Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation&nbsp;has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted.

But on Monday, India's daily COVID-19 cases nearly doubled compared to the previous day. On Monday, more than 2,000 cases were registered for the first time this month with southern Kerala state recording&nbsp;a spike in mortality.

With the Covid marking a slight return in India,&nbsp;here are some of the techniques that you can follow if you get infected with COVID-19 and also ensure that others around you are safe.

1. Distance yourself from everyone:&nbsp;Keep your belongings away. Prefer to wear an N95 mask even if you are alone in the room, use gloves and disposables as it reduces the chances of transmission to others.

2. Stay hydrated:&nbsp;Drinking plenty of water is very essential for the body but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your body loses water as a result of symptoms like fever, sweating, vomiting, which leads to dehydration. It's okay to hydrate yourself with water, but your body will absorb the fluid better if either salt or sugar is added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-reports-increase-in-covid-19-cases-weekly-cases-rise-in-haryana-kerala-and-gujarat-471815">Delhi reports increase in COVID-19 cases; weekly cases rise in Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat</a>

3. It’s very common that when you’re sick, especially during an upset stomach, you may not feel like having anything. During Covid, there are high chances of passing out. So, your body needs proper nourishment to feel great. Eat nutritious foods&nbsp;that help in boosting your immunity. Incorporate fresh citrus fruits and vegetables like spinach into your diet. Even intake of vitamin supplements can help in building immunity.

4. It is strongly advised to lie face down if faced with shortness of breath,&nbsp;as it helps improve&nbsp;oxygen levels in the blood.

5. Keep a regular check on your oxygen level using a pulse oximeter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-covid-19-more-dangerous-than-driving-how-scientists-are-parsing-coronavirus-risks-471747">Is COVID-19 more dangerous than driving? How scientists are parsing coronavirus risks.</a>

6. Practice breathing exercises.&nbsp;

7. Taking medicines like paracetamol might help you in alleviating symptoms like body aches, fever, but if you are at a higher risk of developing severe infection, such as those who are unvaccinated, ages or people with medical issues, doctors might prescribe you oral antiviral medicines.

Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted.

Last year, India was at the centre of the global Covid outbreak, but the situation has seen significant improvement since then, as most of the precautions have now been lifted. But on Monday, India's daily COVID-19 cases nearly doubled compared to the previous day. On Monday, more than 2,000 cases were registered for the first time this month with southern Kerala state recording a spike in mortality. With the Covid marking a slight return in India, here are some of the techniques that you can follow if you get infected with COVID-19 and also ensure that others around you are safe. 1. Distance yourself from everyone: Keep your belongings away. Prefer to wear an N95 mask even if you are alone in the room, use gloves and disposables as it reduces the chances of transmission to others. 2. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is very essential for the body but it’s even more important when you’re sick. Your body loses water as a result of symptoms like fever, sweating, vomiting, which leads to dehydration. It's okay to hydrate yourself with water, but your body will absorb the fluid better if either salt or sugar is added. Also read | Delhi reports increase in COVID-19 cases; weekly cases rise in Haryana, Kerala and Gujarat 3. It’s very common that when you’re sick, especially during an upset stomach, you may not feel like having anything. During Covid, there are high chances of passing out. So, your body needs proper nourishment to feel great. Eat nutritious foods that help in boosting your immunity. Incorporate fresh citrus fruits and vegetables like spinach into your diet. Even intake of vitamin supplements can help in building immunity. 4. It is strongly advised to lie face down if faced with shortness of breath, as it helps improve oxygen levels in the blood. 5. Keep a regular check on your oxygen level using a pulse oximeter. Also read | Is COVID-19 more dangerous than driving? How scientists are parsing coronavirus risks. 6. Practice breathing exercises. 7. Taking medicines like paracetamol might help you in alleviating symptoms like body aches, fever, but if you are at a higher risk of developing severe infection, such as those who are unvaccinated, ages or people with medical issues, doctors might prescribe you oral antiviral medicines.

Here are some simple tips to help you ease your Covid symptoms at home

Almost&nbsp;all residents of&nbsp;Indonesia's&nbsp;most&nbsp;populous&nbsp;island&nbsp;of Java&nbsp;have&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;against&nbsp;COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed.

The March&nbsp;study&nbsp;of 2,100 people, conducted on Java, home to 150 million people, and Bali,&nbsp;Indonesia's&nbsp;top tourism destination, revealed 99.2 per cent&nbsp;of people had covid&nbsp;antibodies, a 6 per cent&nbsp;point increase from a December survey.

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Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, which conducted the survey with the health ministry, on Monday told Reuters the antibody levels in the latest survey were higher due to a wider booster shot rollout, as recipients had stronger protection.

Indonesia's&nbsp;daily case numbers&nbsp;have&nbsp;decreased significantly since a spike in February driven by the Omicron variant. About 60 per cent&nbsp;of its 270 million people&nbsp;have&nbsp;been vaccinated against covid.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown

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Pandu said the stronger&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;may explain the faster rate at which Omicron variant infections declined in Indonesia.

The December&nbsp;study, of 22,000 people, was conducted nationwide and showed 86 per cent&nbsp;of Indonesians had&nbsp;antibodies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-economic-data-hints-at-cost-of-zero-covid-strategy-471860">China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy</a>

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation has recently loosened many of its pandemic restrictions, including waiving quarantine for foreign tourists and lifting a two-year ban on the mass exodus tradition during the Muslim holiday season of Eid al-Fitr.

Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Monday said the survey was a factor in the government's assessment that the holiday "can go smoothly without bringing negative impacts on our people".

The&nbsp;study&nbsp;closely tracks recent data in Britain, where the percentage of adults with&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;antibodies&nbsp;in the middle of March was nearly&nbsp;99 per cent, according to its Office for National Statistics.

Almost all residents of Indonesia's most populous island of Java have antibodies against COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed.

Almost all residents of Indonesia's most populous island of Java have antibodies against COVID-19, owing to a combination of prior infection and vaccination against the virus, a government-commissioned survey showed. The March study of 2,100 people, conducted on Java, home to 150 million people, and Bali, Indonesia's top tourism destination, revealed 99.2 per cent of people had covid antibodies, a 6 per cent point increase from a December survey. Also read | Chinese vignettes | Covid cases are soaring in China, so is its inflation Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia, which conducted the survey with the health ministry, on Monday told Reuters the antibody levels in the latest survey were higher due to a wider booster shot rollout, as recipients had stronger protection. Indonesia's daily case numbers have decreased significantly since a spike in February driven by the Omicron variant. About 60 per cent of its 270 million people have been vaccinated against covid. Watch | Shanghai reports first covid deaths since start of covid-19 lockdown Pandu said the stronger antibodies may explain the faster rate at which Omicron variant infections declined in Indonesia. The December study, of 22,000 people, was conducted nationwide and showed 86 per cent of Indonesians had antibodies. Also read | China's economic data hints at cost of zero Covid strategy The world's largest Muslim-majority nation has recently loosened many of its pandemic restrictions, including waiving quarantine for foreign tourists and lifting a two-year ban on the mass exodus tradition during the Muslim holiday season of Eid al-Fitr. Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin on Monday said the survey was a factor in the government's assessment that the holiday "can go smoothly without bringing negative impacts on our people". The study closely tracks recent data in Britain, where the percentage of adults with COVID antibodies in the middle of March was nearly 99 per cent, according to its Office for National Statistics.

Study shows 99% on Indonesia's most populous island have COVID-19 antibodies

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

The world's second-biggest&nbsp;economy&nbsp;had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth.

But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-first-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-shanghai-since-start-of-lockdown-471757">China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown</a>

The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin.

Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment.

"With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday.

The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;-- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent.

The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn.

Watch |&nbsp;China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

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The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the&nbsp;economy&nbsp;is beginning to weaken.&nbsp;

Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period.

Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month.

"March activity data suggests that&nbsp;China's&nbsp;economy&nbsp;slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note.

Worse to come

China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond.

Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted.

Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city.

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"Further impacts&nbsp;from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater&nbsp;China&nbsp;at ING.

As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients.

The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions.

Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come".

Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat.

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Although&nbsp;China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus.

But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite.

China's economic growth accelerated in the first quarter of the year to 4.8 per cent, official data showed Monday, but the government warned of "significant challenges" ahead while massive Covid-19 lockdowns started to bite. The world's second-biggest economy had lost steam in the latter half of last year with a property slump and regulatory crackdowns, pulling down growth. But it exceeded expectations in the first three months of 2022, growing 4.8 per cent on-year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said, with Lunar New Year spending and factory production cajoling growth. Also read | China: First COVID-19 deaths reported in Shanghai since start of lockdown The weeks ahead, however, appear treacherous for the economy with Beijing's unrelenting zero-Covid approach to outbreaks clogging supply chains and locking down tens of millions of people -- including in the economic dynamos of Shanghai and Shenzhen as well as the northeastern grain basket of Jilin. Virus restrictions in March have already gouged at retail sales, as consumers shied away from shopping, and drove up unemployment. "With the domestic and international environment becoming increasingly complicated and uncertain, economic development is facing significant difficulties and challenges," NBS spokesman Fu Linghui said on Monday. The pandemic rebound -- as well as the sanctions binding Russia's economy -- ups the ante on officials to deliver Beijing's full-year growth target of around 5.5 per cent. The target comes in a pivotal political year for President Xi Jinping who is eyeing another term in power at the Party Congress to be held this autumn. Watch | China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades The current virus outbreak is the worst since the peak of the first wave which emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, and the economy is beginning to weaken. Industrial production growth eased to 5.0 per cent in March, NBS data showed, down from the January-February period. Meanwhile, retail sales sank 3.5 per cent and the urban unemployment rate ticked up to a 22-month high of 5.8 per cent last month. "March activity data suggests that China's economy slowed, especially in household consumption," Tommy Wu, lead China economist at Oxford Economics, said in a note. Worse to come China's government is trying to balance "minimising disruption against controlling the latest wave of Covid infections", Wu said, but he warned of a drag on economic activity into May or beyond. Last week, carmakers including XPeng and Volkswagen warned of severe disruptions to supply chains and possibly even a halt on production completely if the lockdown on Shanghai's 25 million inhabitants persisted. Already, goods are piling up at the world's busiest container port in Shanghai, prompting shipping giant Maersk to say it will stop taking new bookings for refrigerated containers into the city. Also read | Japan scrambled jets over 1,000 times amid Chinese, Russian air activity "Further impacts from lockdowns are imminent," said Iris Pang, chief economist for Greater China at ING. As Shanghai struggles to rein in an outbreak that has seen tens of thousands of daily cases, Pang said other cities may attempt to replicate Shenzhen's success in reopening swiftly by resorting to strict measures with just a few Covid patients. The southern tech powerhouse went into full lockdown for almost a week in March, but has since eased restrictions. Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics cautioned that "the worst is still to come". Fu of the NBS warned of high commodity prices on Monday with the Russia-Ukraine conflict leading to a decline in the availability of commodities such as corn and wheat. Also read | China begins sending its most advanced fighter plane to patrol disputed seas Although China's central bank has announced a reserve ratio cut, lowering the amount of cash banks must hold in a push to support small businesses, experts say officials were taking a restrained approach to stimulus. But economists expect officials will eventually publish a growth figure consistent with official targets, as part of doubts that the numbers may be massaged for political reasons.

China economy accelerates in Q1 but virus stalks outlook

China's zero-covid policy is impacting the economy. Lockdown has adversely impacted manufacturing in China and analysts have predicted the lowest GDP in decades.

China's zero-covid policy impacts economy, analysts predict lowest GDP in decades

While Covid restrictions are being lifted across the world, China and South Korea have reported a spike in infections. Should we be worried as cases rise? Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life? Watch this special discussion to know more!

Is it too early to go back to pre-COVID life?

China looks nowhere close to winning the battle to contain its biggest covid-19 outbreak. Shanghai is converting residential buildings into quarantine centers to house a mounting number of COVID-19 cases but the move is sparking anger to protest among residents. To get more details, we're joined by Peter Catterall, Journalist from Beijing.

China's strict 'zero Covid policy' backfires, record surge in Covid cases in Shanghai

In Shanghai, residents are screaming for help from their balconies. Chinese health officials are now admitting the situation in the city is grim. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Shanghai Covid Outbreak: Indian consulate "inaccessible"

China's&nbsp;factory-gate&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;was&nbsp;higher&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the&nbsp;factory&nbsp;gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed.

This was slightly more&nbsp;than&nbsp;a Bloomberg poll of economists&nbsp;expected, while PPI also rose on-month.

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"Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity&nbsp;prices&nbsp;to continue increasing, driving the&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement.

China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail&nbsp;inflation, rose more&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said.

Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;have picked up due to "rising international&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said.

This comes as world food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency.

Watch |&nbsp;US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases

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Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and corn.

Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy&nbsp;prices&nbsp;had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI".

"CPI&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;could rise further in April as households across&nbsp;China&nbsp;have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist Ting Lu told AFP.

As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

"Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast&nbsp;China, the largest grain production base in&nbsp;China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added.

This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs. The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the factory gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed. This was slightly more than a Bloomberg poll of economists expected, while PPI also rose on-month. Also read | China makes secret delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Serbia: Report "Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity prices to continue increasing, driving the prices of oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail inflation, rose more than expected as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said. Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food prices have picked up due to "rising international prices of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said. This comes as world food prices hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency. Watch | US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable oil and corn. Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy prices had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI". "CPI inflation could rise further in April as households across China have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief China economist Ting Lu told AFP. As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on "Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast China, the largest grain production base in China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added. This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China factory inflation higher than expected as oil prices bite

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities.

Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-releases-thousands-of-recovered-covid-patients-but-new-cases-continue-to-rise-470006">Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise</a>

No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday.

However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing.

Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement.

China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services.

China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US&nbsp;after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US&nbsp;Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters

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China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US&nbsp;Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said.

Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader.

The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China.

Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants.

City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities.

Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks.

China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms. The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks. Also read | Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday. However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing. Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement. China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services. China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated. Watch | Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said. Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader. The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China. Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants. City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities. Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks. China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

COVID-19: China closes Guangzhou to most arrivals as outbreak spreads

The government has decided to lift the lockdown in Shanghai after the number of positive cases were found in the last two weeks to have decreased substantially. Shanghai was under a very strict lockdown since the 28th of march.

Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

'Sex and The City' star Sarah Jessica Parker has tested positive for COVID-19. The actress was to perform at Broadway's Plaza Suit in the coming days, which the star has had to cancel.&nbsp;

The news of Sarah's diagnosis was confirmed by the producers of the Neil Simon play on Twitter.

"Today Sarah Jessica Parker tested positive for COVID with a second test confirming the diagnosis," the statement read.

A few days ago, Sarah's husband and veteran star Matthew Broderick contracted COVID-19.

"With both Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker positive for COVID, tonight's performance of Plaza Suite is cancelled. The producers apologize for the inconvenience this has caused audience members. Everyone wishes Matthew and Sarah Jessica a speedy recovery," the statement added.

The limited engagement show began previews on February 25 and officially opened on March 28 at the Hudson Theatre. The show is set to run through June 26.

Parker was last seen in the 'Sex and the City' reboot 'And Just Like That'. The show has been renewed for a second season.&nbsp;

'Sex and The City' star Sarah Jessica Parker has tested positive for COVID-19. The actress was to perform at Broadway's Plaza Suit in the coming days, which the star has had to cancel.

'Sex and The City' star Sarah Jessica Parker has tested positive for COVID-19. The actress was to perform at Broadway's Plaza Suit in the coming days, which the star has had to cancel. The news of Sarah's diagnosis was confirmed by the producers of the Neil Simon play on Twitter. "Today Sarah Jessica Parker tested positive for COVID with a second test confirming the diagnosis," the statement read. A few days ago, Sarah's husband and veteran star Matthew Broderick contracted COVID-19. "With both Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker positive for COVID, tonight's performance of Plaza Suite is cancelled. The producers apologize for the inconvenience this has caused audience members. Everyone wishes Matthew and Sarah Jessica a speedy recovery," the statement added. The limited engagement show began previews on February 25 and officially opened on March 28 at the Hudson Theatre. The show is set to run through June 26. Parker was last seen in the 'Sex and the City' reboot 'And Just Like That'. The show has been renewed for a second season.

Sarah Jessica Parker tests positive for COVID-19

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 5,21,573 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-covid-xe-variant-in-india-yet-government-clarifies-469066">No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies</a>

A reduction of 147 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.24 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,00,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.38 crore.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning

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India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year.

The 43 new fatalities include 36 from Kerala.

A total of 5,21,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,806 from Maharashtra, 68,264 from Kerala, and 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,498 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/till-further-notice-tata-group-owned-air-india-suspends-non-stop-flights-to-russia-469222">Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia &nbsp;</a>

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,21,573 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies A reduction of 147 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.24 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,00,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.38 crore. Watch | Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year. The 43 new fatalities include 36 from Kerala. A total of 5,21,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,806 from Maharashtra, 68,264 from Kerala, and 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,498 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal. Also read | Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India records 1,109 new cases

Do you know someone who has never been infected with coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic? How did some health professionals avoid falling ill despite daily contact with Covid-19 patients? A study by Sweden's University of Gothenburg may provide some clues.

Hidden immunity: Study gives clues on how some escape Covid-19 infection

Children as young as 11-month-old have been separated from their parents after testing positive for the Wuhan Virus in Hong Kong. Parents are not allowed to meet their children or isolate with them. Expats are fleeing Hong Kong in fear of separation. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Hong Kong separates 2,000 Covid-positive children from parents

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday.

Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">&nbsp;Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest".

Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease.

He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council.

Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient.

He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC.

The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council.

Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC.

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Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case.

Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH.

Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement.

Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh.

He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31.

Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua.

According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not.

Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times.

Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-planning-to-further-ease-restrictions-simplify-rules-461424">Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules</a>

He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times.

Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad.

There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254.

Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

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A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported. Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday. Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest". Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease. He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council. Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient. He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC. The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council. Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC. Also read | Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case. Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH. Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement. Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh. He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31. Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua. According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not. Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times. Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Also read | Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times. Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad. There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254. Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Watch | India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

Singapore suspends doctor for injecting patients with saline solutions in place of Covid vaccine

Hong Kong is now running out of coffins as it battles yet another severe wave of the pandemic. People are hesitant to use paper coffins, but this is an eco-friendly solution that could help cope with this shortage.

Hong Kong runs out of coffins as covid-19 death toll rises, surge puts strain on mortuaries

Detained former&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;leader Aung San Suu Kyi has skipped three days of her trial in a junta court after Covid-19 was detected among her staff and she was placed in quarantine, a source with knowledge of the case said Monday.

The 76-year-old's civilian government was ousted in a coup last year that triggered mass protests, and she faces a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years.

Currently on trial for alleged corruption, breaching&nbsp;Myanmar's official secrets act and pressuring the election commission, Suu Kyi has not appeared in court since last Thursday, the legal source told AFP.&nbsp;

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"Some people in her company have been infected by Covid-19... and so she's kept in quarantine, although she's not infected," the source said.&nbsp;

"We are worried because we haven't been able to see her."

Former president Win Myint -- charged alongside Suu Kyi -- appeared at the court on Monday via video conferencing, the source added.

Suu Kyi and her personal staff have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 since being taken into military custody, her lawyer told AFP last July.

She missed a hearing in September due to illness, and in October, her lawyer said her health had suffered from her frequent appearances before the junta-run court.

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Journalists are barred from the proceedings in the military-built capital Naypyidaw, and her lawyers have been banned from speaking to the press.

Suu Kyi was previously sentenced to a total six years in jail for incitement against the military, breaching Covid-19 rules and breaking a telecommunications law -- although she remains under house arrest while she fights other charges.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya, says US. But what is genocide?&nbsp;

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Detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has skipped three days of her trial in a junta court after Covid-19 was detected among her staff and she was placed in quarantine, a source with knowledge of the case said Monday.

Detained former Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has skipped three days of her trial in a junta court after Covid-19 was detected among her staff and she was placed in quarantine, a source with knowledge of the case said Monday. The 76-year-old's civilian government was ousted in a coup last year that triggered mass protests, and she faces a raft of charges that could see her jailed for more than 150 years. Currently on trial for alleged corruption, breaching Myanmar's official secrets act and pressuring the election commission, Suu Kyi has not appeared in court since last Thursday, the legal source told AFP. Also read | Different variants may cause different long COVID-19 symptoms, says study "Some people in her company have been infected by Covid-19... and so she's kept in quarantine, although she's not infected," the source said. "We are worried because we haven't been able to see her." Former president Win Myint -- charged alongside Suu Kyi -- appeared at the court on Monday via video conferencing, the source added. Suu Kyi and her personal staff have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 since being taken into military custody, her lawyer told AFP last July. She missed a hearing in September due to illness, and in October, her lawyer said her health had suffered from her frequent appearances before the junta-run court. Also read | Myanmar army says will 'annihilate' coup opponents on crackdown anniversary Journalists are barred from the proceedings in the military-built capital Naypyidaw, and her lawyers have been banned from speaking to the press. Suu Kyi was previously sentenced to a total six years in jail for incitement against the military, breaching Covid-19 rules and breaking a telecommunications law -- although she remains under house arrest while she fights other charges. Watch | Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya, says US. But what is genocide?

Myanmar's Suu Kyi 'in quarantine' after staff tests COVID-19 positive

Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak.

Starting on Friday, the ban on individual airline routes will be reduced to seven days, from 14 previously, as part of its ongoing "flight suspension mechanism", the government said in a statement.

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The change came after the government said last week a ban on flights from nine countries - Canada, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Britain, the United States, France, Australia and the Philippines - would be lifted on April 1.

If there is at least one positive test and at least one case of non-compliance with pre-departure testing on any single flight, the airline will also be suspended from flying the route for seven days.

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Hong Kong reported 8,841 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, down from 10,405 on Friday, as its latest wave of infections continues to ease.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

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Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak.

Hong Kong said on Sunday it is shortening the ban on airlines that are found to have carried three or more passengers who test positive for COVID-19 upon arrival, as the number of local cases continues to ease from its peak. Starting on Friday, the ban on individual airline routes will be reduced to seven days, from 14 previously, as part of its ongoing "flight suspension mechanism", the government said in a statement. Also read | 50% of foreign companies in Hong Kong plan to relocate The change came after the government said last week a ban on flights from nine countries - Canada, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Britain, the United States, France, Australia and the Philippines - would be lifted on April 1. If there is at least one positive test and at least one case of non-compliance with pre-departure testing on any single flight, the airline will also be suspended from flying the route for seven days. Also read | High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly Hong Kong reported 8,841 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, down from 10,405 on Friday, as its latest wave of infections continues to ease. Watch | Gravitas: Hong Kong's Covid-19 outbreak triggers mass exodus

COVID-19: Hong Kong says to halve flight suspension rule to seven days

China is searching for a new pandemic strategy to avert economic distress due to rising COVID-19 cases. In the latest, Shanghai will go under phased lockdown to curb covid situation.

Mass testing for people in Shanghai amid partial lockdown

China has registered 56,000 covid cases since March 1st and public health governance is expected to come under pressure in the coming weeks.

China reports surge in covid cases, logs 56,000 cases since March 1

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries.

Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running.

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At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city.

"If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force.

"This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy."

Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response.

The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits.

Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March.&nbsp;

China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures.

But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms.

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The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves.

But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures.

China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic.

Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city.

Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond.

On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life".

The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach.

Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts.

Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

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Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy.

Shanghai on Saturday recorded a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, but a member of the city's pandemic task force said officials were determined to avoid a full lockdown over the damage it would do to the economy. Millions of Chinese in affected areas have been subjected to city-wide lockdowns by an Omicron-led outbreak that has sent daily case counts creeping ever-higher, though they remain insignificant compared to other countries. Shanghai, however, has aimed to ease disruption with a more targeted approach marked by rolling 48-hour lockdowns of individual neighbourhoods and large-scale testing while largely keeping the metropolis of 25 million people running. Also read | Transplantation of organs from deceased COVID-19 patients is safe and possible. Here's how At a daily Shanghai press conference Saturday, officials alluded to the importance of avoiding a full lockdown of the huge port city. "If Shanghai, this city of ours, came to a complete halt, there would be many international cargo ships floating in the East China Sea," said Wu Fan, a medical expert with the city's pandemic task force. "This would impact the entire national economy and the global economy." Wu made the comments as city officials also announced that they would begin handing out self-testing kits to Shanghai residents, in the latest sign that the government was expanding its pandemic response. The northeastern province of Jilin also said Saturday that it had begun distributing 500,000 of the rapid-antigen kits. Shanghai and Jilin have been the areas hardest hit by the outbreak, which took off in early March. China had largely kept the coronavirus -- which first emerged in the city of Wuhan in late 2019 -- under control through its strict zero-tolerance measures. But that top-down approach is increasingly being questioned amid concerns over the economic impact and public "pandemic fatigue", especially considering Omicron's less severe symptoms. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM The National Health Commission announced two weeks ago that it would introduce the sale in China of rapid antigen self-test kits for the first time, and they have begun to appear on pharmacy shelves. But Saturday's announcements appeared to mark their first wide-scale use as part of official pandemic control measures. China on Saturday reported 5,600 new confirmed domestic transmissions, most of them asymptomatic. Chinese authorities had watched nervously as a deadly Hong Kong Omicron surge sparked panic buying and claimed a high toll of unvaccinated elderly in the southern Chinese city. Its subsequent spread in mainland China has posed a dilemma for authorities wrestling with how forcefully they should respond. On Wednesday, Shanghai infectious disease expert Zhang Wenhong, a top doctor in the city's pandemic fight, called for balancing anti-virus measures with maintenance of "normal life". The comments in his widely followed blog indicated growing official tolerance for voices who question the lockdown approach. Shanghai's softer strategy has so far failed to stop cases from rising, and the localised lockdowns have provoked grumbling online and a run on groceries in some districts. Shanghai on Saturday reported another steep rise in new local transmissions to 2,269 -- around 40 percent of the national total. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official

Rapper J-Hope is the latest BTS member to have contracted coronavirus. According to reports, the agency that manages BTS, BigHit Music Agency issued an official confirming the K-pop star's diagnosis with the virus.&nbsp; 
 
"J-Hope had a sore throat, so he visited the hospital on the 23rd (Wednesday) and had a PCR test. J-Hope has completed the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and currently has no symptoms other than a sore throat, and is self-isolating and receiving treatment at home," the agency confirmed in the official statement. 
 
They also shared that except for J-Hope, other BTS members currently do not have any special symptoms. 
 
"J-Hope will join the scheduled schedule next month after the completion of home treatment. We will do our best to support J-Hope so that he can recover his health as soon as possible, considering the health and safety of the artist as our top priority. In addition, we will faithfully cooperate with the requests and guidelines of the quarantine authorities. thank you," they concluded the statement. 
 
J-Hope's other bandmates, Suga, RM and Jin had also contracted COVID-19 in the recent past.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rapper J-Hope is the latest BTS member to have contracted coronavirus. According to reports, the agency that manages BTS, BigHit Music Agency issued an official confirming the K-pop star's diagnosis with the virus.

Rapper J-Hope is the latest BTS member to have contracted coronavirus. According to reports, the agency that manages BTS, BigHit Music Agency issued an official confirming the K-pop star's diagnosis with the virus. "J-Hope had a sore throat, so he visited the hospital on the 23rd (Wednesday) and had a PCR test. J-Hope has completed the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and currently has no symptoms other than a sore throat, and is self-isolating and receiving treatment at home," the agency confirmed in the official statement. They also shared that except for J-Hope, other BTS members currently do not have any special symptoms. "J-Hope will join the scheduled schedule next month after the completion of home treatment. We will do our best to support J-Hope so that he can recover his health as soon as possible, considering the health and safety of the artist as our top priority. In addition, we will faithfully cooperate with the requests and guidelines of the quarantine authorities. thank you," they concluded the statement. J-Hope's other bandmates, Suga, RM and Jin had also contracted COVID-19 in the recent past.

BTS star J-Hope tests positive for COVID-19, under self-isolation

Covid cases are increasing in western Europe, France has reported 90,000 average daily cases of coronavirus. WHO said that Europe has lifted curbs too brutally and experts blamed the surge on a mix of lifting curbs & BA.2 variant.

Coronavirus cases surge in western Europe, France reports 90,000 average daily Covid-19 cases

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns.

Authorities in Shanghai have called for calm.&nbsp;

China is struggling with the worst <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> outbreak since the outbreak began two years ago, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to frustrate authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-brutal-lifting-of-covid-precautions-behind-the-rise-in-cases-who-464858" hreflang="en">Europe's 'brutal' lifting of covid precautions behind the rise in cases: WHO</a>

A total of 981 cases were reported in China's largest city on Wednesday, all but four being asymptomatic. This represents nearly one-fifth of the nation's daily tally.

To minimize disruption, the city of Shanghai's response to the outbreak has been to lock down areas with confirmed cases or close contacts rather than enact a citywide lockdown.

However, as the number of reported cases has risen, so has public anxiety; residents have taken to social media to express concerns of further lockdowns in the roughly 25 million-person city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-continues-to-break-covid-case-record-officials-face-the-brunt-for-laxity-464579" hreflang="en">China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'</a>

The public has voiced concerns over unclear government messaging and images of expanding test sites, as well as the announcement this week that some indoor arenas have been turned into mass-quarantine sites.

"We hope that everyone will not believe or spread rumours, and especially do not maliciously spread rumours that cause panic in society," Wu Jinglei, head of Shanghai's health commission said at a daily briefing.

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

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Those spreading rumours would "bear legal responsibility," he added.

"Everyone is working hard to keep the city safe."

Schools in Shanghai have been closed for nearly two weeks, but the city has avoided the kind of city-wide lockdowns imposed in some northeastern cities.

Despite this, its normally busy streets are muted as&nbsp;citizens live every day with the risk of suddenly being confined for anything between two and fourteen days at home.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns.

As Shanghai struggles to control a Covid spike, worried citizens are now swamping online grocery platforms to stock up on food over fears of impending lockdowns. Authorities in Shanghai have called for calm. China is struggling with the worst COVID-19 outbreak since the outbreak began two years ago, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant continues to frustrate authorities. Also read | Europe's 'brutal' lifting of covid precautions behind the rise in cases: WHO A total of 981 cases were reported in China's largest city on Wednesday, all but four being asymptomatic. This represents nearly one-fifth of the nation's daily tally. To minimize disruption, the city of Shanghai's response to the outbreak has been to lock down areas with confirmed cases or close contacts rather than enact a citywide lockdown. However, as the number of reported cases has risen, so has public anxiety; residents have taken to social media to express concerns of further lockdowns in the roughly 25 million-person city. Also read | China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' The public has voiced concerns over unclear government messaging and images of expanding test sites, as well as the announcement this week that some indoor arenas have been turned into mass-quarantine sites. "We hope that everyone will not believe or spread rumours, and especially do not maliciously spread rumours that cause panic in society," Wu Jinglei, head of Shanghai's health commission said at a daily briefing. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak Those spreading rumours would "bear legal responsibility," he added. "Everyone is working hard to keep the city safe." Schools in Shanghai have been closed for nearly two weeks, but the city has avoided the kind of city-wide lockdowns imposed in some northeastern cities. Despite this, its normally busy streets are muted as citizens live every day with the risk of suddenly being confined for anything between two and fourteen days at home. (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai residents panic, sleep in office as lockdown threats loom amid China's biggest COVID-19 outbreak

Children previously infected with COVID-19 have natural circulating antibodies that last at least seven months, according to a new study led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The study was published in the journal 'Pediatrics'.

The researchers examined data from 218 children between the ages of 5 and 19 across Texas who were enrolled in the Texas CARES study. The study began in October of 2020 with the goal of looking at COVID-19 antibody status over time among adults and children across Texas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-continues-to-break-covid-case-record-officials-face-the-brunt-for-laxity-464579" hreflang="en">China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity'</a>

A total of three blood samples were collected from volunteers in the study. The samples were collected prior to the rollout of the vaccine as well as during the Delta and Omicron outbreaks. Three phases of the study have been completed to date.

"This is the first study from the Texas CARES survey that includes data from all three-time points in the project," said Sarah Messiah, PhD, MPH, professor of epidemiology, human genetics, and environmental sciences at the UT Health School of Public Health Dallas campus and corresponding author of the study.

"These findings are important because the information we collected from children infected with COVID-19 didn't differ at all by whether a child was asymptomatic, the severity of symptoms, when they had the virus, were at a healthy weight or had obesity, or by gender. It was the same for everyone," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-death-rate-in-hong-kong-shows-importance-of-vaccinating-the-elderly-464569" hreflang="en">High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly</a>

96 per cent of those infected with COVID-19 had antibodies up to seven months later. At their third and final measurement, more than half (58 per cent) of the sample were negative for infection-induced antibodies. The findings do not take vaccine protection into account.

According to Messiah, the results of Texas CARES are just a first step in understanding the virus's impact on children. She says 14 million kids in the US have tested positive for the virus so far.

A combination of natural infection and vaccine-induced protection provides the best defence against COVID-19, according to literature based on adults.

Watch |&nbsp;This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak

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"There has been a misunderstanding from some parents who think just because their child has had COVID-19, they are now protected and don't need to get the vaccine," she added.

"While our study is encouraging in that some amount natural antibodies last at least six months in children, we still don't know the absolute protection threshold."

Vaccinations are an effective means of providing additional protection to children, so if your child is eligible, take advantage of them, Messiah concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

Children previously infected with COVID-19 have natural circulating antibodies that last at least seven months, according to a new study led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

Children previously infected with COVID-19 have natural circulating antibodies that last at least seven months, according to a new study led by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. The study was published in the journal 'Pediatrics'. The researchers examined data from 218 children between the ages of 5 and 19 across Texas who were enrolled in the Texas CARES study. The study began in October of 2020 with the goal of looking at COVID-19 antibody status over time among adults and children across Texas. Also read | China continues to break Covid case record, officials face the brunt for 'laxity' A total of three blood samples were collected from volunteers in the study. The samples were collected prior to the rollout of the vaccine as well as during the Delta and Omicron outbreaks. Three phases of the study have been completed to date. "This is the first study from the Texas CARES survey that includes data from all three-time points in the project," said Sarah Messiah, PhD, MPH, professor of epidemiology, human genetics, and environmental sciences at the UT Health School of Public Health Dallas campus and corresponding author of the study. "These findings are important because the information we collected from children infected with COVID-19 didn't differ at all by whether a child was asymptomatic, the severity of symptoms, when they had the virus, were at a healthy weight or had obesity, or by gender. It was the same for everyone," she said. Also read | High death rate in Hong Kong shows importance of vaccinating the elderly 96 per cent of those infected with COVID-19 had antibodies up to seven months later. At their third and final measurement, more than half (58 per cent) of the sample were negative for infection-induced antibodies. The findings do not take vaccine protection into account. According to Messiah, the results of Texas CARES are just a first step in understanding the virus's impact on children. She says 14 million kids in the US have tested positive for the virus so far. A combination of natural infection and vaccine-induced protection provides the best defence against COVID-19, according to literature based on adults. Watch | This could happen if China doesn’t control its worst Covid-19 outbreak "There has been a misunderstanding from some parents who think just because their child has had COVID-19, they are now protected and don't need to get the vaccine," she added. "While our study is encouraging in that some amount natural antibodies last at least six months in children, we still don't know the absolute protection threshold." Vaccinations are an effective means of providing additional protection to children, so if your child is eligible, take advantage of them, Messiah concluded. (With inputs from agencies)

Children's natural immunity against Covid lasts up to seven months, but vaccines are still important: Study

China has registered 4,051 new covid cases and public health governance is expected to come under pressure in the coming weeks. However, Beijing is moving with zero-covid strategy.

China registers 4,051 new covid cases, Beijing continues zero-covid strategy

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday appreciated NGOs, stakeholders and healthcare workers for working tirelessly among the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to support them in various ways.

"I seek your continued partnership for connecting with the communities to take healthcare services to them. Your work will be pivotal in enhancing awareness and accelerating uptake of e-health services (such as eSanjeevani, and tele-health) among the masses," the Health Minister said while delivering the keynote address at a webinar on 'India's Public Health Response to Manage COVID-19'.

Mandaviya further said that India's strategies of public health response have resulted in better management of the Omicron surge compared to many other countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-foreign-secretary-to-visit-india-amid-ukraine-war-462955">UK foreign secretary to visit India amid Ukraine war</a>

"The management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially the recent Omicron surge, has strongly demonstrated to the world the power of strong political will, self-reliance through Atmanirbharta, innovation powered by technology, shared goals and collaborative efforts through a "Whole of Government" and "Whole of Society" approach".

He further said that the timely measures including test, track and treat approach with focused genome sequencing, containment through containment zones, community surveillance, protocols for home isolation and effective clinical treatment have in tandem contributed to India's COVID management.

During the webinar, the minister highlighted the steps taken by the country demonstrating various timely public health measures.

"At a time when many countries are reporting an increase in a number of daily COVID cases, India's daily cases have reported a substantial decrease, combined with an increased recovery rate, and high levels of vaccination," he added.

Applauding the collective spirit of the citizens, he said that "India's vaccination drive is testament to India's capabilities and power of the people without whom this journey, and this high level of vaccine coverage, would not have been possible.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-indias-first-hydrogen-powered-car-462868">&nbsp;Watch | Nitin Gadkari inaugurates India's first Hydrogen-powered car&nbsp;</a>

"Despite the large population combined with geographical and sociological diversities, India has set global standards of COVID vaccination, he said adding that "One of the key achievements has been our capacity to deliver over 1.8 billion COVID vaccine doses across a multitude of regions and terrains.

"Speaking about the challenges India faced during the pandemic, he said,"the country has demonstrated that 'We can do it'".

Timely and prompt decisions for containment, management, treatment and vaccination were taken by India under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated. "We have shown the world what a decisive and powerful political will can achieve," he noted.

He highlighted the crucial role played by technology and how it was leveraged for increased accessibility of healthcare services during the pandemic through e-Sanjeevani, CoWIN portal for vaccination, Arogya Setu app etc. India's technological innovations have lent speed and efficiency to the country's vaccination drive, he stated.

Emphasizing the Indian Philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'&nbsp;and 'Shubh Laabh', he said, "India has not only produced quality and affordable vaccines, but we have also exported medicines to more than 150 countries on humanitarian grounds. The Vaccine Maitri program of the Government has been lauded globally."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is India's neutrality on Ukraine backfiring?

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Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday appreciated NGOs, stakeholders and healthcare workers for working tirelessly among the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to support them in various ways.

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday appreciated NGOs, stakeholders and healthcare workers for working tirelessly among the communities during the COVID-19 pandemic to support them in various ways. "I seek your continued partnership for connecting with the communities to take healthcare services to them. Your work will be pivotal in enhancing awareness and accelerating uptake of e-health services (such as eSanjeevani, and tele-health) among the masses," the Health Minister said while delivering the keynote address at a webinar on 'India's Public Health Response to Manage COVID-19'. Mandaviya further said that India's strategies of public health response have resulted in better management of the Omicron surge compared to many other countries. Also read | UK foreign secretary to visit India amid Ukraine war "The management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially the recent Omicron surge, has strongly demonstrated to the world the power of strong political will, self-reliance through Atmanirbharta, innovation powered by technology, shared goals and collaborative efforts through a "Whole of Government" and "Whole of Society" approach". He further said that the timely measures including test, track and treat approach with focused genome sequencing, containment through containment zones, community surveillance, protocols for home isolation and effective clinical treatment have in tandem contributed to India's COVID management. During the webinar, the minister highlighted the steps taken by the country demonstrating various timely public health measures. "At a time when many countries are reporting an increase in a number of daily COVID cases, India's daily cases have reported a substantial decrease, combined with an increased recovery rate, and high levels of vaccination," he added. Applauding the collective spirit of the citizens, he said that "India's vaccination drive is testament to India's capabilities and power of the people without whom this journey, and this high level of vaccine coverage, would not have been possible. Also read | Watch | Nitin Gadkari inaugurates India's first Hydrogen-powered car "Despite the large population combined with geographical and sociological diversities, India has set global standards of COVID vaccination, he said adding that "One of the key achievements has been our capacity to deliver over 1.8 billion COVID vaccine doses across a multitude of regions and terrains. "Speaking about the challenges India faced during the pandemic, he said,"the country has demonstrated that 'We can do it'". Timely and prompt decisions for containment, management, treatment and vaccination were taken by India under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated. "We have shown the world what a decisive and powerful political will can achieve," he noted. He highlighted the crucial role played by technology and how it was leveraged for increased accessibility of healthcare services during the pandemic through e-Sanjeevani, CoWIN portal for vaccination, Arogya Setu app etc. India's technological innovations have lent speed and efficiency to the country's vaccination drive, he stated. Emphasizing the Indian Philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'Shubh Laabh', he said, "India has not only produced quality and affordable vaccines, but we have also exported medicines to more than 150 countries on humanitarian grounds. The Vaccine Maitri program of the Government has been lauded globally." Watch | Gravitas: Is India's neutrality on Ukraine backfiring?

India's health minister lauds healthcare workers for working tirelessly during COVID-19 pandemic

Germany&nbsp;reported&nbsp;another&nbsp;record&nbsp;high seven-day&nbsp;incidence&nbsp;of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions.

The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.7 million.

Infections have been rising again since the start of March after rules preventing unvaccinated people from accessing many indoor public spaces started to be eased.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-global-rise-in-covid-cases-is-tip-of-the-iceberg-463031">WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg'</a>

The seven-day&nbsp;incidence&nbsp;rose to a new high of 1,607 infections per 100,000 people on Wednesday, up from 1,585 the day before.

Another&nbsp;269 people died, bringing the total death toll to 126,142 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-against-covid-measures-rock-europe-australia-430905">In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia</a>

On Friday, parliament is set to adopt a slimmed-down law that will significantly reduce restrictions around&nbsp;Germany. The existing law expires on Saturday.

The government argues that even though cases are rising, there is no longer a major risk of overloading the health system due to vaccinations and the fact that the dominant Omicron variant often has milder symptoms.

Limited protective measures will still be possible in hotspots with high numbers of infections.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

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&nbsp;

Germany reported another record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.

Germany reported another record high seven-day incidence of the coronavirus on Wednesday even as the country prepares to ease restrictions. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) registered 262,593 new infections, a 22% jump compared to a week ago, bringing the total number of infections to nearly 17.7 million. Infections have been rising again since the start of March after rules preventing unvaccinated people from accessing many indoor public spaces started to be eased. Also read | WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg' The seven-day incidence rose to a new high of 1,607 infections per 100,000 people on Wednesday, up from 1,585 the day before. Another 269 people died, bringing the total death toll to 126,142 people. Also read | In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia On Friday, parliament is set to adopt a slimmed-down law that will significantly reduce restrictions around Germany. The existing law expires on Saturday. The government argues that even though cases are rising, there is no longer a major risk of overloading the health system due to vaccinations and the fact that the dominant Omicron variant often has milder symptoms. Limited protective measures will still be possible in hotspots with high numbers of infections. Watch | Gravitas: Global covid cases are rising again

Germany reports another record COVID-19 incidence

South Korea is battling fresh Covid-19 outbreaks as the country registered record infections with over 4,00,000 cases in a day. The recent resurgence was driven by infections in the Seoul metropolitan area amid the Omicron variant spread.

South Korea facing worst COVID-19 outbreak as government eases norms

Israel has detected cases of a new COVID-19 variant that is a hybrid of Delta and Omicron. The new strain is a combination of 2 Omicron subvariants, i.e. BA.1 and BA.2, and was reported during PCR tests on two passengers arriving at Israel's Ben Gurion airport.

Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel

The World Health Organisation voiced alarm that registered COVID-19 cases are once again rising globally, despite testing levels having dropped significantly.

Omicron variant still spreading at a very intense level, warns WHO

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