<p>The coronavirus pandemic came out of nowhere, the world was taken by surprise. The pandemic claimed so many lives,&nbsp;destroyed many families and lives. What would we do if another pandemic were to strike the world? On Thursday, countries met in Geneva to negotiate a new international accord that would answer this question. As per an AFP report citing the World Health Organization (WHO), to start with the nations have agreed that the accord should be legally binding. In December, the 194 WHO member nations voted to begin the negotiations and writing of a new international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China: Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement, the WHO said, "INB members agreed, through consensus, that they will work to conclude a new, legally-binding international pandemic agreement."</p>

<p>"As with all international instruments, any new agreement, if and when agreed by member states, is drafted and negotiated by governments themselves, who will take any action in line with their sovereignty."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-officials-say-sorry-for-breaking-into-houses-of-quarantined-covid-patients-499159" hreflang="en">Chinese officials say sorry for breaking into houses of quarantined Covid patients</a></strong></p>

<p>Thanks to the economic instability and the millions of lives lost during the coronavirus crisis, new worldwide defences that are powerful enough to stop such a nightmare in the future have been advocated.</p>

<p>WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the move and said it would protect communities and families.</p>

<p>"The importance of a legally binding instrument cannot be overstated: it will be our collective legacy for future generations."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-a-paradox-improved-air-quality-is-now-accelerating-global-warming-499448" hreflang="en">What a paradox! Improved air quality is now accelerating global warming</a></strong></p>

<p>The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body had&nbsp;convened for the second time. The INB wants to guarantee improved readiness&nbsp;and more fair response to pandemics in the future.</p>

<p>Countries are striving to complete the accord by&nbsp;May 2024. However, there are many hurdles that would need to be cleared first.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The obstacles may include the extent to which nations are willing to make pledges about things like equitable vaccine distribution, knowledge exchange, funding, oversight structures, and the authority to look into outbreaks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The coronavirus pandemic came out of nowhere, the world was taken by surprise. The pandemic claimed so many lives, destroyed many families and lives. What would we do if another pandemic were to strike the world?

The coronavirus pandemic came out of nowhere, the world was taken by surprise. The pandemic claimed so many lives, destroyed many families and lives. What would we do if another pandemic were to strike the world? On Thursday, countries met in Geneva to negotiate a new international accord that would answer this question. As per an AFP report citing the World Health Organization (WHO), to start with the nations have agreed that the accord should be legally binding. In December, the 194 WHO member nations voted to begin the negotiations and writing of a new international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Watch | China: Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks In a statement, the WHO said, "INB members agreed, through consensus, that they will work to conclude a new, legally-binding international pandemic agreement." "As with all international instruments, any new agreement, if and when agreed by member states, is drafted and negotiated by governments themselves, who will take any action in line with their sovereignty." Also read | Chinese officials say sorry for breaking into houses of quarantined Covid patients Thanks to the economic instability and the millions of lives lost during the coronavirus crisis, new worldwide defences that are powerful enough to stop such a nightmare in the future have been advocated. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, praised the move and said it would protect communities and families. "The importance of a legally binding instrument cannot be overstated: it will be our collective legacy for future generations." Also read | What a paradox! Improved air quality is now accelerating global warming The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body had convened for the second time. The INB wants to guarantee improved readiness and more fair response to pandemics in the future. Countries are striving to complete the accord by May 2024. However, there are many hurdles that would need to be cleared first. The obstacles may include the extent to which nations are willing to make pledges about things like equitable vaccine distribution, knowledge exchange, funding, oversight structures, and the authority to look into outbreaks. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How would the world deal with future pandemics? Countries decide there needs to be legally binding accord

<p>The New South Wales (NSW) government has unofficially suggested that children as young as 10 could be put on "extended payment plans" or into unpaid work programmes so that they could pay off heavy fines for breaking Covid restrictions. The news has left the state's community legal centres infuriated.&nbsp;The groups cautioned that children lacked the capacity to pay or comprehend the enforcement mechanism. As per a The Guardian report, children between the age of 10-17 in NSW have been issued close to 3,000 fines for not properly complying with the public health act and these penalties are usually for a mind-boggling amount of $1000.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to Guardian Revenue NSW confirmed that Work and Development orders (WDOs) were utilised for persons under the age of 18 for Covid rule violations. However, it is not known how many kids were put on WDOs as a result of Covid violations or how old they were.</p>

<p>WDOs apparently allow participants to lower fines by participating in unpaid work, counselling, courses, or treatment programmes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musks-76-year-old-father-claims-sperm-banks-are-hounding-him-for-his-genetic-material-499405" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's 76 year old father claims sperm banks are hounding him for his 'genetic material'</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year some legal organisations, including Community Legal Centres NSW, had written to the premier asking for Covid fines to be abolished for minors aged 10 to 17.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisations demanded that warnings be given to the kids instead of penalties and cautioned that poor neighbourhoods were being disproportionately affected by the fines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This prompted the state government to informally announce its plan to utilise WDOs earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-australian-government-encourages-people-for-work-form-home-499011" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Australian government encourages people to 'work from home'</a></strong></p>

<p>Katrina Ironside, executive director of Community Legal Centres NSW, questioned what young person, particularly one from a low-income neighbourhood, would have the resources to pay off such a fee or the mental capacity to comprehend the enforcement process.</p>

<p>“Is the chief commissioner suggesting a 10-year-old get a job?” questioned Ironside, adding “A child already living in poverty burdened with a debt they cannot pay further entrenches that poverty before they are even old enough to earn their own money.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The New South Wales (NSW) government has unofficially suggested that children as young as 10 could be put on "extended payment plans" or into unpaid work programmes so that they could pay off heavy fines for breaking Covid restrictions.

The New South Wales (NSW) government has unofficially suggested that children as young as 10 could be put on "extended payment plans" or into unpaid work programmes so that they could pay off heavy fines for breaking Covid restrictions. The news has left the state's community legal centres infuriated. The groups cautioned that children lacked the capacity to pay or comprehend the enforcement mechanism. As per a The Guardian report, children between the age of 10-17 in NSW have been issued close to 3,000 fines for not properly complying with the public health act and these penalties are usually for a mind-boggling amount of $1000. Watch | Omicron variant driving fresh COVID-19 outbreaks worldwide Speaking to Guardian Revenue NSW confirmed that Work and Development orders (WDOs) were utilised for persons under the age of 18 for Covid rule violations. However, it is not known how many kids were put on WDOs as a result of Covid violations or how old they were. WDOs apparently allow participants to lower fines by participating in unpaid work, counselling, courses, or treatment programmes. Also read | Elon Musk's 76 year old father claims sperm banks are hounding him for his 'genetic material' Earlier this year some legal organisations, including Community Legal Centres NSW, had written to the premier asking for Covid fines to be abolished for minors aged 10 to 17. The organisations demanded that warnings be given to the kids instead of penalties and cautioned that poor neighbourhoods were being disproportionately affected by the fines. This prompted the state government to informally announce its plan to utilise WDOs earlier this year. Also read | COVID-19: Australian government encourages people to 'work from home' Katrina Ironside, executive director of Community Legal Centres NSW, questioned what young person, particularly one from a low-income neighbourhood, would have the resources to pay off such a fee or the mental capacity to comprehend the enforcement process. “Is the chief commissioner suggesting a 10-year-old get a job?” questioned Ironside, adding “A child already living in poverty burdened with a debt they cannot pay further entrenches that poverty before they are even old enough to earn their own money.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Child labour? This Australian government wants 10-year-old do unpaid work. Here's why 

<p>As the pandemic's aftereffects continue to affect health care internationally, recently released data by Unicef and the World Health Organization, points to the detrimental effect the pandemic had on children. Last year over 25 million youngsters missed out on routine immunizations that protect against life-threatening infections, reports Reuters. This is two million more children than in 2020 when COVID-19 prompted lockdowns all across the world, and six million more than in 2019 prior to the epidemic.&nbsp;Unicef characterised the drop in vaccination rates, which lowered coverage rates to levels last seen in the early 2000s, as the largest persistent backslide in childhood vaccination in a generation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Does Xi Jinping have the Wuhan virus?</strong></p>

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<p>Talking to Reuters, Niklas Danielsson Unicef's senior immunisation specialist, pointed at the "urgency" of what he referred to as a "child health crisis."</p>

<p>The organisation claimed that a focus on COVID-19 immunisation programmes in 2021, as well as the slowing economy and burden on healthcare facilities, had slowed the recovery of routine immunisations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-vaccine-greenlit-for-children-5-and-under-in-canada-497456" hreflang="en">Moderna vaccine greenlit for children 5 and under in Canada</a></strong></p>

<p>In recent months, there have already been indications of increased vaccination-preventable illness rates, including a 400 per cent increase in measles cases in Africa by 2022.</p>

<p>According to the data collected from national health systems in 177 countries, the number of "zero-dose" children or those children&nbsp;who have not received any vaccinations rose by 37 per cent between 2019 and 2021, from 13 to 18 million kids, especially in low- and middle-income nations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As the pandemic's aftereffects continue to affect health care internationally, recently released data by Unicef and the World Health Organization, points to the detrimental effect the pandemic had on children.

As the pandemic's aftereffects continue to affect health care internationally, recently released data by Unicef and the World Health Organization, points to the detrimental effect the pandemic had on children. Last year over 25 million youngsters missed out on routine immunizations that protect against life-threatening infections, reports Reuters. This is two million more children than in 2020 when COVID-19 prompted lockdowns all across the world, and six million more than in 2019 prior to the epidemic. Unicef characterised the drop in vaccination rates, which lowered coverage rates to levels last seen in the early 2000s, as the largest persistent backslide in childhood vaccination in a generation. Watch | Gravitas: Does Xi Jinping have the Wuhan virus? Talking to Reuters, Niklas Danielsson Unicef's senior immunisation specialist, pointed at the "urgency" of what he referred to as a "child health crisis." The organisation claimed that a focus on COVID-19 immunisation programmes in 2021, as well as the slowing economy and burden on healthcare facilities, had slowed the recovery of routine immunisations. Also read | Moderna vaccine greenlit for children 5 and under in Canada In recent months, there have already been indications of increased vaccination-preventable illness rates, including a 400 per cent increase in measles cases in Africa by 2022. According to the data collected from national health systems in 177 countries, the number of "zero-dose" children or those children who have not received any vaccinations rose by 37 per cent between 2019 and 2021, from 13 to 18 million kids, especially in low- and middle-income nations. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19 pandemic led to a 'child health crisis', millions went without basic immunisation: Unicef

<p>The immune response brought on by the COVID-19 infection can harm your brain’s blood vessels and can cause both immediate and long-term neurological problems, according to a study from the National institutes of Health (NIH). As per the study published in Brain, researchers from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) examined the brain changes in nine people who died shortly after contracting the virus. Scientists further discovered the evidence that antibodies, immune system proteins made in reaction to viruses and other intruders, damage the cells lining the blood arteries in the brain, causing inflammation and harm, reported by ANI.</p>

<p>These nine people, ranging in age from 24 to 73, were chosen because of blood vessel damage in their brains as per structural brain scans.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-brain-is-hotter-than-previously-thought-494739">Your brain is 'hotter' than previously thought, says this study</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a previous study done by the team, SARS-CoV-2 was not found in the patient’s brain, virus was not invading the brain directly. As per NIH, understanding how SARS-CoV-2 might cause brain damage may aid in the development of Covid patients who continue to experience the neurological symptoms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Avinda Nath, the author of paper and MD clinical director at NINDS said, "We had previously shown blood vessel damage and inflammation in patients'&nbsp;brains at autopsy, but we didn`t understand the cause of the damage. I think in this paper we`ve gained important insight into the cascade of events. "&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is too much Vitamin D killing you?</strong></p>

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<p>Dr. Nath, along with his team, discovered that COVID-19 induced antibodies might unintentionally attack the blood-brain barrier. The barrier prevents dangerous compounds from entering the brain while permitting necessary substances to flow through, is formed in part by endothelial cells tightly packed. Damage caused to these cells in blood vessels in the brain can cause protein leakage from the blood. Some COVID patients experience bleeding and blood clots as a result, which can raise their risk of stroke. Scientists discovered immune complex deposits in the brains of COVID patients for the first time when antibodies bind antigens found on the surface of endothelial cells. Such immune complexes cause inflammation, which harms the tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, the scientists found leaky blood vessels, prior to the study.</p>

<p>Dr Nath said, "Once leakage occurs, immune cells such as macrophages may come to repair the damage, setting up inflammation.&nbsp;This, in turn, causes damage to neurons."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a></strong></p>

<p>The study may also have implications for identifying and managing long term neurological symptoms such as headaches, exhaustion, sleep issues, and brain fog, according to NIH.</p>

<p>Researchers discovered more than 300 genes showed a decrease in expression, whereas 6 genes showed elevated expression when the endothelial cells were damaged. These genes are related to metabolism, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. These findings collectively shed light on the immunological reaction that causes brain damage after the COVID-19 infection.</p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The immune response brought on by the COVID-19 infection can harm your brain’s blood vessels and can cause both immediate and long-term neurological problems, according to a study from the National institutes of Health (NIH).

The immune response brought on by the COVID-19 infection can harm your brain’s blood vessels and can cause both immediate and long-term neurological problems, according to a study from the National institutes of Health (NIH). As per the study published in Brain, researchers from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) examined the brain changes in nine people who died shortly after contracting the virus. Scientists further discovered the evidence that antibodies, immune system proteins made in reaction to viruses and other intruders, damage the cells lining the blood arteries in the brain, causing inflammation and harm, reported by ANI. These nine people, ranging in age from 24 to 73, were chosen because of blood vessel damage in their brains as per structural brain scans. Also read | Your brain is 'hotter' than previously thought, says this study According to a previous study done by the team, SARS-CoV-2 was not found in the patient’s brain, virus was not invading the brain directly. As per NIH, understanding how SARS-CoV-2 might cause brain damage may aid in the development of Covid patients who continue to experience the neurological symptoms. Avinda Nath, the author of paper and MD clinical director at NINDS said, "We had previously shown blood vessel damage and inflammation in patients' brains at autopsy, but we didn`t understand the cause of the damage. I think in this paper we`ve gained important insight into the cascade of events. " Watch | Gravitas: Is too much Vitamin D killing you? Dr. Nath, along with his team, discovered that COVID-19 induced antibodies might unintentionally attack the blood-brain barrier. The barrier prevents dangerous compounds from entering the brain while permitting necessary substances to flow through, is formed in part by endothelial cells tightly packed. Damage caused to these cells in blood vessels in the brain can cause protein leakage from the blood. Some COVID patients experience bleeding and blood clots as a result, which can raise their risk of stroke. Scientists discovered immune complex deposits in the brains of COVID patients for the first time when antibodies bind antigens found on the surface of endothelial cells. Such immune complexes cause inflammation, which harms the tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, the scientists found leaky blood vessels, prior to the study. Dr Nath said, "Once leakage occurs, immune cells such as macrophages may come to repair the damage, setting up inflammation. This, in turn, causes damage to neurons." Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours The study may also have implications for identifying and managing long term neurological symptoms such as headaches, exhaustion, sleep issues, and brain fog, according to NIH. Researchers discovered more than 300 genes showed a decrease in expression, whereas 6 genes showed elevated expression when the endothelial cells were damaged. These genes are related to metabolism, DNA damage, and oxidative stress. These findings collectively shed light on the immunological reaction that causes brain damage after the COVID-19 infection. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Immune responses induced by coronavirus infection can harm brain: Study

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curevac-sues-biontech-over-covid-vaccine-technology-494798">CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a></strong></p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="7">The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer.</p>

<p data-changed="true" data-paragraphid="8">Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein."</p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months.

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI. The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done. Also read | CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated. Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development." Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer. Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: US researchers develop inhalable vaccine stable at room temperature

Singapore Airlines said it expects passenger capacity to reach about 81% of pre-pandemic levels by December as flyers rush to the skies after the easing of COVID-19 curbs.

Singapore Airlines expects to inch closer to pre-pandemic capacity by 2022-end

China placed 1.7 million people under lockdown in central Anhui province amid fresh Covid-19 surge. The outbreak in Anhui comes as the Chinese economy begins to rebound from a months-long lockdown in Shanghai and disruptive Covid restrictions in the capital Beijing.

Total lockdown imposed in China's Anhui province amid fresh Covid surge

The Covid tally has started surging across the globe yet again and with the rise in cases the mask mandates too are back. At present there are more than 18.5 million active Covid-19 cases across the globe.

Covid-19 Update: Global active caseload over 18.5 million

<p>Tesla CEO Elon Musk says that the company's new Germany and United States factories are " gigantic money furnaces" which are "losing billions of dollars" due to battery shortages and China's supply disruptions. The rigid COVID-19 restrictions under China's zero-Covid policy have made it increasingly difficult for manufacturers.&nbsp;Talking to Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, Musk said that "both Berlin and Austin factories are gigantic money furnaces right now. It's really like a giant roaring sound, which is the sound of money on fire."&nbsp;He further added that the plants are "losing billions of dollars right now. There's a ton of expense and hardly any output." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Elon Musk wants Twitter to be like TikTok</strong></p>

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<p>According to him since the gigafactories opened earlier this year they've been struggling to increase production. The Austin factory produces only a "tiny" amount of cars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One reason, according to Musk, is that the company is having trouble increasing the production of its new "4680" batteries and that the tools needed to build its traditional 2170 batteries are "locked in port in China."</p>

<p>"This is all going to get fixed real fast, but it requires a lot of attention," Reuters reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-this-chinese-town-banning-entry-of-tesla-cars-ahead-of-crucial-ccp-meeting-490441">Why is this Chinese town banning entry of Tesla cars ahead of crucial CCP meeting?</a></strong></p>

<p>He also said that Tesla's Berlin factory is in a "slightly better position" because it started with using traditional 2170 batteries for cars built there.</p>

<p>In China, authorities locked down a number of cities including the shipping, financial, and manufacturing hub Shanghai. Musk said that this was "very, very difficult" for Tesla.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-spacex-fires-employees-who-denounced-him-as-distraction-489029">Elon Musk's SpaceX fires employees who denounced him as 'distraction'</a></strong></p>

<p>"The past two years have been an absolute nightmare of supply chain interruptions, one thing after another, and we're not out of it yet."</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Musk mentioned having a "super bad feeling" about the economy and cutting staff by 10 per cent, halting hiring worldwide. Last week, he confirmed that the 10 per cent cut would happen over three months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tesla CEO Elon Musk says that the company's new Germany and United States factories are " gigantic money furnaces" which are "losing billions of dollars" due to battery shortages and China's supply disruptions.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says that the company's new Germany and United States factories are " gigantic money furnaces" which are "losing billions of dollars" due to battery shortages and China's supply disruptions. The rigid COVID-19 restrictions under China's zero-Covid policy have made it increasingly difficult for manufacturers. Talking to Tesla Owners of Silicon Valley, Musk said that "both Berlin and Austin factories are gigantic money furnaces right now. It's really like a giant roaring sound, which is the sound of money on fire." He further added that the plants are "losing billions of dollars right now. There's a ton of expense and hardly any output." Watch: Elon Musk wants Twitter to be like TikTok According to him since the gigafactories opened earlier this year they've been struggling to increase production. The Austin factory produces only a "tiny" amount of cars. One reason, according to Musk, is that the company is having trouble increasing the production of its new "4680" batteries and that the tools needed to build its traditional 2170 batteries are "locked in port in China." "This is all going to get fixed real fast, but it requires a lot of attention," Reuters reported. Also read | Why is this Chinese town banning entry of Tesla cars ahead of crucial CCP meeting? He also said that Tesla's Berlin factory is in a "slightly better position" because it started with using traditional 2170 batteries for cars built there. In China, authorities locked down a number of cities including the shipping, financial, and manufacturing hub Shanghai. Musk said that this was "very, very difficult" for Tesla. Also Read: Elon Musk's SpaceX fires employees who denounced him as 'distraction' "The past two years have been an absolute nightmare of supply chain interruptions, one thing after another, and we're not out of it yet." Earlier this month, Musk mentioned having a "super bad feeling" about the economy and cutting staff by 10 per cent, halting hiring worldwide. Last week, he confirmed that the 10 per cent cut would happen over three months. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk calls new Tesla factories 'gigantic money furnaces'. Here's what he said

Last group of Americans get vaccinated against covid-19. Parents of babies and toddlers express a sigh of relief after the first shot of the vaccine was administered to kids.

US vaccinates youngest against covid-19, parents of toddlers express sigh of relief

<p>As Covid&nbsp;cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Facemasks have been compulsory in public in Thailand, including outdoors, since mid-2021 when the Delta variant was running rampant. But as the pandemic has subsided, the tourism-dependent kingdom has gradually relaxed covid restrictions in a bid to boost visitor numbers.</p>

<p>Thailand's relaxation on facemasks comes after similar moves by regional peers including Cambodia and Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman for the Thai Covid taskforce, said wearing masks outside would become voluntary, but was still recommended in crowded areas, entertainment venues and on public transport. He said the health ministry would announce further details of the mask relaxation, including when it would come into force.</p>

<p>On July 1, the government will also stop the "Thailand Pass" system, under which foreign tourists had to register and show proof of vaccination and health insurance before they could fly to the kingdom. Visitors will have to carry vaccine certificates or take Covid tests on arrival.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kinder-factory-behind-salmonella-contamination-in-europe-reopening-489078">Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening</a></p>

<p>The move is seen as an attempt to bolster the sputtering economy, which has seen growth hammered by the pandemic and living costs rising. There were more than 1.6 million foreign tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2022, with foreign tourist receipts logged at 99.7 billion baht, according to government data.</p>

<p>This compares with around 40 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2019, the last year before the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Daily Covid&nbsp;cases have hovered below 3,500 in recent weeks, with the number of deaths registering below 50 a day for a month. More than three-quarters of the population has been jabbed with two vaccine doses, with more than 40 per cent also getting a booster dose.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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As Covid cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back.

As Covid cases fall, Thailand announced on Friday it would drop rules requiring people to wear masks outdoors and no longer require foreign visitors to register before travel as the kingdom seeks to lure tourists back. Facemasks have been compulsory in public in Thailand, including outdoors, since mid-2021 when the Delta variant was running rampant. But as the pandemic has subsided, the tourism-dependent kingdom has gradually relaxed covid restrictions in a bid to boost visitor numbers. Thailand's relaxation on facemasks comes after similar moves by regional peers including Cambodia and Singapore. Taweesin Visanuyothin, the spokesman for the Thai Covid taskforce, said wearing masks outside would become voluntary, but was still recommended in crowded areas, entertainment venues and on public transport. He said the health ministry would announce further details of the mask relaxation, including when it would come into force. On July 1, the government will also stop the "Thailand Pass" system, under which foreign tourists had to register and show proof of vaccination and health insurance before they could fly to the kingdom. Visitors will have to carry vaccine certificates or take Covid tests on arrival. Also Read: Kinder factory behind salmonella contamination in Europe reopening The move is seen as an attempt to bolster the sputtering economy, which has seen growth hammered by the pandemic and living costs rising. There were more than 1.6 million foreign tourist arrivals during the first six months of 2022, with foreign tourist receipts logged at 99.7 billion baht, according to government data. This compares with around 40 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand in 2019, the last year before the pandemic. Daily Covid cases have hovered below 3,500 in recent weeks, with the number of deaths registering below 50 a day for a month. More than three-quarters of the population has been jabbed with two vaccine doses, with more than 40 per cent also getting a booster dose. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Thailand forgoes foreign tourist registration, drops mask rule

<p>Another COVID-19 case in showbiz shocks fans!</p>

<p>Actor Hugh Jackman recently tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time and has no option but to&nbsp;miss the performances in `The Music Man`.</p>

<p>In Jackman's place, actor Max Clayton is scheduled to perform as the standby. He will perform the role of Professor Harold Hill alongside Sutton Foster, in all performances of Meredith Willson`s musical comedy from June 14-21, as per The Hollywood Reporter.</p>

<p>Producer Kate Horton in a statement said, "Once again, standbys and understudies save the day and, in this case, it`s Max Clayton to the rescue."</p>

<p>"We`re excited to see him perform alongside the wonderful Sutton Foster and we wish Hugh a speedy recovery," she added.</p>

<p>Taking to Instagram, Jackman shared a video where he said, "I`ve frustratingly tested positive for Covid. Again. My standby, the amazingly talented @maxmclayton will step in for me. What`s most annoying is I don`t get to see him perform! I`ve said it before, and will say it a million times more ... Maxi and all the standbys, swings and understudies around the world, you are the true heroes of theater. You give life to the saying - the show must go on."</p>

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<p>His diagnosis came a day after attending the Tony Awards, for which he was nominated for his role in `The Music Man`.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/british-police-charge-kevin-spacey-over-alleged-sex-crimes-487867" hreflang="en">British police charge Kevin Spacey over alleged sex crimes</a></p>

<p>As per The Hollywood Reporter, Jackman first tested positive in December 2021, just days after Foster also missed performances of The Music Man due to a breakthrough case. At the time, Jackman described his symptoms as `like a cold,` with `a scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A number of performances were cancelled before the actor returned to the stage.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, `The Music Man` is directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography from Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/uae-bans-lightyear-film-screening-over-supposed-content-violation-487799" hreflang="en">UAE bans screening of 'Lightyear' over same-sex kiss scene</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agency)</em></p>


Another COVID-19 case in showbiz shocks fans! Actor Hugh Jackman recently tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time and has no option but to miss the performances in `The Music Man`.

Another COVID-19 case in showbiz shocks fans! Actor Hugh Jackman recently tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time and has no option but to miss the performances in `The Music Man`. In Jackman's place, actor Max Clayton is scheduled to perform as the standby. He will perform the role of Professor Harold Hill alongside Sutton Foster, in all performances of Meredith Willson`s musical comedy from June 14-21, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Producer Kate Horton in a statement said, "Once again, standbys and understudies save the day and, in this case, it`s Max Clayton to the rescue." "We`re excited to see him perform alongside the wonderful Sutton Foster and we wish Hugh a speedy recovery," she added. Taking to Instagram, Jackman shared a video where he said, "I`ve frustratingly tested positive for Covid. Again. My standby, the amazingly talented @maxmclayton will step in for me. What`s most annoying is I don`t get to see him perform! I`ve said it before, and will say it a million times more ... Maxi and all the standbys, swings and understudies around the world, you are the true heroes of theater. You give life to the saying - the show must go on." View this post on Instagram A post shared by @thehughjackman His diagnosis came a day after attending the Tony Awards, for which he was nominated for his role in `The Music Man`. Also read: British police charge Kevin Spacey over alleged sex crimes As per The Hollywood Reporter, Jackman first tested positive in December 2021, just days after Foster also missed performances of The Music Man due to a breakthrough case. At the time, Jackman described his symptoms as `like a cold,` with `a scratchy throat and a bit of a runny nose. A number of performances were cancelled before the actor returned to the stage. Meanwhile, `The Music Man` is directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, with choreography from Tony Award winner Warren Carlyle. Also read: UAE bans screening of 'Lightyear' over same-sex kiss scene (With inputs from agency)

Hugh Jackman tests positive for coronavirus for second time, shares health update

In pics: Japan eases Covid restrictions for foreign tourists

<p>A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Right now, three vaccine have approval in the US; Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson &amp; Johnson.</p>

<p>Experts in the panel voted 21 in favour of Novavax vaccine. There was one abstention and no vote against the vaccine. There have been concerns that Novavax vaccine is linked to rare cases of heart inflammation.</p>

<p>It is expected that US Food and Drug Administration will issue emergency authorisation soon. Then another agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will weigh in with guidance on how it should best be used.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maryland-based Novavax was an early frontrunner in the global vaccine race, but fell behind after being hit by manufacturing and regulatory delays.</p>

<p>The US was one of the few major markets where it hasn't yet received authorization, while the EU, UK, Canada, Australia are among many that have already given it the green light.</p>

<p>The vaccine is based on lab-grown viral proteins. Officials are hoping that Novavax will help people overcome vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine does not need cold storage requirements as Pfizer and Moerna vaccines do.</p>

<p><strong>Possible myocarditis link</strong></p>

<p>Novavax's vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective against symptomatic cases of the disease. But its trial was conducted long before the currently circulating sub variants of Omicron were dominant, and the company may yet have to add a booster or update its shot.</p>

<p>What's more, six cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were detected in the group that received the vaccine, against one case in the placebo group, in a trial of around 40,000 people.</p>

<p>Novavax says there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the cases of myocarditis and the vaccine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>

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A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy.

A panel of experts in the US has given a go ahead for Novavax Covid vaccine. The panel was convened by US drug regulator. Although a late runner in global combat against Covid, Novavax can help efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy. Right now, three vaccine have approval in the US; Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Experts in the panel voted 21 in favour of Novavax vaccine. There was one abstention and no vote against the vaccine. There have been concerns that Novavax vaccine is linked to rare cases of heart inflammation. It is expected that US Food and Drug Administration will issue emergency authorisation soon. Then another agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will weigh in with guidance on how it should best be used. Maryland-based Novavax was an early frontrunner in the global vaccine race, but fell behind after being hit by manufacturing and regulatory delays. The US was one of the few major markets where it hasn't yet received authorization, while the EU, UK, Canada, Australia are among many that have already given it the green light. The vaccine is based on lab-grown viral proteins. Officials are hoping that Novavax will help people overcome vaccine hesitancy. The vaccine does not need cold storage requirements as Pfizer and Moerna vaccines do. Possible myocarditis link Novavax's vaccine was found to be more than 90 percent effective against symptomatic cases of the disease. But its trial was conducted long before the currently circulating sub variants of Omicron were dominant, and the company may yet have to add a booster or update its shot. What's more, six cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, were detected in the group that received the vaccine, against one case in the placebo group, in a trial of around 40,000 people. Novavax says there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between the cases of myocarditis and the vaccine. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US expert panel gives go-ahead to Novavax Covid vaccine

<p>Coronavirus is here to stay. It's been more than two years since the virus emerged as the&nbsp;bane of&nbsp;all of our lives. Now, new research has revealed that the virus is even affecting unborn babies.&nbsp;Researchers have found that babies born to COVID-19 infected mothers have exhibited neurodevelopmental outcomes at the age of six weeks.&nbsp;Such babies exhibited increased difficulty in relaxing and adapting their bodies while being held as compared to babies born to non-infected women.&nbsp;The analysis, which was presented at the 30th European Congress of Psychiatry in Budapest also pointed out that infants born from infected mothers also had significant difficulty in controlling their shoulder and head movements. This in particular suggests that Covid affects motor functions.</p>

<p>However, Dr Rosa Ayesa Arriola of the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital in Spain pointed out that not all babies show neurodevelopmental differences.</p>

<p>"Our data shows that their risk is increased in comparison to those not exposed to Covid in the womb. We need a bigger study to confirm the exact extent of the difference."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-discovers-why-covid-impacted-some-children-more-than-others-475827">Study discovers why Covid impacted some children more than others</a></strong></p>

<p>The initial study compared 21 infants born to COVID-19 infected mothers to 21 born to healthy mothers.</p>

<p>As part of the test, mothers had to undergo a battery of assessments, this includes&nbsp;biochemical tests, along with psychological questionnaires during and after pregnancy.</p>

<p>Post-natally NBAS or Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale was also conducted to measure the baby's movement and behaviour.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Recovery in consumer finance: COVID period was difficult for consumer finance</strong></p>

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<p>"We found that certain elements of the NBAS measurement were changed in 6-week-old infants who had been exposed to the SARS-COV-2 virus. Effectively they react slightly differently to being held, or cuddled," said Agueda Castro Quintas from the University of Barcelona.</p>

<p>Another member of the research team, Dr Livio Provenzi pointed to the importance and the need for further study of the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on parents and infants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/post-pandemic-rebound-in-demand-leads-to-aviation-chaos-in-europe-485512" hreflang="en">Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe</a></strong></p>

<p>"Pregnancy is a period of life which shapes much of our subsequent development, and exposure to adversity in pregnancy can leave long-lasting biological footprints."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Coronavirus is here to stay. It's been more than two years since the virus emerged as the bane of all of our lives. Now, new research has revealed that the virus is even affecting unborn babies.

Coronavirus is here to stay. It's been more than two years since the virus emerged as the bane of all of our lives. Now, new research has revealed that the virus is even affecting unborn babies. Researchers have found that babies born to COVID-19 infected mothers have exhibited neurodevelopmental outcomes at the age of six weeks. Such babies exhibited increased difficulty in relaxing and adapting their bodies while being held as compared to babies born to non-infected women. The analysis, which was presented at the 30th European Congress of Psychiatry in Budapest also pointed out that infants born from infected mothers also had significant difficulty in controlling their shoulder and head movements. This in particular suggests that Covid affects motor functions. However, Dr Rosa Ayesa Arriola of the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital in Spain pointed out that not all babies show neurodevelopmental differences. "Our data shows that their risk is increased in comparison to those not exposed to Covid in the womb. We need a bigger study to confirm the exact extent of the difference." Also read | Study discovers why Covid impacted some children more than others The initial study compared 21 infants born to COVID-19 infected mothers to 21 born to healthy mothers. As part of the test, mothers had to undergo a battery of assessments, this includes biochemical tests, along with psychological questionnaires during and after pregnancy. Post-natally NBAS or Neonatal Behavioural Assessment Scale was also conducted to measure the baby's movement and behaviour. Watch | Recovery in consumer finance: COVID period was difficult for consumer finance "We found that certain elements of the NBAS measurement were changed in 6-week-old infants who had been exposed to the SARS-COV-2 virus. Effectively they react slightly differently to being held, or cuddled," said Agueda Castro Quintas from the University of Barcelona. Another member of the research team, Dr Livio Provenzi pointed to the importance and the need for further study of the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on parents and infants. Also read | Post-pandemic rebound in demand leads to aviation chaos in Europe "Pregnancy is a period of life which shapes much of our subsequent development, and exposure to adversity in pregnancy can leave long-lasting biological footprints." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Research reveals Covid affects the unborn children

<p>India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. While the active cases increased by 1,636 cases in 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 1.03 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.84 per cent. .&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/corbevax-becomes-first-vaccine-in-india-to-get-dcgi-approval-for-heterologous-covid-19-booster-shot-485081">Corbevax becomes first vaccine in India to get DCGI approval for heterologous COVID-19 booster shot</a></strong></p>

<p>The data updated by the ministry on Sunday (June 5), the number of active cases increased to 24,052 cases and 15 new fatalities were reported, increasing the death toll to 5,24,692.</p>

<p>The 15 new fatalities include 13 from Kerala and one each from central Madhya Pradesh and western Maharashtra states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, the country has reported 5,24,692 deaths with 1,47,865 in Maharashtra, 69,786 in Kerala, 40,107 in Karnataka, 26,212 in Delhi, 23,520 in Uttar Pradesh, 38,025 in Tamil Nadu and 21,204 in West Bengal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mumbai: How covid-19 changed lives of Dabbawalas</strong></p>

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<p>The total number of persons who have recovered from the virus has increased to 4,26,28,073 with 1.22 per cent fatality rate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total number of doses given in the country as part of the Covid vaccination programme has surpassed 19.4 billion&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indian-govt-suspects-possibility-of-localised-spread-of-infection-writes-to-five-states-484937">Covid-19: Indian govt suspects possibility of localised spread of infection, writes to five States&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Comorbidities were responsible for more than 70 per cent of the death, as per the government.</p>

<p>The Union Health Ministry on its official website said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research.” It further added that the data is being verified and reconciled state wise.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday.

India reported 4,270 covid cases bringing the Covid tally to 4,31,76,817. The daily positivity rate also saw a rise of more than 1 per cent after 34 days, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. While the active cases increased by 1,636 cases in 24 hours. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 1.03 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.84 per cent. . Also read | Corbevax becomes first vaccine in India to get DCGI approval for heterologous COVID-19 booster shot The data updated by the ministry on Sunday (June 5), the number of active cases increased to 24,052 cases and 15 new fatalities were reported, increasing the death toll to 5,24,692. The 15 new fatalities include 13 from Kerala and one each from central Madhya Pradesh and western Maharashtra states. So far, the country has reported 5,24,692 deaths with 1,47,865 in Maharashtra, 69,786 in Kerala, 40,107 in Karnataka, 26,212 in Delhi, 23,520 in Uttar Pradesh, 38,025 in Tamil Nadu and 21,204 in West Bengal. Watch | Mumbai: How covid-19 changed lives of Dabbawalas The total number of persons who have recovered from the virus has increased to 4,26,28,073 with 1.22 per cent fatality rate. The total number of doses given in the country as part of the Covid vaccination programme has surpassed 19.4 billion Also read | Covid-19: Indian govt suspects possibility of localised spread of infection, writes to five States Comorbidities were responsible for more than 70 per cent of the death, as per the government. The Union Health Ministry on its official website said, “Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research.” It further added that the data is being verified and reconciled state wise. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports 4,270 new cases, daily positivity rate more than 1% after a month

<p>An&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;has fuelled a&nbsp;surge&nbsp;in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery.&nbsp;Portugal registered an average of 2,447 new cases per million people over the last seven days. That compares to neighbouring Spain's 449 and Britain's 70, according to tracker Our World In Data.&nbsp;The rolling average has&nbsp;subsided slightly in the past few days and is just over a third of the Jan. 31&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;peak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-omicron-variant-of-covid-is-as-severe-as-delta-variant-476893">&nbsp;Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant</a></strong></p>

<p>Portugal has the world's fifth-highest death rate from&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;and hospitalisations are on the rise, but both are still far below previous peaks.</p>

<p>Several tourism businesses contacted by&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;have expressed fears about the&nbsp;surge, but said they had had no cancellations so far. The number of foreign tourists in April was close to levels seen before the pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy</strong></p>

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<p>More than 90 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Portugal's&nbsp;population is fully vaccinated.</p>

<p>Public health institute Ricardo Jorge said in a report on Tuesday the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;BA.5 represented nearly 90 per cent&nbsp;of new&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infections. The BA.4&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;has also been detected in Portugal.</p>

<p>Both drove South Africa's fifth covid&nbsp;wave last month, with scientists saying they were able to dodge antibodies from earlier infection.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-classifies-two-types-of-the-omicron-variants-of-covid-as-variants-of-concern-480932"><strong>UK classifies two types of the Omicron variants of Covid as variants of concern</strong></a></p>

<p>"Portugal is probably the European country with the highest prevalence of this&nbsp;sub-lineage and this partly explains the high number (of cases) we are seeing," Health Minister Marta Temido told RTP broadcaster.</p>

<p>The government lifted most&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;restrictions, including the mandatory use of masks in most indoor public spaces, in April and has said there are no plans to reintroduce measures.</p>

<p>Temido said the use of masks was still recommended and authorities would continue to roll out booster vaccine doses to the most vulnerable.</p>

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An Omicron sub-variant has fuelled a surge in COVID-19 cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery.

An Omicron sub-variant has fuelled a surge in COVID-19 cases in Portugal which now has the world's second-highest infection rate, potentially threatening the tourism sector's recovery. Portugal registered an average of 2,447 new cases per million people over the last seven days. That compares to neighbouring Spain's 449 and Britain's 70, according to tracker Our World In Data. The rolling average has subsided slightly in the past few days and is just over a third of the Jan. 31 Omicron peak. Also read | Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant Portugal has the world's fifth-highest death rate from COVID-19 and hospitalisations are on the rise, but both are still far below previous peaks. Several tourism businesses contacted by Reuters have expressed fears about the surge, but said they had had no cancellations so far. The number of foreign tourists in April was close to levels seen before the pandemic. Watch | Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy More than 90 per cent of Portugal's population is fully vaccinated. Public health institute Ricardo Jorge said in a report on Tuesday the Omicron sub-variant BA.5 represented nearly 90 per cent of new COVID-19 infections. The BA.4 sub-variant has also been detected in Portugal. Both drove South Africa's fifth covid wave last month, with scientists saying they were able to dodge antibodies from earlier infection. Also read | UK classifies two types of the Omicron variants of Covid as variants of concern "Portugal is probably the European country with the highest prevalence of this sub-lineage and this partly explains the high number (of cases) we are seeing," Health Minister Marta Temido told RTP broadcaster. The government lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, including the mandatory use of masks in most indoor public spaces, in April and has said there are no plans to reintroduce measures. Temido said the use of masks was still recommended and authorities would continue to roll out booster vaccine doses to the most vulnerable. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Omicron sub-variant fuelling Portugal's COVID-19 surge

<p>North Korea claims that it is making good progress in its fight against the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) however thinks differently. The global health and safety agency has cast doubts on North Koreas claims and said that it believes the situation is getting worse, not better.&nbsp;During a video briefing on Wednesday, WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan said "We assume the situation is getting worse, not better."&nbsp;He claimed that the WHO had no access to any sensitive information other than the data that were publicly released by state media.</p>

<p>"We have real issues in getting access to the raw data and to the actual situation on the ground," Ryan said, &nbsp;adding that the WHO is collaborating with neighbours such as South Korea and China to get a better picture.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 situation in North Korea is 'getting worse, not better', says WHO</strong></p>

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<p>The state media reports suggest that the COVID-19 wave has abated, however, there is an absence of independent data for the nation. About two weeks ago the nation's tally of people with 'fever' topped 390,000.</p>

<p>North Korea is yet to directly confirm how many people have tested positive for the coronavirus, choosing to instead report a number of people with 'fever'.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-experts-express-disbelief-as-north-korea-reports-unbelievable-fatality-rate-of-0002-482679">COVID-19: Experts express disbelief as North Korea reports unbelievable fatality rate of 0.002%</a></strong></p>

<p>Experts suspect that Pyongyang is underreporting the figures released through state-controlled media, making it difficult for those on the outside to fully assess the situation.</p>

<p>The country's secrecy makes it extremely improbable that anyone on the outside would be able to ascertain the full scope of the outbreak.&nbsp;It's has been suggested&nbsp;that the government exaggerated the outbreak to keep control of the country's 26 million people.</p>

<p>Experts say that because of the low number of vaccines, significant numbers of undernourished people and a lack of facilities to both test and treat cases, the impoverished country should have suffered a far greater number of deaths than reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-lifts-covid-lockdown-amid-stable-virus-situation-according-to-media-483449">North Korea lifts Covid lockdown amid ‘stable’ virus situation, according to media</a></strong></p>

<p>North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday that 96,610 more persons developed a 'fever' during its&nbsp;statewide lockdown aimed at managing the impoverished country's first verified COVID-19 epidemic. The media, however, made no mention of any additional deaths.</p>

<p>Some analysts believe that North Korea is purposefully underreporting casualties in order to protect its leader, Kim Jong Un, at all costs.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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North Korea claims that it is making good progress in its fight against the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) however thinks differently. The global health and safety agency has cast doubts on North Koreas claims and said that it believes the situation is getting worse, not better.

North Korea claims that it is making good progress in its fight against the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization (WHO) however thinks differently. The global health and safety agency has cast doubts on North Koreas claims and said that it believes the situation is getting worse, not better. During a video briefing on Wednesday, WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan said "We assume the situation is getting worse, not better." He claimed that the WHO had no access to any sensitive information other than the data that were publicly released by state media. "We have real issues in getting access to the raw data and to the actual situation on the ground," Ryan said, adding that the WHO is collaborating with neighbours such as South Korea and China to get a better picture. Watch | Covid-19 situation in North Korea is 'getting worse, not better', says WHO The state media reports suggest that the COVID-19 wave has abated, however, there is an absence of independent data for the nation. About two weeks ago the nation's tally of people with 'fever' topped 390,000. North Korea is yet to directly confirm how many people have tested positive for the coronavirus, choosing to instead report a number of people with 'fever'. Also read | COVID-19: Experts express disbelief as North Korea reports unbelievable fatality rate of 0.002% Experts suspect that Pyongyang is underreporting the figures released through state-controlled media, making it difficult for those on the outside to fully assess the situation. The country's secrecy makes it extremely improbable that anyone on the outside would be able to ascertain the full scope of the outbreak. It's has been suggested that the government exaggerated the outbreak to keep control of the country's 26 million people. Experts say that because of the low number of vaccines, significant numbers of undernourished people and a lack of facilities to both test and treat cases, the impoverished country should have suffered a far greater number of deaths than reported. Also read | North Korea lifts Covid lockdown amid ‘stable’ virus situation, according to media North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported on Thursday that 96,610 more persons developed a 'fever' during its statewide lockdown aimed at managing the impoverished country's first verified COVID-19 epidemic. The media, however, made no mention of any additional deaths. Some analysts believe that North Korea is purposefully underreporting casualties in order to protect its leader, Kim Jong Un, at all costs. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea claims good progress in fight against Covid, experts disagree

<p>For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc. Now, as their seclusion is finally ending, with most people allowed to venture out, to markets, to work and on public transport, China has cracked down on media for 'calling a spade a spade'.&nbsp;According to a Guardian report, a leaked directive from the city has ordered media to not use the phrase "ending the lockdown" while reporting the end of what clearly was a lockdown.</p>

<p>The leaked directive, which was obtained by China Digital Times said "unlike Wuhan, Shanghai never declared a lockdown, so there is no 'ending the lockdown'."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy</strong></p>

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<p>It further said that “All parts of Shanghai underwent static management-style suppression and suspensions, but the city’s core functions kept operating throughout this period. Emphasise that related measures were temporary, conditional, and limited.”</p>

<p>For more than two months people of the Chinese city with a population of 25 million had to stay cooped up, sometimes for just living in the same apartment building as a Covid positive person. Businesses and factories also suffered.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-shanghai-starts-coming-back-to-life-after-two-month-long-lockdown-484137">In pics - Shanghai starts coming back to life after two-month long lockdown</a></strong></p>

<p>After weeks of that finally on Thursday curbs were lifted for about 22.5 million people living in low-risk areas. However, masks still remain a requirement and public gatherings are frowned upon.</p>

<p>Cafes and other businesses have returned, but restaurant dining is still prohibited, shops can only function at 75 per cent capacity, and gyms will reopen later.</p>

<p>Shanghai's shutdown was the outcome of China's "zero COVID" approach of eradicating outbreaks at all costs, despite international consensus that coexistence with the virus was unavoidable.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc.

For more than 60 days, residents of China's Shanghai were stuck in a lockdown. Confined to their homes or apartment blocks, they were plagued by problems like food shortages, accessing medical care etc. Now, as their seclusion is finally ending, with most people allowed to venture out, to markets, to work and on public transport, China has cracked down on media for 'calling a spade a spade'. According to a Guardian report, a leaked directive from the city has ordered media to not use the phrase "ending the lockdown" while reporting the end of what clearly was a lockdown. The leaked directive, which was obtained by China Digital Times said "unlike Wuhan, Shanghai never declared a lockdown, so there is no 'ending the lockdown'." Watch | Gravitas: How Zero Covid ravaged Chinese economy It further said that “All parts of Shanghai underwent static management-style suppression and suspensions, but the city’s core functions kept operating throughout this period. Emphasise that related measures were temporary, conditional, and limited.” For more than two months people of the Chinese city with a population of 25 million had to stay cooped up, sometimes for just living in the same apartment building as a Covid positive person. Businesses and factories also suffered. Also read | In pics - Shanghai starts coming back to life after two-month long lockdown After weeks of that finally on Thursday curbs were lifted for about 22.5 million people living in low-risk areas. However, masks still remain a requirement and public gatherings are frowned upon. Cafes and other businesses have returned, but restaurant dining is still prohibited, shops can only function at 75 per cent capacity, and gyms will reopen later. Shanghai's shutdown was the outcome of China's "zero COVID" approach of eradicating outbreaks at all costs, despite international consensus that coexistence with the virus was unavoidable. (With inputs from agencies)

Shanghai residents spent 2 months 'locked' up, but China bans media from calling it a 'lockdown'

The World Health Organization (WHO) has cast doubts on North Korea`s claims of progress in the fight against a Covid-19 outbreak, saying it believes the situation is getting worse, not better, amid an absence of independent data.

Covid-19 situation in North Korea is 'getting worse, not better', says WHO

Shanghai has lifted the two month long Covid-19 lockdown from today (June 1). This comes as a relief for the 25 million residents who were forced to stay in their houses.

China Covid-19 Update: Shanghai lifts its two month long lockdown

China Covid-19 Update: Two month long lockdown uplifted in Shanghai

<p>Shanghai’s authorities on Monday (May 30) have announced that some of the COVID-19 lockdown measures put on businesses will be eased from Wednesday (June 1). Not just this, the two-month lockdown came to an end allowing the residents in virus-free sections of the city, BBC reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These plans have been introduced to help in city’s economy which has been severely harmed as a result of the lockdown restrictions.</p>

<p>Guidelines to manage the spread the of virus and people returning to work will be revised as per the officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-logs-80-new-local-covid-19-cases-45-in-shanghai-22-in-beijing-482503">China logs 80 new local Covid-19 cases, 45 in Shanghai; 22 in Beijing</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the announcement same, official numbers released on Sunday (May 29) showed the daily covid cases dropping from 170 to 122 cases in 24 hours.</p>

<p>Starting from June 1, the companies would no longer be required to be on ‘whitelist’ to resume their production. The declaration came as the city unveiled a 50-point plan aimed at reviving the city’s economy estimated to be $600 billion (£475 billion).</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai inches towards gradual reopening, over 100 bank outlets resume work</strong></p>

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<p>New measures included reducing taxes on automobile buyers like drivers who move to electric vehicles will be eligible for a $1,500 payment, speeding up the issuance of local government bonds, as well as the approval of construction projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Car manufacturers like Tesla and Volkswagen have been particularly suffered due to the covid restrictions.</p>

<p>Additional assistance for businesses will be included the ability to postpone insurance and pay rents along with utility bill discounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/east-asia/shanghai-to-reopen-subways-in-easing-of-covid-restrictions-480345">Shanghai to reopen subways in easing of Covid restrictions</a></strong></p>

<p>This year, banks will be required to extend $15 billion in loans to small and medium sized businesses. &nbsp;At this same time, vouchers will be distributed to assist stores and e-commerce platforms notably in cultural, fitness and tourism sectors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shopping malls and other venues have been allowed to open in some areas of the city.</p>

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Shanghai’s authorities on Monday (May 30) have announced that some of the COVID-19 lockdown measures put on businesses will be eased from Wednesday (June 1). Not just this, the two-month lockdown came to an end allowing the residents in virus-free sections of the city, BBC reported.

Shanghai’s authorities on Monday (May 30) have announced that some of the COVID-19 lockdown measures put on businesses will be eased from Wednesday (June 1). Not just this, the two-month lockdown came to an end allowing the residents in virus-free sections of the city, BBC reported. These plans have been introduced to help in city’s economy which has been severely harmed as a result of the lockdown restrictions. Guidelines to manage the spread the of virus and people returning to work will be revised as per the officials. Also read | China logs 80 new local Covid-19 cases, 45 in Shanghai; 22 in Beijing As per the announcement same, official numbers released on Sunday (May 29) showed the daily covid cases dropping from 170 to 122 cases in 24 hours. Starting from June 1, the companies would no longer be required to be on ‘whitelist’ to resume their production. The declaration came as the city unveiled a 50-point plan aimed at reviving the city’s economy estimated to be $600 billion (£475 billion). Watch | Shanghai inches towards gradual reopening, over 100 bank outlets resume work New measures included reducing taxes on automobile buyers like drivers who move to electric vehicles will be eligible for a $1,500 payment, speeding up the issuance of local government bonds, as well as the approval of construction projects. Car manufacturers like Tesla and Volkswagen have been particularly suffered due to the covid restrictions. Additional assistance for businesses will be included the ability to postpone insurance and pay rents along with utility bill discounts. Also read | Shanghai to reopen subways in easing of Covid restrictions This year, banks will be required to extend $15 billion in loans to small and medium sized businesses. At this same time, vouchers will be distributed to assist stores and e-commerce platforms notably in cultural, fitness and tourism sectors. Shopping malls and other venues have been allowed to open in some areas of the city. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Shanghai to lift restrictions for businesses

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-9eb7626c-7fff-60a3-2f4c-c7c3fbeff02c">The offices in Shanghai have opened up after two months of complete lockdown. Shanghai, is the economic hub of the country and saw a huge decline in economy in the last two months due to the restrictions because of rising Covid 19 cases.&nbsp;</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9eb7626c-7fff-60a3-2f4c-c7c3fbeff02c">From June 1st the business also doesn't need to take any sort of permission, an official said to Reuters.&nbsp;</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-9eb7626c-7fff-60a3-2f4c-c7c3fbeff02c">The city is planning to have regulations in place to curb down Covid cases as well as boost the economy.</b></p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-seals-deal-with-samoa-causing-fresh-jitters-in-western-sphere-482892">China seals deal with Samoa causing fresh jitters in western sphere</a></strong></p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8d769a0e-7fff-ed50-975c-944dc195f64f">The small businesses will get loans and financial support from the government to revive business. The action plan will consist of 50 economic policies. The real estate projects are also supposed to green signal and resume the industry.&nbsp;</b></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China: Beijing eyes 10 Pacific islands, announces 5-year deal</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-beijing-eyes-10-pacific-islands-announces-5-year-deal-483111/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A 10,000 yuan subsidy will also be granted to people looking to switch to an electric vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><b>The taxes on purchase of electric vehicles will be reduced. Even in 2021, to boost the economy the passenger number plates were increased to 135,000. This year they have increased to 40,000.</b></p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-seals-deal-with-samoa-causing-fresh-jitters-in-western-sphere-482892">China seals deal with Samoa causing fresh jitters in western sphere</a></strong></p>

<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-8a91b53d-7fff-13b1-303a-d793e5acbbf6">The authorities will be taking care of the companies that have been impacted by providing subsidies and giving them more time for insurance and rent deposit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8a91b53d-7fff-13b1-303a-d793e5acbbf6">The industries impacted the most, like e- commerce, cultural, tourism etc will be given handout vouchers.&nbsp;</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-8a91b53d-7fff-13b1-303a-d793e5acbbf6">According to a report by Reuters, "In short, we will do our best to help all kinds of enterprises... and work together to restore and revitalize Shanghai's economy," said Wu.</b></p>

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The offices in Shanghai have opened up after two months of complete lockdown. Shanghai, is the economic hub of the country and saw a huge decline in economy in the last two months due to the restrictions because of rising Covid 19 cases.

The offices in Shanghai have opened up after two months of complete lockdown. Shanghai, is the economic hub of the country and saw a huge decline in economy in the last two months due to the restrictions because of rising Covid 19 cases. From June 1st the business also doesn't need to take any sort of permission, an official said to Reuters. The city is planning to have regulations in place to curb down Covid cases as well as boost the economy. Also read | China seals deal with Samoa causing fresh jitters in western sphere The small businesses will get loans and financial support from the government to revive business. The action plan will consist of 50 economic policies. The real estate projects are also supposed to green signal and resume the industry. Watch | China: Beijing eyes 10 Pacific islands, announces 5-year deal A 10,000 yuan subsidy will also be granted to people looking to switch to an electric vehicle. The taxes on purchase of electric vehicles will be reduced. Even in 2021, to boost the economy the passenger number plates were increased to 135,000. This year they have increased to 40,000. Also read | China seals deal with Samoa causing fresh jitters in western sphere The authorities will be taking care of the companies that have been impacted by providing subsidies and giving them more time for insurance and rent deposit. The industries impacted the most, like e- commerce, cultural, tourism etc will be given handout vouchers. According to a report by Reuters, "In short, we will do our best to help all kinds of enterprises... and work together to restore and revitalize Shanghai's economy," said Wu. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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