraffes and antelopes as well as oxen, according to veterinarian Rachel Ortiz of the zoo. “While the epidemic has been negative for humans, it has proved beneficial in the case of zoos,” Ortiz told Reuters news agency. “In particular, our park has had more than ten births of high-value species in danger of extinction, which may at some point rehabilitate biodiversity,” he said. Ortiz said since the zoo was closed for the public during the pandemic, animals felt more relaxed which helped them to engage in reproductive activities. The National Zoo, home to 1,473 animals of more than 120 species, including large mammals like elephants and rhinos, is a popular attraction for Cubans. Cuba, a Caribbean island of white sand beaches and turquoise waters popular with tourists, closed its borders for nearly two years amid the epidemic and imposed strict quarantines to restrict the spread of the coronavirus. Deborah Maso, a doctor who oversees the African savannah exhibits, said the zoo faced shortages of food and medicines during the epidemic, but the workers dedicated the time needed to ensure that “the animals were successful in their endeavours”. The birth of a baby giraffe, named Rachel, was particularly moving, Maso said. “The birth of a giraffe stood out… It was a great achievement,” Maso said. The officials believe that the National Zoo, which was recently opened to the public, will gain more attraction as the visitors may now baby leopard and giraffe. (With inputs from agencies)

Lockdown baby boom: Cuban zoo welcomes newborns of several exotic, endangered animals

About 100 million&nbsp;people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency&nbsp;as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases.

“It was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses ... so that they can complete the aforesaid task,” the health ministry said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-might-be-entering-endemic-stage-of-covid-19-who-chief-scientist-swaminathan-408296">India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan</a>

Daily shots have averaged 5 million this month, a fifth of September’s peak, though states are sitting on record stocks of more than 100 million even as domestic production of vaccine soars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delayed-again-who-seeks-more-clarifications-on-made-in-india-covid-shot-covaxin-424319">Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin</a>

Despite the low number of infections, the central government has been urging the states and union territories to focus on beneficiaries who are waiting for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine after their interval period gets over.

On Wednesday, India’s health minister Mansukh Mandviya asked the state governments to improve the momentum of vaccination and accelerate its coverage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sends-covid-vaccines-to-47-countries-canada-gets-500000-368023">India sends Covid vaccines to 47 countries; Canada gets 500,000</a>

India has administered first doses to 725 million people, or to 77% of its’ 944 million adults, and second doses to 316 million, or 34%.

More than 242 million Indian adults have yet to get a shot, while vaccination has not started for those under 18.

India on Friday recorded 14,348 new COVID-19 cases, nearly 2,000 cases lower than Thursday, according to the health ministry.

The death toll also climbed to 457,191 with 805 daily fatalities.

The daily rise in new COVID-19 cases has been below 30,000 for 36 straight days and less than 50,000 new infections have been reported for the 125 consecutive days now.

(With inputs from agencies)

About 100 million people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases.

About 100 million people in India did not turn up for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose, health officials have said, indicating signs of complacency as the country continues to register a lower number of coronavirus cases. “It was pointed out that many states have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their second dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses ... so that they can complete the aforesaid task,” the health ministry said in a statement. Also read | India might be entering endemic stage of COVID-19: WHO chief scientist Swaminathan Daily shots have averaged 5 million this month, a fifth of September’s peak, though states are sitting on record stocks of more than 100 million even as domestic production of vaccine soars. Also read | Delayed again: WHO seeks more 'clarifications' on made-in-India Covid shot Covaxin Despite the low number of infections, the central government has been urging the states and union territories to focus on beneficiaries who are waiting for their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine after their interval period gets over. On Wednesday, India’s health minister Mansukh Mandviya asked the state governments to improve the momentum of vaccination and accelerate its coverage. Also read | India sends Covid vaccines to 47 countries; Canada gets 500,000 India has administered first doses to 725 million people, or to 77% of its’ 944 million adults, and second doses to 316 million, or 34%. More than 242 million Indian adults have yet to get a shot, while vaccination has not started for those under 18. India on Friday recorded 14,348 new COVID-19 cases, nearly 2,000 cases lower than Thursday, according to the health ministry. The death toll also climbed to 457,191 with 805 daily fatalities. The daily rise in new COVID-19 cases has been below 30,000 for 36 straight days and less than 50,000 new infections have been reported for the 125 consecutive days now. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 million Indians skipped second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant. Flying south to Xi’an, they dropped into a 1,300-year-old temple. Their fellow tour group members checked out an art museum, strolled through parks and visited friends.

Then, on Oct. 16, the day they had planned to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the couple tested positive for the coronavirus.

Since then, China has locked down a city of 4 million, as well as several smaller cities and parts of Beijing, to contain a fresh outbreak that has infected more than 240 people in at least 11 provinces and regions. The authorities have shuttered schools and tourist sites. Government websites have detailed every movement of the unlucky couple and their sprawling web of contacts, including what time they checked into hotels and on which floors of restaurants they sat.

The no-holds-barred response is emblematic of China’s “zero COVID” policy, which has served the country remarkably well: China has reported fewer than 5,000 deaths since the pandemic began. The scale of the new outbreak, while tiny compared to many other countries, is large for China.

But the policy has also, increasingly, made China an outlier. The rest of the world is reopening, including New Zealand and Australia, which also once embraced zero tolerance. China is now the only country still chasing full eradication of the virus.

“Every locality should firmly adhere to the policy of ‘Defend externally against importation, defend internally against rebound,’ ” Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a news conference Sunday. “The current control measures cannot be relaxed.”

The government’s strict strategy is the product of a uniquely Chinese set of calculations. Its thriving exports have helped to keep the economy afloat. The ruling Communist Party’s tight grip on power enables lockdowns and testing to be carried out with astonishing efficiency. Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in February.

For many Chinese, the low case numbers have become a source of national pride. Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has repeatedly pointed to the country’s success in containment as proof of the superiority of its governance model.

But experts — both in China and abroad — have warned that the approach is unsustainable. China may find itself increasingly isolated, diplomatically and economically, at a time when global public opinion is hardening against it.

“The regime thinks it needs to maintain a ‘zero COVID’ policy to maintain its legitimacy,” said Lynette Ong, a political scientist at the University of Toronto. “At a huge cost, though.”

In the early phase of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party’s very hold on power seemed to hinge on its ability to control the virus. Its initial attempts to cover up the outbreak in Wuhan gave rise to a stunning outpouring of public anger. Images of overwhelmed hospitals and patients begging for help flooded the Chinese internet.

As the virus barreled across the rest of the world, that narrative changed. China’s strict lockdowns and mass testing campaigns, once criticized as heavy handed, became models for other countries. As deaths mounted in western democracies, Xi repeatedly emphasized how quickly China had flattened its caseload. Outrage about the initial response to Wuhan gave way to at-times strident nationalism.

Other countries that adopted “zero COVID” policies were hailed as models of competent governance that prioritized saving lives over convenience and economic growth.

As the virus has dragged into its second year, and with the onset of the far more contagious delta variant, countries are again reconsidering their strategies. Australia, which was home to the world’s longest lockdown, is scrapping quarantine requirements for vaccinated residents returning from overseas. New Zealand formally abandoned its quest for zero this month. Singapore is offering quarantine-free travel to vaccinated tourists from Germany, the United States, France and several other countries.

China has refused to change tack. When Zhang Wenhong, a prominent infectious disease expert from Shanghai, suggested this summer that China learn to live with the virus, he was attacked viciously online as a lackey of foreigners. A former Chinese health minister called such a mindset reckless.

Ong said the government was afraid of any challenge to its narrative of pandemic triumph.

“Outbreaks have become so commonplace that it’s really a nonevent,” she said. “But the Chinese authorities want to control any small potential source of instability.”

There are also more practical reasons for China’s hesitation. Medical resources are highly concentrated in big cities, and more remote areas could quickly be overwhelmed by an uptick in cases, said Zhang Jun, an urban studies scholar at the City University of Hong Kong.

In addition, though China has achieved a relatively high full inoculation rate, at 75% of its population, questions have emerged about the efficacy of its homegrown vaccines.

And, at least for now, the elimination strategy appears to enjoy public support. While residents in locked-down areas have complained about seemingly arbitrary or overly harsh restrictions on social media, travel is relatively unconstrained in areas without cases. Wealthy consumers have poured money into luxury goods and fancy cars since they’re not spending on trips abroad.

“As long as they can still feel a certain level of freedom of mobility, I think that kind of COVID-zero policy doesn’t strike the domestic audience as too severe,” Zhang said.

Other governments that have chosen to live with the virus may yet lose their nerve. After lifting many restrictions this summer, Singapore reinstated them in September amid a spike in infections. (Still, the government is moving forward with travel lanes.)

But experts agree that the costs of expecting zero cases will hit eventually. China’s economic growth is slowing, and domestic travel during a weeklong holiday earlier this month fell below last year’s levels, as a cluster of new cases spooked tourists. Retail sales have proven fitful, recovering and ebbing with waves of the virus.

The country may also suffer diplomatically. Xi has not left China or received foreign visitors since early 2020, even as other world leaders prepare to gather in Rome for a Group of 20 summit and Glasgow for climate talks.

China’s hard-nosed approach is also trickling down to Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous territory and global financial hub. In trying to align their own COVID prevention policies with the mainland’s, Hong Kong’s leaders have introduced the world’s longest quarantine, ignoring escalating warnings from business leaders about an exodus of foreign firms.

And even those supportive of the restrictions wonder whether there is an exit strategy.

“I think the current policies are still in the right direction,” said Jason Qiu, 27, who grew up in Gansu province, not far from Lanzhou, the city of 4 million now under lockdown. “But if things go on like this for a long time — for example if the pandemic is going to continue for another five or 10 years, or become endemic — maybe it would be time to consider changing some measures.”

In a potential nod to those concerns, some officials have broached the idea of loosening restrictions, though cautiously. Gao Fu, the head of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a recent interview with Chinese media that once the country reached an 85% vaccination rate, “why shouldn’t we open up?”

But he prefaced his question with a warning: “This is a very good question. But it’s also a very sensitive question.”

Until then, those stranded by the lockdowns have tried to make the best of their situations. State news outlets have reported that roughly 10,000 tourists are trapped in Ejin Banner, a region of Inner Mongolia, after the emergence of cases led to a lockdown. As consolation, the local tourism association has promised them free entry to three popular tourist attractions, redeemable within the next three years.

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant.

The trip began in Shanghai, where the couple, both former professors, joined a tour group of other retirees. They traveled through Gansu province and Inner Mongolia, staying at a bed-and-breakfast and eating three times at the same lamb chop restaurant. Flying south to Xi’an, they dropped into a 1,300-year-old temple. Their fellow tour group members checked out an art museum, strolled through parks and visited friends. Then, on Oct. 16, the day they had planned to visit the Terracotta Warriors, the couple tested positive for the coronavirus. Since then, China has locked down a city of 4 million, as well as several smaller cities and parts of Beijing, to contain a fresh outbreak that has infected more than 240 people in at least 11 provinces and regions. The authorities have shuttered schools and tourist sites. Government websites have detailed every movement of the unlucky couple and their sprawling web of contacts, including what time they checked into hotels and on which floors of restaurants they sat. The no-holds-barred response is emblematic of China’s “zero COVID” policy, which has served the country remarkably well: China has reported fewer than 5,000 deaths since the pandemic began. The scale of the new outbreak, while tiny compared to many other countries, is large for China. But the policy has also, increasingly, made China an outlier. The rest of the world is reopening, including New Zealand and Australia, which also once embraced zero tolerance. China is now the only country still chasing full eradication of the virus. “Every locality should firmly adhere to the policy of ‘Defend externally against importation, defend internally against rebound,’ ” Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission, said at a news conference Sunday. “The current control measures cannot be relaxed.” The government’s strict strategy is the product of a uniquely Chinese set of calculations. Its thriving exports have helped to keep the economy afloat. The ruling Communist Party’s tight grip on power enables lockdowns and testing to be carried out with astonishing efficiency. Beijing is set to host the Winter Olympics in February. For many Chinese, the low case numbers have become a source of national pride. Xi Jinping, China’s leader, has repeatedly pointed to the country’s success in containment as proof of the superiority of its governance model. But experts — both in China and abroad — have warned that the approach is unsustainable. China may find itself increasingly isolated, diplomatically and economically, at a time when global public opinion is hardening against it. “The regime thinks it needs to maintain a ‘zero COVID’ policy to maintain its legitimacy,” said Lynette Ong, a political scientist at the University of Toronto. “At a huge cost, though.” In the early phase of the pandemic, the Chinese Communist Party’s very hold on power seemed to hinge on its ability to control the virus. Its initial attempts to cover up the outbreak in Wuhan gave rise to a stunning outpouring of public anger. Images of overwhelmed hospitals and patients begging for help flooded the Chinese internet. As the virus barreled across the rest of the world, that narrative changed. China’s strict lockdowns and mass testing campaigns, once criticized as heavy handed, became models for other countries. As deaths mounted in western democracies, Xi repeatedly emphasized how quickly China had flattened its caseload. Outrage about the initial response to Wuhan gave way to at-times strident nationalism. Other countries that adopted “zero COVID” policies were hailed as models of competent governance that prioritized saving lives over convenience and economic growth. As the virus has dragged into its second year, and with the onset of the far more contagious delta variant, countries are again reconsidering their strategies. Australia, which was home to the world’s longest lockdown, is scrapping quarantine requirements for vaccinated residents returning from overseas. New Zealand formally abandoned its quest for zero this month. Singapore is offering quarantine-free travel to vaccinated tourists from Germany, the United States, France and several other countries. China has refused to change tack. When Zhang Wenhong, a prominent infectious disease expert from Shanghai, suggested this summer that China learn to live with the virus, he was attacked viciously online as a lackey of foreigners. A former Chinese health minister called such a mindset reckless. Ong said the government was afraid of any challenge to its narrative of pandemic triumph. “Outbreaks have become so commonplace that it’s really a nonevent,” she said. “But the Chinese authorities want to control any small potential source of instability.” There are also more practical reasons for China’s hesitation. Medical resources are highly concentrated in big cities, and more remote areas could quickly be overwhelmed by an uptick in cases, said Zhang Jun, an urban studies scholar at the City University of Hong Kong. In addition, though China has achieved a relatively high full inoculation rate, at 75% of its population, questions have emerged about the efficacy of its homegrown vaccines. And, at least for now, the elimination strategy appears to enjoy public support. While residents in locked-down areas have complained about seemingly arbitrary or overly harsh restrictions on social media, travel is relatively unconstrained in areas without cases. Wealthy consumers have poured money into luxury goods and fancy cars since they’re not spending on trips abroad. “As long as they can still feel a certain level of freedom of mobility, I think that kind of COVID-zero policy doesn’t strike the domestic audience as too severe,” Zhang said. Other governments that have chosen to live with the virus may yet lose their nerve. After lifting many restrictions this summer, Singapore reinstated them in September amid a spike in infections. (Still, the government is moving forward with travel lanes.) But experts agree that the costs of expecting zero cases will hit eventually. China’s economic growth is slowing, and domestic travel during a weeklong holiday earlier this month fell below last year’s levels, as a cluster of new cases spooked tourists. Retail sales have proven fitful, recovering and ebbing with waves of the virus. The country may also suffer diplomatically. Xi has not left China or received foreign visitors since early 2020, even as other world leaders prepare to gather in Rome for a Group of 20 summit and Glasgow for climate talks. China’s hard-nosed approach is also trickling down to Hong Kong, the semi-autonomous territory and global financial hub. In trying to align their own COVID prevention policies with the mainland’s, Hong Kong’s leaders have introduced the world’s longest quarantine, ignoring escalating warnings from business leaders about an exodus of foreign firms. And even those supportive of the restrictions wonder whether there is an exit strategy. “I think the current policies are still in the right direction,” said Jason Qiu, 27, who grew up in Gansu province, not far from Lanzhou, the city of 4 million now under lockdown. “But if things go on like this for a long time — for example if the pandemic is going to continue for another five or 10 years, or become endemic — maybe it would be time to consider changing some measures.” In a potential nod to those concerns, some officials have broached the idea of loosening restrictions, though cautiously. Gao Fu, the head of China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said in a recent interview with Chinese media that once the country reached an 85% vaccination rate, “why shouldn’t we open up?” But he prefaced his question with a warning: “This is a very good question. But it’s also a very sensitive question.” Until then, those stranded by the lockdowns have tried to make the best of their situations. State news outlets have reported that roughly 10,000 tourists are trapped in Ejin Banner, a region of Inner Mongolia, after the emergence of cases led to a lockdown. As consolation, the local tourism association has promised them free entry to three popular tourist attractions, redeemable within the next three years.

Why China is the world’s last ‘zero Covid’ holdout

European Union’s (EU) digital Covid certificates bearing Adolf Hitler’s name and date of birth has been doing the rounds online, raising questions over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine passport system.

Several users found a QR code online on Tuesday, and when they tried to scan with verifications apps, they found that it was a digital Covid certificate with the name ‘Adolf Hitler’ written on it, along with the date of birth stating January 1,1900, according to a report by Russia Today.

It was reported that several versions of the code were shared on tech forums, some with the name capitalised, while others with a different birthday.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, which has quoted sources, some of the keys used to generate the European Green Pass were stolen and distributed on programming networks to create false COVID-19 health certificates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-passport-the-european-covid-certificate-a-users-guide-386729">Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide</a>

However, it couldn’t be verified whether the stolen keys used to generate fake Covid passes were forged to validate Hitler’s European Green Pass.

Following the revelations, a series of meetings were held at the EU level on Wednesday to examine the situation, ANSA reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-takes-up-covishields-absence-from-the-european-unions-green-pass-list-394418">India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list</a>

The officials decided to cancel all the passes created with those keys, and said the theft of the generation keys did not take place in Italy.

According to reports, the private key used to verify Hitler’s pass was revoked as of Wednesday, but a Polish user on one tech forum still claimed to be selling working certificates, as did some posters on the so-called ‘dark web.’

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-union-warns-eu-over-vaccine-certificate-inequality-394861">African Union warns EU over vaccine certificate 'inequality'</a>

This is not the first time that fake Covid vaccine certificates have proliferated the markets in Europe. There have been reports of people in France splurging hundreds of euros for fake health passes in an online black market.

A black market for fraudulent health passes had sprung up on Snapchat —despite the risk of jail sentences.

Accounts on the social networking app that rarely last for more than a were found to openly advertise their counterfeit documents.

(With inputs from agencies)

European Union’s (EU) digital Covid certificates bearing Adolf Hitler’s name and date of birth has been doing the rounds online, raising questions over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine passport system.

European Union’s (EU) digital Covid certificates bearing Adolf Hitler’s name and date of birth has been doing the rounds online, raising questions over the safety and efficacy of the vaccine passport system. Several users found a QR code online on Tuesday, and when they tried to scan with verifications apps, they found that it was a digital Covid certificate with the name ‘Adolf Hitler’ written on it, along with the date of birth stating January 1,1900, according to a report by Russia Today. It was reported that several versions of the code were shared on tech forums, some with the name capitalised, while others with a different birthday. According to Italian news agency ANSA, which has quoted sources, some of the keys used to generate the European Green Pass were stolen and distributed on programming networks to create false COVID-19 health certificates. Also read | Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide However, it couldn’t be verified whether the stolen keys used to generate fake Covid passes were forged to validate Hitler’s European Green Pass. Following the revelations, a series of meetings were held at the EU level on Wednesday to examine the situation, ANSA reported. Also read | India takes up Covishield's absence from the European Union's 'Green Pass' list The officials decided to cancel all the passes created with those keys, and said the theft of the generation keys did not take place in Italy. According to reports, the private key used to verify Hitler’s pass was revoked as of Wednesday, but a Polish user on one tech forum still claimed to be selling working certificates, as did some posters on the so-called ‘dark web.’ Also read | African Union warns EU over vaccine certificate 'inequality' This is not the first time that fake Covid vaccine certificates have proliferated the markets in Europe. There have been reports of people in France splurging hundreds of euros for fake health passes in an online black market. A black market for fraudulent health passes had sprung up on Snapchat —despite the risk of jail sentences. Accounts on the social networking app that rarely last for more than a were found to openly advertise their counterfeit documents. (With inputs from agencies)

EU’s 'Green Pass' hacked? Adolf Hitler’s Covid certificate doing rounds online: Report

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card.

Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020.

The federal prosecutors say that he made false statements about the number of employees working in his company and the firm’s gross revenue when he applied for the relief.

They said the Small Business Administration deposited $85,000 in his bank account the following month.

Federal prosecutors say Oudomsine used $57,789 to buy a Pokemon card.

They argued that the loans, meant for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, can be used for expenses such as payroll, sick leave, production costs, debt and rent or mortgage payments, but Oudomsine “unjustly enriched himself."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-retail-giant-target-stops-selling-pokemon-cards-for-safety-of-staff-and-shoppers-384697">US retail giant Target stops selling Pokémon cards for safety of staff and shoppers</a>

Authorities, however, didn’t specify which Pokemon card Oudomsine allegedly bought with the federal funds.

Oudomsine faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-pokemon-live-action-series-in-works-at-netflix-400907">&nbsp;Pokemon live-action series in works at Netflix</a>

Rare Pokémon cards have a huge market among enthusiasts and usually sells for thousands of dollars.

&nbsp;Collectors have known to be bidding up prices&nbsp;for trading cards, video games and other mementos.

In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which made more small businesses eligible for the SBA’s economic-injury disaster loans.

The expansion was meant to help the owners of small businesses cover the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic by providing them with an emergency loan they could use on expenses such as payroll, production costs, and rent.

(With inputs from agencies)

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card. Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020.

A man based in Georgia, US, who received coronavirus relief aid from the government, used the majority of the money to buy a Pokemon card. Vinath Oudomsine from Dublin was charged on October 19 for fraudulently applying for money from the Economic Injury Disaster Loans under the CARES Act, which aims to help small businesses experiencing hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, in October, 2020. The federal prosecutors say that he made false statements about the number of employees working in his company and the firm’s gross revenue when he applied for the relief. They said the Small Business Administration deposited $85,000 in his bank account the following month. Federal prosecutors say Oudomsine used $57,789 to buy a Pokemon card. They argued that the loans, meant for small businesses impacted by the pandemic, can be used for expenses such as payroll, sick leave, production costs, debt and rent or mortgage payments, but Oudomsine “unjustly enriched himself." Also read | US retail giant Target stops selling Pokémon cards for safety of staff and shoppers Authorities, however, didn’t specify which Pokemon card Oudomsine allegedly bought with the federal funds. Oudomsine faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines if convicted. Also read | Pokemon live-action series in works at Netflix Rare Pokémon cards have a huge market among enthusiasts and usually sells for thousands of dollars. Collectors have known to be bidding up prices for trading cards, video games and other mementos. In March 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which made more small businesses eligible for the SBA’s economic-injury disaster loans. The expansion was meant to help the owners of small businesses cover the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic by providing them with an emergency loan they could use on expenses such as payroll, production costs, and rent. (With inputs from agencies)

US man spends money received from Covid relief loan on a $58,000 Pokemon card

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

"I think we're just in a very different place to where we were a year ago because of the vaccine," he said in an interview. "There's this enormous wave of protection, and that changes things. That`s our first line of defence." Adding that&nbsp;the economy was the priority.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-uk-starting-next-week-vaccination-centres-in-england-will-accept-bookings-for-children-422487">Coronavirus in UK: Starting next week, vaccination centres in England will accept bookings for children</a>

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a new COVID-19 lockdown was not on the cards after advisers warned that early action through lighter measures would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-cases-witness-stubborn-high-in-uk-daily-cases-above-40000-for-a-week-now-422362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

COVID-19 cases in Britain are the highest in Europe and hit their most elevated levels in three months earlier this week. However, the rollout of vaccines has meant that deaths from the disease remain far below their levels at the start of this year.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying.

British finance minister Rishi Sunak said there must be no return to "significant economic restrictions" despite a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country, The Times newspaper quoted him as saying. "I think we're just in a very different place to where we were a year ago because of the vaccine," he said in an interview. "There's this enormous wave of protection, and that changes things. That`s our first line of defence." Adding that the economy was the priority. Also Read | Coronavirus in UK: Starting next week, vaccination centres in England will accept bookings for children Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a new COVID-19 lockdown was not on the cards after advisers warned that early action through lighter measures would reduce the need for tougher restrictions later. Watch COVID-19 cases in Britain are the highest in Europe and hit their most elevated levels in three months earlier this week. However, the rollout of vaccines has meant that deaths from the disease remain far below their levels at the start of this year.

British finance minister rules out return to major Covid restrictions

It is a well-known fact that memes, once an obscure term during the pre-internet era, have emerged as one of the primary methods of communication in the 21st century.

Memes are primarily composed of weird pictures that seek to bring a smile to peoples' faces, or are used as a satire to comment upon political and social affairs. They are part of everyday social media interaction, used and shared and consumed every minute.

Almost anything can become a meme—even people.

The rise of meme culture coincides with the increased presence of the internet and social media. As more and more time is spent online, memes have become the perfect vehicle for facilitating information, humour, and opinion.

But are they helpful in coping up with a stressful event? A latest study by US researchers seems to suggest so.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disappointed-fan-viral-meme-of-pakistani-cricket-fan-gets-a-place-in-hong-kong-museum-of-memes-watch-402203">'Disappointed Fan': Viral meme of Pakistani cricket fan gets a place in Hong Kong museum of memes</a>

Researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the University of California Santa Barbara have found that memes helped people cope with life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The research, published this week in the Psychology of Popular Media journal, found that those who viewed memes reported “higher levels of humour” and more positive feelings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jennifer-aniston-priyanka-chopra-celebs-share-their-version-of-bernie-sanders-memes-358601">Jennifer Aniston, Priyanka Chopra: Celebs share their version of Bernie Sanders' memes</a>

They surveyed 748 people online last December: 72% of those who responded were white, 54% identified as women, 63% didn't hold a college degree, and their ages ranged from 18 to 88, the release states.

They were shown a variety of meme types, with different kinds of photos and captions, and asked to rate the cuteness, humour and emotional responses prompted by the materials, as well as how much the memes in question made them think about COVID-19.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disaster-girl-sells-original-meme-worthy-photo-for-half-a-million-382064">'Disaster Girl' sells original meme-worthy photo for half a million</a>

Those who viewed memes that specifically referenced the pandemic felt less stress than those who viewed non-pandemic-related memes.

They also felt more capable of coping with the COVID-19 crisis and were better at processing information, according to the study.

The type of meme matters, too: People who viewed memes featuring cute babies or baby animals were overall less likely to think about the pandemic or the effects it has had on them, regardless of the type of caption, according to this week's release.

The researchers also found that those who were surveyed found memes with animals in them cuter than those featuring humans.

“While the World Health Organization recommended that people avoid too much Covid-related media for the benefit of their mental health, our research reveals that memes about COVID-19 could help people feel more confident in their ability to deal with the pandemic,” Jessica Gall Myrick, a lead author of the study and a professor at Pennsylvania State University, said in a statement.

“This suggests that not all media are uniformly bad for mental health and people should stop and take stock of what type of media they are consuming. If we are all more conscious of how our behaviours, including time spent scrolling, affect our emotional states, then we will better be able to use social media to help us when we need it and to take a break from it when we need that instead,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

It is a well-known fact that memes, once an obscure term during the pre-internet era, have emerged as one of the primary methods of communication in the 21st century.

It is a well-known fact that memes, once an obscure term during the pre-internet era, have emerged as one of the primary methods of communication in the 21st century. Memes are primarily composed of weird pictures that seek to bring a smile to peoples' faces, or are used as a satire to comment upon political and social affairs. They are part of everyday social media interaction, used and shared and consumed every minute. Almost anything can become a meme—even people. The rise of meme culture coincides with the increased presence of the internet and social media. As more and more time is spent online, memes have become the perfect vehicle for facilitating information, humour, and opinion. But are they helpful in coping up with a stressful event? A latest study by US researchers seems to suggest so. Also read | 'Disappointed Fan': Viral meme of Pakistani cricket fan gets a place in Hong Kong museum of memes Researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the University of California Santa Barbara have found that memes helped people cope with life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published this week in the Psychology of Popular Media journal, found that those who viewed memes reported “higher levels of humour” and more positive feelings. Also read | Jennifer Aniston, Priyanka Chopra: Celebs share their version of Bernie Sanders' memes They surveyed 748 people online last December: 72% of those who responded were white, 54% identified as women, 63% didn't hold a college degree, and their ages ranged from 18 to 88, the release states. They were shown a variety of meme types, with different kinds of photos and captions, and asked to rate the cuteness, humour and emotional responses prompted by the materials, as well as how much the memes in question made them think about COVID-19. Also read | 'Disaster Girl' sells original meme-worthy photo for half a million Those who viewed memes that specifically referenced the pandemic felt less stress than those who viewed non-pandemic-related memes. They also felt more capable of coping with the COVID-19 crisis and were better at processing information, according to the study. The type of meme matters, too: People who viewed memes featuring cute babies or baby animals were overall less likely to think about the pandemic or the effects it has had on them, regardless of the type of caption, according to this week's release. The researchers also found that those who were surveyed found memes with animals in them cuter than those featuring humans. “While the World Health Organization recommended that people avoid too much Covid-related media for the benefit of their mental health, our research reveals that memes about COVID-19 could help people feel more confident in their ability to deal with the pandemic,” Jessica Gall Myrick, a lead author of the study and a professor at Pennsylvania State University, said in a statement. “This suggests that not all media are uniformly bad for mental health and people should stop and take stock of what type of media they are consuming. If we are all more conscious of how our behaviours, including time spent scrolling, affect our emotional states, then we will better be able to use social media to help us when we need it and to take a break from it when we need that instead,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Memes helped people cope up with Covid pandemic-related stress, says US study

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.”

In a televised address, Prime Minister Modi said that economic growth was getting a boost from rising vaccinations across the country and urged citizens to purchase locally manufactured products over the upcoming festive season.

“There was a time when we would hear ‘Made in this nation’, ‘Made in that country’, but now all Indians understand the significance of ‘Made in India’,” Modi said.

“Urge all Indians to support Indian producers by purchasing ‘Made in India’ items and to advocate for ‘Vocal for Local’.”

Modi also called for vigilance against COVID-19 and recommended wearing masks during festivals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-billion-doses-india-showed-faith-in-science-innovations-pm-modi-422824">One billion doses:&nbsp;India showed faith in science, innovations, says&nbsp;PM Modi</a>

The Prime Minister said that India’s vaccination programme was “science-born, science-driven and science-based”.

“Yesterday, Oct 21, India achieved the difficult but extraordinary target of one billion, COVID-19 vaccine doses. This success is the success of India, success of every citizen,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

“It is a matter of pride for us that India’s vaccination programme has been science-born, science-driven and science-based," Modi said.

The country, he said, had only one mantra —that if the disease does not discriminate, then there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-vaccination-in-india-crosses-1-billion-what-about-its-neighbours-422545">COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours?</a>

"That's why it was ensured that VIP culture was not allowed," he said.

He pointed towards apprehensions from several quarters that it would be very difficult to fight this epidemic in a democracy like India.

“It was also being said for India, for the people of India that how will so much restraint, how so much discipline work here? But for us, democracy means everyone`s cooperation,” he said

Modi said leaders from across the world congratulated India on crossing the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, terming it a huge and extraordinary accomplishment.

“Today many people are comparing India’s vaccination programme with other countries of the world,” he said.

He further said that the speed with which India crossed the 100-crore mark is also being appreciated but we often forget that from where we have started this.

Meanwhile, more than 1.59 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to the eligible beneficiaries, according to India’s health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.

A day after India scripted history by administering one billion COVID-19 doses in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that it was a “beginning of a new chapter of a new India.” In a televised address, Prime Minister Modi said that economic growth was getting a boost from rising vaccinations across the country and urged citizens to purchase locally manufactured products over the upcoming festive season. “There was a time when we would hear ‘Made in this nation’, ‘Made in that country’, but now all Indians understand the significance of ‘Made in India’,” Modi said. “Urge all Indians to support Indian producers by purchasing ‘Made in India’ items and to advocate for ‘Vocal for Local’.” Modi also called for vigilance against COVID-19 and recommended wearing masks during festivals. Also read | One billion doses: India showed faith in science, innovations, says PM Modi The Prime Minister said that India’s vaccination programme was “science-born, science-driven and science-based”. “Yesterday, Oct 21, India achieved the difficult but extraordinary target of one billion, COVID-19 vaccine doses. This success is the success of India, success of every citizen,” he said. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone “It is a matter of pride for us that India’s vaccination programme has been science-born, science-driven and science-based," Modi said. The country, he said, had only one mantra —that if the disease does not discriminate, then there cannot be any discrimination in the vaccination. Also read | COVID-19 vaccination in India crosses 1 billion. What about its neighbours? "That's why it was ensured that VIP culture was not allowed," he said. He pointed towards apprehensions from several quarters that it would be very difficult to fight this epidemic in a democracy like India. “It was also being said for India, for the people of India that how will so much restraint, how so much discipline work here? But for us, democracy means everyone`s cooperation,” he said Modi said leaders from across the world congratulated India on crossing the milestone of 100 crore vaccinations, terming it a huge and extraordinary accomplishment. “Today many people are comparing India’s vaccination programme with other countries of the world,” he said. He further said that the speed with which India crossed the 100-crore mark is also being appreciated but we often forget that from where we have started this. Meanwhile, more than 1.59 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far to the eligible beneficiaries, according to India’s health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Vocal for local’: PM Modi urges people to buy ‘Made in India’ products on Diwali

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Covid pandemic will “easily drag on deep into 2022” because poorer countries are not getting the required vaccines.

Less than 5 per cent of Africa’s population have been vaccinated, compared to 40% on most other continents.

Aylward asked the developed countries to give up their places in the queue for vaccines so that pharmaceutical companies can prioritise the lowest-income countries instead.

He said wealthy countries needed to “stocktake” where they were with their donation commitments made at summits such as the G7 meeting in St Ives this summer.

"I can tell you we're not on track. We really need to speed it up or you know what? This pandemic is going to go on for a year longer than it needs to,” BBC quoted Aylward as saying.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-crosses-historic-one-billion-covid-19-vaccine-milestone-422530">&nbsp;India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone</a>

The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 4.6 million people and infected over 228 million people globally, has exposed glaring inequalities among nations over vaccine access and affordability.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-update-uk-43000-people-were-issued-false-negative-covid-19-results-421364/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to WHO research, enough vaccines will be produced in 2021 to cover 70 per cent of the global population of 7.8 billion. However, most vaccines are being reserved for wealthy countries, while other vaccine-producing countries are restricting the export of doses so they can ensure that their own citizens get vaccinated first, an approach which has been dubbed “vaccine nationalism”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-approves-mix-and-match-strategy-for-all-covid-19-vaccines-approved-in-us-422505">FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US</a>

The decision by some nations to give already inoculated citizens a booster vaccine, rather than prioritizing doses for unvaccinated people in poorer countries has been highlighted as one example of this trend.

According to the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity (established by UNDP, WHO and Oxford University) as of October 20, only 4.51 per cent of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to 62.79 per cent in high-income countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Covid pandemic will “easily drag on deep into 2022” because poorer countries are not getting the required vaccines.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Covid pandemic will “easily drag on deep into 2022” because poorer countries are not getting the required vaccines. Less than 5 per cent of Africa’s population have been vaccinated, compared to 40% on most other continents. Aylward asked the developed countries to give up their places in the queue for vaccines so that pharmaceutical companies can prioritise the lowest-income countries instead. He said wealthy countries needed to “stocktake” where they were with their donation commitments made at summits such as the G7 meeting in St Ives this summer. "I can tell you we're not on track. We really need to speed it up or you know what? This pandemic is going to go on for a year longer than it needs to,” BBC quoted Aylward as saying. Also read | India crosses historic one billion COVID-19 vaccine milestone The COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 4.6 million people and infected over 228 million people globally, has exposed glaring inequalities among nations over vaccine access and affordability. Watch According to WHO research, enough vaccines will be produced in 2021 to cover 70 per cent of the global population of 7.8 billion. However, most vaccines are being reserved for wealthy countries, while other vaccine-producing countries are restricting the export of doses so they can ensure that their own citizens get vaccinated first, an approach which has been dubbed “vaccine nationalism”. Also read | FDA approves 'mix and match' strategy for all COVID-19 vaccines approved in US The decision by some nations to give already inoculated citizens a booster vaccine, rather than prioritizing doses for unvaccinated people in poorer countries has been highlighted as one example of this trend. According to the Global Dashboard for Vaccine Equity (established by UNDP, WHO and Oxford University) as of October 20, only 4.51 per cent of people in low-income countries have been vaccinated with at least one dose, compared to 62.79 per cent in high-income countries. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid pandemic will easily drag on deep into 2022, warns WHO

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort.

"India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted.

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India scripts history. 
 
We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. 
 
Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1451051712387731458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHOSEARO</a>’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> for crossing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/100CroreVaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#100CroreVaccination</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://t.co/AcPhv5u3o8">pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8</a>
— WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHOSEARO/status/1451052218660966401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji,&nbsp;along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.&nbsp;

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In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF">https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVcRRECc6S">pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S</a>
— PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PMBhutan/status/1451055499701489669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone!
— ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) <a href="https://twitter.com/FMBhutan/status/1451046204704313354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett&nbsp;also extended his wishes to the Indian people.

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Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. 
 
These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 
🇮🇱💉🇮🇳
— Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) <a href="https://twitter.com/naftalibennett/status/1451119609843752963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present <a href="https://t.co/WlaTi76dJJ">pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1451051452458160128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!"

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इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। 
 
अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। 
 
जय हिन्द! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VaccineCentury?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VaccineCentury</a> <a href="https://t.co/YDB0fxlTJN">pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN</a>
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah/status/1451053676009639941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone.

As India scripted history on Thursday for administering a billion COVID-19 doses, prominent leaders and key personalities in India and the world congratulated the country for reaching the significant milestone. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first to congratulate the “collective spirit of 1.3 billion people" and express gratitude to the medical practitioners for their effort. "India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury," he tweeted. India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat. #VaccineCentury — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 21, 2021 × WHO’s regional director of South Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the Indian people for the historic feat. .@WHOSEARO’s Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh congratulates #India for crossing #100CroreVaccination.#VaccineCentury #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/AcPhv5u3o8 — WHO South-East Asia (@WHOSEARO) October 21, 2021 × Among the first foreign dignitaries to laud India was Bhutan’s foreign minister Tandi Dorji, along with country's Prime Minister Lotay Tshering. In what is a huge accomplishment not just for your country but the world, India hit the one billion mark of COVID-19 vaccination doses. On behalf of the people of Bhutan, I congratulate India! @narendramodi @PMOIndia https://t.co/1Af27xKOOF pic.twitter.com/zVcRRECc6S — PM Bhutan (@PMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Congratulations India 🇮🇳 for administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccinations - a historic milestone! — ForeignMinisterBhutan (@FMBhutan) October 21, 2021 × Israeli Prime Minister Neftali Bennett also extended his wishes to the Indian people. Congratulations to @narendramodi on leading India's successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign that has now administered more than 1 billion vaccines to the Indian people. These life-saving vaccines are helping us all defeat the global pandemic. 🇮🇱💉🇮🇳 — Naftali Bennett בנט (@naftalibennett) October 21, 2021 × India’s health minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the COVID-19 War Room in national capital Delhi and interacted with staff to mark the historic achievement. #WATCH Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visits COVID19 War Room in Delhi, interacts with staff and distributes sweets to mark India achieving one billion COVID19 vaccinations. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also present pic.twitter.com/WlaTi76dJJ — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2021 × India’s home minister Amit Shah also joined his peers and tweeted in Hindi saying, "I thank all the scientists, researchers and health workers who have contributed in this Mahayagya (feat) by overcoming many challenges and congratulate Modi ji who is determined for the safety and health of every person. Jai Hind!" इस ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि पर पूरे देश को बधाई देता हूँ। अनेकों चुनौतियों को पार कर इस महायज्ञ में अपना योगदान देने वाले सभी वैज्ञानिकों, शोधकर्ताओं व स्वास्थ्यकर्मियों का आभार व हर व्यक्ति की सुरक्षा व स्वास्थ्य हेतु संकल्पित मोदी जी का अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। जय हिन्द! #VaccineCentury pic.twitter.com/YDB0fxlTJN — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2021 ×

‘Historic milestone’: PM Modi, world leaders congratulate India for administering one billion COVID-19 doses

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