<p>US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday (August 17) that it was keeping an eye on a new, highly mutated lineage of virus that causes COVID-19. The lineage is named BA.2.86. It has reportedly been detected in the United States, Israel as well as in Denmark. The CDC has said this on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).</p>

<p>"As we learn more about BA.2.86, CDC's advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 remains the same," the agency said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">CDC is tracking a new lineage of the virus that causes COVID-19. This lineage is named BA.2.86, and has been detected in the United States, Denmark and Israel. CDC is gathering more information and will share more about this lineage as we learn it.</p>
— CDC (@CDCgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov/status/1692326710262304890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a post on X that it was considering BA.2.86 as a "variant under monitoring". It said it was monitoring it due to large number of mutations it carries. The agency said further that only a few sequences of the variant have been reported from a handful of countries.</p>

<p>The new lineage, which has 36 mutations from the currently-dominant XBB.1.5 COVID variant "harkens back to an earlier branch" of the virus, explained Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist. Dr Long was quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>He said it remains to be seen whether BA.2.86 will be able to out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in escaping immune responses from prior infection or vaccination.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted \virologist Jesse Bloom, who said that early analysis indicated that the new variant "will have equal or greater escape than XBB.1.5 from antibodies elicited by pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicron variants."</p>

<p>Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is the strain that's targetted by vaccines in upcoming Covid booster shots.</p>

<p>Bloom's slides note that the most likely scenario is that BA.2.86 is less transmissible than current dominant variants, so never spreads widely, but more sequencing data is needed.</p>

<p>"My biggest concern would be that it could cause a bigger spike in cases than what we have seen in recent waves," Dr. Long said. "The boosters will still help you fight off COVID in general."</p>

<p><br />
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday (August 17) that it was keeping an eye on a new, highly mutated lineage of virus that causes COVID-19.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Thursday (August 17) that it was keeping an eye on a new, highly mutated lineage of virus that causes COVID-19. The lineage is named BA.2.86. It has reportedly been detected in the United States, Israel as well as in Denmark. The CDC has said this on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). "As we learn more about BA.2.86, CDC's advice on protecting yourself from COVID-19 remains the same," the agency said. CDC is tracking a new lineage of the virus that causes COVID-19. This lineage is named BA.2.86, and has been detected in the United States, Denmark and Israel. CDC is gathering more information and will share more about this lineage as we learn it. — CDC (@CDCgov) August 18, 2023 × Earlier on Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a post on X that it was considering BA.2.86 as a "variant under monitoring". It said it was monitoring it due to large number of mutations it carries. The agency said further that only a few sequences of the variant have been reported from a handful of countries. The new lineage, which has 36 mutations from the currently-dominant XBB.1.5 COVID variant "harkens back to an earlier branch" of the virus, explained Dr. S. Wesley Long, medical director of diagnostic microbiology at Houston Methodist. Dr Long was quoted by Reuters. He said it remains to be seen whether BA.2.86 will be able to out-compete other strains of the virus or have any advantage in escaping immune responses from prior infection or vaccination. Reuters quoted \virologist Jesse Bloom, who said that early analysis indicated that the new variant "will have equal or greater escape than XBB.1.5 from antibodies elicited by pre-Omicron and first-generation Omicron variants." Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 is the strain that's targetted by vaccines in upcoming Covid booster shots. Bloom's slides note that the most likely scenario is that BA.2.86 is less transmissible than current dominant variants, so never spreads widely, but more sequencing data is needed. "My biggest concern would be that it could cause a bigger spike in cases than what we have seen in recent waves," Dr. Long said. "The boosters will still help you fight off COVID in general." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US: CDC keeps eye on new lineage of virus that causes Covid

<p>Bangladesh&nbsp;began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases.</p>

<p>Health officials say 2,600 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases and 29 deaths have been recorded in the camps housing 850,000 Rohingya but many experts say this is likely a gross underestimate.</p>

<p>The initial inoculation phase will see around 48,000 refugees aged over 55 get Chinese-made Sinopharm shots in the coming three days, local health chief Mahbubur Rahman told AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-locks-down-rohingya-camps-after-virus-spike-386787">Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps after virus spike</a></strong></p>

<p>At Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement home to more than 600,000 people, Rohingyas including many elderly people queued up to get their shots from health workers in protective suits.</p>

<p>"We are scared of corona. We heard it would be good for us if we get vaccinated, that's why I came here today," said 60-year-old grandmother Rahima Khatun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need the vaccine to live through the current crisis. It will save us from the disease everyone is worried about," said Mohammad Zafar, an elderly man.</p>

<p>Officials said they conducted a massive awareness campaign in the camps with volunteers going door to door among the flimsy shacks where the refugees live.</p>

<p>Shamsud Douza,&nbsp;Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner, told AFP that a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination drive</a> would also begin this week for 18,000 Rohingya controversially relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal.</p>

<p>Bangladesh&nbsp;has been hit by a major surge in cases in recent months and much of the country of 169 million people is under lockdown, including the Rohingya camps.</p>

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<p>The coronavirus has killed nearly 23,000 people and infected about 1.4 million in&nbsp;Bangladesh, most of them in recent months. Around 98 per cent of new infections are from the more transmissible Delta variant first detected in neighbouring India.</p>

<p><strong>'Global divide'</strong></p>

<p>Most of the Rohingya in&nbsp;Bangladesh&nbsp;fled an offensive by security forces in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 and four years later, there remains little prospect of them returning home.</p>

<p>"Vaccination of all age groups is the only effective way to stop the virus (from) spreading further among the Rohingya population in the camps," said Romain Briey, head of the medical charity MSF in&nbsp;Bangladesh.</p>

<p>Hrusikesh Harichandan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the Rohingya were "living in the shadow of the global vaccine divide".</p>

<p>"Vaccinations are vital for families to live with dignity because staying home is so tough for people in these cramped camps and most still have limited access to water and sanitation facilities, escalating risks from COVID-19."</p>

<p>Officials said they were worried that rains could compel many Rohingya to stay at home and not get vaccinated.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/landslides-in-bangladesh-kill-six-rohingyas-forces-thousands-to-flee-401532">Landslides in Bangladesh kill six Rohingyas, forces thousands to flee</a></strong></p>

<p>Last month monsoon rains triggered flash floods that destroyed 2,500 shelters and forced the evacuation of over 12,000 refugees.</p>

<p>"Fortunately, there were no rains this morning," said Rahman, the local health chief.</p>


Bangladesh began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases.

Bangladesh began vaccinating on Tuesday Rohingya refugees living in congested camps as the impoverished South Asian nation battles a record surge in coronavirus cases. Health officials say 2,600 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths have been recorded in the camps housing 850,000 Rohingya but many experts say this is likely a gross underestimate. The initial inoculation phase will see around 48,000 refugees aged over 55 get Chinese-made Sinopharm shots in the coming three days, local health chief Mahbubur Rahman told AFP. Also read | Bangladesh locks down Rohingya camps after virus spike At Kutupalong, the largest refugee settlement home to more than 600,000 people, Rohingyas including many elderly people queued up to get their shots from health workers in protective suits. "We are scared of corona. We heard it would be good for us if we get vaccinated, that's why I came here today," said 60-year-old grandmother Rahima Khatun. "We need the vaccine to live through the current crisis. It will save us from the disease everyone is worried about," said Mohammad Zafar, an elderly man. Officials said they conducted a massive awareness campaign in the camps with volunteers going door to door among the flimsy shacks where the refugees live. Shamsud Douza, Bangladesh's deputy refugee commissioner, told AFP that a vaccination drive would also begin this week for 18,000 Rohingya controversially relocated to an island in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh has been hit by a major surge in cases in recent months and much of the country of 169 million people is under lockdown, including the Rohingya camps. The coronavirus has killed nearly 23,000 people and infected about 1.4 million in Bangladesh, most of them in recent months. Around 98 per cent of new infections are from the more transmissible Delta variant first detected in neighbouring India. 'Global divide' Most of the Rohingya in Bangladesh fled an offensive by security forces in neighbouring Myanmar in 2017 and four years later, there remains little prospect of them returning home. "Vaccination of all age groups is the only effective way to stop the virus (from) spreading further among the Rohingya population in the camps," said Romain Briey, head of the medical charity MSF in Bangladesh. Hrusikesh Harichandan from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said the Rohingya were "living in the shadow of the global vaccine divide". "Vaccinations are vital for families to live with dignity because staying home is so tough for people in these cramped camps and most still have limited access to water and sanitation facilities, escalating risks from COVID-19." Officials said they were worried that rains could compel many Rohingya to stay at home and not get vaccinated. Also read | Landslides in Bangladesh kill six Rohingyas, forces thousands to flee Last month monsoon rains triggered flash floods that destroyed 2,500 shelters and forced the evacuation of over 12,000 refugees. "Fortunately, there were no rains this morning," said Rahman, the local health chief.

Bangladesh begins COVID-19 vaccinations for Rohingya refugees

<p>Former US president Donald Trump has stated that his opinion that the "China Virus" originated in the Wuhan Lab was correct.</p>

<p>He also asked for a penalty to be imposed on China for the deaths and damages caused by the "lab leak."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now everyone, even the so-called ''enemy'', is beginning to say that President Trump was right about the China Virus coming from Wuhan Lab," the Republican former president said. The 'enemy' reference was to his Democratic rival and now US President, Joe Biden.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-calls-on-china-to-release-medical-records-of-wuhan-lab-workers-report-389348"><strong>Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report</strong></a><br />
<br />
"The correspondence between Dr (Anthony) Fauci and China speaks too loudly for anyone to ignore. China should pay $10 trillion to America, and the world, for the death and destruction they have caused!" added Trump.</p>

<p>Dr Fauci's view on the Wuhan lab leak theory has shifted after Trump's remark.<br />
<br />
<strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Fauci has faced backlash in the wake of the leak of 10,000 emails from the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 2020.</p>

<p>An executive at EcoHealth, which funded research at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology into the origin of COVID-19, thanked Dr Fauci for publicly stating that scientific evidence supports a 'natural origin for the Coronavirus and not a lab leak'.<br />
<br />
<strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Denying any connections, Dr Fauci while speaking to CNN said, "That's nonsense. I don't even see how they get that from that email. I have always said and will say today, that I still believe the most likely origin is from an animal species to a human, but I keep an open mind that if there may be other origins of that, there may be another reason, it could have been a lab leak from China." He has urged China and World Health Organization&nbsp;for a transparent process, stating that there was a need to get to the bottom of the origins of the pandemic.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lab leak" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e1d421e2-e831-48d0-a063-72d8d2ea80ad" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202021-06-04%20at%201.59.30%20PM.jpeg" /></p>

<p>The controversial claim was dismissed by experts last year, who said it was "extremely unlikely". No evidence to support it has emerged.</p>

<p>But in recent days, amid criticism of an inconclusive international probe into the virus' origins and new reports of Covid-related illness in the region weeks before it was officially identified, the theory is once again sparking debate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former US president Donald Trump has stated that his opinion that the "China Virus" originated in the Wuhan Lab was correct. He also asked for a penalty to be imposed on China for the deaths and damages caused by the "lab leak.

Former US president Donald Trump has stated that his opinion that the "China Virus" originated in the Wuhan Lab was correct. He also asked for a penalty to be imposed on China for the deaths and damages caused by the "lab leak." "Now everyone, even the so-called ''enemy'', is beginning to say that President Trump was right about the China Virus coming from Wuhan Lab," the Republican former president said. The 'enemy' reference was to his Democratic rival and now US President, Joe Biden. Also read | Fauci calls on China to release medical records of Wuhan lab workers: Report "The correspondence between Dr (Anthony) Fauci and China speaks too loudly for anyone to ignore. China should pay $10 trillion to America, and the world, for the death and destruction they have caused!" added Trump. Dr Fauci's view on the Wuhan lab leak theory has shifted after Trump's remark. Also Read | Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found Fauci has faced backlash in the wake of the leak of 10,000 emails from the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 2020. An executive at EcoHealth, which funded research at China's Wuhan Institute of Virology into the origin of COVID-19, thanked Dr Fauci for publicly stating that scientific evidence supports a 'natural origin for the Coronavirus and not a lab leak'. Also Read | Virus origin probe 'poisoned by politics', says WHO Denying any connections, Dr Fauci while speaking to CNN said, "That's nonsense. I don't even see how they get that from that email. I have always said and will say today, that I still believe the most likely origin is from an animal species to a human, but I keep an open mind that if there may be other origins of that, there may be another reason, it could have been a lab leak from China." He has urged China and World Health Organization for a transparent process, stating that there was a need to get to the bottom of the origins of the pandemic. The controversial claim was dismissed by experts last year, who said it was "extremely unlikely". No evidence to support it has emerged. But in recent days, amid criticism of an inconclusive international probe into the virus' origins and new reports of Covid-related illness in the region weeks before it was officially identified, the theory is once again sparking debate. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says 'I was right about Wuhan lab leak'; demands $10 trillion penalty from China

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today&nbsp;morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country.<br />
<br />
The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said.</p>

<p>Apart from this, the Prime Minister will also review the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it.</p>

<p>A total of 3,92,488 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry reported on Sunday.</p>

<p>Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in India.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the advisor to Prime Minister Bhaskar Khulbe, on Saturday, wrote to the Union Health Ministry to provide 150 ventilators to the Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre in Delhi.</p>

<p>The ventilators have been provided to the COVID Care Centre under PM-CARES Fund after a request was made by the Director-General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) SS Deswal.</p>

<p>The ITBP run Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas facility in Delhi started functioning on April 26 with 500 oxygen beds.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country. The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting today morning at 9:30 am to review the measures taken amid the raging second wave across the country. The Prime Minister will review the allocation of human resources as well as the availability of oxygen and medicines, sources said. Apart from this, the Prime Minister will also review the human resource situation, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and ways to augment it. A total of 3,92,488 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,95,57,457, the Union Health Ministry reported on Sunday. Currently, there are 33,49,644 active cases of COVID-19 in India. Meanwhile, the advisor to Prime Minister Bhaskar Khulbe, on Saturday, wrote to the Union Health Ministry to provide 150 ventilators to the Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre in Delhi. The ventilators have been provided to the COVID Care Centre under PM-CARES Fund after a request was made by the Director-General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) SS Deswal. The ITBP run Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas facility in Delhi started functioning on April 26 with 500 oxygen beds. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: PM Modi to meet experts over oxygen, medicine availability, India reports slight dip in cases

<p>The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 145.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.08 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.<br />
<br />
In its latest update on Saturday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 145,271,208 and 3,083,235, respectively.<br />
<br />
The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 31,990,684 and 571,180, respectively, according to the CSSE.<br />
<br />
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 16,263,695 cases.<br />
<br />
The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are Brazil (14,237,078), France (5,502,014), Russia (4,691,290), Turkey (4,550,820), the UK (4,416,588), Italy (3,935,703), Spain (3,468,617), Germany (3,263,415), Argentina (2,824,652), Poland (2,742,122), Colombia (2,740,544), Iran (2,358,809) and Mexico (2,323,430), the CSSE figures showed.<br />
<br />
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 386,416 fatalities.<br />
<br />
Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are Mexico (214,504), India (186,920), the UK (127,638), Italy (118,699), Russia (105,718), France (102,655), Germany (81,326), Spain (77,591), Colombia (70,446), Iran (68,746), Poland (64,707), Argentina (61,176), Peru (59,012) and South Africa (54,066).</p>


The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 145.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.08 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 145.2 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.08 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. In its latest update on Saturday morning, the University`s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed that the current global caseload and death toll stood at 145,271,208 and 3,083,235, respectively. The US is the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 31,990,684 and 571,180, respectively, according to the CSSE. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 16,263,695 cases. The other countries with more than two million confirmed coronavirus cases are Brazil (14,237,078), France (5,502,014), Russia (4,691,290), Turkey (4,550,820), the UK (4,416,588), Italy (3,935,703), Spain (3,468,617), Germany (3,263,415), Argentina (2,824,652), Poland (2,742,122), Colombia (2,740,544), Iran (2,358,809) and Mexico (2,323,430), the CSSE figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 386,416 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 50,000 are Mexico (214,504), India (186,920), the UK (127,638), Italy (118,699), Russia (105,718), France (102,655), Germany (81,326), Spain (77,591), Colombia (70,446), Iran (68,746), Poland (64,707), Argentina (61,176), Peru (59,012) and South Africa (54,066).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 145 million

<p>Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson &amp; Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&amp;J vaccine in the United States.</p>

<p>The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s safety committee on Tuesday concluded that there exists a link between unusual blood clots with low blood platelets and the vaccine. It also said that the warning should be added to the vaccine’s labels.</p>

<p>In addition, the EMA ascertained that all instances of blood clots were reported in adults aged below 60, mostly women.</p>

<p>They developed the clots three weeks after the vaccination. It also took into account the eight cases of blood clots that were reported in the United States.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/jj-reports-100-million-in-vaccine-sales-as-results-top-forecasts-378829" hreflang="en">J&amp;J reports $100 million in vaccine sales as results top forecasts</a></p>

<p>Similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine, most blood clots took place in the brain and the abdomen. Even then, the agency reiterated that the benefits of the vaccines largely outweigh the risks.</p>

<p>The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&amp;J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-sticks-to-plan-to-give-jj-vaccine-to-over-55s-377554" hreflang="en">France sticks to plan to give J&amp;J vaccine to over 55s</a></p>

<p>Top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most countries around the world are accelerating vaccination efforts to stop the chain of transmission.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&J vaccine in the United States.

Europe’s drug regulator on Tuesday said that it had found a possible link between Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine and blood clots. Multiple blood clots were reported among adults who took the J&J vaccine in the United States. The European Medicines Agency (EMA)’s safety committee on Tuesday concluded that there exists a link between unusual blood clots with low blood platelets and the vaccine. It also said that the warning should be added to the vaccine’s labels. In addition, the EMA ascertained that all instances of blood clots were reported in adults aged below 60, mostly women. They developed the clots three weeks after the vaccination. It also took into account the eight cases of blood clots that were reported in the United States. Also read: J&J reports $100 million in vaccine sales as results top forecasts Similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine, most blood clots took place in the brain and the abdomen. Even then, the agency reiterated that the benefits of the vaccines largely outweigh the risks. The United States is also expected to announce its decision on the single-shot J&J vaccine by Friday, as nations around the world try to accelerate their rollouts and revive their pandemic-ravaged economies. Also read: France sticks to plan to give J&J vaccine to over 55s Top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci described the clots as 'an extraordinarily rare event'. Most countries around the world are accelerating vaccination efforts to stop the chain of transmission. (With inputs from agencies)

EU finds link between blood clots and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine

<p>Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19.<br />
<br />
In an Instagram post late on Saturday, Arjun Rampal wrote: "I have tested positive for Covid-19. Even though I am asymptomatic, I have isolated myself and home quarantined, getting the needed medical care. I am following all protocols as is required of me. To all those who have been in contact with me in the past 10 days please take care and take the necessary precautions. This is a very scary time for us but if we are aware and wise for a short span of time, it will yield long term benefits. Together we can and we will fight corona."<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p><br />
<br />
Neil Nitin Mukesh also posted on Instagram on Saturday evening updating about his and his family members testing positive for the virus.<br />
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The actor wrote: "In spite of all necessary precautions, including staying home, unfortunately, members of my family and I have tested positive for Covid-19. We are all home quarantined, following the essential protocols, and taking medication as prescribed by our doctors. We thank all of you for your love and good wishes. Take care and stay safe."<br />
<br />
"Need all your love and blessings. Please do not take the situation out there lightly," Neil added.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood also tested positive for Covid-19 while actresses Bhumi Pednekar and Katrina Kaif informed on social media that they have tested negative.<br />
<br />
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&nbsp;</p>


Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19.

Arjun Rampal and Nitin Nitin Mukesh are the latest Bollywood celebrities to fall prey to the Covid-19 pandemic. Both actors took to social media to inform that they have tested positive for Covid-19. In an Instagram post late on Saturday, Arjun Rampal wrote: "I have tested positive for Covid-19. Even though I am asymptomatic, I have isolated myself and home quarantined, getting the needed medical care. I am following all protocols as is required of me. To all those who have been in contact with me in the past 10 days please take care and take the necessary precautions. This is a very scary time for us but if we are aware and wise for a short span of time, it will yield long term benefits. Together we can and we will fight corona." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arjun (@rampal72) × Neil Nitin Mukesh also posted on Instagram on Saturday evening updating about his and his family members testing positive for the virus. The actor wrote: "In spite of all necessary precautions, including staying home, unfortunately, members of my family and I have tested positive for Covid-19. We are all home quarantined, following the essential protocols, and taking medication as prescribed by our doctors. We thank all of you for your love and good wishes. Take care and stay safe." "Need all your love and blessings. Please do not take the situation out there lightly," Neil added. On Saturday, Bollywood actor Sonu Sood also tested positive for Covid-19 while actresses Bhumi Pednekar and Katrina Kaif informed on social media that they have tested negative.

Arjun Rampal and Neil Nitin Mukesh test positive for COVID-19

<p>Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary.</p>

<p>In recent days, that proposition has begun to sound less hypothetical.</p>

<p>Vaccine-makers are getting a jump-start on possible new rounds of shots, although they sound more certain of the need for boosters than independent scientists have.</p>

<p>Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Thursday that a third dose of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine was “likely” to be needed within a year of the initial two-dose inoculation — followed by annual vaccinations.</p>

<p>Dr. David Kessler, who runs the Biden administration’s vaccine effort, told a House subcommittee on Thursday that the government was also looking ahead. One factor at play is the spread of coronavirus variants and whether further vaccination could better target mutant strains.</p>

<p>Bourla said that “a likely scenario” is “a third dose somewhere between six and 12 months, and from there it would be an annual re-vaccination.”</p>

<p>Moderna said this week that it was at work on a booster for its vaccine, and Johnson &amp; Johnson has said that its single-shot vaccine will probably need to be given annually.</p>

<p>Kessler emphasized the “strong efficacy” of the current vaccines, including against the variants, but said that the government was “taking steps to develop next generation of vaccines that are directed against these variants if in fact they can be more effective.”</p>

<p>He was one of a handful of top federal health officials at the House hearing who implored Americans to get vaccinated and sought to reassure the nation that all three federally authorized vaccines are safe. They said little about restarting Johnson &amp; Johnson shots, which the Food and Drug Administration paused to examine a rare blood-clotting disorder.</p>

<p>Late Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had scheduled a new emergency hearing for April 23.</p>

<p>As of Thursday, more than 125 million people in the country had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 78 million who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson &amp; Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.</p>

<p>In February, Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, said that they planned to test a third shot and to update their original vaccine. The FDA has said that vaccine developers will not need to conduct lengthy trials for vaccines that have been adapted to protect against variants.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Moderna said that its vaccine continued to provide strong protection in the United States against COVID-19 six months after it is given, and the company’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, told CNBC that he hoped to have booster shots ready by the fall.</p>


Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary.

Scientists have long said that giving people a single course of a COVID-19 vaccine might not be sufficient in the long term, and that booster shots and even annual vaccinations might prove necessary. In recent days, that proposition has begun to sound less hypothetical. Vaccine-makers are getting a jump-start on possible new rounds of shots, although they sound more certain of the need for boosters than independent scientists have. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Thursday that a third dose of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine was “likely” to be needed within a year of the initial two-dose inoculation — followed by annual vaccinations. Dr. David Kessler, who runs the Biden administration’s vaccine effort, told a House subcommittee on Thursday that the government was also looking ahead. One factor at play is the spread of coronavirus variants and whether further vaccination could better target mutant strains. Bourla said that “a likely scenario” is “a third dose somewhere between six and 12 months, and from there it would be an annual re-vaccination.” Moderna said this week that it was at work on a booster for its vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson has said that its single-shot vaccine will probably need to be given annually. Kessler emphasized the “strong efficacy” of the current vaccines, including against the variants, but said that the government was “taking steps to develop next generation of vaccines that are directed against these variants if in fact they can be more effective.” He was one of a handful of top federal health officials at the House hearing who implored Americans to get vaccinated and sought to reassure the nation that all three federally authorized vaccines are safe. They said little about restarting Johnson & Johnson shots, which the Food and Drug Administration paused to examine a rare blood-clotting disorder. Late Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it had scheduled a new emergency hearing for April 23. As of Thursday, more than 125 million people in the country had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including about 78 million who have been fully vaccinated by Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine or the two-dose series made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. In February, Pfizer and its partner, BioNTech, said that they planned to test a third shot and to update their original vaccine. The FDA has said that vaccine developers will not need to conduct lengthy trials for vaccines that have been adapted to protect against variants. On Tuesday, Moderna said that its vaccine continued to provide strong protection in the United States against COVID-19 six months after it is given, and the company’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, told CNBC that he hoped to have booster shots ready by the fall.

Booster shots could be needed. Drug companies are planning for it.

<p>A survey of epidemiologists and virologists has revealed that the planet has less than a year before new vaccines are needed to fight coronavirus. The first-generation of the vaccine could be rendered ineffective in less than year, with scientists urging for a fast-paced inoculation programme to contain COVID-19.</p>

<p>Scientists fear that the mutations of the virus that continue to emerge around the world would get in the way of the efficacy of the current vaccines. Many of these variants are more contagious and deadly than the first strain that emerged in Wuhan, China.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/pfizer-moderna-vaccines-highly-effective-after-first-jab-reveals-us-study-374227" hreflang="en">Pfizer, Moderna vaccines highly effective after first jab, reveals US study</a></p>

<p>The survey was undertaken by People’s Vaccine Alliance - a coalition of organisations like Amnesty International, UNAIDS, and Oxfam. It found that two-thirds of respondents claimed that the vaccines only have a year, while one-third of them claimed that we have less than nine months. 77 scientists from 28 countries participated in the survey.</p>

<p>Owing to the lesser number of inoculations in many countries, many mutations capable of bypassing the current vaccines could soon appear - a sentiment echoed by 88 per cent respondents who work at prestigious institutions like Yale, Johns Hopkins, Imperial College, etc.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/johnson-johnson-in-deal-to-supply-covid-19-vaccine-to-african-union-member-states-374080" hreflang="en">Johnson &amp; Johnson in deal to supply COVID-19 vaccine to African Union member states</a></p>

<p>Until mass vaccinations stop the spread of the current strains, new strains will keep popping up, and many of those could cancel out the scope of vaccines.</p>

<p>Inequity in terms of inoculation is another issue plaguing the world right now, with rich countries like US and UK having inoculated a quarter of their population with at least the first dose.</p>

<p>On the other hand, countries like South Africa and Thailand haven’t even vaccinated 1 per cent of their populations, with many countries still unable to administer their first dose.</p>


A survey of epidemiologists and virologists has revealed that the planet has less than a year before new vaccines are needed to fight coronavirus. The first-generation of the vaccine could be rendered ineffective in less than year, with scientists urging for a fast-paced inoculation programme to contain COVID-19.

A survey of epidemiologists and virologists has revealed that the planet has less than a year before new vaccines are needed to fight coronavirus. The first-generation of the vaccine could be rendered ineffective in less than year, with scientists urging for a fast-paced inoculation programme to contain COVID-19. Scientists fear that the mutations of the virus that continue to emerge around the world would get in the way of the efficacy of the current vaccines. Many of these variants are more contagious and deadly than the first strain that emerged in Wuhan, China. Also read: Pfizer, Moderna vaccines highly effective after first jab, reveals US study The survey was undertaken by People’s Vaccine Alliance - a coalition of organisations like Amnesty International, UNAIDS, and Oxfam. It found that two-thirds of respondents claimed that the vaccines only have a year, while one-third of them claimed that we have less than nine months. 77 scientists from 28 countries participated in the survey. Owing to the lesser number of inoculations in many countries, many mutations capable of bypassing the current vaccines could soon appear - a sentiment echoed by 88 per cent respondents who work at prestigious institutions like Yale, Johns Hopkins, Imperial College, etc. Also read: Johnson & Johnson in deal to supply COVID-19 vaccine to African Union member states Until mass vaccinations stop the spread of the current strains, new strains will keep popping up, and many of those could cancel out the scope of vaccines. Inequity in terms of inoculation is another issue plaguing the world right now, with rich countries like US and UK having inoculated a quarter of their population with at least the first dose. On the other hand, countries like South Africa and Thailand haven’t even vaccinated 1 per cent of their populations, with many countries still unable to administer their first dose.

World will need new vaccines to fight coronavirus in a year, say major scientists

<p>In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr. Clemens Hong, who oversees coronavirus testing in Los Angeles County.</p>

<p>But in January, the city pivoted, converting the stadium into an enormous, drive-through vaccination site. Local demand for coronavirus testing has plummeted, Hong said. He said he saw the evidence firsthand recently when he visited a community hospital: “The testing site had three people and the vaccine site had a line around the block.”</p>

<p>Los Angeles is not an anomaly. Across the nation, attention has largely shifted from testing to vaccination. The United States is now conducting an average of 1.3 million coronavirus tests a day, down from a peak of 2 million a day in mid-January, according to data provided by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center.</p>

<p>In some ways, the decline is good news and can be attributed, in part, to falling case numbers and the increasing pace of vaccination. But the drop-off also worries many public health experts, who note that the prevalence of COVID-19 remains stubbornly high. More than 50,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths are being tallied every day and just 14% of Americans are fully vaccinated.</p>

<p>“We are very much worried about resurgence,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. “Everybody mentally moved on to vaccines. Obviously, vaccines are quite important. But as long as the majority of us are not protected, then testing remains essential.”</p>

<p>The $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law this month includes $47.8 billion earmarked for testing, tracing and monitoring the virus.</p>

<p>But as society begins to reopen and vaccines roll out more widely, testing strategies are evolving. Here are four reasons why testing still matters, along with how officials see the next months and years playing out.</p>

<p><b>Diagnosing People Who Are Sick</b></p>

<p>Case numbers remain high, and clinicians still need to identify individuals who have contracted the virus so that these people can receive proper treatment and care. The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, which can identify even small traces of genetic material from the coronavirus.</p>

<p>This kind of testing will be needed as long as there are COVID-19 cases, but as the disease becomes less common, diagnostic testing is likely to become less centralized.</p>

<p>“The game has changed a little bit,” Hong said. “Before, we just had infection popping up everywhere, and we just needed broad, blanket testing access. Now we need to be much more targeted.”</p>

<p><b>Slowing the Spread</b></p>

<p>Testing is important not just for identifying individual patients who need treatment but also for public health. When the system is working, a timely COVID-19 diagnosis is what triggers contact tracing and quarantining and can stop virus transmission in its tracks.</p>

<p>“The vaccine — marvelous, miraculous as it is — is not in and of itself going to contain this pandemic,” said A. David Paltiel, a professor of health policy and management at Yale School of Public Health.</p>

<p>Slowing transmission means fewer people will get sick but it also gives the virus fewer opportunities to mutate. And that reduces the odds that dangerous new variants — some of which may be able to evade vaccine-induced immunity — will emerge.</p>

<p>Keeping community spread low will help give vaccines “a fighting chance,” Paltiel said. “The less work we give the vaccine to do, the better.”</p>

<p>As schools and offices reopen, routine screening of asymptomatic people will help minimize viral spread. These screening programs are now beginning to ramp up. Many will rely on rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than PCR tests but are cheaper and can return results in 15 minutes. (Antigens are molecules, like the well-known spike protein, that are present on the surface of the coronavirus and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.) When antigen tests are used routinely and frequently, they can be effective in identifying infectious individuals and reducing viral transmission, several analyses suggest.</p>

<p>As vaccination rates increase, these screening programs may become more targeted.</p>

<p><b>Assessing Our Progress</b></p>

<p>Testing can help public health officials gauge whether efforts to end the pandemic are paying dividends.</p>

<p>“Do we want to know how well vaccines are working? We’re going to have to test,” said David O’Connor, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “How are we going to know whether the variants are more contagious? We’re going to have to test. How are we going to know if the vaccines are effectively controlling the variants? We’re going to have to test.”</p>

<p>Large screening programs may also help institutions assess the effectiveness of their risk-reduction strategies. If cases begin to rise, schools and offices may find they need to change their mask policies, enforce greater social distancing or boost their ventilation rates.</p>

<p>Testing might also help uncover worrisome case clusters, which can signal that a community has not yet reached herd immunity and might benefit from targeted a vaccination campaign.</p>

<p><b>Preventing the Next Pandemic</b></p>

<p>Many experts now believe that the coronavirus is unlikely to ever disappear completely. But even if the virus continues to circulate only at very low levels, it will be important to keep tabs on it.</p>

<p>“It becomes less about trying to interrupt the transmission of the disease," Nuzzo said, "and more to understand 'Where is the virus? What are we missing? And, you know, what could be coming down the road?'”</p>

<p>The virus will continue to mutate, and new genetic variants will emerge. Some level of continued testing, even years down the line, could help scientists catch worrisome variants early.</p>


In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr.

In May, the city of Los Angeles turned a fabled baseball park into a mass testing site for the coronavirus. At its peak, Dodger Stadium was testing 16,000 people a day for the virus, making it the biggest testing site in the world, said Dr. Clemens Hong, who oversees coronavirus testing in Los Angeles County. But in January, the city pivoted, converting the stadium into an enormous, drive-through vaccination site. Local demand for coronavirus testing has plummeted, Hong said. He said he saw the evidence firsthand recently when he visited a community hospital: “The testing site had three people and the vaccine site had a line around the block.” Los Angeles is not an anomaly. Across the nation, attention has largely shifted from testing to vaccination. The United States is now conducting an average of 1.3 million coronavirus tests a day, down from a peak of 2 million a day in mid-January, according to data provided by the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. In some ways, the decline is good news and can be attributed, in part, to falling case numbers and the increasing pace of vaccination. But the drop-off also worries many public health experts, who note that the prevalence of COVID-19 remains stubbornly high. More than 50,000 new cases and 1,000 deaths are being tallied every day and just 14% of Americans are fully vaccinated. “We are very much worried about resurgence,” said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University. “Everybody mentally moved on to vaccines. Obviously, vaccines are quite important. But as long as the majority of us are not protected, then testing remains essential.” The $1.9 trillion stimulus package signed into law this month includes $47.8 billion earmarked for testing, tracing and monitoring the virus. But as society begins to reopen and vaccines roll out more widely, testing strategies are evolving. Here are four reasons why testing still matters, along with how officials see the next months and years playing out. Diagnosing People Who Are Sick Case numbers remain high, and clinicians still need to identify individuals who have contracted the virus so that these people can receive proper treatment and care. The gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 is the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, test, which can identify even small traces of genetic material from the coronavirus. This kind of testing will be needed as long as there are COVID-19 cases, but as the disease becomes less common, diagnostic testing is likely to become less centralized. “The game has changed a little bit,” Hong said. “Before, we just had infection popping up everywhere, and we just needed broad, blanket testing access. Now we need to be much more targeted.” Slowing the Spread Testing is important not just for identifying individual patients who need treatment but also for public health. When the system is working, a timely COVID-19 diagnosis is what triggers contact tracing and quarantining and can stop virus transmission in its tracks. “The vaccine — marvelous, miraculous as it is — is not in and of itself going to contain this pandemic,” said A. David Paltiel, a professor of health policy and management at Yale School of Public Health. Slowing transmission means fewer people will get sick but it also gives the virus fewer opportunities to mutate. And that reduces the odds that dangerous new variants — some of which may be able to evade vaccine-induced immunity — will emerge. Keeping community spread low will help give vaccines “a fighting chance,” Paltiel said. “The less work we give the vaccine to do, the better.” As schools and offices reopen, routine screening of asymptomatic people will help minimize viral spread. These screening programs are now beginning to ramp up. Many will rely on rapid antigen tests, which are less sensitive than PCR tests but are cheaper and can return results in 15 minutes. (Antigens are molecules, like the well-known spike protein, that are present on the surface of the coronavirus and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies.) When antigen tests are used routinely and frequently, they can be effective in identifying infectious individuals and reducing viral transmission, several analyses suggest. As vaccination rates increase, these screening programs may become more targeted. Assessing Our Progress Testing can help public health officials gauge whether efforts to end the pandemic are paying dividends. “Do we want to know how well vaccines are working? We’re going to have to test,” said David O’Connor, a virologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. “How are we going to know whether the variants are more contagious? We’re going to have to test. How are we going to know if the vaccines are effectively controlling the variants? We’re going to have to test.” Large screening programs may also help institutions assess the effectiveness of their risk-reduction strategies. If cases begin to rise, schools and offices may find they need to change their mask policies, enforce greater social distancing or boost their ventilation rates. Testing might also help uncover worrisome case clusters, which can signal that a community has not yet reached herd immunity and might benefit from targeted a vaccination campaign. Preventing the Next Pandemic Many experts now believe that the coronavirus is unlikely to ever disappear completely. But even if the virus continues to circulate only at very low levels, it will be important to keep tabs on it. “It becomes less about trying to interrupt the transmission of the disease," Nuzzo said, "and more to understand 'Where is the virus? What are we missing? And, you know, what could be coming down the road?'” The virus will continue to mutate, and new genetic variants will emerge. Some level of continued testing, even years down the line, could help scientists catch worrisome variants early.

Why testing still matters

<p>Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill.</p>

<p>Now, the Democrats will move forward with the package after witnessing hours of delay.</p>

<p>The deal will actually scale down the intensity of unemployment benefits that were put forward in the version of bill which passed the House of Representatives last week.&nbsp;The bill also mandated new tax breaks for people receiving the benefits.</p>

<p>"We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with (an) unexpected tax bill next year," Democratic Senator Joe Manchin was cited as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-beefs-up-white-house-staff-including-big-tech-critic-wu-368312" hreflang="en">Biden beefs up White House staff, including Big Tech critic Wu</a><br />
<br />
Even though Democrats were able to reach a compromise, it had paved the way for long processes whereby Republicans are expected to put forward amendments to the bill.</p>

<p>A final vote is expected today. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Biden supports the agreement. The bill has multiple points of disagreements for Senate lawmakers. An attempt was also made to increase the minimum wage, which fell through.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/indian-americans-taking-over-the-country-biden-jokes-with-nasas-swati-mohan-368203" hreflang="en">Indian-Americans taking over the country, Biden jokes with NASA's Swati Mohan</a></p>

<p>Currently, the legislation demands $400 every week as part of federal benefits running through August 29, topping off state benefits already in place. The move is expected to assist Americans who have lost their jobs.</p>

<p>Now, the weekly benefit has been reduced to $300, which will now be extended till September 6, as stated by an aide of Democrats. Even out of this, the initial $10,200 is expected to be exempt from tax. Currently, Democrats hold a very slim majority not only in the Senate, but also in the House of Representatives.</p>


Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill.

Democrats in the United States Senate on Friday claimed that they were successfully able to resolve differences pertaining to unemployment aid part of $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill. Now, the Democrats will move forward with the package after witnessing hours of delay. The deal will actually scale down the intensity of unemployment benefits that were put forward in the version of bill which passed the House of Representatives last week. The bill also mandated new tax breaks for people receiving the benefits. "We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with (an) unexpected tax bill next year," Democratic Senator Joe Manchin was cited as saying by Reuters. Also read: Biden beefs up White House staff, including Big Tech critic Wu Even though Democrats were able to reach a compromise, it had paved the way for long processes whereby Republicans are expected to put forward amendments to the bill. A final vote is expected today. According to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Biden supports the agreement. The bill has multiple points of disagreements for Senate lawmakers. An attempt was also made to increase the minimum wage, which fell through. Also read: Indian-Americans taking over the country, Biden jokes with NASA's Swati Mohan Currently, the legislation demands $400 every week as part of federal benefits running through August 29, topping off state benefits already in place. The move is expected to assist Americans who have lost their jobs. Now, the weekly benefit has been reduced to $300, which will now be extended till September 6, as stated by an aide of Democrats. Even out of this, the initial $10,200 is expected to be exempt from tax. Currently, Democrats hold a very slim majority not only in the Senate, but also in the House of Representatives.

As Democrats in US Senate reach compromise, Biden's new coronavirus bill back on track

<p>Israel’s parliament on Wednesday passed a law which allows the government to share the identities of those not vaccinated against COVID-19.</p>

<p>The measure passed with 30 votes in favour and 13 against, and now gives local governments, the director general of the education ministry, and many officials in the welfare ministry to receive the names, phone numbers, and addresses of those who have not received the vaccine.</p>

<p>According to a parliament statement, the goal of this law is to ”enable these bodies to encourage people to vaccinate by personally addressing them”. The law will be valid for three months or until the pandemic is declared over.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-researchers-reveal-china-copied-spyware-code-from-americas-nsa-365453" hreflang="en">Israeli researchers reveal China copied spyware code from America's NSA</a></p>

<p>Israel has over nine million people living within its borders, and it has administered the two Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on a third of its population. Israel is currently restricting certain services including access to gyms and indoor dining to those who have received the vaccination. The government provides a “green pass” to those who have received both the doses of the vaccine.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/on-the-house-israel-bar-offers-free-drinks-with-covid-19-vaccine-jabs-365196" hreflang="en">On the house: Israel bar offers free drinks with COVID-19 vaccine jabs</a></p>

<p>According to the parliament’s statement, the personal information of citizens cannot be used for purposes other than encouraging them to vaccinate. During discussion about the law, Labor party leader Merav Michaeli accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "denying citizens their right to the privacy of their medical information".</p>

<p>The law mandates the following - “The information will be deleted after its use within 60 days” and “a person who was contacted can demand that his details be deleted and that they not be contacted again”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from AFP)</em></p>


Israel’s parliament on Wednesday passed a law which allows the government to share the identities of those not vaccinated against COVID-19. The measure passed with 30 votes in favour and 13 against, and now gives local governments, the director general of the education ministry, and many officials in the welfare ministry to receive the names, phone numbers, and addresses of those who have not received the vaccine.

Israel’s parliament on Wednesday passed a law which allows the government to share the identities of those not vaccinated against COVID-19. The measure passed with 30 votes in favour and 13 against, and now gives local governments, the director general of the education ministry, and many officials in the welfare ministry to receive the names, phone numbers, and addresses of those who have not received the vaccine. According to a parliament statement, the goal of this law is to ”enable these bodies to encourage people to vaccinate by personally addressing them”. The law will be valid for three months or until the pandemic is declared over. Also read: Israeli researchers reveal China copied spyware code from America's NSA Israel has over nine million people living within its borders, and it has administered the two Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on a third of its population. Israel is currently restricting certain services including access to gyms and indoor dining to those who have received the vaccination. The government provides a “green pass” to those who have received both the doses of the vaccine. Also read: On the house: Israel bar offers free drinks with COVID-19 vaccine jabs According to the parliament’s statement, the personal information of citizens cannot be used for purposes other than encouraging them to vaccinate. During discussion about the law, Labor party leader Merav Michaeli accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of "denying citizens their right to the privacy of their medical information". The law mandates the following - “The information will be deleted after its use within 60 days” and “a person who was contacted can demand that his details be deleted and that they not be contacted again”. (With inputs from AFP)

Israel adopts law allowing identities of unvaccinated to be shared

China is battling the worst outbreak of COVID-19 since March 2020, with one province posting a record daily rise in cases, as an independent panel reviewing the global pandemic said China could have done more to curb the initial outbreak.

Fineprint: Worst COVID-19 outbreak in China since March 2020

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Why testing still matters

As Democrats in US Senate reach compromise, Biden's new coronavirus bill back on track

Israel adopts law allowing identities of unvaccinated to be shared

Fineprint: Worst COVID-19 outbreak in China since March 2020

Fineprint: Worst COVID-19 outbreak in China since March 2020