World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus. 
 
The Belarusian, speaking on the eve of the season-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, had previously expressed concern about the vaccines, saying she was worried about how quickly they had been produced and which one might be the best for her. 
 
"I think I`m clear right now because in Miami I did the vaccine, Johnson &amp; Johnson," the 23-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Hopefully, I`m safe because I don`t want to stay in quarantine any more. It`s not a lot of fun." 
 
Sabalenka said she could not move for four days after testing positive last month. "I stayed in the room for 10 days. I was doing some workout there, but it wasn`t enough," she said. "I didn`t have taste, I didn`t have smell. Wasn`t really an amazing time." 
 
Sabalenka is the top seed at the WTA Finals after world number one Ash Barty decided not to travel to Mexico. She will face Spain`s Paula Badosa in her first match on Thursday. 
 
The WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, was relocated to Mexico from Shenzhen due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in China.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka said she got vaccinated against COVID-19 after having to miss last month`s Indian Wells tournament because she contracted the novel coronavirus. The Belarusian, speaking on the eve of the season-ending WTA Finals in Guadalajara, Mexico, had previously expressed concern about the vaccines, saying she was worried about how quickly they had been produced and which one might be the best for her. "I think I`m clear right now because in Miami I did the vaccine, Johnson & Johnson," the 23-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "Hopefully, I`m safe because I don`t want to stay in quarantine any more. It`s not a lot of fun." Sabalenka said she could not move for four days after testing positive last month. "I stayed in the room for 10 days. I was doing some workout there, but it wasn`t enough," she said. "I didn`t have taste, I didn`t have smell. Wasn`t really an amazing time." Sabalenka is the top seed at the WTA Finals after world number one Ash Barty decided not to travel to Mexico. She will face Spain`s Paula Badosa in her first match on Thursday. The WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, was relocated to Mexico from Shenzhen due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in China.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka says she got vaccinated after contracting COVID-19

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.S. media. The email, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a statement made last week by Australia`s immigration minister that players would need to be double vaccinated to get a visa to compete at the Grand Slam. A significant proportion of players on the women`s WTA and men's ATP tour remain unvaccinated, and men`s world number one Novak Djokovic has declined to disclose his vaccination status.

In the email, the WTA said it wanted to "clear up false and misleading information" about the conditions players would face at the Australian Open. The WTA said the information came from organisers Tennis Australia, who had requested players keep it confidential for "a few days" as they were still discussing the details with the government. 
Tennis Australia declined to comment on arrangements for unvaccinated players, including quarantine. "We are optimistic that we can hold the Australian Open as close to pre-pandemic conditions as possible,” the governing body said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-special-deals-to-allow-unvaccinated-players-at-australian-open-says-official-421971">No special deals to allow unvaccinated players at Australian Open, says Official</a>

All players who arrived from overseas for the 2021 edition of the Australian Open had to undergo two weeks of quarantine, although most were allowed to leave their hotels to practise. Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula said authorities were still deciding whether unvaccinated foreign players would be allowed into the country. He did not expect a decision for another couple of weeks.

“It’s not settled," he told radio station 3AW. “We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia at all and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed." Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said last week there would be no special deals for unvaccinated players to compete in the state, where vaccination is mandatory for athletes, coaches and officials in professional sport.

Pakula said TA boss Craig Tiley had told him the vaccination rate among tennis players was nearly 80%. 
He confirmed fully vaccinated players would not have to quarantine on arrival in Australia. "The one thing that we have assured them all, is that the vaccinated players will be treated the same way as any other vaccinated entrant to the country," he said. From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents and their overseas-based family members who arrive in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. The WTA email said Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 tournament, would take place at Melbourne Park as normal.

The WTA declined to comment. The Australian Open is scheduled to start on Jan. 17.

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.

Unvaccinated athletes will be able to take part in next year`s Australian Open after undergoing 14 days of quarantine, the WTA Tour has told its players, according to an email leaked to U.S. media. The email, obtained by freelance tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, contradicts a statement made last week by Australia`s immigration minister that players would need to be double vaccinated to get a visa to compete at the Grand Slam. A significant proportion of players on the women`s WTA and men's ATP tour remain unvaccinated, and men`s world number one Novak Djokovic has declined to disclose his vaccination status. In the email, the WTA said it wanted to "clear up false and misleading information" about the conditions players would face at the Australian Open. The WTA said the information came from organisers Tennis Australia, who had requested players keep it confidential for "a few days" as they were still discussing the details with the government. Tennis Australia declined to comment on arrangements for unvaccinated players, including quarantine. "We are optimistic that we can hold the Australian Open as close to pre-pandemic conditions as possible,” the governing body said in a statement. ALSO READ | No special deals to allow unvaccinated players at Australian Open, says Official All players who arrived from overseas for the 2021 edition of the Australian Open had to undergo two weeks of quarantine, although most were allowed to leave their hotels to practise. Victoria state sports minister Martin Pakula said authorities were still deciding whether unvaccinated foreign players would be allowed into the country. He did not expect a decision for another couple of weeks. “It’s not settled," he told radio station 3AW. “We are still resolving with Tennis Australia and the Commonwealth whether unvaccinated foreign nationals will be allowed into Australia at all and if so, under what circumstances they will be allowed." Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said last week there would be no special deals for unvaccinated players to compete in the state, where vaccination is mandatory for athletes, coaches and officials in professional sport. Pakula said TA boss Craig Tiley had told him the vaccination rate among tennis players was nearly 80%. He confirmed fully vaccinated players would not have to quarantine on arrival in Australia. "The one thing that we have assured them all, is that the vaccinated players will be treated the same way as any other vaccinated entrant to the country," he said. From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents and their overseas-based family members who arrive in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. The WTA email said Australian Open qualifying, which was moved to the United Arab Emirates for the 2021 tournament, would take place at Melbourne Park as normal. The WTA declined to comment. The Australian Open is scheduled to start on Jan. 17.

Unvaccinated players can compete at Australian Open after quarantine: Report

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said.

Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has introduced a vaccine mandate for all professional athletes but authorities have yet to clarify whether athletes from overseas or other Australian states must also vaccinate. 
Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula urged players to leave no room for doubt.

"If I was an ATP or WTA player, I`d be getting vaccinated," Pakula told local radio station SEN.

"That will give them the best opportunity to play in the Australian Open with the more minimal restrictions that might be in place for those people."

Both the women`s WTA and men`s ATP tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have expressed reservations, including Australian Open men`s champion Novak Djokovic, who is opposed to vaccine mandates.

Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, has not disclosed any arrangements for players for the upcoming tournament in January.

But fully vaccinated players are expected to enjoy more freedoms to move around and may be able to avoid the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Australia`s borders remain effectively shut to non-residents, and Pakula said he did not know whether unvaccinated people would be allowed to enter the country by the time of the Australian Open which starts Jan. 17.

"That`s going to be the subject, I suspect, of discussion at national cabinet and amongst the federal cabinet," he said.

"As for the rules that might apply around the Australian Open, specifically, we`re in discussions with Tennis Australia and the department of health about that."

Melbourne has been locked down for months as authorities battle to control an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant while rolling out vaccinations.

Victoria will lift some lockdown restrictions when 70% of adults are fully vaccinated, which should be late October according to official projections.

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said.

Tennis players planning to compete in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park should get vaccinated for COVID-19 to give themselves the best chance of playing the Grand Slam, an Australian government official has said. Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has introduced a vaccine mandate for all professional athletes but authorities have yet to clarify whether athletes from overseas or other Australian states must also vaccinate. Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula urged players to leave no room for doubt. "If I was an ATP or WTA player, I`d be getting vaccinated," Pakula told local radio station SEN. "That will give them the best opportunity to play in the Australian Open with the more minimal restrictions that might be in place for those people." Both the women`s WTA and men`s ATP tours have urged players to get vaccinated but some have expressed reservations, including Australian Open men`s champion Novak Djokovic, who is opposed to vaccine mandates. Tennis Australia, which organises the Grand Slam, has not disclosed any arrangements for players for the upcoming tournament in January. But fully vaccinated players are expected to enjoy more freedoms to move around and may be able to avoid the country`s mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival. Australia`s borders remain effectively shut to non-residents, and Pakula said he did not know whether unvaccinated people would be allowed to enter the country by the time of the Australian Open which starts Jan. 17. "That`s going to be the subject, I suspect, of discussion at national cabinet and amongst the federal cabinet," he said. "As for the rules that might apply around the Australian Open, specifically, we`re in discussions with Tennis Australia and the department of health about that." Melbourne has been locked down for months as authorities battle to control an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant while rolling out vaccinations. Victoria will lift some lockdown restrictions when 70% of adults are fully vaccinated, which should be late October according to official projections.

Get vaccinated if you want to play Australian Open, minister tells players

Vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19, even against the Delta variant, a vast study in France has shown.

The research published Monday -- focusing on prevention of severe Covid and death, not infection -- looked at 22 million people over 50 and found those who had received jabs were 90 percent less likely to be hospitalised or die.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blood-sweat-no-beers-sydney-set-to-ease-key-covid-19-curbs-419558">&nbsp;'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs</a>

The results confirm observations from the US, the UK and Israel, but researchers say it is the largest study of its kind so far.

Looking at data collected starting in December 2020, when France launched its jab campaign, the researchers compared the outcomes of 11 million vaccinated people with 11 million unvaccinated subjects.

They formed pairs matching an unvaccinated individual with a vaccinated counterpart from the same region and of the same age and sex, tracking them from the date of the vaccinated person's second jab to July 20.

Starting 14 days after a second dose, a vaccinated subjects' risk of severe Covid was reduced by 90 percent, according to the research conducted by Epi-Phare, an independent medicines safety research group that works closes with the French government.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-quarantine-for-fully-vaccinated-indians-in-uk-from-october-11-british-envoy-418989">No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy</a>

Vaccination appears to be nearly as effective against for the Delta variant, with 84 percent protection for people 75 and older and 92 percent for people 50-75.

That estimate, however, is only based on a month of data, since the variant became dominant in France only in June.

"The study should be followed up to include results from August and September," epidemiologist Mahmoud Zureik, the head of Epi-Phare, told AFP.

The study covers vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and AstraZeneca jabs, but not Jannsen which was authorised much later and is far less widely used in France.

The results also suggest that over the period of study -- up to five months -- vaccination protection against severe Covid did not diminish.

Vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19, even against the Delta variant, a vast study in France has shown. The research published Monday -- focusing on prevention of severe Covid and death, not infection -- looked at 22 million people over 50 and found those who had received jabs were 90 percent less likely to be hospitalised or die.

Vaccination is highly effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19, even against the Delta variant, a vast study in France has shown. The research published Monday -- focusing on prevention of severe Covid and death, not infection -- looked at 22 million people over 50 and found those who had received jabs were 90 percent less likely to be hospitalised or die. Also Read | 'Blood, sweat, no beers': Sydney set to ease key COVID-19 curbs The results confirm observations from the US, the UK and Israel, but researchers say it is the largest study of its kind so far. Looking at data collected starting in December 2020, when France launched its jab campaign, the researchers compared the outcomes of 11 million vaccinated people with 11 million unvaccinated subjects. They formed pairs matching an unvaccinated individual with a vaccinated counterpart from the same region and of the same age and sex, tracking them from the date of the vaccinated person's second jab to July 20. Starting 14 days after a second dose, a vaccinated subjects' risk of severe Covid was reduced by 90 percent, according to the research conducted by Epi-Phare, an independent medicines safety research group that works closes with the French government. Also Read | No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy Vaccination appears to be nearly as effective against for the Delta variant, with 84 percent protection for people 75 and older and 92 percent for people 50-75. That estimate, however, is only based on a month of data, since the variant became dominant in France only in June. "The study should be followed up to include results from August and September," epidemiologist Mahmoud Zureik, the head of Epi-Phare, told AFP. The study covers vaccination with the Pfizer/BioNtech, Moderna and AstraZeneca jabs, but not Jannsen which was authorised much later and is far less widely used in France. The results also suggest that over the period of study -- up to five months -- vaccination protection against severe Covid did not diminish.

Vaccines prevent severe Covid, even from Delta: study

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK.<o:p></o:p>

As per some reports, France allegedly stole nearly five million Covid vaccines from the UK by plotting a scheme with European Union chiefs.<o:p></o:p>

French President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;has been accused of plotting with the chiefs of European Union and taking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> that were meant for Boris Johnson-ruled country.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-vatican-swiss-guards-resign-over-covid-vaccination-mandate-says-report-418499">Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report</a></o:p>

As per reports, AstraZeneca's boss Rudd Dobber had stated that a large shipment of millions of doses was expected to arrive from Holland. However, that shipment never reached there as it was diverted to the EU.<o:p></o:p>

UK’s local media house, The Sun, reported that a source from the UK government has said that this 'outrageous' disruption of supply of Covid vaccine system was equivalent to an ‘act of war’.<o:p></o:p>

"The French stole our vaccines at the same time as they were slagging them off in public and suggesting they weren't safe to use," the source was quoted saying by The Sun. "It was an outrageous thing to do and not the action of an ally, which was made very clear to them."

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erratic-covid-19-rules-could-delay-recovery-says-iata-418550">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erratic-covid-19-rules-could-delay-recovery-says-iata-418550/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This action by France, the source claims, could and may have led to lost of lives of several people who were waiting for first or second dose of the vaccine to safeguard themselves from the deadly coronavirus.<o:p></o:p>

It has also been reported that the French leader may have also softly threatened the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about its power to cut off the supply of Pfizer. If Macron had acted on cutting off Pfizer supply, UK’s vaccine rollout would have suffered a major setback. This has also, reportedly, brought bad blood between the two leaders.<o:p></o:p>

Allegedly, Macron also labelled AstraZeneca vaccine as "quasi-ineffective"&nbsp;and claimed that it "doesn’t work the way we were expecting to".<o:p></o:p>

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK.

While the world is coming together to help each other in these tough times of the coronavirus pandemic, France may have stolen millions of Covid vaccine doses from the UK. As per some reports, France allegedly stole nearly five million Covid vaccines from the UK by plotting a scheme with European Union chiefs. French President Emmanuel Macron has been accused of plotting with the chiefs of European Union and taking the vaccines that were meant for Boris Johnson-ruled country. Also read | Three Vatican Swiss Guards resign over Covid vaccination mandate, says report As per reports, AstraZeneca's boss Rudd Dobber had stated that a large shipment of millions of doses was expected to arrive from Holland. However, that shipment never reached there as it was diverted to the EU. UK’s local media house, The Sun, reported that a source from the UK government has said that this 'outrageous' disruption of supply of Covid vaccine system was equivalent to an ‘act of war’. "The French stole our vaccines at the same time as they were slagging them off in public and suggesting they weren't safe to use," the source was quoted saying by The Sun. "It was an outrageous thing to do and not the action of an ally, which was made very clear to them." WATCH | This action by France, the source claims, could and may have led to lost of lives of several people who were waiting for first or second dose of the vaccine to safeguard themselves from the deadly coronavirus. It has also been reported that the French leader may have also softly threatened the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson about its power to cut off the supply of Pfizer. If Macron had acted on cutting off Pfizer supply, UK’s vaccine rollout would have suffered a major setback. This has also, reportedly, brought bad blood between the two leaders. Allegedly, Macron also labelled AstraZeneca vaccine as "quasi-ineffective" and claimed that it "doesn’t work the way we were expecting to".

France 'stole' millions of Covid vaccines from UK in an 'act of war': Report

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days.

As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-uk-in-talks-for-early-resolution-on-covid-travel-rules-row-417581">India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row</a>

The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656.

The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday.

Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-jab-prevents-severe-virus-for-at-least-6-months-study-418358">Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study</a>

As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year.

Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-pandemic-expose-pcr-test-kit-orders-doubled-months-before-first-covid-19-case-418395">&nbsp;China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case</a>

The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

After 24,770 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, India`s COVID-19 active caseload dropped to 2,46,687, the lowest in 203 days. As per the official release by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 18,833 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.At present, active infections account for less than 1 per cent of total cases and are currently at 0.73 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. Also Read | India, UK in talks for early resolution on Covid travel rules row The Union Health Ministry informed that the weekly positivity rate is at 1.68 per cent, which is less than 3 per cent for the last 103 days whereas the daily positivity rate has remained under 3 per cent for the last 37 days and is currently at 1.34 per cent.With 24,770 fresh recoveries, the cumulative recoveries have gone up to 3,31,75,656. The national recovery rate is currently at 97.94 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020.According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of samples tested up to October 5 is 57,68,03,867 including 14,09,825 samples tested yesterday. Active coronavirus cases in Kerala continue to remain over 1 lakh and are currently at 1,25,030. Maharashtra has 36,744 active infections while there are 16,749 active cases in Tamil Nadu. Also Read | Pfizer jab prevents severe virus for at least 6 months: Study As many as 92.17 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive which began on January 16 this year. Under the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, the Government of India is procuring and supplying (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccine doses being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs. More than 92.57 crore (92,57,51,325) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category, read the release by the Union Health Ministry.More than 6.93 crore (6,93,46,080) balance and unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. On October 4, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed that 70 per cent of the population has been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. India started the world`s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16 this year in a phased manner with healthcare workers (HCWs) getting inoculated first. Also Read | China's pandemic expose: PCR-test kit orders doubled months before first COVID-19 case The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) started on February 2. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from March 1 for those over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1 while vaccinations for people belonging to the age group 18-44 began from May 1.

India's COVID-19 active caseload drops to 2,46,687, lowest in 203 days

A 15-year-old girl lost her battle to the deadly coronavirus on the same day when she was scheduled to get her vaccine.<o:p></o:p>

Governments and medical experts have been urging people all around the world to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The reason is that unvaccinated people have been falling prey to the deadly COVID-19 more than vaccinated people.<o:p></o:p>

Jorja Halliday from Portsmouth, too, sadly, fell prey to coronavirus. She tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> a few days ago and died from the disease in less than a week.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-set-to-discontinue-compulsory-10-day-quarantine-rule-417795">UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule</a></o:p>

Halliday was a GCSE student at the Portsmouth Academy and was known for her talents of kickboxing and music.<o:p></o:p>

"She was very active, she liked to go out and spend time with her friends and loved spending time with her brothers and sisters," her 40-year-old mother, Tracey Halliday, said. "Growing up, she turned into a beautiful young lady, always wanting to help others, always there for everybody. It’s heart-wrenching because your kids are always meant to outlive you, and that’s the one thing I can’t get over."<o:p></o:p>

The 15-year-old is not reported to have any underlying health issues. However, one day she developed flu-like symptoms. Her family got her tested for Covid immediately, and found out she had COVID-19.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-in-talks-with-india-over-certificate-row-417708">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/united-kingdom-in-talks-with-india-over-certificate-row-417708/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As soon as she tested positive, Jorja was isolated in her home, but her condition kept worsening and it became difficult for her to swallow any food item. She was prescribed antibiotics by her doctor but was soon admitted to the hospital after her heart race became the double than what it should be.<o:p></o:p>

"They realised how serious it was and I was still allowed to touch her, hold her hand, hug her and everything else. They did allow me that. I’m at the point where I can’t comprehend that it’s happened,"&nbsp;her mother said. "I was with her the whole time. They tried to put her on a ventilator to give her body a chance to recover. Her heart rate didn’t stabilise. Her heart couldn’t take the strain. They worked as well as I think they could medically, but were unable to save her."<o:p></o:p>

A 15-year-old girl lost her battle to the deadly coronavirus on the same day when she was scheduled to get her vaccine. Governments and medical experts have been urging people all around the world to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

A 15-year-old girl lost her battle to the deadly coronavirus on the same day when she was scheduled to get her vaccine. Governments and medical experts have been urging people all around the world to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The reason is that unvaccinated people have been falling prey to the deadly COVID-19 more than vaccinated people. Jorja Halliday from Portsmouth, too, sadly, fell prey to coronavirus. She tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and died from the disease in less than a week. Also read | UK set to discontinue compulsory 10-day quarantine rule Halliday was a GCSE student at the Portsmouth Academy and was known for her talents of kickboxing and music. "She was very active, she liked to go out and spend time with her friends and loved spending time with her brothers and sisters," her 40-year-old mother, Tracey Halliday, said. "Growing up, she turned into a beautiful young lady, always wanting to help others, always there for everybody. It’s heart-wrenching because your kids are always meant to outlive you, and that’s the one thing I can’t get over." The 15-year-old is not reported to have any underlying health issues. However, one day she developed flu-like symptoms. Her family got her tested for Covid immediately, and found out she had COVID-19. WATCH | As soon as she tested positive, Jorja was isolated in her home, but her condition kept worsening and it became difficult for her to swallow any food item. She was prescribed antibiotics by her doctor but was soon admitted to the hospital after her heart race became the double than what it should be. "They realised how serious it was and I was still allowed to touch her, hold her hand, hug her and everything else. They did allow me that. I’m at the point where I can’t comprehend that it’s happened," her mother said. "I was with her the whole time. They tried to put her on a ventilator to give her body a chance to recover. Her heart rate didn’t stabilise. Her heart couldn’t take the strain. They worked as well as I think they could medically, but were unable to save her."

UK: 15-year-old dies from Covid on day she was scheduled for vaccine

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides.

Murray's comments come ahead of the start of the U.S. Open in New York next week, where organizers on Friday said fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds. The athletes themselves are not required to be vaccinated.

"The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public," Murray told reporters on Saturday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-a-village-in-gujarat-to-a-silver-medal-in-paralympics-inspirational-journey-of-bhavinaben-patel-409139">From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel</a>

"We have a responsibility, as players who are traveling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well," he said.

"I'm happy that I'm vaccinated. I'm hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months."

The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis.

World number one Novak Djokovic this week reiterated his position that he hoped the vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete. He has declined to answer questions about his own vaccination status.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/toyota-issues-apology-as-japans-aramitsu-kitazono-ruled-out-after-being-hit-by-self-driving-bus-in-paralympics-village-409150">Toyota issues apology as Japan's Aramitsu Kitazono ruled out after being hit by self-driving bus in Paralympics village</a>

World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face the unseeded Murray in the first round on Monday, has said he is wary of getting vaccinated and will only do so if it becomes mandatory to compete on the ATP Tour.

But 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part and get vaccinated.

Murray said players may be persuaded when they see the freedom that vaccinated players have compared to unvaccinated competitors at tournaments such as January's Australian Open.

"I know the conversations with regards to the Australian Open and stuff are already happening," Murray said.

"The players that have been vaccinated are going to potentially be able to ... have very different conditions to players who are not vaccinated."

Murray said he believes "a lot" of the tour is not vaccinated and said that if tournaments begin to require it in order to compete, it will spark controversy.

"There's going to have to be a lot of pretty long, hard conversations with the tour and all of the players involved to try and come to a solution," he said.

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides.

Andy Murray said receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is about looking out for the health of the "wider public" and he hopes tennis players who are reluctant to get the jab will come around to seeing its many upsides. Murray's comments come ahead of the start of the U.S. Open in New York next week, where organizers on Friday said fans must show proof of vaccination to enter the grounds. The athletes themselves are not required to be vaccinated. "The reason why all of us are getting vaccinated is to look out for the wider public," Murray told reporters on Saturday. ALSO READ | From a village in Gujarat to a silver medal in Paralympics: Inspirational journey of Bhavinaben Patel "We have a responsibility, as players who are traveling across the world, to look out for everyone else as well," he said. "I'm happy that I'm vaccinated. I'm hoping that more players choose to have it in the coming months." The COVID-19 vaccine has divided opinion within tennis. World number one Novak Djokovic this week reiterated his position that he hoped the vaccine would not become mandatory for players to compete. He has declined to answer questions about his own vaccination status. ALSO READ | Toyota issues apology as Japan's Aramitsu Kitazono ruled out after being hit by self-driving bus in Paralympics village World number three Stefanos Tsitsipas, who will face the unseeded Murray in the first round on Monday, has said he is wary of getting vaccinated and will only do so if it becomes mandatory to compete on the ATP Tour. But 20-time Grand Slam winners Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal feel athletes need to play their part and get vaccinated. Murray said players may be persuaded when they see the freedom that vaccinated players have compared to unvaccinated competitors at tournaments such as January's Australian Open. "I know the conversations with regards to the Australian Open and stuff are already happening," Murray said. "The players that have been vaccinated are going to potentially be able to ... have very different conditions to players who are not vaccinated." Murray said he believes "a lot" of the tour is not vaccinated and said that if tournaments begin to require it in order to compete, it will spark controversy. "There's going to have to be a lot of pretty long, hard conversations with the tour and all of the players involved to try and come to a solution," he said.

COVID-19: Andy Murray urges fellow players to get vaccinated

Myanmar will vaccinate minority Muslim Rohingya people against the coronavirus, a spokesman for its ruling military said on Friday, adding that no one will be left behind in its inoculation campaign.

Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh during military operations in 2017 and those who remain complain of discrimination and mistreatment in a country that does not recognise them as citizens.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-vaccination-drive-50-of-adults-have-had-their-first-jab-408814" hreflang="en">India's COVID-19 vaccination drive: 50% of adults have had their first jab</a>

Spokesman Zaw Min Tun said authorities were making progress in reducing coronavirus infections and increasing vaccinations and aimed to inoculate half of the country's population by the end of this year.

Myanmar reported 2,635 new coronavirus infections and 113 additional deaths on Thursday, though the number of daily cases and reported fatalities have come down from a peak hit in July.

The vaccinations would include Rohingya people in Maungdaw and Buthidaung districts bordering Bangladesh, he said.

He referred to them as "Bengalis", a term used for decades in Buddhist majority Myanmar to describe Rohingya, a group many regard as unwanted immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.

"They are also our people as well," Zaw Min Tun told a regular news conference. "We will not leave anyone behind."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/some-sri-lankans-opt-for-cardboard-coffins-amid-covid-19-surge-408465">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/some-sri-lankans-opt-for-cardboard-coffins-amid-covid-19-surge-408465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It was not immediately clear whether the vaccination campaign would extend to Rohingya Muslims living in densely-packed camps in Rakhine state and what the qualification criteria would be.

The issue is deeply sensitive in Myanmar, where animosity about Rohingya runs deep. International rights groups say hundreds of thousands of stateless Rohingya should be entitled to citizenship rather than be discriminated against and branded illegal immigrants.

A junta-appointed administrator earlier this month said there was no plan to include Rohingya in camps near the state capital Sittwe.

At least 700,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for Bangladesh in 2017 during operations by the army under the command of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is now prime minister and head of Myanmar's junta.

UN investigators said those operations were carried out with "genocidal intent" but the army denied that and said they were aimed at countering Rohingya "terrorists".

Myanmar will vaccinate minority Muslim Rohingya people against the coronavirus, a spokesman for its ruling military said on Friday, adding that no one will be left behind in its inoculation campaign.

Myanmar will vaccinate minority Muslim Rohingya people against the coronavirus, a spokesman for its ruling military said on Friday, adding that no one will be left behind in its inoculation campaign. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled to Bangladesh during military operations in 2017 and those who remain complain of discrimination and mistreatment in a country that does not recognise them as citizens. Also read | India's COVID-19 vaccination drive: 50% of adults have had their first jab Spokesman Zaw Min Tun said authorities were making progress in reducing coronavirus infections and increasing vaccinations and aimed to inoculate half of the country's population by the end of this year. Myanmar reported 2,635 new coronavirus infections and 113 additional deaths on Thursday, though the number of daily cases and reported fatalities have come down from a peak hit in July. The vaccinations would include Rohingya people in Maungdaw and Buthidaung districts bordering Bangladesh, he said. He referred to them as "Bengalis", a term used for decades in Buddhist majority Myanmar to describe Rohingya, a group many regard as unwanted immigrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. "They are also our people as well," Zaw Min Tun told a regular news conference. "We will not leave anyone behind." WATCH | It was not immediately clear whether the vaccination campaign would extend to Rohingya Muslims living in densely-packed camps in Rakhine state and what the qualification criteria would be. The issue is deeply sensitive in Myanmar, where animosity about Rohingya runs deep. International rights groups say hundreds of thousands of stateless Rohingya should be entitled to citizenship rather than be discriminated against and branded illegal immigrants. A junta-appointed administrator earlier this month said there was no plan to include Rohingya in camps near the state capital Sittwe. At least 700,000 Rohingya fled Rakhine for Bangladesh in 2017 during operations by the army under the command of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who is now prime minister and head of Myanmar's junta. UN investigators said those operations were carried out with "genocidal intent" but the army denied that and said they were aimed at countering Rohingya "terrorists".

Myanmar will extend COVID-19 vaccinations to Rohingya

India has completed administering at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to half of its eligible adult population, bringing the country's total vaccinations to 610 million.

According to the government, the total population of the country aged 18 and over is approximately 940 million, based on the projected mid-year count for 2020.

On Thursday, India completed the administration of 470 million first doses, representing 50.30 % of the projected adult population.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-44658-new-covid-19-cases-in-the-last-24-hours-408751">Also read | India reports 44,658 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours</a> 
 
According to official data, more than half of India's eligible population of 473 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

India has increased its vaccination campaign in an effort to avert a third wave of infections.

According to the government, it took 19 days to administer the last 100 million doses, compared to 85 days to administer the first 100 million doses.

However, only about 15% of eligible adults have been fully vaccinated since the campaign began in January.

India has reported more than 32 million COVID-19 cases.

In addition, the country is only the third in the world to have recorded more than 400,000 deaths, trailing only the United States and Brazil.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India has completed administering at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to half of its eligible adult population, bringing the country's total vaccinations to 610 million.

India has completed administering at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to half of its eligible adult population, bringing the country's total vaccinations to 610 million. According to the government, the total population of the country aged 18 and over is approximately 940 million, based on the projected mid-year count for 2020. On Thursday, India completed the administration of 470 million first doses, representing 50.30 % of the projected adult population. Also read | India reports 44,658 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours According to official data, more than half of India's eligible population of 473 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. India has increased its vaccination campaign in an effort to avert a third wave of infections. According to the government, it took 19 days to administer the last 100 million doses, compared to 85 days to administer the first 100 million doses. However, only about 15% of eligible adults have been fully vaccinated since the campaign began in January. India has reported more than 32 million COVID-19 cases. In addition, the country is only the third in the world to have recorded more than 400,000 deaths, trailing only the United States and Brazil. (With inputs from agencies)

India's COVID-19 vaccination drive: 50% of adults have had their first jab

The slow rollout of coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;will cost the global economy $2.3 trillion in lost output, a report released Wednesday found.

The Economist Intelligence Unit's study found that emerging and developing economies, whose&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;rollouts are far behind those of wealthier countries, will bear the brunt of those losses.

The report comes as advanced nations move towards providing booster shots to their populations while&nbsp;the international effort to provide&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for poorer nations remains inadequate.

The study calculated that countries which fail to vaccinate 60 percent of their populations by mid-2022 will suffer the losses, equivalent to two trillion euros, over the 2022-2025 period.

"Emerging countries will shoulder around two-thirds of these losses, further delaying their economic convergence with more developed countries," the EIU said.

It warned the delayed rollout of&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;could fuel resentment, increasing the risk of social unrest in developing economies.

The Asia-Pacific Region will be the worst hit in absolute terms, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the losses.&nbsp;

But as a percentage of GDP, sub-Saharan Africa will suffer the worst losses.

Around 60 percent of the population of higher-income countries received at least one dose of the coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;as of late August, compared to just one percent in poorer nations, according to the study. Two doses are required to be fully vaccinated for most shots.

"Vaccination campaigns are progressing at a glacial pace in lower-income economies," it said.

The report's author, Agathe Demarais, said the&nbsp;international effort to provide coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;to poor nations, Covax, has failed to live up to its even modest expectations.

"There is little chance that the divide over access to&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;will ever be bridged" with rich countries providing only a fraction of what is needed, she said in a statement.

"Finally, the focus in developed economies is shifting towards administering booster doses of coronavirus&nbsp;vaccines, which will compound shortages of raw materials and production bottlenecks," she added.

The EIU said its study was conducted by combining its in-house forecasts for vaccination timelines in around 200 countries with GDP growth forecasts.

The slow rollout of coronavirus vaccines will cost the global economy $2.3 trillion in lost output, a report released Wednesday found. The Economist Intelligence Unit's study found that emerging and developing economies, whose vaccine rollouts are far behind those of wealthier countries, will bear the brunt of those losses.

The slow rollout of coronavirus vaccines will cost the global economy $2.3 trillion in lost output, a report released Wednesday found. The Economist Intelligence Unit's study found that emerging and developing economies, whose vaccine rollouts are far behind those of wealthier countries, will bear the brunt of those losses. The report comes as advanced nations move towards providing booster shots to their populations while the international effort to provide vaccines for poorer nations remains inadequate. The study calculated that countries which fail to vaccinate 60 percent of their populations by mid-2022 will suffer the losses, equivalent to two trillion euros, over the 2022-2025 period. "Emerging countries will shoulder around two-thirds of these losses, further delaying their economic convergence with more developed countries," the EIU said. It warned the delayed rollout of vaccines could fuel resentment, increasing the risk of social unrest in developing economies. The Asia-Pacific Region will be the worst hit in absolute terms, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the losses. But as a percentage of GDP, sub-Saharan Africa will suffer the worst losses. Around 60 percent of the population of higher-income countries received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine as of late August, compared to just one percent in poorer nations, according to the study. Two doses are required to be fully vaccinated for most shots. "Vaccination campaigns are progressing at a glacial pace in lower-income economies," it said. The report's author, Agathe Demarais, said the international effort to provide coronavirus vaccines to poor nations, Covax, has failed to live up to its even modest expectations. "There is little chance that the divide over access to vaccines will ever be bridged" with rich countries providing only a fraction of what is needed, she said in a statement. "Finally, the focus in developed economies is shifting towards administering booster doses of coronavirus vaccines, which will compound shortages of raw materials and production bottlenecks," she added. The EIU said its study was conducted by combining its in-house forecasts for vaccination timelines in around 200 countries with GDP growth forecasts.

Slow Covid vaccination to cost global economy $2.3 trillion: Study

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. 
 
In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. 
 
Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. 
 
People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. 
 
A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. 
 
The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. 
 
The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 280 million mark

After losing countless fares due to the pandemic, Thai taxi driver Sombat Subin is seeking to reassure nervous clients by letting them know in three languages that he has been vaccinated.

Taxi for hire - Bangkok cabbie aims to capitalise on COVID-19 vaccination

Indian students bound for foreign countries to pursue higher education are left in a dilemma. This comes after the 45-day time interval between two vaccine shots in India has been increased to 12-16 weeks. Those who were due to fly abroad by end of June or July had taken their jabs in May.&nbsp;

They did so right after the Indian government opened vaccination for the 18-44 age group from May 1st.&nbsp;

But, owing to the new timelines for the second dose, the students are afraid that they may be forced to further delay their journey, as their wait for full vaccination and certification is now 2-3 months.

Canada-bound students are the most affected by this decision and elaborated their woes to WION.

They were originally due to fly out in late April or early May, ahead of the summer intake of Canadian universities.

But, their plans hit a roadblock owing to Canada’s ban on direct flights from India starting 22nd April. With India’s COVID-19 second wave having continued throughout April and May, this flight ban was further extended until June 22nd. In the case of American and European Universities, the intake of students starts in August or September.

Given the new 12-16 week interval in place, students who took their jab in May would have to wait at least until August to get their second jab, the vaccination certificate and then board their flights. This brings with it, its own set of challenges for some of the already anguished students who are taking online classes at home, despite having paid hefty fees.

“Even if we manage to convince the Public health centre to give us the second jab in 45 days, the official certificate of having taken it would be available only after the 12-16 week period. This would delay our travel plans even further” says Karan Thakkar, who is headed for Ontario.

According to the recommendations for persons entering Canada, not vaccinated and partially vaccinated persons will have to undergo a quarantine period.&nbsp;

“Once we reach Canada without getting vaccinated or with only a single shot, we’d have to shell out nearly 2000 Canadian Dollars (about Rs1.2 lakhs) for quarantine facilities. There are also doubts over whether the unvaccinated and single-shot persons will be allowed to enter” said Sajith Ahamed who is to pursue his Post graduation.

Raama Sreenivasan, a student who tweeted out the students’ emergency request for priority vaccination to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Council of ministers says there was no response as yet. “When I checked for a solution with the Cowin helpline, they directed me to the District immunization officer. But the district officer says that they can act only under instructions from the State Government” he said.

Students that spoke to WION think that the Tamil Nadu Government too must implement a strategy to provide priority jabs to students travelling abroad. They feel that since Kerala, Mumbai, Karnataka, Gujarat and Telangana have taken decisions in this regard and there is a precedent, the Tamil Nadu Government must explore this option immediately. 
 
Another issue is that Covaxin, the indigenous vaccine of Bharat Biotech has not been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has also been approved for international travel only in a handful of countries. The foreign travel options of those who have taken Covaxin also raises questions.&nbsp;

Indian students bound for foreign countries to pursue higher education are left in a dilemma. This comes after the 45-day time interval between two vaccine shots in India has been increased to 12-16 weeks.

Indian students bound for foreign countries to pursue higher education are left in a dilemma. This comes after the 45-day time interval between two vaccine shots in India has been increased to 12-16 weeks. Those who were due to fly abroad by end of June or July had taken their jabs in May. They did so right after the Indian government opened vaccination for the 18-44 age group from May 1st. But, owing to the new timelines for the second dose, the students are afraid that they may be forced to further delay their journey, as their wait for full vaccination and certification is now 2-3 months. Canada-bound students are the most affected by this decision and elaborated their woes to WION. They were originally due to fly out in late April or early May, ahead of the summer intake of Canadian universities. But, their plans hit a roadblock owing to Canada’s ban on direct flights from India starting 22nd April. With India’s COVID-19 second wave having continued throughout April and May, this flight ban was further extended until June 22nd. In the case of American and European Universities, the intake of students starts in August or September. Given the new 12-16 week interval in place, students who took their jab in May would have to wait at least until August to get their second jab, the vaccination certificate and then board their flights. This brings with it, its own set of challenges for some of the already anguished students who are taking online classes at home, despite having paid hefty fees. “Even if we manage to convince the Public health centre to give us the second jab in 45 days, the official certificate of having taken it would be available only after the 12-16 week period. This would delay our travel plans even further” says Karan Thakkar, who is headed for Ontario. According to the recommendations for persons entering Canada, not vaccinated and partially vaccinated persons will have to undergo a quarantine period. “Once we reach Canada without getting vaccinated or with only a single shot, we’d have to shell out nearly 2000 Canadian Dollars (about Rs1.2 lakhs) for quarantine facilities. There are also doubts over whether the unvaccinated and single-shot persons will be allowed to enter” said Sajith Ahamed who is to pursue his Post graduation. Raama Sreenivasan, a student who tweeted out the students’ emergency request for priority vaccination to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Council of ministers says there was no response as yet. “When I checked for a solution with the Cowin helpline, they directed me to the District immunization officer. But the district officer says that they can act only under instructions from the State Government” he said. Students that spoke to WION think that the Tamil Nadu Government too must implement a strategy to provide priority jabs to students travelling abroad. They feel that since Kerala, Mumbai, Karnataka, Gujarat and Telangana have taken decisions in this regard and there is a precedent, the Tamil Nadu Government must explore this option immediately. Another issue is that Covaxin, the indigenous vaccine of Bharat Biotech has not been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), it has also been approved for international travel only in a handful of countries. The foreign travel options of those who have taken Covaxin also raises questions.

Give us priority COVID-19 vaccination: Foreign-bound students to Tamil Nadu govt 

President Ram Nath Kovind was administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at an army hospital on Tuesday as he urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated.

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President Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his daughter, was administered the COVID-19 vaccine at the Army R&amp;R Hospital, Delhi, today. <a href="https://t.co/xf6VQ6pIwS">pic.twitter.com/xf6VQ6pIwS</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1367018310303248385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to tweets on his official handle, the president, 75, was accompanied by his daughter when the vaccine dose was administered to him at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi.

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President thanked all doctors, nurses, health workers and administrators who are successfully implementing the largest vaccination drive in history and urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. <a href="https://t.co/jkZGkcRTJp">pic.twitter.com/jkZGkcRTJp</a>
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/1367018595683762189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The president thanked all doctors, nurses, health workers and administrators who are successfully implementing the largest vaccination drive in history and urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated.&nbsp;

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken his first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS in New Delhi. India had begun its second phase of vaccination for people aged above 60 and those between 45 and 59 years old from March 1.&nbsp;

"Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," India's prime minister said in a tweet.

"I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," India's prime minister added.

Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose could be taken by private facilities.

President Ram Nath Kovind was administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at an army hospital on Tuesday as he urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated.

President Ram Nath Kovind was administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine at an army hospital on Tuesday as he urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. President Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his daughter, was administered the COVID-19 vaccine at the Army R&R Hospital, Delhi, today. pic.twitter.com/xf6VQ6pIwS — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 3, 2021 × According to tweets on his official handle, the president, 75, was accompanied by his daughter when the vaccine dose was administered to him at the Army Research and Referral Hospital in New Delhi. President thanked all doctors, nurses, health workers and administrators who are successfully implementing the largest vaccination drive in history and urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/jkZGkcRTJp — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 3, 2021 × The president thanked all doctors, nurses, health workers and administrators who are successfully implementing the largest vaccination drive in history and urged all eligible citizens to get vaccinated. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken his first dose of coronavirus vaccine at AIIMS in New Delhi. India had begun its second phase of vaccination for people aged above 60 and those between 45 and 59 years old from March 1. "Took my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS. Remarkable how our doctors and scientists have worked in quick time to strengthen the global fight against COVID-19," India's prime minister said in a tweet. "I appeal to all those who are eligible to take the vaccine. Together, let us make India COVID-19 free," India's prime minister added. Health officials said although vaccination will be free at government centres in the capital, a set charge with a cap of Rs 250 per dose could be taken by private facilities.

President Ram Nath Kovind receives coronavirus vaccine

European Union leaders met on Thursday to discuss ways to fight new variants of the virus and step up vaccination to combat the ongoing virus crisis in the region.

Coronavirus Update: European Union leaders push to step up COVID-19 vaccination

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16.

"People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference.

"The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said.

The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days.

He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians.

The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients.

The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores.

India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.

Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week.

The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country.

Union Minister Prakash Javdekar on Wednesday said that the second phase of the coronavirus vaccination drive will begin on March 1 in the country. Under phase 2, people aged above 60 years and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated across the country. Javadekar made the announcement after the Union Cabinet in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to launch the third phase of the world`s largest vaccination drive, which began in India on January 16. "People above 60 years of age and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities will be vaccinated at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres from March 1," Javadekar said while addressing a press conference. "The vaccine will be given free of cost at government centres," the Minister said. The Minister further said that the private centres will charge for the vaccination and the rate will be decided in the next three or four days. He said that the Union Health Ministry is engaged in talks with vaccine manufacturers and private hospitals to decide the charge for vaccination to all civilians. The decision came as India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has crossed 1.14 crore recipients. The vaccination drive was started on January 16 for the healthcare and frontline workers, and the number was estimated to be around three crores. India`s drugs regulator on January 3 approved Oxford Covid-19 vaccine Covishield, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute, and the indigenously-developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country. Over 11 lakh people have been administered two doses of Covid vaccines so far amid reports of an upward trend in cases in the past one week. The country reported 13,742 new cases in the last 24 hours on Wednesday with the overall tally mounting to 1,10,30,176 as per the Health Ministry`s latest data. With 104 deaths due to the disease, the overall toll has touched 1, 56,567. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 vaccination for 60+, those over 45 with comorbidities to start from March 1: Government

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. 
 
During an interview,&nbsp;the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials.

The 46-year-old&nbsp;explained that he joined the trial after his friend and fellow actor Ken Jeong told him they were looking for Asian candidates for the vaccine trials. Randall didn't know if he had the placebo or the actual vaccine administered until they told him on Thursday that he actually did receive the vaccine in September during the trials.

The actor, who stars as Agent Jimmy Woo said,&nbsp;"I just found out that I've been vaccinated against Covid since September of last year."

He explained: 'Around September of last year I was on the phone with my friend and yours, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ken. And he was telling me about this vaccine trial that was taking place, and they were looking for Asian candidates.' 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/celebrities-whove-received-the-coronavirus-vaccine-so-far-359234">Celebrities who've received the coronavirus vaccine so far</a>

Ken, 51, who became a household name in Knocked Up, Role Models, Community, The Hangover franchise and Crazy Rich Asians, is actually a doctor; he graduated from Duke University in 1990 and got his MD at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995. He completed his residency at Ochsner Medical Center in &nbsp;New Orleans.

He gave up his practice in 2006 to pursue acting full time.&nbsp;

Randall continued during his interview on The Talk: 'And you know, I was thinking, oh that's interesting. Then, I found out it was near my home, not far, and I was bored because it was pandemic.'

Adding, "I was stuck in the house. And I was like, maybe I should donate my body to science."

Randall currently stars in the Marvel/Disney+ series WandaVision; he became a household name on The Office, The Interview, Fresh Off the Boat, Aquaman, and Always Be My Maybe.

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. During an interview, the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials.

WandaVison actor Randall Park is the latest celebrity to reveal that he got a COVID-19 vaccine. During an interview, the actor revealed that he received a COVID-19 vaccine back in September 2020, because he had joined the vaccine trials. The 46-year-old explained that he joined the trial after his friend and fellow actor Ken Jeong told him they were looking for Asian candidates for the vaccine trials. Randall didn't know if he had the placebo or the actual vaccine administered until they told him on Thursday that he actually did receive the vaccine in September during the trials. The actor, who stars as Agent Jimmy Woo said, "I just found out that I've been vaccinated against Covid since September of last year." He explained: 'Around September of last year I was on the phone with my friend and yours, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ken. And he was telling me about this vaccine trial that was taking place, and they were looking for Asian candidates.' Celebrities who've received the coronavirus vaccine so far Ken, 51, who became a household name in Knocked Up, Role Models, Community, The Hangover franchise and Crazy Rich Asians, is actually a doctor; he graduated from Duke University in 1990 and got his MD at the UNC School of Medicine in 1995. He completed his residency at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He gave up his practice in 2006 to pursue acting full time. Randall continued during his interview on The Talk: 'And you know, I was thinking, oh that's interesting. Then, I found out it was near my home, not far, and I was bored because it was pandemic.' Adding, "I was stuck in the house. And I was like, maybe I should donate my body to science." Randall currently stars in the Marvel/Disney+ series WandaVision; he became a household name on The Office, The Interview, Fresh Off the Boat, Aquaman, and Always Be My Maybe.

'WandaVision' actor Randall Park reveals he got a COVID-19 vaccine

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine-lead-to-infertility-experts-have-this-to-say-349073">Pfizer-BioNTech</a> COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday.

Watch:

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"We could be seeing people get vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week. So, it's very close, it's really just the last dotting of I's and crossing of T's," Azar told US TV networks as the country grapples with the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-test-combining-covid-19-vaccine-with-russian-shot-349047">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot</a>

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to recommend the vaccine after the US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-fda-advisors-recommend-authorisation-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-348942">FDA</a> gave its approval which should happen this weekend.&nbsp;

Once the vaccine receives an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status in the USA, the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed will begin the distribution process nationwide.&nbsp;

The US government hopes to immunize 20 million people this month with 100 million by February with care facility residents and health care workers to be vaccinated first.&nbsp;

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine needs two doses for a patient 21-days apart for use in people aged 16 to 85 as the US FDA said it was working rapidly to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine

The FDA has already notified the US CDC and Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" to begin execution plans for vaccine distribution.

&nbsp;

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday.

After the US Food and Drug Association(FDA) recommended the authorisation of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, US health secretary Alex Azar said the country could start its vaccination drive from Monday. Watch: "We could be seeing people get vaccinated Monday, Tuesday of next week. So, it's very close, it's really just the last dotting of I's and crossing of T's," Azar told US TV networks as the country grapples with the virus. Also Read: AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) needs to recommend the vaccine after the US FDA gave its approval which should happen this weekend. Once the vaccine receives an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status in the USA, the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed will begin the distribution process nationwide. The US government hopes to immunize 20 million people this month with 100 million by February with care facility residents and health care workers to be vaccinated first. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine needs two doses for a patient 21-days apart for use in people aged 16 to 85 as the US FDA said it was working rapidly to issue an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine The FDA has already notified the US CDC and Trump administration's "Operation Warp Speed" to begin execution plans for vaccine distribution.

Coronavirus vaccination could start in US from Monday: US health secretary

An estimated one crore frontline health workers will receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine whenever it becomes available, with around 92 per cent of government hospitals and 55 per cent of private hospitals across all states and UTs providing data identifying the workers, official sources said.

Five vaccine candidates are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which four are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II trials.

States have been asked to accelerate the process of identifying frontline healthcare workers including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc so that the exercise gets completed in another one week.

It has asked states to do planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where healthcare workers will be vaccinated during the 1st phase and mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-to-vaccinate-10-million-healthcare-workers-first-347595">WATCH|&nbsp;</a>

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with chief ministers and other representatives of states and union territories via video conferencing on Tuesday to discuss the vaccine distribution strategy, sources said.

"Around 92 per cent of all government hospitals and 55 per cent of all private hospitals from across all states and UTs have provided data. The rest of the details will come in another week. We have asked the states to accelerate the process," an official source said.

The anti-coronavirus vaccine, once available, would be distributed under a special COVID-19 inoculation programme, using the processes, technology and network of the existing Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).

It would run parallel to the UIP.

The Centre, with the help of state and UT governments, has started the process of identifying around 30 crore priority beneficiaries who would be given vaccine dose in the initial phase, sources had said.

The government has demarcated four categories which include around 1 crore healthcare professionals including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc, around two crore frontline workers including municipal corporation workers, personnel of the police and armed forces, about 26 crore people aged above 50 and a special category of those below 50 with co-morbidities and requiring specialised care.

Health ministry's existing digital platform eVIN which is being used for the UIP is being enhanced for the COVID-18 vaccine distribution and delivery, through which SMSs would be sent to recipients informing the time, date and venue to get the shots and digitally connect them and also track them, sources had earlier said.

Each person in the immunisation list would be linked with their Aadhar cards to avoid duplication and to track beneficiaries.

However, in case a person doesn't have an Aadhar card, a government photo identity can be used, the sources said.

Five vaccines are under different phases of a clinical trial in India with the Serum Institute of India conducting a phase-3 trial of the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine while the indigenously developed Bharat Biotech and ICMR vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial.

Indigenously developed vaccine by Zydus Cadila has completed phase -2 clinical trial in the country.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories will soon start combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in India.

Biological E. Ltd has started early phase 1 and 2 human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had said that a COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be available by the first quarter of 2021.

He had said that the Centre estimates to receive and utilise 40-50 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine covering around 25 crore people by July next year.

"The prioritisation of groups for COVID-19 vaccine shall be based on two key considerations -- occupational hazard and risk of exposure to infection, and the risk of developing severe disease and increased mortality," he had said.

An estimated one crore frontline health workers will receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine whenever it becomes available, with around 92 per cent of government hospitals and 55 per cent of private hospitals across all states and UTs providing data identifying the workers, official sources said.

An estimated one crore frontline health workers will receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine whenever it becomes available, with around 92 per cent of government hospitals and 55 per cent of private hospitals across all states and UTs providing data identifying the workers, official sources said. Five vaccine candidates are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which four are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II trials. States have been asked to accelerate the process of identifying frontline healthcare workers including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc so that the exercise gets completed in another one week. It has asked states to do planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where healthcare workers will be vaccinated during the 1st phase and mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination. WATCH| × Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with chief ministers and other representatives of states and union territories via video conferencing on Tuesday to discuss the vaccine distribution strategy, sources said. "Around 92 per cent of all government hospitals and 55 per cent of all private hospitals from across all states and UTs have provided data. The rest of the details will come in another week. We have asked the states to accelerate the process," an official source said. The anti-coronavirus vaccine, once available, would be distributed under a special COVID-19 inoculation programme, using the processes, technology and network of the existing Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). It would run parallel to the UIP. The Centre, with the help of state and UT governments, has started the process of identifying around 30 crore priority beneficiaries who would be given vaccine dose in the initial phase, sources had said. The government has demarcated four categories which include around 1 crore healthcare professionals including doctors, MBBS students, nurses and ASHA workers etc, around two crore frontline workers including municipal corporation workers, personnel of the police and armed forces, about 26 crore people aged above 50 and a special category of those below 50 with co-morbidities and requiring specialised care. Health ministry's existing digital platform eVIN which is being used for the UIP is being enhanced for the COVID-18 vaccine distribution and delivery, through which SMSs would be sent to recipients informing the time, date and venue to get the shots and digitally connect them and also track them, sources had earlier said. Each person in the immunisation list would be linked with their Aadhar cards to avoid duplication and to track beneficiaries. However, in case a person doesn't have an Aadhar card, a government photo identity can be used, the sources said. Five vaccines are under different phases of a clinical trial in India with the Serum Institute of India conducting a phase-3 trial of the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine while the indigenously developed Bharat Biotech and ICMR vaccine has already started the phase III clinical trial. Indigenously developed vaccine by Zydus Cadila has completed phase -2 clinical trial in the country. Dr Reddy's Laboratories will soon start combined phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in India. Biological E. Ltd has started early phase 1 and 2 human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had said that a COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be available by the first quarter of 2021. He had said that the Centre estimates to receive and utilise 40-50 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine covering around 25 crore people by July next year. "The prioritisation of groups for COVID-19 vaccine shall be based on two key considerations -- occupational hazard and risk of exposure to infection, and the risk of developing severe disease and increased mortality," he had said.

COVID-19: One crore frontline healthcare workers identified to receive the vaccine in the first phase

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China).

In early 2020, many people thought that COVID 19 would be a localized affair in China but later on, it proved to be a global pandemic.

While the USA, European countries and India were amongst those heavily impacted by COVID 19, China claimed that it had “conquered” COVID 19 virus. &nbsp;As transparency is notoriously absent in countries like China and North Korea, till today, no one believes that these two countries have freed themselves completely from CIOVID 19 pandemic.

The controversy, whether COVID 19 virus leaked out accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan or allowed to spread by China, would continue for a long time to come and when the world would one day be out of this COVID 19 crisis, several investigations would be carried out on how the virus really happened. China would be in the centre of such controversies for all time in future.

While COVID 19 has caused great sufferings and death of many thousands of people, another worst impact is that the confidence of the world community that the world could be made a healthy place due to the scientific advancements have been badly shaken.

Of course, due credit should be given to the medical research agencies and pharmaceutical companies for having initiated massive research efforts to find a vaccine to treat COVID 19. However, nearly ten months of research efforts have not still yielded adequately reliable and positive results. &nbsp;While the world community is grateful to the medical researchers, the inner feeling amongst the cross-section of people is that maybe science and research have limitations. &nbsp;Nobody can say anything conclusively on this at this stage.

Now, the uppermost question is as to what is in store for the world in 2021.&nbsp;While everyone wishes that science should defeat COVID 19 virus, everyone is keeping the fingers crossed and with feelings of very high anxiety.

&nbsp;In the absence of foolproof treatment, some cosmetic solutions were suggested desperately like wearing the mask, washing hands, drinking hot water, social distancing etc. While the governments helplessly declared lockout to prevent the spread of the virus and many people observed the guidelines such as wearing masks etc., everyone knows that this cannot be the ultimate solution.

The World Health Organisation has now become conspicuous due to several of its failures such as not forewarning the world, issuing frequently contradictory statements and it’s poor leadership have been thoroughly exposed. Today, people do not think that WHO can help in finding a solution to outsmart this dreaded virus.&nbsp;

With much fanfare, US President Trump claimed that hydroxychloroquine could be the drug of choice to treat the COVID 19. Some scientists agreed and some disagreed and finally the faith in hydroxychloroquine to treat the virus have now been completely lost.

The next drug suggested was Remdesivir drug, which was supported by several scientists and many hospitals started prescribing it for COVID patients. Now, WHO has issued a statement that Remdesivir is no good for treating COVID 19.&nbsp;

Then, plasma treatment was suggested and some scientists agreed and some did not. Now, WHO again issued a statement rejecting plasma treatment.

Thus, medical researchers have been agreeing and disagreeing about the drug for treating COVID 19.

These days, the world has been constantly hearing about the “successful” development of a vaccine to treat the virus. &nbsp;One company claims 90% success for its vaccine, another one claims 95% success for its vaccine and third one claims 70% success. Meanwhile, Russia started claiming that it has developed the vaccine and named it sputnik, without revealing any detailed data to enable the scientists across the world to verify the claims. . Meanwhile, China, as usual, has claimed success in the development of vaccines and nobody knows whether it has really done it.

The highest matter of concern about the claimed success of the vaccine is that several acknowledged and prescribed stages for testing the efficacy of the vaccine have been bypassed. &nbsp;While it is known that the clinical trial conducted properly would take around 5 to 6 years, the success of vaccine has been claimed after conducting trials just for three to four months.

It is very well known that the same drug or vaccine has different levels of positive or adverse impact on people living in different climatic conditions, with different food habits and different age groups. &nbsp; Many people think that announcing success rates for developed vaccines without worldwide clinical trials for adequate periods is not only a calculated risk but could also be termed as an unethical medical claim.

However, given the desperate conditions that the world faces today, nobody wants to raise the shortened clinical trial as an issue and everyone is hoping against hope that the calculated risk of using these vaccines would be less and at an acceptable level.&nbsp;

One has to keep in view the fact that in the last several years, a number of drugs which have been approved and used after elaborate clinical trials have been later on proved to be harmful and banned.&nbsp; The world is hoping that the vaccine developed for COVID 19 will not have a similar fate.

The question haunting everyone as the year 2021 will dawn is whether the introduced new vaccines may do more harm than good due to hitherto unknown side effects. People silently wonder whether an unfortunate situation would develop when the year 2021 would become the victim of hastily developed vaccines to treat COVID 19, just as the world became a victim of COVID 19 in 2020.

The worldwide consensus now appears to be that the crisis is so serious that every possible solution should be tried to save humanity, irrespective of the cost and risk involved.

While the world prays that year 2021 should be free of COVID 19, the world also prays that the developed vaccines should work successfully.

The desperate world is now praying to God to help humanity out of this crisis. Is there any other way?

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China).

With the year 2020 inevitably ending in the next few weeks, the thought amongst the people all over the world is whether the coming year 2021 will be free of COVID 19 (justifiably known as Wuhan virus, as it certainly spread only from Wuhan in China). In early 2020, many people thought that COVID 19 would be a localized affair in China but later on, it proved to be a global pandemic. While the USA, European countries and India were amongst those heavily impacted by COVID 19, China claimed that it had “conquered” COVID 19 virus. As transparency is notoriously absent in countries like China and North Korea, till today, no one believes that these two countries have freed themselves completely from CIOVID 19 pandemic. The controversy, whether COVID 19 virus leaked out accidentally from a laboratory in Wuhan or allowed to spread by China, would continue for a long time to come and when the world would one day be out of this COVID 19 crisis, several investigations would be carried out on how the virus really happened. China would be in the centre of such controversies for all time in future. While COVID 19 has caused great sufferings and death of many thousands of people, another worst impact is that the confidence of the world community that the world could be made a healthy place due to the scientific advancements have been badly shaken. Of course, due credit should be given to the medical research agencies and pharmaceutical companies for having initiated massive research efforts to find a vaccine to treat COVID 19. However, nearly ten months of research efforts have not still yielded adequately reliable and positive results. While the world community is grateful to the medical researchers, the inner feeling amongst the cross-section of people is that maybe science and research have limitations. Nobody can say anything conclusively on this at this stage. Now, the uppermost question is as to what is in store for the world in 2021. While everyone wishes that science should defeat COVID 19 virus, everyone is keeping the fingers crossed and with feelings of very high anxiety. In the absence of foolproof treatment, some cosmetic solutions were suggested desperately like wearing the mask, washing hands, drinking hot water, social distancing etc. While the governments helplessly declared lockout to prevent the spread of the virus and many people observed the guidelines such as wearing masks etc., everyone knows that this cannot be the ultimate solution. The World Health Organisation has now become conspicuous due to several of its failures such as not forewarning the world, issuing frequently contradictory statements and it’s poor leadership have been thoroughly exposed. Today, people do not think that WHO can help in finding a solution to outsmart this dreaded virus. With much fanfare, US President Trump claimed that hydroxychloroquine could be the drug of choice to treat the COVID 19. Some scientists agreed and some disagreed and finally the faith in hydroxychloroquine to treat the virus have now been completely lost. The next drug suggested was Remdesivir drug, which was supported by several scientists and many hospitals started prescribing it for COVID patients. Now, WHO has issued a statement that Remdesivir is no good for treating COVID 19. Then, plasma treatment was suggested and some scientists agreed and some did not. Now, WHO again issued a statement rejecting plasma treatment. Thus, medical researchers have been agreeing and disagreeing about the drug for treating COVID 19. These days, the world has been constantly hearing about the “successful” development of a vaccine to treat the virus. One company claims 90% success for its vaccine, another one claims 95% success for its vaccine and third one claims 70% success. Meanwhile, Russia started claiming that it has developed the vaccine and named it sputnik, without revealing any detailed data to enable the scientists across the world to verify the claims. . Meanwhile, China, as usual, has claimed success in the development of vaccines and nobody knows whether it has really done it. The highest matter of concern about the claimed success of the vaccine is that several acknowledged and prescribed stages for testing the efficacy of the vaccine have been bypassed. While it is known that the clinical trial conducted properly would take around 5 to 6 years, the success of vaccine has been claimed after conducting trials just for three to four months. It is very well known that the same drug or vaccine has different levels of positive or adverse impact on people living in different climatic conditions, with different food habits and different age groups. Many people think that announcing success rates for developed vaccines without worldwide clinical trials for adequate periods is not only a calculated risk but could also be termed as an unethical medical claim. However, given the desperate conditions that the world faces today, nobody wants to raise the shortened clinical trial as an issue and everyone is hoping against hope that the calculated risk of using these vaccines would be less and at an acceptable level. One has to keep in view the fact that in the last several years, a number of drugs which have been approved and used after elaborate clinical trials have been later on proved to be harmful and banned. The world is hoping that the vaccine developed for COVID 19 will not have a similar fate. The question haunting everyone as the year 2021 will dawn is whether the introduced new vaccines may do more harm than good due to hitherto unknown side effects. People silently wonder whether an unfortunate situation would develop when the year 2021 would become the victim of hastily developed vaccines to treat COVID 19, just as the world became a victim of COVID 19 in 2020. The worldwide consensus now appears to be that the crisis is so serious that every possible solution should be tried to save humanity, irrespective of the cost and risk involved. While the world prays that year 2021 should be free of COVID 19, the world also prays that the developed vaccines should work successfully. The desperate world is now praying to God to help humanity out of this crisis. Is there any other way? (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Prayer for the Covid-19 free Year 2021

A UK taskforce has voiced concerns that an early coronavirus vaccine&nbsp;"is likely to be&nbsp;imperfect" and that they "might not work for everyone".

According to a piece published in The Lancet medical journal, Kate Bingham,&nbsp;UK Vaccine Taskforce Chair said&nbsp;''we do not know that we will ever have a vaccine at all. It is important to guard against complacency and over-optimism."

"The first generation of vaccines is likely to be&nbsp;imperfect, and we should be prepared that they might not prevent infection but rather reduce symptoms, and, even then, might not work for everyone or for long," she added.

Bingham wrote that the Vaccine Taskforce recognises that "many, and possibly all, of these vaccines, could fail", adding the focus has been on vaccines that are expected to elicit immune responses in the population older than 65 years.

She said that the global manufacturing capacity for vaccines is vastly inadequate for the billions of doses that are needed and that the United Kingdom's manufacturing capability to date has been "equally scarce".

Meanwhile, British pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Monday trials of its coronavirus&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;pioneered with Oxford University had shown "encouraging" responses among the elderly, as well as younger participants.

Earlier on Tuesday, a study by scientists at Imperial College London found that antibodies against the novel coronavirus declined rapidly in the British population during the summer, suggesting protection after infection may not be long-lasting and raising the prospect of waning immunity in the community.

The Telegraph newspaper reported that the British government is working on the assumption that the second wave of coronavirus will be more deadly than the first.

A UK taskforce has voiced concerns that an early coronavirus vaccine "is likely to be imperfect" and that they "might not work for everyone". According to a piece published in The Lancet medical journal, Kate Bingham, UK Vaccine Taskforce Chair said ''we do not know that we will ever have a vaccine at all.

A UK taskforce has voiced concerns that an early coronavirus vaccine "is likely to be imperfect" and that they "might not work for everyone". According to a piece published in The Lancet medical journal, Kate Bingham, UK Vaccine Taskforce Chair said ''we do not know that we will ever have a vaccine at all. It is important to guard against complacency and over-optimism." "The first generation of vaccines is likely to be imperfect, and we should be prepared that they might not prevent infection but rather reduce symptoms, and, even then, might not work for everyone or for long," she added. Bingham wrote that the Vaccine Taskforce recognises that "many, and possibly all, of these vaccines, could fail", adding the focus has been on vaccines that are expected to elicit immune responses in the population older than 65 years. She said that the global manufacturing capacity for vaccines is vastly inadequate for the billions of doses that are needed and that the United Kingdom's manufacturing capability to date has been "equally scarce". Meanwhile, British pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Monday trials of its coronavirus vaccine pioneered with Oxford University had shown "encouraging" responses among the elderly, as well as younger participants. Earlier on Tuesday, a study by scientists at Imperial College London found that antibodies against the novel coronavirus declined rapidly in the British population during the summer, suggesting protection after infection may not be long-lasting and raising the prospect of waning immunity in the community. The Telegraph newspaper reported that the British government is working on the assumption that the second wave of coronavirus will be more deadly than the first.

First generation of coronavirus vaccine 'likely to be imperfect', says UK taskforce

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply.

During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19.

Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine."

Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar.

e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side.

The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity.

Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines."

Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week.

India and Myanmar have increased engagement to collaborate on joint development of COVID vaccine with the first round of discussion taking place earlier this week. Key Officials from both sides held a virtual discussion on the possible cooperation in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine and this includes its joint production, distribution and supply. During the visit of foreign secretary Harsh Shringla to Myanmar, he had indicated India’s willingness to prioritize Myanmar in sharing vaccines. It was in that visit that happened earlier this month, Shringla handed over 3000 vials of Remdesivir state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of India‘s commitment to helping Myanmar mitigate the impact of covid 19. Myanmar's envoy Moe Kyaw Aung on collaboration against covid told WION, "We have informed to the Indian side that Myanmar will participate in the development of a vaccine." Amid the COVID crisis, India has been reaching out to countries in the region and across the world and Myanmar is no different. India provided more than one million USD worth of covid assistance to Myanmar. e-ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) Programme courses related to COVID-19 pandemic conducted by Indian Institutes such as AIIMS in Raipur, Bhubaneshwar and Jodhpur, PGI Chandigarh etc. has registered healthy participation from Myanmar side. The increase in engagement is in line with India's stated policy that India's vaccine will be used to help all humanity. Indian PM Modi during his speech at United Nations General Assembly in September said, "As the largest vaccine producing country of the world, I want to give one more assurance to the global community today. India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity will be used to help all humanity in fighting this crisis. We are moving ahead with phase 3 clinical trials in India and in our neighbourhood. India will also help all the countries in enhancing their cold chain and storage capacities for the delivery of Vaccines." Amid the pandemic, India had sent anti covid medicines to around 150 countries. Indian Scientists and Research Teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka when it comes to the pandemic. New Delhi has received requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.

India-Myanmar increase engagement on joint development of COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-pay-pfizer-biontech-195-billion-for-covid-19-vaccine-315271" hreflang="en">US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine</a>

Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, has said that the organization is ensuring a fair vaccine distribution, but in the meantime, it is key to suppress the virus’s spread.&nbsp;

“We’re making good progress,” Ryan said, noting that several vaccines were now in phase 3 trials and none had failed, so far, in terms of safety or ability to generate an immune response.

“Realistically it is going to be the first part of next year before we start seeing people getting vaccinated,” he told a public event on social media.

According to Ryan, WHO was working to expand access to potential vaccines and to help scale-up production capacity.&nbsp;

“And we need to be fair about this, because this is a global good. Vaccines for this pandemic are not for the wealthy, they are not for the poor, they are for everybody,” he said.

Ryan has asked the schools to be cautious while re-opening the schools and urged them to wait until community transmission of Covid-19 is under control. The debate in the United States over restarting education has intensified, even as the pandemic flares up in dozens of states.

“We have to do everything possible to bring our children back to school, and the most effective thing we can do is to stop the disease in our community,” he said. “Because if you control the disease in the community, you can open the schools.”

(Inputs from Reuters)

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021.

Researchers around the world are making "good progress" in developing a vaccine against coronavirus and a very few have made it to the late-stage trials, however, a World Health Organization expert has said that their first use cannot be expected until early 2021. Also read: US to pay Pfizer, BioNTech $1.95 billion for COVID-19 vaccine Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s emergencies programme, has said that the organization is ensuring a fair vaccine distribution, but in the meantime, it is key to suppress the virus’s spread. “We’re making good progress,” Ryan said, noting that several vaccines were now in phase 3 trials and none had failed, so far, in terms of safety or ability to generate an immune response. “Realistically it is going to be the first part of next year before we start seeing people getting vaccinated,” he told a public event on social media. According to Ryan, WHO was working to expand access to potential vaccines and to help scale-up production capacity. “And we need to be fair about this, because this is a global good. Vaccines for this pandemic are not for the wealthy, they are not for the poor, they are for everybody,” he said. Ryan has asked the schools to be cautious while re-opening the schools and urged them to wait until community transmission of Covid-19 is under control. The debate in the United States over restarting education has intensified, even as the pandemic flares up in dozens of states. “We have to do everything possible to bring our children back to school, and the most effective thing we can do is to stop the disease in our community,” he said. “Because if you control the disease in the community, you can open the schools.” (Inputs from Reuters)

First use of coronavirus vaccines cannot be expected until early 2021: WHO expert

Even before COVID-19 vaccination can be invented anti-vaccination protests have already begun all across Europe and even in America. Watch report.

Health experts rattled by anti-vaxxers: Anti-vaccination protests across Europe

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