Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale.

"When it comes to a vaccine, Australia's view is very clear —&nbsp;whoever finds the vaccine must share it," Morrison said in a pre-recorded message to the virtual UN General Assembly.

"This is a global responsibility and it's a moral responsibility for a vaccine to be shared far and wide," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enough-is-enough-china-lashes-out-at-us-during-un-meeting-330064">Also read|&nbsp;'Enough is enough': China lashes out at US during UN meeting</a>

"Some might see short-term advantage or even profit, but I assure you, to anyone who may think along those lines — humanity will have a very long memory and be a very, very severe judge."

It is believed that the appeal was made in reference to the US — an ally of Australia which has hinted towards a resistance towards global combined efforts towards developing a vaccine.

The US President&nbsp;Donald Trump&nbsp;had, few days ago, boasted about several American companies being in the race to develop the vaccine. So much so, the Trump administration has refused to promise to share the coronavirus-related research claiming it fears theft of research by China.

He&nbsp;has also advocated mandatory vaccinations once a vaccine is available.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-diplomat-walks-out-of-unga-hall-as-pak-pm-mentions-kashmir-in-speech-330306">Also read|&nbsp;Indian diplomat walks out of UNGA hall as Pak PM mentions Kashmir in speech</a>

Morrison also went against&nbsp;Trump's&nbsp;accusations towards the World Health Organization (WHO) and applauded the organization for its efforts of containing the spread of the novel&nbsp;coronavirus.&nbsp;On the other hand,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has warned the United Nations (UN) that the US will pull out of the WHO if it keeps (allegedly) favouring and aiding China.

The PM has also promised support for Covax — a UN initiative that promises to have two billion doses of a vaccine ready by the second half of 2021. The initiative has been rubbished by the&nbsp;United States, China and Russia.

However, Morrison did not completely abandon its ally, and urged the UN to find the origin of the&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;— a topic that has strained China's relationship with Australia and the US.

Unlike Trump,&nbsp;Morrison did not blame China directly for the origin of the virus and said, "We must do all we can to understand what happened for no other purpose than to prevent it from happening again."

The Australian PM gained support from the developing countries for vaccine sharing. "I urge that COVID-19 vaccines and medicines be considered as global public goods that can be accessible to all," said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez also advocated for global sharing and warned that "With the pandemic, as with poverty, nobody will be saved on their own."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the world leaders to ensure that the information about the COVID-19 vccine is shared with all countries, or the history will tell the tale. "When it comes to a vaccine, Australia's view is very clear — whoever finds the vaccine must share it," Morrison said in a pre-recorded message to the virtual UN General Assembly. "This is a global responsibility and it's a moral responsibility for a vaccine to be shared far and wide," he said. Also read| 'Enough is enough': China lashes out at US during UN meeting "Some might see short-term advantage or even profit, but I assure you, to anyone who may think along those lines — humanity will have a very long memory and be a very, very severe judge." It is believed that the appeal was made in reference to the US — an ally of Australia which has hinted towards a resistance towards global combined efforts towards developing a vaccine. The US President Donald Trump had, few days ago, boasted about several American companies being in the race to develop the vaccine. So much so, the Trump administration has refused to promise to share the coronavirus-related research claiming it fears theft of research by China. He has also advocated mandatory vaccinations once a vaccine is available. Also read| Indian diplomat walks out of UNGA hall as Pak PM mentions Kashmir in speech Morrison also went against Trump's accusations towards the World Health Organization (WHO) and applauded the organization for its efforts of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus. On the other hand, Trump has warned the United Nations (UN) that the US will pull out of the WHO if it keeps (allegedly) favouring and aiding China. The PM has also promised support for Covax — a UN initiative that promises to have two billion doses of a vaccine ready by the second half of 2021. The initiative has been rubbished by the United States, China and Russia. However, Morrison did not completely abandon its ally, and urged the UN to find the origin of the coronavirus — a topic that has strained China's relationship with Australia and the US. Unlike Trump, Morrison did not blame China directly for the origin of the virus and said, "We must do all we can to understand what happened for no other purpose than to prevent it from happening again." The Australian PM gained support from the developing countries for vaccine sharing. "I urge that COVID-19 vaccines and medicines be considered as global public goods that can be accessible to all," said Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha. Argentine President Alberto Fernandez also advocated for global sharing and warned that "With the pandemic, as with poverty, nobody will be saved on their own."

Australian PM urges combined global efforts; takes indirect hit at Trump's secrecy

From Sao Paulo to Sweden, thousands of people around the world, including priests, police, ministers and frontline workers, have posted clips of themselves dancing to South African house song 'Jerusalema'. 
 
With confirmed global coronavirus deaths nearing a grim milestone of one million, a vaccine still some time away and lockdowns and social distancing measures to curb the pandemic`s spread weighing on public life, the up-tempo gospel groove has provided a moment`s relief across borders and language barriers. 
 
Yet 150 million YouTube views later, the song`s producer is still not sure why. Master KG told Reuters on Thursday he was in 'disbelief'. "Early this year, around January, I thought the song had reached its peak," said Master KG, real name Kgaogelo Moagi. "And then out of nowhere the song came back."

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fCZVL_8D048" width="560"></iframe>

The 'nowhere'&nbsp;was a group of Angolan friends, who posted themselves performing a self-invented dance routine to the song. In the video, a first group demonstrates the dance to another group, who interrupt their house chores to join-in. 
 
From there the clip made its way to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the United States and South America under the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge tag, inspiring variations such as a group of Italian nuns in tunics and priests in robes, and nurses in full scrubs at a Swedish hospital doing the dance. 
 
"(Now the song is) number one on Shazam. Being posted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Posted by Janet Jackson. Just a lot of amazing things. Things I`ve been dreaming of," Moagi said. In a televised address announcing the country was moving to the lowest level of lockdown restrictions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dared the entire nation to take the challenge. 
 
Moagi said: "The music I make is for the people ... It's no longer my song, it`s a song for the world. It's healing them and I'm blessed and honoured by that." In Cape Town on Thursday at the studio where blockbusters like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Invictus'&nbsp;were filmed, actors and crew who have mostly been on furlough due the pandemic came to film a short feature on the dance craze. 
 
Director Abongwe Booi said the dance challenge was good fun but also a chance to highlight the struggles of the film industry. "So many people have been out of work and they haven`t had a chance to come together. For us to do this on a day like Heritage Day is amazing," Booi said, referring to Thursday`s public holiday which celebrates South African heritage and cultural diversity.

From Sao Paulo to Sweden, thousands of people around the world, including priests, police, ministers and frontline workers, have posted clips of themselves dancing to South African house song 'Jerusalema'.

From Sao Paulo to Sweden, thousands of people around the world, including priests, police, ministers and frontline workers, have posted clips of themselves dancing to South African house song 'Jerusalema'. With confirmed global coronavirus deaths nearing a grim milestone of one million, a vaccine still some time away and lockdowns and social distancing measures to curb the pandemic`s spread weighing on public life, the up-tempo gospel groove has provided a moment`s relief across borders and language barriers. Yet 150 million YouTube views later, the song`s producer is still not sure why. Master KG told Reuters on Thursday he was in 'disbelief'. "Early this year, around January, I thought the song had reached its peak," said Master KG, real name Kgaogelo Moagi. "And then out of nowhere the song came back." The 'nowhere' was a group of Angolan friends, who posted themselves performing a self-invented dance routine to the song. In the video, a first group demonstrates the dance to another group, who interrupt their house chores to join-in. From there the clip made its way to Portugal, the rest of Europe, the United States and South America under the #JerusalemaDanceChallenge tag, inspiring variations such as a group of Italian nuns in tunics and priests in robes, and nurses in full scrubs at a Swedish hospital doing the dance. "(Now the song is) number one on Shazam. Being posted by Cristiano Ronaldo. Posted by Janet Jackson. Just a lot of amazing things. Things I`ve been dreaming of," Moagi said. In a televised address announcing the country was moving to the lowest level of lockdown restrictions, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dared the entire nation to take the challenge. Moagi said: "The music I make is for the people ... It's no longer my song, it`s a song for the world. It's healing them and I'm blessed and honoured by that." In Cape Town on Thursday at the studio where blockbusters like 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Invictus' were filmed, actors and crew who have mostly been on furlough due the pandemic came to film a short feature on the dance craze. Director Abongwe Booi said the dance challenge was good fun but also a chance to highlight the struggles of the film industry. "So many people have been out of work and they haven`t had a chance to come together. For us to do this on a day like Heritage Day is amazing," Booi said, referring to Thursday`s public holiday which celebrates South African heritage and cultural diversity.

South African hit 'Jerusalema' inspires people worldwide to shake off COVID-19 blues

The&nbsp;New York Governor Andrew&nbsp;Cuomo has clearly stated that he will be asking his officials to review any COVID-19 vaccine that will be authorised by the federal government.

"Frankly, I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion," Cuomo said. "New York state will have its own review when the federal government is finished with their review and says it's safe."

Cuomo has been a critic of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>'s handling of the novel coronavirus, which has affected more than 7 million people and taken nearly 200,000 deaths by now.

"The way the federal government has handled the vaccine, there are now serious questions about whether or not the vaccine has become politicized," Cuomo said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-top-7-million-as-midwest-states-battle-uptick-330068">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus: Cases top 7 million as Midwest states battle uptick</a>

He has said a committee will be set up to oversee the&nbsp;distribution and implementation plan for approved vaccines.

Trump&nbsp;has been accused of forcing CDC of releasing the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccine pre-maturely just to help his agenda in the upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>&nbsp;that are scheduled for November 03.

The FDA may bring out more stringent FDA standards for an emergency authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine.

However,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;hinted at not approving any such plans claiming it may appear as a political move. "We`re looking at that, and that has to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve it," Trump told a White House news conference.

The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has clearly stated that he will be asking his officials to review any COVID-19 vaccine that will be authorised by the federal government.

The New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has clearly stated that he will be asking his officials to review any COVID-19 vaccine that will be authorised by the federal government. "Frankly, I'm not going to trust the federal government's opinion," Cuomo said. "New York state will have its own review when the federal government is finished with their review and says it's safe." Cuomo has been a critic of Donald Trump's handling of the novel coronavirus, which has affected more than 7 million people and taken nearly 200,000 deaths by now. "The way the federal government has handled the vaccine, there are now serious questions about whether or not the vaccine has become politicized," Cuomo said. Also read| Coronavirus: Cases top 7 million as Midwest states battle uptick He has said a committee will be set up to oversee the distribution and implementation plan for approved vaccines. Trump has been accused of forcing CDC of releasing the coronavirus vaccine pre-maturely just to help his agenda in the upcoming US elections that are scheduled for November 03. The FDA may bring out more stringent FDA standards for an emergency authorization of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, Trump hinted at not approving any such plans claiming it may appear as a political move. "We`re looking at that, and that has to be approved by the White House. We may or may not approve it," Trump told a White House news conference.

New York to review any COVID-19 vaccine authorised by federal government

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that anyone who is caught defying the self-isolation rules will have to pay a fine upto&nbsp;£10,000&nbsp;($12,914).

This will include the people who have been told to self-isolate themselves after coming in contact with someone who has been infected by the virus.

The rule will come in place from September 28.&nbsp;“People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines,” Johnson said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-says-second-wave-of-virus-inevitable-new-restrictions-possible-328559">Also read: UK PM Johnson says second wave of virus inevitable, new restrictions possible</a>

The first-time offender will have to pay&nbsp;£1,000, and the amount will keep rising with the number of repeated offenses.

New rule will also include the companies who have been threatening their employees about firing them if they do not report to the ofice.

As per the existing rules, people have been told to stay at home for 14 days if they show symptoms of the novel coronavirus.

This rule has come after the UK saw a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Some have even termed it as the second wave. Many counties are now re-imposing lockdowns.

In addition to this,&nbsp;some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a support payment of £500 along with other benefits&nbsp;such as sick pay to which they may be entitled.

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules.

Rule breakers in the United Kingdom will have to face a heavy fine if caught. The fine is specifically for the people who will defy the coronavirus-related rules. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Saturday that anyone who is caught defying the self-isolation rules will have to pay a fine upto £10,000 ($12,914). This will include the people who have been told to self-isolate themselves after coming in contact with someone who has been infected by the virus. The rule will come in place from September 28. “People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines,” Johnson said in a statement. Also read: UK PM Johnson says second wave of virus inevitable, new restrictions possible The first-time offender will have to pay £1,000, and the amount will keep rising with the number of repeated offenses. New rule will also include the companies who have been threatening their employees about firing them if they do not report to the ofice. As per the existing rules, people have been told to stay at home for 14 days if they show symptoms of the novel coronavirus. This rule has come after the UK saw a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases. Some have even termed it as the second wave. Many counties are now re-imposing lockdowns. In addition to this, some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a support payment of £500 along with other benefits such as sick pay to which they may be entitled.

UK: People who defy coronavirus rules will pay fines upto £10,000

The top health experts can be wrong, but the US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;can never be wrong even in scientific proofs, or so he believes.

On Tuesday, in an interview with Fox News, Trump had claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available after "four weeks, it could be eight weeks." However, hours later at a town hall event, he shortened the wait time by amonth and claimed,&nbsp;"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-could-be-ready-within-3-4-weeks-donald-trump-327823">We're very close to having a vaccine</a>. We're within weeks of getting it you know — could be three weeks, four weeks."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-donald-trump-admits-downplaying-seriousness-of-covid-19-326412">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19</a>

So&nbsp;now that a whole day has passed, the timeline was expected to get shorter, and so it did. In an interaction with few local reporters on Wednesday, Trump told them the vaccine will be ready till October, i.e. two weeks.

In a race to win the&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US elections</a>, which are scheduled for November 03, Trump seems to be ready to play with every possible trick down his sleeve and COVID-19 vaccine happens to be one of them.

The recent claim of the vaccine being ready within two weeks has come after the remarks made in the&nbsp;Senate testimony by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Robert Redfield.

On Wednesday, Redfield had told lawmakers that a "very limited" distribution to of the vaccine will be made available to priority groups including first responders, and the timeline for that may be around November or December, clearing that this was not guaranteed. He had also added&nbsp;that full implementation would take many more months at least.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/calm-no-panic-donald-trump-says-he-didnt-lie-about-coronavirus-after-bob-woodwards-book-reveal-326725">Also read|&nbsp;'Calm, no panic': Donald Trump says he didn't lie about coronavirus after Bob Woodward's book-reveal</a>

When asked when would a safe vaccine be available for masses, Redfield has said,&nbsp;"I think we're probably looking at late second quarter, third quarter 2021."

However, Trump quickly dismissed the experts' scientifically-backed information by saying, "I think he made a mistake when he said that. That's just incorrect information."

"We're very close to that vaccine as you know... We think we can start sometime in October," Trump said.

"I believe he was confused," he said of Redfield. "I am just telling you we are ready to go as soon as the vaccine happens."

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The best defense we currently have against this virus are the important mitigation efforts of wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing and being careful about crowds. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>
— Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCDirector/status/1306362537924079616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time a contradiction has occurred between these two. Earlier this week, when Redfield was busy urging people to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus, Trump told people to wear masks only when needed and not 'all the time' as they are not very helpful. He even added,&nbsp;"I think there are a lot of problems with masks. It's not more effective than a vaccine."

The comment was also criticised by his rival, Joe Biden, who expressed concern about the president's approach towards the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The top health experts can be wrong, but the US President Donald Trump can never be wrong even in scientific proofs, or so he believes. On Tuesday, in an interview with Fox News, Trump had claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available after "four weeks, it could be eight weeks.

The top health experts can be wrong, but the US President Donald Trump can never be wrong even in scientific proofs, or so he believes. On Tuesday, in an interview with Fox News, Trump had claimed that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available after "four weeks, it could be eight weeks." However, hours later at a town hall event, he shortened the wait time by amonth and claimed, "We're very close to having a vaccine. We're within weeks of getting it you know — could be three weeks, four weeks." Also read| US election 2020: Donald Trump admits 'downplaying' seriousness of COVID-19 So now that a whole day has passed, the timeline was expected to get shorter, and so it did. In an interaction with few local reporters on Wednesday, Trump told them the vaccine will be ready till October, i.e. two weeks. In a race to win the US elections, which are scheduled for November 03, Trump seems to be ready to play with every possible trick down his sleeve and COVID-19 vaccine happens to be one of them. The recent claim of the vaccine being ready within two weeks has come after the remarks made in the Senate testimony by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Robert Redfield. On Wednesday, Redfield had told lawmakers that a "very limited" distribution to of the vaccine will be made available to priority groups including first responders, and the timeline for that may be around November or December, clearing that this was not guaranteed. He had also added that full implementation would take many more months at least. Also read| 'Calm, no panic': Donald Trump says he didn't lie about coronavirus after Bob Woodward's book-reveal When asked when would a safe vaccine be available for masses, Redfield has said, "I think we're probably looking at late second quarter, third quarter 2021." However, Trump quickly dismissed the experts' scientifically-backed information by saying, "I think he made a mistake when he said that. That's just incorrect information." "We're very close to that vaccine as you know... We think we can start sometime in October," Trump said. "I believe he was confused," he said of Redfield. "I am just telling you we are ready to go as soon as the vaccine happens." The best defense we currently have against this virus are the important mitigation efforts of wearing a mask, washing your hands, social distancing and being careful about crowds. #COVID19 — Dr. Robert R. Redfield (@CDCDirector) September 16, 2020 × This is not the first time a contradiction has occurred between these two. Earlier this week, when Redfield was busy urging people to wear masks to contain the spread of coronavirus, Trump told people to wear masks only when needed and not 'all the time' as they are not very helpful. He even added, "I think there are a lot of problems with masks. It's not more effective than a vaccine." The comment was also criticised by his rival, Joe Biden, who expressed concern about the president's approach towards the coronavirus.

Trump says top health expert was 'confused' about vaccine, but not him

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million population are being conducted in the national capital when compared to the rest of the world. 
 
Kejriwal said that 21 lakhs people in Delhi have been tested for COVID-19 so far, equals to 11 per cent of the total population of the city. 
 
"Delhi has shown the way to the world in combatting COVID-19. Delhi is conducting over 60,000 tests daily. We have a population of 2 crore. Delhi is conducting 3,000 tests per day on one million population. Delhi is at the top in the whole world in terms of tests per day on 1 million population," Kejriwal said in his address in Delhi Legislative Assembly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/doctors-prescription-not-needed-for-covid-19-test-in-delhi-from-now-326317" hreflang="en">Doctor's prescription not needed for Covid-19 test in Delhi from now</a> 
 
"Not only in India, but in the whole world, Delhi is conducting maximum tests. In Andhra Pradesh, tests per day per million population is 1300, in Gujarat, it is 1,000, in Karnataka, it stands at 983, in Haryana, it is 990, in Maharashtra it stands at 802 and in Uttar Pradesh, it is 670. The national average of the country in terms of tests per day per million population is 819. In England, it is 3,000, in USA it is 1300, it is 2300 in Russia, and in Peru it is 2800. It means we are conducting maximum tests on the earth," he added. 
 
Kejriwal further said that 21 lakh people in the national capital have been tested for COVID-19. "It equals to the 11 per cent population of Delhi. No country has tested even 10 per cent of its population. If it is under my control, I want to ensure testing of all whosoever wants to get tested. I want to appeal to all of you to apprise about our shortcomings in the management and we will improve," he added.

Kejriwal also thanked central government, NGOs and religious organisations for helping the Delhi government in COVID-19 management. "Delhi has controlled coronavirus to much extent. It is the result of team work. We have controlled it after taking help from the centre. We took their help. They gave us testing kits, oxygen cylinders and help us in our needs. We want to thank them. Various NGOs have also helped us. Religious organizations helped&nbsp;us and it is the collaborative effort that brought the virus into control," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/delhi-metro-resumes-services-here-is-a-list-of-sops-that-you-should-know-325638" hreflang="en">Delhi Metro resumes services: Here is a list of SOPs that you should know</a>

"Delhi Model is discussed in the whole world. It is the result of the effort of 2 crore people of Delhi. Delhi has an honest and working, and educated government. It is Delhi`s strength. We have shown the way to the world," he added.

Kejriwal further said that there is no need to worry about the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital."We need to worry about the number of deaths due to COVID-19. After doing micromanagement of each hospital, we have brought the death rate of Delhi to 0.68 percent, I think this will be the lowest in the world," he added.

According to the Delhi government bulletin, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi rises to 2,21,533 with 3,229 new positive cases and 26 deaths reported today. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 28,641 and 1,88,122, respectively. Death toll is 4,770.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million population are being conducted in the national capital when compared to the rest of the world.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million population are being conducted in the national capital when compared to the rest of the world. Kejriwal said that 21 lakhs people in Delhi have been tested for COVID-19 so far, equals to 11 per cent of the total population of the city. "Delhi has shown the way to the world in combatting COVID-19. Delhi is conducting over 60,000 tests daily. We have a population of 2 crore. Delhi is conducting 3,000 tests per day on one million population. Delhi is at the top in the whole world in terms of tests per day on 1 million population," Kejriwal said in his address in Delhi Legislative Assembly. Also read: Doctor's prescription not needed for Covid-19 test in Delhi from now "Not only in India, but in the whole world, Delhi is conducting maximum tests. In Andhra Pradesh, tests per day per million population is 1300, in Gujarat, it is 1,000, in Karnataka, it stands at 983, in Haryana, it is 990, in Maharashtra it stands at 802 and in Uttar Pradesh, it is 670. The national average of the country in terms of tests per day per million population is 819. In England, it is 3,000, in USA it is 1300, it is 2300 in Russia, and in Peru it is 2800. It means we are conducting maximum tests on the earth," he added. Kejriwal further said that 21 lakh people in the national capital have been tested for COVID-19. "It equals to the 11 per cent population of Delhi. No country has tested even 10 per cent of its population. If it is under my control, I want to ensure testing of all whosoever wants to get tested. I want to appeal to all of you to apprise about our shortcomings in the management and we will improve," he added. Kejriwal also thanked central government, NGOs and religious organisations for helping the Delhi government in COVID-19 management. "Delhi has controlled coronavirus to much extent. It is the result of team work. We have controlled it after taking help from the centre. We took their help. They gave us testing kits, oxygen cylinders and help us in our needs. We want to thank them. Various NGOs have also helped us. Religious organizations helped us and it is the collaborative effort that brought the virus into control," he said. Also read: Delhi Metro resumes services: Here is a list of SOPs that you should know "Delhi Model is discussed in the whole world. It is the result of the effort of 2 crore people of Delhi. Delhi has an honest and working, and educated government. It is Delhi`s strength. We have shown the way to the world," he added. Kejriwal further said that there is no need to worry about the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases in the national capital."We need to worry about the number of deaths due to COVID-19. After doing micromanagement of each hospital, we have brought the death rate of Delhi to 0.68 percent, I think this will be the lowest in the world," he added. According to the Delhi government bulletin, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi rises to 2,21,533 with 3,229 new positive cases and 26 deaths reported today. The numbers of active and recovered cases are 28,641 and 1,88,122, respectively. Death toll is 4,770.

Delhi conducting maximum COVID-19 tests per day per million on earth: CM Kejriwal

The number of cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States has surpassed 6.3 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The US case tally stands at 6,300,431, with 189,207 deaths, the university said.

A total of 2,333,551 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the country, it said.

Globally, there are more than 27 million cases and almost 900,000 fatalities.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States has surpassed 6.3 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. The US case tally stands at 6,300,431, with 189,207 deaths, the university said.

The number of cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States has surpassed 6.3 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. The US case tally stands at 6,300,431, with 189,207 deaths, the university said. A total of 2,333,551 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the country, it said. Globally, there are more than 27 million cases and almost 900,000 fatalities. (With inputs from agencies)

US covid-19 case count surpasses 6.3 million: Johns Hopkins University

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing.

In an&nbsp;address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

Trump feels Biden's stand on American <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccines</a> is&nbsp;very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-kamala-harris-will-never-be-president-of-us-says-donald-trump-325860">Also read|&nbsp;US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said,&nbsp;"Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now."

Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science".

The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-donald-trumps-latest-admirer-noor-bin-ladin-the-niece-of-osama-bin-laden-325838">Also read|&nbsp;Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden</a>

The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election"> US elections 2020</a>, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early.

Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said,&nbsp;"The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that."

He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine.

As the US elections are coming closer, the personal attacks between the two competitors seem to be increasing. In an address on Monday, the US President Donald Trump demanded an apology from his opponent Joe Biden for challenging him on COVID-19 vaccine. Trump feels Biden's stand on American COVID-19 vaccines is very "reckless" and he should apologise for the "anti-vaccine rhetoric". Also read| US election 2020: Kamala Harris will never be president of US, says Donald Trump Donald Trump, during a Labor Day news conference in front of the White House, said, "Biden and his very liberal running mate, the most liberal person in Congress by the way - is not a competent person in my opinion, would destroy this country and would destroy this economy - should immediately apologize for the reckless anti-vaccine rhetoric that they are talking right now." Trump, calling Biden "stupid" said Biden's opinion on the vaccine "undermines science". The President has announced that he will have the COVID-19 vaccine ready before the upcoming US Presidential elections, that are scheduled for November 03. Also read| Meet Donald Trump's latest admirer - Noor Bin Ladin, the niece of Osama Bin Laden The comment came after Joe Biden, his opponent in the US elections 2020, strongly opposed Trump's claim on vaccine, and even questioned if the FDA is being pressurised by the Trump administration to roll out the vaccine early. Trump also touched upon the recent controversy of him calling the fallen US soldiers as "losers" and "suckers". Dismissing the reports, he said, "The story is a hoax. Who would say a thing like that? Only an animal would say a thing like that." He also claimed that he is the idle person to bring the country of the pandemic-hit economy recession, as opposed to Joe Biden who, according to Trump, would undo the progress.

US election 2020: Trump demands apology from Biden for challenging him on vaccines

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year.

On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey&nbsp;of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries.&nbsp;

As per the results compiled, around 74 per cent people said that&nbsp;they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available saying “if a vaccine for COVID-19 were available, I would get it”. However, 59 per cent people said they had no hope that the vaccination will be rolled out by the end of this year.

Out of people who said they would not want to get their hopes high for the vaccination, 56 per cent said they would be scared about the side effects of the vaccination, and 29 per cent said they are not sure if the vaccine will be effective.

Out of 74 per cent who agreed to use the vaccine,&nbsp;only 37 per cent strongly agree while 37 per cent somewhat agree.

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The number of people who agreed to using the vaccine is significantly more than those who doubt the effectiveness of it. Countries such as China (97 per cent), Brazil (88 per cent), Australia (88 per cent), and India (87 per cent) are the main countries where people showed more confidence in the vaccine.

However, residents of countries such as&nbsp;Russia (54 per cent), Poland (56 per cent), Hungary (56 per cent), and France (59 per cent) said that they would not use the vaccine even if it is available.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/widespread-covid-19-vaccinations-not-expected-until-mid-2021-who-325216">Also read|&nbsp;Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO</a>

Globally, on an average, 56 per cent people said they would not use the vaccine, fearing the side effects of it. Out of the 56 per cent,&nbsp;70 per cent were from Spain, 68 per cent&nbsp;in Sweden,&nbsp;41 per cent in Argentina and 40 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

Further, 29 per cent people said they are not sure the vaccine will be effective and the&nbsp;third most common reason is the perception of not being enough at risk from COVID-19, cited by 19 per cent globally, with majority of these people being in India.

China tops the list of countries where the citizens believe that the vaccine will be available this year, with 87 per cent showing a positive attitude, followed by 75 per cent in&nbsp;Saudi Arabia and 74 per cent in India. However, residents of&nbsp;Germany, Belgium, Japan, and Poland have less or no hope about the vaccine being ready this year.

The survey was&nbsp;conducted by Ipsos between July 24 and August 7, 2020 on its Global Advisor online survey platform among a total of 19,519 adults, aged 18-74 in United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey, and aged 16-74 in 22 other countries.

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year. On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries.

A recent survey has revealed that three out of four people will be willing to take the vaccine for coronavirus, if it is rolled out this year. On behalf of World Economic Forum, Ipsos MORI conducted a survey of nearly 20,000 adults from 27 countries. As per the results compiled, around 74 per cent people said that they would get a vaccine for COVID-19 if it were available saying “if a vaccine for COVID-19 were available, I would get it”. However, 59 per cent people said they had no hope that the vaccination will be rolled out by the end of this year. Out of people who said they would not want to get their hopes high for the vaccination, 56 per cent said they would be scared about the side effects of the vaccination, and 29 per cent said they are not sure if the vaccine will be effective. Out of 74 per cent who agreed to use the vaccine, only 37 per cent strongly agree while 37 per cent somewhat agree. × The number of people who agreed to using the vaccine is significantly more than those who doubt the effectiveness of it. Countries such as China (97 per cent), Brazil (88 per cent), Australia (88 per cent), and India (87 per cent) are the main countries where people showed more confidence in the vaccine. However, residents of countries such as Russia (54 per cent), Poland (56 per cent), Hungary (56 per cent), and France (59 per cent) said that they would not use the vaccine even if it is available. Also read| Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO Globally, on an average, 56 per cent people said they would not use the vaccine, fearing the side effects of it. Out of the 56 per cent, 70 per cent were from Spain, 68 per cent in Sweden, 41 per cent in Argentina and 40 per cent in Saudi Arabia. Further, 29 per cent people said they are not sure the vaccine will be effective and the third most common reason is the perception of not being enough at risk from COVID-19, cited by 19 per cent globally, with majority of these people being in India. China tops the list of countries where the citizens believe that the vaccine will be available this year, with 87 per cent showing a positive attitude, followed by 75 per cent in Saudi Arabia and 74 per cent in India. However, residents of Germany, Belgium, Japan, and Poland have less or no hope about the vaccine being ready this year. The survey was conducted by Ipsos between July 24 and August 7, 2020 on its Global Advisor online survey platform among a total of 19,519 adults, aged 18-74 in United States, Canada, Malaysia, South Africa, and Turkey, and aged 16-74 in 22 other countries.

Three in four adults would get a COVID-19 vaccine, if available: Survey

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval.&nbsp;

This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous.&nbsp;

Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/epivaccorona-now-russia-readies-approval-for-second-covid-19-vaccine-323361">Also read|&nbsp;'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine</a>

In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. &nbsp;

Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later.&nbsp;

They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers".&nbsp;

The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-may-mount-stronger-covid-19-immune-response-323294">Also read|&nbsp;Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response</a>

The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups".&nbsp;

'Safety is paramount'

Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19.&nbsp;

"Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. &nbsp;

"Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount."

The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide.

This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable.&nbsp;

Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September.

President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete.

The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine.&nbsp;

Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry.&nbsp;

It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus. &nbsp;

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness.

Patients involved in early tests of a Russian coronavirus vaccine developed antibodies with "no serious adverse events", according to research published in The Lancet Friday, but experts said the trials were too small to prove safety and effectiveness. Russia announced last month that its vaccine, named "Sputnik V" after the Soviet-era satellite that was the first launched into space in 1957, had already received approval. This raised concerns among Western scientists over a lack of safety data, with some warning that moving too quickly on a vaccine could be dangerous. Russia denounced criticism as an attempt to undermine Moscow's research. Also read| 'EpiVacCorona': Now, Russia readies approval for second COVID-19 vaccine In the Lancet study, Russian researchers reported on two small trials, each involving 38 healthy adults aged between 18 and 60, who were given a two-part immunisation. Each participant was given a dose of the first part of the vaccine and then given a booster with the second part 21 days later. They were monitored over 42 days and all developed antibodies within the first three weeks. The report said the data showed that the vaccine was "safe, well tolerated, and does not cause serious adverse events in healthy adult volunteers". The trials were open label and not randomised, meaning there was no placebo and the participants knew they were receiving the vaccine and were not randomly assigned to different treatment groups. Researchers underlined that larger and longer trials -- including a placebo comparison -- would be needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection. Also read| Women may mount stronger COVID-19 immune response The report said the 76 participants of these trials would be monitored up to 180 days, adding that a more rigorous phase 3 clinical trial was planned with the involvement of 40,000 volunteers "from different age and risk groups". 'Safety is paramount' Naor Bar-Zeev of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who was not involved in the study, said the research was "encouraging but small", adding that it did not give any data on effectiveness among older age groups, who are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19. "Showing safety will be crucial with Covid-19 vaccines, not only for vaccine acceptance but also for trust in vaccination broadly," he said in a commentary in the Lancet. "Since vaccines are given to healthy people and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially to everyone after approval following phase 3 trials, safety is paramount." The pandemic has seen an unprecedented mobilisation of funding and research to rush through a vaccine that can protect billions of people worldwide. This week the US urged states to get ready for a potential Covid-19 vaccine rollout two days before the presidential election in November, sparking concerns President Donald Trump's administration is accelerating research to fit a political timetable. Russia has said that industrial production of its version is expected from September. President Vladimir Putin said in early August that the vaccine gave "sustainable immunity" and that one of his own daughters had been inoculated, even though Russia's health ministry said clinical trials were not yet complete. The World Health Organization has urged Russia to follow established guidelines and go "through all the stages" necessary to develop a safe vaccine. Sputnik V was developed by the Gamaleya research institute for epidemiology and microbiology in Moscow in coordination with the Russian defence ministry. It uses a cold-causing adenovirus, which is then modified and combined with a part of the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The report's lead author, Denis Logunov of Gamaleya, said the adenovirus vaccine enters people's cells and delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein genetic code, helping the immune system "recognise and attack" the virus.

Russia vaccine 'passes early trial test'

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi on Thursday said it would start human trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine it is developing with British peer GSK, following promising preliminary tests.

The launch of phase 1 and 2 trials represent an "important stage and another step towards the development of a potential vaccine to help us beat Covid-19," said Sanofi Pasteur executive vice-president Thomas Triomphe.

The vaccine combines leading technology from both Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline.

A protein-based vaccine owned by Sanofi and used to treat influenza was paired with a GSK-developed add-on, known as an adjuvant, that boosts the recipient's immune response.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanofi-halts-trial-of-covid-19-drug-after-tests-324480">Also read|&nbsp;Sanofi halts trial of Covid-19 drug after tests</a>

"The pre-clinical trials show a promising security profile and immunogenity," that is, the ability to bring about an immune response, a Sanofi statement said.

The companies' labs are to recruit 440 healthy participants to carry out tests where neither those tested nor observers know who has received a vaccine and who has been given a placebo.

The tests are designed to evaluate the vaccine's safety, tolerability and immune response.

"Positive data will enable a prompt start of the pivotal phase 3 trial by the end of this year," Roger Connor, president of GSK Vaccines, said in reference to the final step before a vaccine is brought to market.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-group-sanofi-to-buy-us-firm-principia-biopharma-for-37-billion-321088">Also read|&nbsp;French group Sanofi to buy US firm Principia Biopharma for $3.7 billion</a>

The firms hope to receive regulatory clearance in the first half of 2021 and take production capacity to a billion doses for distribution throughout the year.

Both say they are committed to making the vaccine available globally.&nbsp;

Several countries have already reserved doses -- with 60 million promised to the British government and 300 million reserved by the European Commission.

The United States has reserved 100 million with an option for up to 500 million more.

Sanofi and GSK have also pledged to make a "significant portion" of 2021/2022 production available to the WHO-led COVAX shared facility designed to guarantee all countries rapid, fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

According to the World Health Organization, 75 countries had signed up to using the facility, which would ensure distribution of two billion doses by late July 2021.

Other potential vaccines are even closer to market approval, notably two under development by US giant Pfizer and biotech firm Moderna.

Meanwhile, Sanofi is pursuing a parallel second vaccine attempt in partnership with US-based Translate Bio.

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi on Thursday said it would start human trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine it is developing with British peer GSK, following promising preliminary tests.

French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi on Thursday said it would start human trials of the potential coronavirus vaccine it is developing with British peer GSK, following promising preliminary tests. The launch of phase 1 and 2 trials represent an "important stage and another step towards the development of a potential vaccine to help us beat Covid-19," said Sanofi Pasteur executive vice-president Thomas Triomphe. The vaccine combines leading technology from both Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. A protein-based vaccine owned by Sanofi and used to treat influenza was paired with a GSK-developed add-on, known as an adjuvant, that boosts the recipient's immune response. Also read| Sanofi halts trial of Covid-19 drug after tests "The pre-clinical trials show a promising security profile and immunogenity," that is, the ability to bring about an immune response, a Sanofi statement said. The companies' labs are to recruit 440 healthy participants to carry out tests where neither those tested nor observers know who has received a vaccine and who has been given a placebo. The tests are designed to evaluate the vaccine's safety, tolerability and immune response. "Positive data will enable a prompt start of the pivotal phase 3 trial by the end of this year," Roger Connor, president of GSK Vaccines, said in reference to the final step before a vaccine is brought to market. Also read| French group Sanofi to buy US firm Principia Biopharma for $3.7 billion The firms hope to receive regulatory clearance in the first half of 2021 and take production capacity to a billion doses for distribution throughout the year. Both say they are committed to making the vaccine available globally. Several countries have already reserved doses -- with 60 million promised to the British government and 300 million reserved by the European Commission. The United States has reserved 100 million with an option for up to 500 million more. Sanofi and GSK have also pledged to make a "significant portion" of 2021/2022 production available to the WHO-led COVAX shared facility designed to guarantee all countries rapid, fair and equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, 75 countries had signed up to using the facility, which would ensure distribution of two billion doses by late July 2021. Other potential vaccines are even closer to market approval, notably two under development by US giant Pfizer and biotech firm Moderna. Meanwhile, Sanofi is pursuing a parallel second vaccine attempt in partnership with US-based Translate Bio.

Sanofi, GSK to start clinical tests of virus vaccine

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-cross-35-million-in-india-with-69921-new-cases-324418">Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.5 million in India with 69,921 new cases</a> 
 
The ban will also simultaneously apply on citizens of Indonesia and the Philippines.

People with long-term passes, students, expatriates, permanent residents as well as family members of Malaysians will be highly affected by this decision.

All foreign tourists have been banned from entry since March.

Malaysia extended measures to curb the pandemic until the end of the year as the virus “is still actively spreading across the world," Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a speech on Friday.

Meanwhile, With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.

The Government of Malaysia will block Indians from entering the country starting Monday due to the high rate of increase in COVID-19 positive cases in India. Also read | COVID-19: Cases cross 3.5 million in India with 69,921 new cases The ban will also simultaneously apply on citizens of Indonesia and the Philippines. People with long-term passes, students, expatriates, permanent residents as well as family members of Malaysians will be highly affected by this decision. All foreign tourists have been banned from entry since March. Malaysia extended measures to curb the pandemic until the end of the year as the virus “is still actively spreading across the world," Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in a speech on Friday. Meanwhile, With 69,921 people testing positive for coronavirus infection, India's COVID-19 tally mounted to 3,691,166, while recoveries surged to 2,839,882 on Tuesday pushing the recovery rate to 76.94 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 65,288 with 819 new fatalities being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia bans Indians from entering the country due to growing number of COVID-19 infections

French pharma giant Sanofi said Tuesday that international Phase 3 clinical tests of its Kevzara drug for serious Covid-19 cases had proved inconclusive and it was halting the trial.

The Phase 3 test -- normally the last before official approval for use -- "did not meet the primary or secondary evaluation criteria compared with a placebo, and in both cases, compared with established hospital care," it said in a statement.

Sanofi said neither it nor its American partner in developing the drug, Regeneron, "envisage further clinical tests of Kevzara for the treatment of Covid-19."

Although Kevzara "did not give us the results we were hoping for, we are proud of the work done by our team," Sanofi global research head Dr. John Reed said in the statement.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic late last year in China, it has claimed more than 800,000 lives and caused huge economic damage, sparking a global race to find a vaccine and effective treatments.&nbsp;

Sanofi is one of many companies developing a vaccine but scientists are cautious in saying that at best, one may only be available by the end of this year for initial use.

French pharma giant Sanofi said Tuesday that international Phase 3 clinical tests of its Kevzara drug for serious Covid-19 cases had proved inconclusive and it was halting the trial.

French pharma giant Sanofi said Tuesday that international Phase 3 clinical tests of its Kevzara drug for serious Covid-19 cases had proved inconclusive and it was halting the trial. The Phase 3 test -- normally the last before official approval for use -- "did not meet the primary or secondary evaluation criteria compared with a placebo, and in both cases, compared with established hospital care," it said in a statement. Sanofi said neither it nor its American partner in developing the drug, Regeneron, "envisage further clinical tests of Kevzara for the treatment of Covid-19." Although Kevzara "did not give us the results we were hoping for, we are proud of the work done by our team," Sanofi global research head Dr. John Reed said in the statement. Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic late last year in China, it has claimed more than 800,000 lives and caused huge economic damage, sparking a global race to find a vaccine and effective treatments. Sanofi is one of many companies developing a vaccine but scientists are cautious in saying that at best, one may only be available by the end of this year for initial use.

Sanofi halts trial of Covid-19 drug after tests

Bangladesh`s Beximco Pharmaceuticals is investing in the Serum Institute of India (SII) to ensure Dhaka gets priority access to COVID-19 vaccines being developed by the Indian drug manufacturer, the company said on Friday.

The deal announced by the Bangladeshi generic drugmaker comes after Dhaka said this month it was ready to hold trials of candidate vaccines being developed by India as both countries seek to curb the spread of the virus.

SII has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to produce more than a billion doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for global supply.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-records-highest-single-day-cases-in-august-death-toll-rises-to-over-4400-323981">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: Delhi records highest single-day cases in August; death toll rises to over 4,400</a>

"The investment amount will be treated as an advance and once the vaccine receives regulatory approvals, SII will include Bangladesh among the countries who will be the first to receive an agreed quantity of this vaccine from SII on a priority basis," Beximco said in a statement.

It did not give details about the size of the investment in SII nor how many vaccines Beximco might receive.

"This landmark agreement reflects the deep-rooted desire for collaboration between the two countries and as representatives of the two nations, between us we can go a long way towards helping to mitigate the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," the heads of both companies said in the statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-one-of-lowest-global-covid-19-fatality-rates-029-cases-on-ventilators-harsh-vardhan-323962">Also read|&nbsp;India has one of lowest global COVID-19 fatality rates, 0.29% cases on ventilators: Harsh Vardhan</a>

It said Beximco would be the exclusive supplier in Bangladesh for the vaccine being developed by SII and that the Bangladeshi company would discuss with the government the number of doses it wants. Beximco will also secure additional doses to be distributed to the private pay market in Bangladesh.

The Serum Institute is the world`s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume. It is holding trials for three potential coronavirus vaccines, including one licensed to AstraZeneca by Oxford University.

Bangladesh has also approved a late-stage trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine developed by China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd in the hope of being a priority recipient for the jab.

Bangladesh confirmed 47 more deaths and reported 2,211 new cases on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the country to 306,794 with 4,174 deaths.

India reported a record daily jump of 77,266 coronavirus infections on Friday, taking its total number of cases to 3.39 million with 61,529 deaths.

Bangladesh`s Beximco Pharmaceuticals is investing in the Serum Institute of India (SII) to ensure Dhaka gets priority access to COVID-19 vaccines being developed by the Indian drug manufacturer, the company said on Friday.

Bangladesh`s Beximco Pharmaceuticals is investing in the Serum Institute of India (SII) to ensure Dhaka gets priority access to COVID-19 vaccines being developed by the Indian drug manufacturer, the company said on Friday. The deal announced by the Bangladeshi generic drugmaker comes after Dhaka said this month it was ready to hold trials of candidate vaccines being developed by India as both countries seek to curb the spread of the virus. SII has partnered with AstraZeneca, the Gates Foundation and the Gavi vaccine alliance to produce more than a billion doses of a COVID-19 vaccine for global supply. Also read| COVID-19: Delhi records highest single-day cases in August; death toll rises to over 4,400 "The investment amount will be treated as an advance and once the vaccine receives regulatory approvals, SII will include Bangladesh among the countries who will be the first to receive an agreed quantity of this vaccine from SII on a priority basis," Beximco said in a statement. It did not give details about the size of the investment in SII nor how many vaccines Beximco might receive. "This landmark agreement reflects the deep-rooted desire for collaboration between the two countries and as representatives of the two nations, between us we can go a long way towards helping to mitigate the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," the heads of both companies said in the statement. Also read| India has one of lowest global COVID-19 fatality rates, 0.29% cases on ventilators: Harsh Vardhan It said Beximco would be the exclusive supplier in Bangladesh for the vaccine being developed by SII and that the Bangladeshi company would discuss with the government the number of doses it wants. Beximco will also secure additional doses to be distributed to the private pay market in Bangladesh. The Serum Institute is the world`s largest manufacturer of vaccines by volume. It is holding trials for three potential coronavirus vaccines, including one licensed to AstraZeneca by Oxford University. Bangladesh has also approved a late-stage trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine developed by China`s Sinovac Biotech Ltd in the hope of being a priority recipient for the jab. Bangladesh confirmed 47 more deaths and reported 2,211 new cases on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the country to 306,794 with 4,174 deaths. India reported a record daily jump of 77,266 coronavirus infections on Friday, taking its total number of cases to 3.39 million with 61,529 deaths.

Bangladesh's Beximco signs COVID-19 vaccine deal with India's Serum Institute

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom&nbsp;has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus.

The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists&nbsp;at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

The scientists found that an ingredient commonly found in insect repellent —&nbsp;Citriodiol — may have the power to kill&nbsp;anti-viral properties, if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase.

"Mixing a virus suspension with Mosi-guard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2," said the study.

At a high concentration, "Mosi-guard gave a significant decrease... resulting in no recoverable virus," it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-first-coronavirus-reinfection-case-confirmed-in-hong-kong-322896">Also read:&nbsp;World’s 'first' coronavirus reinfection case confirmed in Hong Kong</a>

The ingredient,&nbsp;Citriodiol, is known to kill other forms of coronavirus, and is found in&nbsp;Asia, South America and Africa, and is made&nbsp;made from oil in the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree.

The study has not been externally peer-reviewed and has been released as a foundation basis for other scientists around the world who are&nbsp;researching for possible solutions for COVID-19.

"DSTL is hopeful that the findings in this research can be used as a springboard for other organizations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication," the Minsitry of Defence&nbsp;said.

This is&nbsp; not the first time the use of this ingredient is being mentioned for killing the virus. In May,&nbsp;Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had revealed that the British armed forces were being given the insect repellent as an&nbsp;"additional layer of protection" against exposure to the virus after the&nbsp;Surgeon General had assured that it would cause no harm to the soldiers.

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus. The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

A study conducted by researchers of the United Kingdom has rvealed that chemicals present in insect spray can kill the novel coronavirus. The preliminary study has been conducted by scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The scientists found that an ingredient commonly found in insect repellent — Citriodiol — may have the power to kill anti-viral properties, if mixed with the virus in the liquid phase. "Mixing a virus suspension with Mosi-guard spray or selected constituent components resulted in a reduction in SARS-CoV-2," said the study. At a high concentration, "Mosi-guard gave a significant decrease... resulting in no recoverable virus," it added. Also read: World’s 'first' coronavirus reinfection case confirmed in Hong Kong The ingredient, Citriodiol, is known to kill other forms of coronavirus, and is found in Asia, South America and Africa, and is made made from oil in the leaves and twigs of the eucalyptus citriodora tree. The study has not been externally peer-reviewed and has been released as a foundation basis for other scientists around the world who are researching for possible solutions for COVID-19. "DSTL is hopeful that the findings in this research can be used as a springboard for other organizations to expand and develop the research, as well as to confirm the findings in this publication," the Minsitry of Defence said. This is not the first time the use of this ingredient is being mentioned for killing the virus. In May, Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had revealed that the British armed forces were being given the insect repellent as an "additional layer of protection" against exposure to the virus after the Surgeon General had assured that it would cause no harm to the soldiers.

Chemical present in insect spray can kill coronavirus: Study

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not harbor "deep state" elements, the agency's head told Reuters on Monday, rejecting criticism from President Donald Trump that staff there were trying to delay a coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Stephen Hahn said he was completely confident that FDA workers were focused solely on the interests of the American people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Without evidence, Trump on Saturday accused members of the so-called "deep state" working within the FDA of complicating efforts to test COVID-19 vaccines in order to delay results until after the Nov. 3 presidential election.

"I have not seen anything that I would consider to be 'deep state' at the FDA," Hahn told Reuters in an interview. Trump's use of the term "deep state" appears to refer to long-serving government employees he believes are determined to undermine his agenda.

Hahn said he had a solid relationship with Trump, a Republican whose re-election chances in November have been dampened by public discontent over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-without-proof-that-fda-deep-state-slowing-coronavirus-trials-322449">Also read:&nbsp;Trump says without proof that FDA 'deep state' slowing coronavirus trials</a>

"I enjoy a very good relationship with the president and I have discussed our decisions with him, and I feel very comfortable and continue to feel comfortable with that relationship," Hahn said.

Trump`s tweet, which tagged the commissioner, said: "The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd."

Trump has talked up the possibility of a coronavirus vaccine coming soon and the White House is eager to have positive news on the development of one before the election.

Trump and his advisers are also eager to show that his administration is moving quickly to find both a vaccine and treatments for the disease, even as scientists have warned that time is required for testing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-to-make-case-for-trump-after-democrats-endorse-biden-322281">Also read:&nbsp;Republicans to make case for Trump after Democrats endorse Biden</a>

Hahn said the FDA`s recent authorization of a coronavirus treatment using blood plasma from recovered patients was not made because of political pressure and emphasized that on his watch any decision on a vaccine would be based on science.

Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and a regulator who will help decide the fate of coronavirus vaccine candidates, has said he would resign if the Trump administration approved a vaccine before it was shown to be safe and effective.

Hahn said he had spoken to Marks and respected his judgment.

"I'm not going to ... speculate about what I would do," in such a situation, he said. "But what I can tell you is that I will not participate in a decision at FDA that`s made upon anything other than data and science. That I can assure you," he said.

Trump hailed the FDA "emergency use authorization" for convalescent plasma on Sunday, shortly before the beginning of this week's Republican National Convention.

Hahn said the decision was made by the agency's scientists and that he concurred with it after looking at the data.

Hahn acknowledged that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases expert, and Dr. Francis Collins of the National Institutes of Health had expressed concern that the data did not justify the authorization.

"Previously when we did have a discussion with them, they were concerned that the data might not be robust enough. That`s why we did the validation ... to provide further confirmation," Hahn said.

Fauci told Reuters on Monday that premature approval of a COVID-19 vaccine could undermine trials of other vaccine candidates.

Hahn said there was medical urgency to develop a vaccine. "But we want to be as sure as we possibly can regarding safety and efficacy," he said.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not harbor "deep state" elements, the agency's head told Reuters on Monday, rejecting criticism from President Donald Trump that staff there were trying to delay a coronavirus vaccine.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not harbor "deep state" elements, the agency's head told Reuters on Monday, rejecting criticism from President Donald Trump that staff there were trying to delay a coronavirus vaccine. Dr. Stephen Hahn said he was completely confident that FDA workers were focused solely on the interests of the American people during the coronavirus pandemic. Without evidence, Trump on Saturday accused members of the so-called "deep state" working within the FDA of complicating efforts to test COVID-19 vaccines in order to delay results until after the Nov. 3 presidential election. "I have not seen anything that I would consider to be 'deep state' at the FDA," Hahn told Reuters in an interview. Trump's use of the term "deep state" appears to refer to long-serving government employees he believes are determined to undermine his agenda. Hahn said he had a solid relationship with Trump, a Republican whose re-election chances in November have been dampened by public discontent over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Trump says without proof that FDA 'deep state' slowing coronavirus trials "I enjoy a very good relationship with the president and I have discussed our decisions with him, and I feel very comfortable and continue to feel comfortable with that relationship," Hahn said. Trump`s tweet, which tagged the commissioner, said: "The deep state, or whoever, over at the FDA is making it very difficult for drug companies to get people in order to test the vaccines and therapeutics. Obviously, they are hoping to delay the answer until after November 3rd." Trump has talked up the possibility of a coronavirus vaccine coming soon and the White House is eager to have positive news on the development of one before the election. Trump and his advisers are also eager to show that his administration is moving quickly to find both a vaccine and treatments for the disease, even as scientists have warned that time is required for testing. Also read: Republicans to make case for Trump after Democrats endorse Biden Hahn said the FDA`s recent authorization of a coronavirus treatment using blood plasma from recovered patients was not made because of political pressure and emphasized that on his watch any decision on a vaccine would be based on science. Peter Marks, director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and a regulator who will help decide the fate of coronavirus vaccine candidates, has said he would resign if the Trump administration approved a vaccine before it was shown to be safe and effective. Hahn said he had spoken to Marks and respected his judgment. "I'm not going to ... speculate about what I would do," in such a situation, he said. "But what I can tell you is that I will not participate in a decision at FDA that`s made upon anything other than data and science. That I can assure you," he said. Trump hailed the FDA "emergency use authorization" for convalescent plasma on Sunday, shortly before the beginning of this week's Republican National Convention. Hahn said the decision was made by the agency's scientists and that he concurred with it after looking at the data. Hahn acknowledged that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious diseases expert, and Dr. Francis Collins of the National Institutes of Health had expressed concern that the data did not justify the authorization. "Previously when we did have a discussion with them, they were concerned that the data might not be robust enough. That`s why we did the validation ... to provide further confirmation," Hahn said. Fauci told Reuters on Monday that premature approval of a COVID-19 vaccine could undermine trials of other vaccine candidates. Hahn said there was medical urgency to develop a vaccine. "But we want to be as sure as we possibly can regarding safety and efficacy," he said.

FDA commissioner disputes Trump, says no 'deep state' thwarting vaccine

A top official from&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public.

Peter Marks, Director of the Food and Drug Administration`s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, confirmed to a news agency that scientists, researchers, government officials and executives are worried that the Trump administration will try to rush the process and/or release of the COVID-19 vaccine to have a lead in the upcoming Presidential elections in November.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-locks-in-coronavirus-vaccine-deal-as-new-cases-ease-321609">Also read:&nbsp;Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease</a>

The statement came after Marks, on a NIH call with members of its vaccine working group on August 14, reacted to some participants' questions of whether it was realistic to expect sufficient safety and efficacy data from those trials before the election.

Marks said he can not stand by and see something ineffective — or probably unsafe — being handed out to the general public for a political agenda.

"You have to decide where your red line is, and that`s my red line," he said. "I would feel obligated (to resign) because in doing so, I would indicate to the American public that there's something wrong."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/can-the-world-overcome-vaccine-nationalism-321588">Also read:&nbsp;Can the world overcome vaccine nationalism?</a>

He is not just against Trump administration using the vaccine. Marks established that he would be against anyone using the vacacine for personal or political gains, even if the vaccine was proven to be medicaly safe for public.

Michael Caputo, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees FDA and NIH, said the government aims to identify a safe and effective vaccine by January 2021.

Meanwhile, there have been speculations of the FDA approving a vaccine under political pressure for the upcoming November elections.&nbsp;However, Caputo rejected such claims saying, "I've never met one FDA regulator who wouldn't resign over improper pressure, and that's how America knows their seal of approval is the gold standard." He added that such speculations&nbsp;"only undermines confidence in the public health system."

The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee of outside experts on coronavirus vaccines on October 22. Marks claimed that the trials were doing well and the data could be available for interpretation by October.

A top official from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public.

A top official from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has said he will resign if the Trum administration meddles in the affairs of the FDA and approes a vaccine before it is proved to be safe and effectivw for the general public. Peter Marks, Director of the Food and Drug Administration`s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, confirmed to a news agency that scientists, researchers, government officials and executives are worried that the Trump administration will try to rush the process and/or release of the COVID-19 vaccine to have a lead in the upcoming Presidential elections in November. Also read: Australia locks in coronavirus vaccine deal as new cases ease The statement came after Marks, on a NIH call with members of its vaccine working group on August 14, reacted to some participants' questions of whether it was realistic to expect sufficient safety and efficacy data from those trials before the election. Marks said he can not stand by and see something ineffective — or probably unsafe — being handed out to the general public for a political agenda. "You have to decide where your red line is, and that`s my red line," he said. "I would feel obligated (to resign) because in doing so, I would indicate to the American public that there's something wrong." Also read: Can the world overcome vaccine nationalism? He is not just against Trump administration using the vaccine. Marks established that he would be against anyone using the vacacine for personal or political gains, even if the vaccine was proven to be medicaly safe for public. Michael Caputo, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees FDA and NIH, said the government aims to identify a safe and effective vaccine by January 2021. Meanwhile, there have been speculations of the FDA approving a vaccine under political pressure for the upcoming November elections. However, Caputo rejected such claims saying, "I've never met one FDA regulator who wouldn't resign over improper pressure, and that's how America knows their seal of approval is the gold standard." He added that such speculations "only undermines confidence in the public health system." The FDA has scheduled a meeting of its advisory committee of outside experts on coronavirus vaccines on October 22. Marks claimed that the trials were doing well and the data could be available for interpretation by October.

Top FDA scientist says will resign if Trump administration meddles

Russian Energy Minister&nbsp;Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday.

The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference&nbsp;by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

"Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

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Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening&nbsp;of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that.

"He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin.

However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the&nbsp;OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media.

Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers.&nbsp;Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister&nbsp;Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive.

Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak has tested positive for coronavirus, Russian Prime Minister announced in a government meeting on Tuesday. The news broke out hours before Novak was to participate in a video conference by the ministerial monitoring committee of OPEC and its allies. "Unfortunately, Alexander Valentinovich Novak has been taken ill with the coronavirus", Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. × Novak received the report after arriving in Blagoveshchensk to attend the meeting and the opening of a huge petro-chemical project near the Chinese border. He immediately left for Moscow after that. "He arrived and he has left for Moscow. With all our hearts, we wish him a recovery," said Mishustin. However, Novak will still be attending the video conference of the OPEC+ group including Russia, an energy ministry spokesperson told the local media. Novak is not the first to test positive from the Russian ministers. Leaders such as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and other lawmakers have earlier tested positive. Few days ago Russian President Vladimir Putin had claimed that Russia has produced world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

Russian Energy Minister tests positive for coronavirus hours before OPEC meeting

"Welcome home Bhaiyu", wrote legendary star Amitabh Bachchan after son-actor Abhishek Bachchan was discharged from Mumbai`s Nanavati hospital, after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abhishek-bachchan-tests-negative-for-covid-19-i-told-you-guys-id-beat-this-319048https://www.wionews.com/e">testing negative</a> for COVID-19 on Saturday. 
 
Big B shared with his legion of fans, the good news of his son's recovery from COVID-19 on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, and expressed his gratitude towards the almighty."welcome home Bhaiyu .. GOD IS GREAT," the 'Sholay'&nbsp;actor tweeted.

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T 3620 - Abhishek tests negative for CoviD .. discharged from Hospital .. on his way home .. 
GOD IS GREAT .. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 
.. thank you Ef and well wishers for your PRAYERS .. <a href="https://t.co/aHyBw0SPFH">pic.twitter.com/aHyBw0SPFH</a>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/1292036444140081154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Scores of well wishes from fans as well as from Bollywood celebrities poured in on social media platforms, since the recovery news was put out. Abhishek's 'Delhi-6'&nbsp;co-star and good friend Sonam Kapoor tweeted: "Ab you`re the best ...all my love to you"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-Amitabh-Bachchan-calls-home-a-prison-cell-as-he-quarantines-post-COVID-recovery-318332" hreflang="en">Amitabh Bachchan calls home 'a prison cell' as he quarantines post COVID recovery</a>

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T 3620 - Abhishek tests negative for CoviD .. discharged from Hospital .. on his way home .. 
GOD IS GREAT .. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 
.. thank you Ef and well wishers for your PRAYERS .. <a href="https://t.co/aHyBw0SPFH">pic.twitter.com/aHyBw0SPFH</a>
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/1292036444140081154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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While television host and actor Maniesh Paul wrote on Twitter: "Thats supppppppper bro!!pls take care"

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A promise is a promise! 
This afternoon I tested Covid-19 NEGATIVE!!! I told you guys I’d beat this. 💪🏽 thank you all for your prayers for me and my family. My eternal gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at Nanavati hospital for all that they have done. 🙏🏽 THANK YOU!
— Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/juniorbachchan/status/1292023069418983425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Abhishek Bachchan is the last member of the Bachchan family to return home after testing positive for COVID-19.He was admitted to Mumbai`s hospital along with senior Bachchan on July 11 after testing positive for the virus, and since then were getting the treatment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-Amitabh-Bachchan-gets-emotional-as-Bahurani-Aishwarya-and-little-one-Aaradhya-head-home-after-testing-COVID-negative-316424" hreflang="en">Amitabh Bachchan gets emotional as 'Bahurani' Aishwarya and 'little one' Aaradhya head home after testing COVID negative</a> 
 
Besides the father-son duo, the other members of Bachchan family &nbsp;Big B's daughter in law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and granddaughter Aaradhya were also tested COVID-19 positive on July 12.However, on July 27, the former 
 
Miss World and her daughter were discharged from the hospital after testing negative for the virus.On August 2, Big B shared the news of his testing negative for COVID-19 on social media and extended gratitude to the legion of fans, and admirers for their undying support, and prayers to the Bachchan family during these trying times.Abhishek Bachchan returned home in Mumbai after his discharge from hospital.

"Welcome home Bhaiyu", wrote legendary star Amitabh Bachchan after son-actor Abhishek Bachchan was discharged from Mumbai`s Nanavati hospital, after testing negative for COVID-19 on Saturday.

"Welcome home Bhaiyu", wrote legendary star Amitabh Bachchan after son-actor Abhishek Bachchan was discharged from Mumbai`s Nanavati hospital, after testing negative for COVID-19 on Saturday. Big B shared with his legion of fans, the good news of his son's recovery from COVID-19 on the micro-blogging site, Twitter, and expressed his gratitude towards the almighty."welcome home Bhaiyu .. GOD IS GREAT," the 'Sholay' actor tweeted. T 3620 - Abhishek tests negative for CoviD .. discharged from Hospital .. on his way home .. GOD IS GREAT .. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 .. thank you Ef and well wishers for your PRAYERS .. pic.twitter.com/aHyBw0SPFH — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 8, 2020 × Scores of well wishes from fans as well as from Bollywood celebrities poured in on social media platforms, since the recovery news was put out. Abhishek's 'Delhi-6' co-star and good friend Sonam Kapoor tweeted: "Ab you`re the best ...all my love to you" Also read: Amitabh Bachchan calls home 'a prison cell' as he quarantines post COVID recovery T 3620 - Abhishek tests negative for CoviD .. discharged from Hospital .. on his way home .. GOD IS GREAT .. 🙏🙏🙏🙏 .. thank you Ef and well wishers for your PRAYERS .. pic.twitter.com/aHyBw0SPFH — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) August 8, 2020 × While television host and actor Maniesh Paul wrote on Twitter: "Thats supppppppper bro!!pls take care" A promise is a promise! This afternoon I tested Covid-19 NEGATIVE!!! I told you guys I’d beat this. 💪🏽 thank you all for your prayers for me and my family. My eternal gratitude to the doctors and nursing staff at Nanavati hospital for all that they have done. 🙏🏽 THANK YOU! — Abhishek Bachchan (@juniorbachchan) August 8, 2020 × Abhishek Bachchan is the last member of the Bachchan family to return home after testing positive for COVID-19.He was admitted to Mumbai`s hospital along with senior Bachchan on July 11 after testing positive for the virus, and since then were getting the treatment. Also read: Amitabh Bachchan gets emotional as 'Bahurani' Aishwarya and 'little one' Aaradhya head home after testing COVID negative Besides the father-son duo, the other members of Bachchan family Big B's daughter in law Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and granddaughter Aaradhya were also tested COVID-19 positive on July 12.However, on July 27, the former Miss World and her daughter were discharged from the hospital after testing negative for the virus.On August 2, Big B shared the news of his testing negative for COVID-19 on social media and extended gratitude to the legion of fans, and admirers for their undying support, and prayers to the Bachchan family during these trying times.Abhishek Bachchan returned home in Mumbai after his discharge from hospital.

Big B welcomes home 'bhaiyu' Abhishek Bachchan post his COVID-19 recovery

Alyssa Milano recently opened about her experience with COVID-19 in a long Instagram post. The post had a picture of her wearing an oxygen mask. The 47-year-old actress had tested positive for coronavirus antibodies after being tested negative for three&nbsp;consecutive times.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
"This was me on April 2nd after being sick for 2 weeks," the actress said and added that she had 'never been this kind of sick after unknowingly contracting virus back in March. 
 
''Everything hurt. Loss of smell. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't keep food in me. I lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I was confused. Low grade fever. And the headaches were horrible. I basically had every Covid symptom. At the very end of march I took two covid19 tests and both were negative. I also took a covid antibody test (the finger prick test) after I was feeling a bit better. NEGATIVE," she added. 
 
The actress continued to narrate her story and wrote, "After living the last 4 months with lingering symptoms like, vertigo, stomach abnormalities, irregular periods, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, zero short term memory, and general malaise, I went and got an antibody test from a blood draw from a lab. I am POSITIVE for covid antibodies. I had Covid19."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDhQ43NgP02/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">This was me on April 2nd after being sick for 2 weeks. I had never been this kind of sick. Everything hurt. Loss of smell. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t keep food in me. I lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I was confused. Low grade fever. And the headaches were horrible. I basically had every Covid symptom. At the very end of march I took two covid19 tests and both were negative. I also took a covid antibody test (the finger prick test) after I was feeling a bit better. NEGATIVE. After living the last 4 months with lingering symptoms like, vertigo, stomach abnormalities, irregular periods, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, zero short term memory, and general malaise, I went and got an antibody test from a blood draw (not the finger prick) from a lab. I am POSITIVE for covid antibodies. I had Covid19. I just want you to be aware that our testing system is flawed and we don’t know the real numbers. I also want you to know, this illness is not a hoax. I thought I was dying. It felt like I was dying. I will be donating my plasma with hopes that I might save a life. Please take care of yourselves. Please wash your hands and wear a mask and social distance. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I felt. Be well. I love you all (well, maybe not the trolls. Just the kind people.)❤️</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/milano_alyssa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Alyssa Milano</a> (@milano_alyssa) on <time datetime="2020-08-05T19:42:10+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 5, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT</time>
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Having recovered, Milano is now planning to donate her plasma to help the fight against the pandemic and to possibly save a life. She also encouraged her followers to take the virus seriously.&nbsp; 
 
"I just want you to be aware that our testing system is flawed and we don't know the real numbers. I also want you to know, this illness is not a hoax. I thought I was dying. It felt like I was dying. I will be donating my plasma with hopes that I might save a life. Please take care of yourselves. Please wash your hands and wear a mask and social distance. I don't want anyone to feel the way I felt. Be well. I love you all," she added. 
 
On the work front, she is working on the sequel of comedy series 'Who's the Boss'

Alyssa Milano recently opened about her experience with COVID-19 in a long Instagram post. The post had a picture of her wearing an oxygen mask. The 47-year-old actress had tested positive for coronavirus antibodies after being tested negative for three consecutive times.

Alyssa Milano recently opened about her experience with COVID-19 in a long Instagram post. The post had a picture of her wearing an oxygen mask. The 47-year-old actress had tested positive for coronavirus antibodies after being tested negative for three consecutive times. "This was me on April 2nd after being sick for 2 weeks," the actress said and added that she had 'never been this kind of sick after unknowingly contracting virus back in March. ''Everything hurt. Loss of smell. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't keep food in me. I lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I was confused. Low grade fever. And the headaches were horrible. I basically had every Covid symptom. At the very end of march I took two covid19 tests and both were negative. I also took a covid antibody test (the finger prick test) after I was feeling a bit better. NEGATIVE," she added. The actress continued to narrate her story and wrote, "After living the last 4 months with lingering symptoms like, vertigo, stomach abnormalities, irregular periods, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, zero short term memory, and general malaise, I went and got an antibody test from a blood draw from a lab. I am POSITIVE for covid antibodies. I had Covid19." View this post on Instagram This was me on April 2nd after being sick for 2 weeks. I had never been this kind of sick. Everything hurt. Loss of smell. It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t keep food in me. I lost 9 pounds in 2 weeks. I was confused. Low grade fever. And the headaches were horrible. I basically had every Covid symptom. At the very end of march I took two covid19 tests and both were negative. I also took a covid antibody test (the finger prick test) after I was feeling a bit better. NEGATIVE. After living the last 4 months with lingering symptoms like, vertigo, stomach abnormalities, irregular periods, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, zero short term memory, and general malaise, I went and got an antibody test from a blood draw (not the finger prick) from a lab. I am POSITIVE for covid antibodies. I had Covid19. I just want you to be aware that our testing system is flawed and we don’t know the real numbers. I also want you to know, this illness is not a hoax. I thought I was dying. It felt like I was dying. I will be donating my plasma with hopes that I might save a life. Please take care of yourselves. Please wash your hands and wear a mask and social distance. I don’t want anyone to feel the way I felt. Be well. I love you all (well, maybe not the trolls. Just the kind people.)❤️ A post shared by Alyssa Milano (@milano_alyssa) on Aug 5, 2020 at 12:42pm PDT × Having recovered, Milano is now planning to donate her plasma to help the fight against the pandemic and to possibly save a life. She also encouraged her followers to take the virus seriously. "I just want you to be aware that our testing system is flawed and we don't know the real numbers. I also want you to know, this illness is not a hoax. I thought I was dying. It felt like I was dying. I will be donating my plasma with hopes that I might save a life. Please take care of yourselves. Please wash your hands and wear a mask and social distance. I don't want anyone to feel the way I felt. Be well. I love you all," she added. On the work front, she is working on the sequel of comedy series 'Who's the Boss'

Alyssa Milano tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, thought she was dying

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease official, has raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed by China and Russia.

Recently, during a Congressional hearing, Fauci hinted that it would be unlikely for the US to use Russian or Chinese vaccines if they arrive first.

"I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-sees-signs-of-hope-in-some-us-states-hard-hit-by-outbreak-316571">Also read:&nbsp;Fauci sees signs of hope in some US states hard hit by outbreak</a>

"Claims of having a vaccine ready to distribute before you do testing, I think, is problematic, at best," he added.

"We are going very quickly. I do not believe that there will be vaccines, so far ahead of us, that we will have to depend on other countries to get us vaccines."

Fauci raised concerns after Russia and China, both, claimed to be almost ready with the vaccines.

Russia said it hopes to be the first country to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The European country is hoping to have the vaccine ready by September.

Last month, Chinese media reported that a coronavirus vaccine developed&nbsp;by CanSino Biologics was being used to immunize the Chinese military. However, questions were raised on this decision as the said vaccine had not yet completed its final stages of testing.

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease official, has raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed by China and Russia. Recently, during a Congressional hearing, Fauci hinted that it would be unlikely for the US to use Russian or Chinese vaccines if they arrive first.

Anthony Fauci, the United States' top infectious disease official, has raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed by China and Russia. Recently, during a Congressional hearing, Fauci hinted that it would be unlikely for the US to use Russian or Chinese vaccines if they arrive first. "I do hope that the Chinese and the Russians are actually testing the vaccine before they are administering the vaccine to anyone," he said. Also read: Fauci sees signs of hope in some US states hard hit by outbreak "Claims of having a vaccine ready to distribute before you do testing, I think, is problematic, at best," he added. "We are going very quickly. I do not believe that there will be vaccines, so far ahead of us, that we will have to depend on other countries to get us vaccines." Fauci raised concerns after Russia and China, both, claimed to be almost ready with the vaccines. Russia said it hopes to be the first country to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The European country is hoping to have the vaccine ready by September. Last month, Chinese media reported that a coronavirus vaccine developed by CanSino Biologics was being used to immunize the Chinese military. However, questions were raised on this decision as the said vaccine had not yet completed its final stages of testing.

Fauci concerned about proper testing for COVID-19 vaccines by Russia and China

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase&nbsp;in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

The vaccine has been developed by China's&nbsp;Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported&nbsp;Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19.

There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509">Also read:&nbsp;Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B).

“We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said.

Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers.

Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful.

Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine.

As Bangladesh reopened its economy amid an increase in the coronavirus cases, the Bangladesh government has now approved the third-phase trial of a potential coronavirus vaccine. The vaccine has been developed by China's Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China, a new ally of Bangladesh, has been looking for volunteers for the vaccine trial outside of China, reported Bangladesh’s national technical advisory committee to tackle COVID-19. There will be 4,200 volunteers for this trial and half of them will be vaccinated. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 The trial will begin next month and will be conducted by the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B). “We have given ethical permission for the trial after reviewing the research protocol,” Mahmood Uz Jahan, director of the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) said. Seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangladesh, Dhaka, have been finalised to conduct this trial on the selected volunteers. Experts believe that the densely-populated country Bangladesh is participating in this trial study with an expectation of scoring a priority in delivering of the vaccine, if the trial is successful. Bangladesh has more than 204,525 confirmed coronavirus cases and 2,618 deaths.

Bangladesh allows stage III trial of China's COVID-19 vaccine

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence.

In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ready-to-share-covid-19-vaccine-technology-with-other-countries-314263">Also read:&nbsp;Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries</a>

Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote.

Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless".

The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart.

"Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read:&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic".

In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain".

Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018.

The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement.

Completely unacceptable 
Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday.

But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-depends-on-india-to-mass-produce-covid-19-vaccine-314209">Also watch:&nbsp;World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine</a>

NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware.

APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added.

Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable".

"While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added.

Election meddling 
Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States.

An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party.

The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump.

Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim.&nbsp;

Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory".

Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement.

But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online.

Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union.

Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump.

It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee.

This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research.

Britain, the United States and Canada on Thursday risked worsening fraught diplomatic ties with Russia by accusing Moscow-linked hackers of targeting labs in their countries conducting coronavirus vaccine research. The three governments pointed the finger at the Kremlin, saying that a hacking group called APT29 was "almost certainly" linked to Russian intelligence. In a separate claim, London said "Russian actors" sought to disrupt last year's UK general election by circulating leaked trade documents between Britain and the United States. Also read: Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries Both accusations came even before the publication in the coming days of a long-awaited British parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote. Russia quickly rejected the accusations as "groundless". The United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Canada’s Communications Security Establishment (CSE) said Thursday that APT29 was "a cyber espionage group, almost certainly part of the Russian intelligence services," adding their the assessment was endorsed by their US counterpart. "Throughout 2020, APT29 has targeted various organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine development in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, highly likely with the intention of stealing information and intellectual property relating to the development and testing of COVID-19 vaccines," it said. Also read: EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines The group was "likely to continue to target organisations involved in COVID-19 vaccine research and development, as they seek to answer additional intelligence questions relating to the pandemic". In a separate statement, the US National Security Agency repeated the accusations and said that APT29 "uses a variety of tools and techniques to predominantly target governmental, diplomatic, think-tank, healthcare and energy targets for intelligence gain". Russia and Britain have been at loggerheads since Moscow was accused of trying to kill double agent Sergei Skripal with a powerful military-grade nerve agent in 2018. The attack in Salisbury, southwest England, came 12 years after the radiation poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London. Again, Russia denied involvement. Completely unacceptable Britain is one of a number of countries conducting human vaccine trials for COVID-19. One, at the University of Oxford, showed potential positive results, media reports said on Thursday. But the National Cyber Security Centre, part of Britain's GCHQ electronic eavesdropping agency, said labs were among those targeted "to steal valuable intellectual property". Also watch: World depends on India to mass-produce COVID-19 vaccine NCSC director of operations Paul Chichester said known targets included UK, US and Canadian vaccine research and development organisations using techniques including malware. APT29 -- also known as "The Dukes" or "Cozy Bear" -- had also tried to hack government, diplomatic, think-tank and energy groups, it added. Nearly 600,000 people have died and more than 13.5 million infected in the coronavirus outbreak this year. Britain's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that targeting those working to find a vaccine was "completely unacceptable". "While others pursue their selfish interests with reckless behaviour, the UK and its allies are getting on with the hard work of finding a vaccine and protecting global health," he added. Election meddling Earlier, the government said there were strong suspicions of a Russian link to the leak of classified documents about a possible post-Brexit trade deal with the United States. An investigation was launched after files were published on the social media site Reddit and were later picked up by the main opposition Labour party. The party used them in its campaign for the December 12 election, claiming they proved Prime Minister Boris Johnson would "sell-out" the state-run health sector to US President Donald Trump. Health funding was a key campaign issue, and Johnson was repeatedly forced to deny the claim. Labour's then leader Jeremy Corbyn dismissed claims the leak was put online by Russia as a "conspiracy theory". Raab stopped short of accusing Moscow of direct involvement. But he said it was "almost certain... that Russian actors" were involved by putting the leaked documents online. Johnson and his ruling Conservative party won a huge majority in the election, allowing him to push through his Brexit deal to take Britain out of the European Union. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee launched a probe into suspicions of Russian interference in the 2016 Brexit vote after concerns sparked by claims of meddling in the US presidential election won by Trump. It completed the report last year but publication was delayed first by the election, and then Johnson's failure to nominate new members to the committee. This finally happened last week and members had their first meeting on Thursday, where they agreed to publish the Russia report before next Wednesday.

UK, US and Canada accuse Russia of vaccine research hacking

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its&nbsp;Western counterparts.

Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share&nbsp;the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-in-talks-with-moderna-biontech-curevac-to-secure-possible-covid-vaccines-314155">Also read|&nbsp;EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines</a>

"Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need."

Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years.

He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus.

A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts.

Russia`s Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology has reportedly successfully produced a coronavirus vaccine which, it claims, is more advanced than its Western counterparts. Alexander Gintsburg, the institute head, has extended a friendly hand to the western countries and said that Russia will be happy to share the technology with foreign colleagues, if they require. Also read| EU in talks with Moderna, BioNtech, CureVac to secure possible COVID vaccines "Our technology is patented, unique and with parameters which, I feel confident to claim, exceed the capabilities of analogous products being developed in the West," Gintsburg said, adding that "most probably, if there is any borrowing, it will be our immunization scheme to be borrowed, and we will be happy to share our hacks with the colleagues, should they need." Gintsburg claimed that the institute has been developing the used technology for the past 25 years. He explained that the said vaccine is made up of two injected components that will, together, help people get a long-term immunity against the novel coronavirus. A part of the 22 monitored vaccine by the WHO, the Gamaleya vaccine has already begun clinical trials on humans at two institutions in Russia: the Sechenov University and the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital.

Russia ready to share COVID-19 vaccine technology with other countries

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit.

Remdesivir has been at the forefront of the global battle against COVID-19 after the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times, according to data in April from a separate U.S. government trial.

That study showed a trend toward better survival for remdesivir but the difference was not statistically significant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-approves-remdesivir-as-its-first-option-for-coronavirus-treatment-312317">Also read:&nbsp;Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment</a>

In the latest analysis, Gilead said it analyzed data from 312 patients treated in its late-stage study and a separate real-world retrospective cohort of 818 patients with similar characteristics and disease severity.

Gilead`s late-stage study evaluated the safety and efficacy of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of remdesivir in hospitalized patients. The study did not have a placebo comparison.

Dr. Susan Olender from Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in the Gilead statement that the analysis draws from a real-world setting and serves as an important adjunct to clinical trial data even as it is not as vigorous as a randomized controlled trial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-halts-hydroxychloroquine-hiv-drugs-in-covid-trials-after-failure-to-reduce-death-310779">Also read:&nbsp;WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials after failure to reduce death</a>

However, Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh’s medical school, called it "a joke" to compare clinical trial data with observational data and conclude anything definitive about mortality.

"The mortality in the remdesivir trials has generally been lower for both control and intervention groups than other trials and other real world cohorts I`ve seen," Gellad said in an email.

"The real world patients are taken care of at different hospitals than those in the trial and potentially different adjunct treatments. They`re different."

Findings from the analysis showed that 74.4% of remdesivir-treated patients recovered by Day 14 versus 59.0% of patients receiving standard of care, the company said.

The mortality rate for patients treated with remdesivir in the analysis was 7.6% at Day 14, compared with 12.5% among patients not on remdesivir.

The U.S. government trial in April showed that patients given remdesivir recovered 31% faster than those given a placebo.

Gilead`s shares rose 2% to $76.27 in afternoon trading.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit.

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were needed to confirm the benefit. Remdesivir has been at the forefront of the global battle against COVID-19 after the intravenously administered medicine helped shorten hospital recovery times, according to data in April from a separate U.S. government trial. That study showed a trend toward better survival for remdesivir but the difference was not statistically significant. Also read: Australia approves remdesivir as its first option for coronavirus treatment In the latest analysis, Gilead said it analyzed data from 312 patients treated in its late-stage study and a separate real-world retrospective cohort of 818 patients with similar characteristics and disease severity. Gilead`s late-stage study evaluated the safety and efficacy of five-day and 10-day dosing durations of remdesivir in hospitalized patients. The study did not have a placebo comparison. Dr. Susan Olender from Columbia University Irving Medical Center said in the Gilead statement that the analysis draws from a real-world setting and serves as an important adjunct to clinical trial data even as it is not as vigorous as a randomized controlled trial. Also read: WHO halts hydroxychloroquine, HIV drugs in COVID trials after failure to reduce death However, Dr. Walid Gellad, a professor at University of Pittsburgh’s medical school, called it "a joke" to compare clinical trial data with observational data and conclude anything definitive about mortality. "The mortality in the remdesivir trials has generally been lower for both control and intervention groups than other trials and other real world cohorts I`ve seen," Gellad said in an email. "The real world patients are taken care of at different hospitals than those in the trial and potentially different adjunct treatments. They`re different." Findings from the analysis showed that 74.4% of remdesivir-treated patients recovered by Day 14 versus 59.0% of patients receiving standard of care, the company said. The mortality rate for patients treated with remdesivir in the analysis was 7.6% at Day 14, compared with 12.5% among patients not on remdesivir. The U.S. government trial in April showed that patients given remdesivir recovered 31% faster than those given a placebo. Gilead`s shares rose 2% to $76.27 in afternoon trading.

Gilead analysis shows remdesivir reduced coronavirus death risk, more studies needed

With a surge in number of positive coronavirus cases in the US and upcoming elections,&nbsp;the Trump administration is getting quite desperate to make all arrangements of not only finding a cure/vaccine, but also getting it to the citizens.

In such a move, the Trump administration has agreed to invest more than half a billion in tax dollars in ApiJect Systems America, a new company whose&nbsp;injector is not approved by federal health authorities and the company hasn't yet set up a factory to manufacture the devices.

“The fact of this matter is, it would be crazy for people to just rely on us. I would be the first to say it,” said ApiJect CEO Jay Walker. “We should be America's backup at this point, but probably not its primary.”

ApiJect, which has only developed 1,000 prototypes so far, is not clear whether those devices can deliver the vaccines that are currently in development.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-going-to-be-bullied-or-threatened-by-the-president-experts-react-to-trumps-threats-of-reopening-us-schools-312427">Also read|&nbsp;Not going to be bullied or threatened by the President: Experts react to Trump's threats of reopening US schools</a>

The Founder of the company, Marc Koska, has been working on creating an ultra low-cost prefilled syringe that would reduce the need to reuse needles in the developing world. With no intentions of delivering a vaccine to the entire nation, the US government has now, in very surprising turns of events, become his biggest customer. The move was strange as the company received a no-bid contract from&nbsp;Defence Department under an exception for “unusual and compelling urgency."

The government promised ApiJect $138 million to produce 100 million of its devices by the end of the year, which will require the company to retrofit new manufacturing lines in existing factories.

In addition to this, the company has been offered another $456 million as part of a public-private partnership contract to bring online several new factories to make another 500 million devices to “contain the pandemic spread to minimize the loss of life and impact to the United States economy,” said the document.

The product was spotted by Admiral Brett P. Giroir, HHS's assistant secretary for health, at the World Health Organization's Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, Kazakhstan. Walker had presented the prototype to Giroir just to explain the work that his company was trying to achieve, and Giroir was adamant on having this product in the US.

Koska said Giroir was “blown away” by their technology and told them that if a pandemic hit, the strategic national stockpile was going to need a very fast way to get injections filled with vaccines or therapeutics and ready to deliver.

So few weeks later when the pandemic hit and a call for a possible shortage of needles was made,&nbsp;ApiJect, unexpectedly, found a no-bid contract from the US government.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a surge in number of positive coronavirus cases in the US and upcoming elections, the Trump administration is getting quite desperate to make all arrangements of not only finding a cure/vaccine, but also getting it to the citizens.

With a surge in number of positive coronavirus cases in the US and upcoming elections, the Trump administration is getting quite desperate to make all arrangements of not only finding a cure/vaccine, but also getting it to the citizens. In such a move, the Trump administration has agreed to invest more than half a billion in tax dollars in ApiJect Systems America, a new company whose injector is not approved by federal health authorities and the company hasn't yet set up a factory to manufacture the devices. “The fact of this matter is, it would be crazy for people to just rely on us. I would be the first to say it,” said ApiJect CEO Jay Walker. “We should be America's backup at this point, but probably not its primary.” ApiJect, which has only developed 1,000 prototypes so far, is not clear whether those devices can deliver the vaccines that are currently in development. Also read| Not going to be bullied or threatened by the President: Experts react to Trump's threats of reopening US schools The Founder of the company, Marc Koska, has been working on creating an ultra low-cost prefilled syringe that would reduce the need to reuse needles in the developing world. With no intentions of delivering a vaccine to the entire nation, the US government has now, in very surprising turns of events, become his biggest customer. The move was strange as the company received a no-bid contract from Defence Department under an exception for “unusual and compelling urgency." The government promised ApiJect $138 million to produce 100 million of its devices by the end of the year, which will require the company to retrofit new manufacturing lines in existing factories. In addition to this, the company has been offered another $456 million as part of a public-private partnership contract to bring online several new factories to make another 500 million devices to “contain the pandemic spread to minimize the loss of life and impact to the United States economy,” said the document. The product was spotted by Admiral Brett P. Giroir, HHS's assistant secretary for health, at the World Health Organization's Global Conference on Primary Health Care in Astana, Kazakhstan. Walker had presented the prototype to Giroir just to explain the work that his company was trying to achieve, and Giroir was adamant on having this product in the US. Koska said Giroir was “blown away” by their technology and told them that if a pandemic hit, the strategic national stockpile was going to need a very fast way to get injections filled with vaccines or therapeutics and ready to deliver. So few weeks later when the pandemic hit and a call for a possible shortage of needles was made, ApiJect, unexpectedly, found a no-bid contract from the US government. (With inputs from agencies)

US invests heavily in a company, without a factory, to deliver COVID-19 vaccine

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to use the anti-viral drug favipiravir for COVID-19 patients.

However, the drugis only for&nbsp;"restricted emergency use" in&nbsp;mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, according to official sources.

The nod from DCGI came at a point when there has been a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases on a daily basis in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-human-trials-for-potential-vaccine-begins-initial-results-expected-in-august-307069">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Human trials for potential vaccine begins; initial results expected in August</a>

The officials have also granted fast-tracked permission to Glenmark, a&nbsp; pharmaceutical company, to manufacture and market the anti-viral tablets.

This approval has been granted based on the evaluation of data and in consultation with the Subject Expert Committee, as part of the accelerated approval process, considering the emergency situation and unmet medical need of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is for restricted emergency use in India.

The doctors and hospitals have been told to check that all patients have a signed consent form before the tablets are used for treatment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-could-be-on-market-in-mid-2021-says-unlisted-german-company-306522">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccine could be on market in mid-2021, says unlisted German company</a>

A senior health ministry official told a news agency, "The DCGI has approved favipiravir drug for restricted emergency use for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. This emergency use authorisation has been given on several conditions. The company has to take written consent from each patient. Also, in the first 1,000 patients, the pharma company has to do active post-market surveillance to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug being administered."

"The patient will receive a dose of 3,600 mg on the first day as a loading dose. After this, the patient would receive 1,800 mg for some days which will depend upon his/her viral load," he said.

"The drug cannot be given to patients with severe liver and renal diseases including pregnant and lactating mother," added the official.

Now that permission has been granted and the company has to get the license to manufacture from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Drug and Cosmetic Act and Rules.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to use the anti-viral drug favipiravir for COVID-19 patients. However, the drugis only for "restricted emergency use" in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, according to official sources.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to use the anti-viral drug favipiravir for COVID-19 patients. However, the drugis only for "restricted emergency use" in mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, according to official sources. The nod from DCGI came at a point when there has been a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases on a daily basis in the country. Also read| COVID 19: Human trials for potential vaccine begins; initial results expected in August The officials have also granted fast-tracked permission to Glenmark, a pharmaceutical company, to manufacture and market the anti-viral tablets. This approval has been granted based on the evaluation of data and in consultation with the Subject Expert Committee, as part of the accelerated approval process, considering the emergency situation and unmet medical need of the COVID-19 outbreak. It is for restricted emergency use in India. The doctors and hospitals have been told to check that all patients have a signed consent form before the tablets are used for treatment. Also read| Coronavirus vaccine could be on market in mid-2021, says unlisted German company A senior health ministry official told a news agency, "The DCGI has approved favipiravir drug for restricted emergency use for the treatment of mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. This emergency use authorisation has been given on several conditions. The company has to take written consent from each patient. Also, in the first 1,000 patients, the pharma company has to do active post-market surveillance to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the drug being administered." "The patient will receive a dose of 3,600 mg on the first day as a loading dose. After this, the patient would receive 1,800 mg for some days which will depend upon his/her viral load," he said. "The drug cannot be given to patients with severe liver and renal diseases including pregnant and lactating mother," added the official. Now that permission has been granted and the company has to get the license to manufacture from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Drug and Cosmetic Act and Rules. (With inputs from ANI)

COVID 19: Anti-viral drug Favipiravir gets DCGI nod for 'restricted emergency use'

China has started human trials of its sixth experimental COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being tested with the help of the UK's&nbsp;GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the US' Dynavax.

Clover Biopharmaceuticals has announced on Friday that the company has started the early-stage study of its candidate with vaccine boosters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-could-be-on-market-in-mid-2021-says-unlisted-german-company-306522">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus vaccine could be on market in mid-2021, says unlisted German company</a>

The human trials are being carried out on nearly 150 adults, including elderly. The trial will majorly be analyzing two boosters&nbsp;in combination with Clover's candidate shot, SCB-2019, the Chinese company said.

The initial data related to safety of the vaccine and the analysis is expected to be released in the early days of August, and depending on the the report, the company will decide on whether or not to expand the&nbsp;studies by the end of this year.

Clover and the British drugmaker began their collaboration for a coronavirus vaccine in February this year and the Chinese firm partnered with Dynavax the following month.

(With inputs from Reuters)

China has started human trials of its sixth experimental COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being tested with the help of the UK's GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the US' Dynavax.

China has started human trials of its sixth experimental COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is being tested with the help of the UK's GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the US' Dynavax. Clover Biopharmaceuticals has announced on Friday that the company has started the early-stage study of its candidate with vaccine boosters. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine could be on market in mid-2021, says unlisted German company The human trials are being carried out on nearly 150 adults, including elderly. The trial will majorly be analyzing two boosters in combination with Clover's candidate shot, SCB-2019, the Chinese company said. The initial data related to safety of the vaccine and the analysis is expected to be released in the early days of August, and depending on the the report, the company will decide on whether or not to expand the studies by the end of this year. Clover and the British drugmaker began their collaboration for a coronavirus vaccine in February this year and the Chinese firm partnered with Dynavax the following month. (With inputs from Reuters)

COVID 19: Human trials for potential vaccine begins; initial results expected in August

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters.

"If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-russia-supplies-antivirus-drug-to-hospitals-cases-cross-500000-305079">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000</a>

The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus.

Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remdesivir-prevents-covid-19-lung-damage-tested-on-macaque-monkeys-304914">Also watch:&nbsp;Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys</a>&nbsp;

Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms.

Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines.

Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc on Thursday said it has begun human testing of its experimental antibody cocktail as a treatment for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The trial has an "adaptive" design and could quickly move from dozens of patients to eventually include thousands, Chief Scientific Officer George Yancopoulos told Reuters. "If it goes perfectly well, within a week or two we will move to the second phase. Within a month or so of that we will have clear data that this is or isn't working. By the end of summer, we could have sufficient data for broad utilization." Also read| COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000 The dual antibody, called REGN-COV2, is being compared to a placebo treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, and in COVID-19 patients who have symptoms but are not sick enough to be hospitalized. Regeneron also plans to study REGN-COV2 for preventing the infection in people at high-risk of exposure - such as healthcare workers - and in uninfected people with close exposure to someone who has tested positive for the virus. Antibodies are proteins made by the body's immune system that recognize, bind and neutralize an invading virus. Regeneron's cocktail - which contains an antibody made by the company and a second isolated from humans who recovered from COVID-19 - is designed so that its two antibodies bind to the coronavirus' spike protein, limiting the ability of viruses to escape. Also watch: Remdesivir prevents COVID-19 lung damage: Tested on macaque monkeys Trial patients will be given a single intravenous infusion of REGN-COV2. In the prevention segments of the study, participants will be given smaller subcutaneous doses, Yancopoulus said. Investigators will be measuring patients' viral loads and keeping track of symptoms. Regeneron said its treatment could be useful even if a COVID-19 vaccine is developed since the elderly and people with compromised immune systems often do not respond well to vaccines. Yancopoulos said, even though Regeneron does not yet have proof that REGN-COV2 is effective, the company has cleared the way for production of the antibody compound at its New York manufacturing facility.

Regeneron begins human testing of COVID-19 antibody cocktail

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country.

Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to&nbsp;502,436 cases, and a death toll of&nbsp;6,532.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-names-and-shames-china-russia-for-spreading-disinformation-campaigns-304973">Also read:&nbsp;EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns'</a>

Russia is the third worst affected country in the world right now. With a low death rate, the country is hoping to contain the spread if the virus.

The drug has been registered under the name of 'Avifavir', and was distributed to handful hospitals in the first phase on Thursday, reported&nbsp;RDIF sovereign wealth fund.

RDIF has funded trials and has a 50% share in the drug's manufacturer ChemRar, through which it hopes the company can produce enough to treat 60,000 patients in a month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moscow-lifts-covid-19-lockdown-beauty-salons-reopen-305032">Also watch:&nbsp;Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen</a>

The permission to release the drug was given under an accelerated process, as the number of cases was growing rapidly. The clinical trials for this drug were performed over a shorter period of time, and on fewer number of humans, when compared to other countries. Few trials are still underway.

Out of al ost 8- regions, seven regions have received the drug on Thursday, and negotiations are underway to&nbsp;supply the drug to other regions.

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country. Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to 502,436 cases, and a death toll of 6,532.

Amid the rising number of cases, Russia has released a drug approved to be used for the treatment of coronavirus patients in the country. Russia's total infections from the novel coronavirus crossed the mark of half a million, as the cases surged to 502,436 cases, and a death toll of 6,532. Also read: EU 'names and shames' China, Russia for spreading 'disinformation campaigns' Russia is the third worst affected country in the world right now. With a low death rate, the country is hoping to contain the spread if the virus. The drug has been registered under the name of 'Avifavir', and was distributed to handful hospitals in the first phase on Thursday, reported RDIF sovereign wealth fund. RDIF has funded trials and has a 50% share in the drug's manufacturer ChemRar, through which it hopes the company can produce enough to treat 60,000 patients in a month. Also watch: Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen The permission to release the drug was given under an accelerated process, as the number of cases was growing rapidly. The clinical trials for this drug were performed over a shorter period of time, and on fewer number of humans, when compared to other countries. Few trials are still underway. Out of al ost 8- regions, seven regions have received the drug on Thursday, and negotiations are underway to supply the drug to other regions.

COVID 19: Russia supplies antivirus drug to hospitals; cases cross 500,000

To fight&nbsp;the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit&nbsp;virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various&nbsp;business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders.&nbsp;

The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-pledges-15-million-to-global-alliance-for-vaccine-and-immunisation-303467">Also watch:&nbsp;India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation'</a>

The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India.

All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release.

The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to&nbsp;help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added.&nbsp;

Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-pm-urges-global-effort-at-covid-19-vaccine-summit-303173/amp">Also watch:&nbsp;UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit</a>

Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said,&nbsp;"I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open."

Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020.

To fight the pandemic, almost every country in the world is trying their best to develop a vaccine for the novel coronavirus. To help in this matter, the United Kingdom on Thursday organised a Global Vaccine Summit 2020. The virtual summit virtual saw attendance of representatives of more than 50 countries, including various business leaders, UN agencies, civil society, government ministers, Heads of State and country leaders. The summit helped secure USD 7.4 billion in funding to support global vaccine supply and immunisation. Also watch: India pledges $15 Million to 'Global Alliance For Vaccine And Immunisation' The summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on behalf of India. All the attendees pledge their support to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in its commitment to help save up to 8 million lives over the next five years, as per an official release. The initiative by Gavi will help further the research to help stop the spread of infectious diseases and the resurgence of other epidemics. If a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine is developed, it will also have a role in its delivery around the world. Global access will ensure collective international recovery, the release added. Addressing the attendees, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, "I hope this summit will be the moment when the world comes together to unite humanity in the fight against the disease. I urge you to join us to fortify this lifesaving alliance and inaugurate a new era of global health co-operation, which I believe is now the most essential shared endeavour of our lifetimes." Also watch: UK PM urges global effort at COVID-19 vaccine summit Thanking PM Modi, Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India, said, "I was pleased to see such a strong endorsement from Prime Minister Modi at today's summit and to hear his message about the importance of global solidarity. As he said, India's capacity to produce vaccines at low cost and research expertise will play a very important role. The UK is Gavi's leading donor and already playing a major role in the international response to Coronavirus. I'm delighted to see the continuing and excellent UK-India collaboration as a force for good against Covid-19 - from vaccine development to keeping essential medical supply routes open." Through a video message, the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called coronavirus "the greatest public health crisis of our generation", and urged all countries and world leaders to come forwards in solidarity to fight against this pandemic that has already claimed more than 383,000 deaths worldwide.

COVID 19: Global vaccine mission secures $7.4 billion; India joins UK's mission