North Korea has reported an impressive feat. As per the latest figures reported, 3.3 million people reported being sick with "fevers" yet only 69 people died in the country.

As per a report by the Associated Press, if all of these 3.3 million cases were in fact COVID-19 cases, it means that the country only had a fatality rate of 0.002 per cent. Other countries, even the richest ones, cannot match this feat in battling a disease that claimed 6 million lives worldwide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-it-is-witnessing-a-stable-downward-trend-in-coronavirus-cases-481652">North Korea says it is witnessing a 'stable' downward trend in coronavirus cases</a>

However, two weeks after the nation acknowledged its first coronavirus outbreak, North Korea's claims are being met with widespread disbelief.

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.

Watch |&nbsp;Over 2 million 'Fever' cases reported in North Korea | COVID supplies flown in from China

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The country's secretiveness makes it very unlikely that anyone on the outside would be able to confirm the true scale of the outbreak.

It's also possible that the nation overstated the outbreak in order to maintain control over the country's 26 million inhabitants.

According to some observers, North Korea is deliberately underreporting deaths in order to protect its leader, Kim Jong Un, at all costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-chides-officials-for-unspecified-pandemic-lapse-394795">North Korea's Kim chides officials for unspecified pandemic lapse</a>

North Korea publishes information regarding the number of new patients with fever symptoms every morning, but not for COVID-19.&nbsp;

Experts feel that the majority of cases should be classified as COVID-19 because, despite a dearth of diagnostic tools, North Korean health officials can identify the symptoms of fevers produced by other infectious diseases.

The daily fever tally in North Korea peaked at around 400,000 early last week but has since dropped to roughly 100,000.

After three days without a fatality, it added another one on Friday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has reported an impressive feat. As per the latest figures reported, 3.3 million people reported being sick with "fevers" yet only 69 people died in the country.

North Korea has reported an impressive feat. As per the latest figures reported, 3.3 million people reported being sick with "fevers" yet only 69 people died in the country. As per a report by the Associated Press, if all of these 3.3 million cases were in fact COVID-19 cases, it means that the country only had a fatality rate of 0.002 per cent. Other countries, even the richest ones, cannot match this feat in battling a disease that claimed 6 million lives worldwide. Also read | North Korea says it is witnessing a 'stable' downward trend in coronavirus cases However, two weeks after the nation acknowledged its first coronavirus outbreak, North Korea's claims are being met with widespread disbelief. 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. Watch | Over 2 million 'Fever' cases reported in North Korea | COVID supplies flown in from China The country's secretiveness makes it very unlikely that anyone on the outside would be able to confirm the true scale of the outbreak. It's also possible that the nation overstated the outbreak in order to maintain control over the country's 26 million inhabitants. According to some observers, North Korea is deliberately underreporting deaths in order to protect its leader, Kim Jong Un, at all costs. Also read | North Korea's Kim chides officials for unspecified pandemic lapse North Korea publishes information regarding the number of new patients with fever symptoms every morning, but not for COVID-19. Experts feel that the majority of cases should be classified as COVID-19 because, despite a dearth of diagnostic tools, North Korean health officials can identify the symptoms of fevers produced by other infectious diseases. The daily fever tally in North Korea peaked at around 400,000 early last week but has since dropped to roughly 100,000. After three days without a fatality, it added another one on Friday. (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: Experts express disbelief as North Korea reports unbelievable fatality rate of 0.002%

Ending its two-year pandemic closure, Japan on Thursday announced that it will reopen to tourists from 98 countries starting June 10.

However, the country added that travellers will only be allowed in with tour groups.

This is because these tour groups are expected to bear the responsibility of ensuring that all the travellers with it respect Japan's near-universal mask mandate and other steps that have helped keep the toll from Covid-19 remarkably low.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-man-spends-2-million-yen-to-become-a-dog-watch-how-it-turns-out-482118">Japanese man spends over $15,000 to become a dog. Watch how it turns out</a>

Beginning June 10, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that people on scheduled tours with guides will be allowed to enter Japan.

The nation's Prime Minister has also stated his desire to relax border control rules, but progress is expected to be slow.

Small experimental package trips from Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States are being hosted in Japan this week.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A trip to Japan's Little Edo

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The trial includes only 50 people who were given special visas rather than tourist visas. The experiment&nbsp;is scheduled to close on May 31.

Revisiting the border controls, the country will soon resume accepting package tours from counties like Britain, Canada, France, Malaysia and the United States.

Japan will also increase the number of airports that accept international flights to seven, adding Naha in southern Okinawa and New Chitose near Sapporo in northern Hokkaido.

For the majority of the pandemic, Japan has prevented all visitors from entering, allowing only nationals and foreign residents to do so, though even these have been turned away on occasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-prefers-higher-inflation-481910">Why Japan prefers higher inflation</a>

Following complaints that its rigorous border controls were xenophobic, Japan began loosening its restrictions earlier this year.

Currently, it&nbsp;permits up to 10,000 individuals per day to enter the country, including Japanese citizens, foreign students, and certain business travellers.

All visitors must test negative before travelling to Japan, and many must be tested again after they arrive, however, triple-vaccinated visitors from select countries are exempt from the additional test and the three-day quarantine required of others.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ending its two-year pandemic closure, Japan on Thursday announced that it will reopen to tourists from 98 countries starting June 10. However, the country added that travellers will only be allowed in with tour groups.

Ending its two-year pandemic closure, Japan on Thursday announced that it will reopen to tourists from 98 countries starting June 10. However, the country added that travellers will only be allowed in with tour groups. This is because these tour groups are expected to bear the responsibility of ensuring that all the travellers with it respect Japan's near-universal mask mandate and other steps that have helped keep the toll from Covid-19 remarkably low. Watch | Japanese man spends over $15,000 to become a dog. Watch how it turns out Beginning June 10, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that people on scheduled tours with guides will be allowed to enter Japan. The nation's Prime Minister has also stated his desire to relax border control rules, but progress is expected to be slow. Small experimental package trips from Australia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States are being hosted in Japan this week. Watch | Gravitas: A trip to Japan's Little Edo The trial includes only 50 people who were given special visas rather than tourist visas. The experiment is scheduled to close on May 31. Revisiting the border controls, the country will soon resume accepting package tours from counties like Britain, Canada, France, Malaysia and the United States. Japan will also increase the number of airports that accept international flights to seven, adding Naha in southern Okinawa and New Chitose near Sapporo in northern Hokkaido. For the majority of the pandemic, Japan has prevented all visitors from entering, allowing only nationals and foreign residents to do so, though even these have been turned away on occasion. Also read | Why Japan prefers higher inflation Following complaints that its rigorous border controls were xenophobic, Japan began loosening its restrictions earlier this year. Currently, it permits up to 10,000 individuals per day to enter the country, including Japanese citizens, foreign students, and certain business travellers. All visitors must test negative before travelling to Japan, and many must be tested again after they arrive, however, triple-vaccinated visitors from select countries are exempt from the additional test and the three-day quarantine required of others. (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.

Japan to resume tourism after two-years of strict pandemic closure

Shanghai reopened a small part of the world's longest subway system on Sunday as the city paves the way for lifting COVID-19 lockdown next week. Trains will run 20 minutes apart for limited hours.

Shanghai: Public transport reopens partly as city braces for lockdown exit

North Korea is ramping up&nbsp;production&nbsp;of&nbsp;drugs&nbsp;and&nbsp;medical&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;including sterilisers and thermometers as it&nbsp;battles an unprecedented coronavirus outbreak, state media KCNA said on Thursday.

The isolated country, which has imposed a nationwide lockdown, is also increasing&nbsp;production&nbsp;of traditional Korean medicines used to reduce fever and pain, KCNA said, calling them "effective in prevention and cure of the malicious disease."

A sweeping&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;wave, which North Korea first confirmed last week, has fanned concerns over a lack of&nbsp;medical&nbsp;resources and vaccines, with the U.N. human rights agency warning of "devastating" consequences for its 25 million people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-covid-outbreak-is-worrying-for-new-variants-who-480025">N Korea Covid outbreak could lead to new coronavirus variants: WHO</a>

The outbreak spread after Pyongyang held a massive military parade on April 25 and was expected to peak between late May and early June, South Korea's Newsis news agency said on Wednesday, citing lawmakers briefed by Seoul's spy agency.

KCNA had said only that a wave of fever of unidentified origin began in late April.

At least 262,270 more people reported fever symptoms, and one additional person died as of Wednesday evening, KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It did not specify how many people had tested positive for the virus.

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea COVID: US &amp; South Korea offer to help fight the outbreak

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North Korea has so far reported 1,978,230 people with fever symptoms and 63 deaths, and imposed strict anti-virus measures.

Factories are churning out more injections, medicines, thermometers and other&nbsp;medical&nbsp;supplies&nbsp;in the capital Pyongyang and nearby regions "in a lightning way," while more isolation wards were installed and disinfection work intensified around the country, KCNA said.

"Thousands of tons of salt were urgently transported to Pyongyang City to produce antiseptic solution," KCNA said.

The reports came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticised ineffective distribution of&nbsp;drugs&nbsp;and slammed officials for their "immature" responses to the epidemic.

Without a national vaccination campaign and&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;treatment, state media have encouraged patients to use painkillers and antibiotics as well as unverified home remedies, such as gargling salt water, or drinking lonicera japonica tea or willow leaf tea.

North Korea's state television recommended wearing two masks outdoors, a practice Kim followed on a weekend pharmacy visit, though not in TV images of a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-outbreak-turns-messier-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-slams-immature-response-479974">As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response&nbsp;</a>

Dale Fisher, a professor of medicine at National University of Singapore, said the crisis might be underestimated because of the absence of testing and the more asymptomatic Omicron variant, and could cause greater social and economic fallout in an unvaccinated community.

"The best health systems in the world struggled in most countries, so I think it's likely that the true health impact is not being accurately described," Fisher said.

"An urgent vaccine rollout is imperative, and significant public health measures and social interventions should be introduced in the meantime to slow the spread," he added.

South Korea and the United States have respectively offered to help North Korea fight the virus, including sending aid, but have not received a response, Seoul's deputy national security advisor said on Wednesday.

However, three aircraft from North Korea's Air Koryo arrived in China and returned to Pyongyang on Monday carrying&nbsp;medical&nbsp;supplies, a diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity.

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North Korea is ramping up production of drugs and medical supplies including sterilisers and thermometers as it battles an unprecedented coronavirus outbreak, state media KCNA said on Thursday.

North Korea is ramping up production of drugs and medical supplies including sterilisers and thermometers as it battles an unprecedented coronavirus outbreak, state media KCNA said on Thursday. The isolated country, which has imposed a nationwide lockdown, is also increasing production of traditional Korean medicines used to reduce fever and pain, KCNA said, calling them "effective in prevention and cure of the malicious disease." A sweeping COVID wave, which North Korea first confirmed last week, has fanned concerns over a lack of medical resources and vaccines, with the U.N. human rights agency warning of "devastating" consequences for its 25 million people. Also read | N Korea Covid outbreak could lead to new coronavirus variants: WHO The outbreak spread after Pyongyang held a massive military parade on April 25 and was expected to peak between late May and early June, South Korea's Newsis news agency said on Wednesday, citing lawmakers briefed by Seoul's spy agency. KCNA had said only that a wave of fever of unidentified origin began in late April. At least 262,270 more people reported fever symptoms, and one additional person died as of Wednesday evening, KCNA said, citing data from the state emergency epidemic prevention headquarters. It did not specify how many people had tested positive for the virus. Also watch | North Korea COVID: US & South Korea offer to help fight the outbreak North Korea has so far reported 1,978,230 people with fever symptoms and 63 deaths, and imposed strict anti-virus measures. Factories are churning out more injections, medicines, thermometers and other medical supplies in the capital Pyongyang and nearby regions "in a lightning way," while more isolation wards were installed and disinfection work intensified around the country, KCNA said. "Thousands of tons of salt were urgently transported to Pyongyang City to produce antiseptic solution," KCNA said. The reports came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticised ineffective distribution of drugs and slammed officials for their "immature" responses to the epidemic. Without a national vaccination campaign and COVID treatment, state media have encouraged patients to use painkillers and antibiotics as well as unverified home remedies, such as gargling salt water, or drinking lonicera japonica tea or willow leaf tea. North Korea's state television recommended wearing two masks outdoors, a practice Kim followed on a weekend pharmacy visit, though not in TV images of a politburo meeting of the ruling Workers' Party on Tuesday. Also read | As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response Dale Fisher, a professor of medicine at National University of Singapore, said the crisis might be underestimated because of the absence of testing and the more asymptomatic Omicron variant, and could cause greater social and economic fallout in an unvaccinated community. "The best health systems in the world struggled in most countries, so I think it's likely that the true health impact is not being accurately described," Fisher said. "An urgent vaccine rollout is imperative, and significant public health measures and social interventions should be introduced in the meantime to slow the spread," he added. South Korea and the United States have respectively offered to help North Korea fight the virus, including sending aid, but have not received a response, Seoul's deputy national security advisor said on Wednesday. However, three aircraft from North Korea's Air Koryo arrived in China and returned to Pyongyang on Monday carrying medical supplies, a diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity. 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 boosts production of drugs, medical supplies to battle COVID-19

The locked-down Chinese metropolis of Shanghai will reopen four of its 20 subway lines Sunday as it slowly eases pandemic restrictions that have kept most residents in their housing complexes for more than six weeks.

The city will also restart 273 bus lines connecting major urban centers, airports, train stations and hospitals as it resumes cross-district public transit, Yu Fulin, director of the Shanghai Transport Commission, said at a daily pandemic briefing Thursday.

It wasn't immediately clear how frequent the service would be. Bus service resumed on a trial basis within three outlying districts this week, with buses running every 30 to 90 minutes during daylight hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigators-probe-whether-china-eastern-airlines-jet-crash-was-an-intentional-act-reports-479976">Investigators probe whether China Eastern Airlines jet crash was an intentional act: Reports</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/investigators-probe-whether-china-eastern-airlines-jet-crash-was-an-intentional-act-reports-479976">&nbsp;</a>

The lockdown of China's largest city has dealt a blow to the economy and frustrated residents, particularly as many countries elsewhere in the world move away from such harsh measures as they try to live with the virus.

But officials have stuck to a zero-COVID' approach, saying that lifting restrictions could strain the public health system and lead to more deaths, particularly among the not fully vaccinated elderly.

The outbreak in Shanghai has taken 580 lives, according to official statistics, making it the deadliest one since the initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan in early 2020.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US: China eastern airlines jet crash caused by someone in the cockpit

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Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/satellite-images-reveal-china-constructing-massive-bridge-near-indian-border-at-pangong-tso-report-480072">&nbsp;India-China border dispute: China constructing massive bridge near Indian border, says report</a>&nbsp;

Even as the number of new cases plummets, authorities are relaxing restrictions in a slow and deliberate manner as they try to ensure that the virus no longer spreads anywhere outside of quarantine facilities and areas with known infections.

The city of 25 million people recorded about 700 new cases on Wednesday, accounting for most of the about 1,000 cases nationwide.

Authorities in Beijing, which reported 55 new cases, closed some subway stations and bus lines, banned dining in restaurants and strongly encouraged residents to work from home as they try to prevent a Shanghai-scale outbreak in the Chinese capital.

Elsewhere in China, the city of Guang'an in in China's southwestern Sichuan province was locked down on Wednesday. The province recorded about 150 new cases.

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The locked-down Chinese metropolis of Shanghai will reopen four of its 20 subway lines Sunday as it slowly eases pandemic restrictions that have kept most residents in their housing complexes for more than six weeks.

The locked-down Chinese metropolis of Shanghai will reopen four of its 20 subway lines Sunday as it slowly eases pandemic restrictions that have kept most residents in their housing complexes for more than six weeks. The city will also restart 273 bus lines connecting major urban centers, airports, train stations and hospitals as it resumes cross-district public transit, Yu Fulin, director of the Shanghai Transport Commission, said at a daily pandemic briefing Thursday. It wasn't immediately clear how frequent the service would be. Bus service resumed on a trial basis within three outlying districts this week, with buses running every 30 to 90 minutes during daylight hours. Also read | Investigators probe whether China Eastern Airlines jet crash was an intentional act: Reports The lockdown of China's largest city has dealt a blow to the economy and frustrated residents, particularly as many countries elsewhere in the world move away from such harsh measures as they try to live with the virus. But officials have stuck to a zero-COVID' approach, saying that lifting restrictions could strain the public health system and lead to more deaths, particularly among the not fully vaccinated elderly. The outbreak in Shanghai has taken 580 lives, according to official statistics, making it the deadliest one since the initial outbreak in the city of Wuhan in early 2020. WATCH | US: China eastern airlines jet crash caused by someone in the cockpit Also read | India-China border dispute: China constructing massive bridge near Indian border, says report Even as the number of new cases plummets, authorities are relaxing restrictions in a slow and deliberate manner as they try to ensure that the virus no longer spreads anywhere outside of quarantine facilities and areas with known infections. The city of 25 million people recorded about 700 new cases on Wednesday, accounting for most of the about 1,000 cases nationwide. Authorities in Beijing, which reported 55 new cases, closed some subway stations and bus lines, banned dining in restaurants and strongly encouraged residents to work from home as they try to prevent a Shanghai-scale outbreak in the Chinese capital. Elsewhere in China, the city of Guang'an in in China's southwestern Sichuan province was locked down on Wednesday. The province recorded about 150 new cases. 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.

Shanghai to reopen subways in easing of Covid restrictions

Shanghai has reached four straight days without new Covid-19 infections in its low-risk, keeping the city on a path toward a return to normalcy by the end of June.

Shanghai remains Covid free for four days, city on path toward normalcy

In pics| Thousands of faithful Catholics pray at Portuguese shrine despite fears of new Covid wave

Over thirty million (3 crore) children in the age group of 12-14 years have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday.

The vaccination for children between the 12-14 age group started on March 16 with Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax, which is administered to the beneficiaries in an interval of 28 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-centre-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-booster-shot-says-officials-477030">Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report</a>

"Children are making a significant contribution to the vaccination campaign! Over 3 crore youngsters between 12-14 age group have received 1st dose of COVID19 vaccine. Congratulations to all my young friends who got vaccinated," Mandaviya said in a tweet.

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टीकाकरण अभियान में बच्चे दे रहे हैं महत्वपूर्ण योगदान! 💉 
 
Over 3⃣ crore youngsters between 12-14 age group have received 1st dose of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccine. 
 
Congratulations to all my young friends who got vaccinated. <a href="https://t.co/SdHfALZyua">pic.twitter.com/SdHfALZyua</a>
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1523664998689820672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India`s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 1,900 million (190.48 Crore or 190,485,426,3) on Monday.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge

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So far 30,669,820 children between the 12-14 age group have been administered the first dose of the vaccine while 10,200,272 have received the second dose.

In the age group of 15-18 years, 587,704,28 first doses of the vaccine have been administered, and 43,308,651 second doses.

The countrywide vaccination drive began on January 16 last year with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase.

Vaccination of frontline workers started on February 2, 2021. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

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India launched vaccinations for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1 last year. The government then expanded its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years of age to be inoculated against the viral disease from May 1, 2021.

COVID-19 vaccination for minors in India started from January 3 onwards for those in the 15-18 age group with Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin. The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Biological E`s Corbevax.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-who-data-collection-methodology-unsound-and-scientifically-questionable-476612">India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable'</a>

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for the age group 18-59 years also started from April 10 onwards.

India witnessed a slight dip in the COVID-19 cases on Monday as the country reported 3,207 fresh infections in a day, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

Over thirty million (3 crore) children in the age group of 12-14 years have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday.

Over thirty million (3 crore) children in the age group of 12-14 years have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday. The vaccination for children between the 12-14 age group started on March 16 with Biological E's intramuscular vaccine Corbevax, which is administered to the beneficiaries in an interval of 28 days. Also read | Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report "Children are making a significant contribution to the vaccination campaign! Over 3 crore youngsters between 12-14 age group have received 1st dose of COVID19 vaccine. Congratulations to all my young friends who got vaccinated," Mandaviya said in a tweet. टीकाकरण अभियान में बच्चे दे रहे हैं महत्वपूर्ण योगदान! 💉 Over 3⃣ crore youngsters between 12-14 age group have received 1st dose of #COVID19 vaccine. Congratulations to all my young friends who got vaccinated. pic.twitter.com/SdHfALZyua — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) May 9, 2022 × According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India`s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 1,900 million (190.48 Crore or 190,485,426,3) on Monday. Watch | India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge So far 30,669,820 children between the 12-14 age group have been administered the first dose of the vaccine while 10,200,272 have received the second dose. In the age group of 15-18 years, 587,704,28 first doses of the vaccine have been administered, and 43,308,651 second doses. The countrywide vaccination drive began on January 16 last year with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. Vaccination of frontline workers started on February 2, 2021. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: India launched vaccinations for all people aged more than 45 years from April 1 last year. The government then expanded its vaccination drive by allowing everyone above 18 years of age to be inoculated against the viral disease from May 1, 2021. COVID-19 vaccination for minors in India started from January 3 onwards for those in the 15-18 age group with Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin. The drive later expanded on March 16 to include children aged above 12 for Biological E`s Corbevax. Also read | India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable' The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on March 1 last year for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. Similarly, the COVID-19 precaution dose administration for the age group 18-59 years also started from April 10 onwards. India witnessed a slight dip in the COVID-19 cases on Monday as the country reported 3,207 fresh infections in a day, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

COVID-19 India: Over 30 million children between 12-14 years age group administered covid first dose

North Korea has confirmed its first covid outbreak. Its state media says cases of an 'unidentified fever' are exploding. 350,000 people have reportedly been infected. North Korea has no vaccines. How will it fight the virus? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Covid cases are 'exploding' in North Korea

More than half of people hospitalised with COVID-19 still have at least one symptom two years after they were first infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the longest follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal.

The research followed 1,192 participants in China infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first phase of the pandemic in 2020.

While physical and mental health generally improved over time, the study suggests that COVID-19 patients still tend to have poorer health and quality of life than the general population.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-gates-tests-positive-for-covid-19-says-experiencing-mild-symptoms-477995">Bill Gates tests positive for COVID-19, says experiencing 'mild symptoms'</a>

This is especially the case for participants with long covid, who typically still have at least one symptom including fatigue, shortness of breath, and sleep difficulties two years after initially falling ill, the researchers said.

The long-term health impacts of COVID-19 have remained largely unknown, as the longest follow-up studies to date have spanned around one year, they said.

"Our findings indicate that for a certain proportion of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors, while they may have cleared the initial infection, more than two years is needed to recover fully from COVID-19," said study lead author Professor Bin Cao, of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, China.

"Ongoing follow-up of COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with symptoms of long covid, is essential to understand the longer course of the illness, as is further exploration of the benefits of rehabilitation programmes for recovery," Cao said in a statement.

The researchers noted that there is a clear need to provide continued support to a significant proportion of people who have had COVID-19, and to understand how vaccines, emerging treatments, and variants affect long-term health outcomes.

Watch |&nbsp;China’s censors target WHO Chief after comments criticizing its Zero covid policy

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They evaluated the health of 1,192 participants with acute COVID-19 treated at Jin Yin-tan Hospital in Wuhan, between January 7 and May 29, 2020, at six months, 12 months, and two years.

Assessments involved a six-minute walking test, laboratory tests, and questionnaires on symptoms, mental health, health-related quality of life, if they had returned to work, and health-care use after discharge, the researchers said.

The median age of participants at discharge was 57 years, and 54 per cent were men.

Six months after initially falling ill, 68 per cent of participants reported at least one long covid&nbsp;symptom, according to the researchers. 
By two years after infection, reports of symptoms had fallen to 55 per cent, they said.

Fatigue or muscle weakness were the symptoms most often reported and fell from 52 per cent at six months to 30 per cent at two years, the researchers said.

Regardless of the severity of their initial illness, 89 per cent of participants had returned to their original work at two years, they said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-growing-criticism-chinese-study-claims-lifting-zero-covid-policy-will-unleash-tsunami-of-cases-478182">Chinese study claims lifting ‘zero-Covid’ policy will unleash ‘tsunami of cases’</a>

The researchers noted that two years after initially falling ill, patients with COVID-19 are generally in poorer health than the general population, with 31 per cent reporting fatigue or muscle weakness and 31 per cent reporting sleep difficulties.

COVID-19 patients were also more likely to report a number of other symptoms including joint pain, palpitations, dizziness, and headaches, they said.

Around half of study participants had symptoms of long COVID at two years, and reported lower quality of life than those without long covid.

In mental health questionnaires, 35 per cent reported pain or discomfort and 19 per cent reported anxiety or depression.

Long covid&nbsp;participants also more often reported problems with their mobility or activity than those without the disorder.

The authors acknowledge some limitations to their study.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-north-korea-officially-confirms-covid-outbreak-orders-lockdown-to-check-omicrons-spread-478240">Covid-19 in North Korea: After official confirmation of outbreak, Kim orders lockdown</a>

Without a control group of hospital survivors unrelated to COVID-19 infection, it is hard to determine whether observed abnormalities are specific to COVID-19, they said.

The slightly increased proportion of participants included in the analysis who received oxygen leads to the possibility that those who did not participate in the study had fewer symptoms than those who did, according to the researchers.

This may result in an overestimate of the prevalence of long covid symptoms, they added.

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More than half of people hospitalised with COVID-19 still have at least one symptom two years after they were first infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the longest follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal.

More than half of people hospitalised with COVID-19 still have at least one symptom two years after they were first infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to the longest follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal. The research followed 1,192 participants in China infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the first phase of the pandemic in 2020. While physical and mental health generally improved over time, the study suggests that COVID-19 patients still tend to have poorer health and quality of life than the general population. Also read | Bill Gates tests positive for COVID-19, says experiencing 'mild symptoms' This is especially the case for participants with long covid, who typically still have at least one symptom including fatigue, shortness of breath, and sleep difficulties two years after initially falling ill, the researchers said. The long-term health impacts of COVID-19 have remained largely unknown, as the longest follow-up studies to date have spanned around one year, they said. "Our findings indicate that for a certain proportion of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors, while they may have cleared the initial infection, more than two years is needed to recover fully from COVID-19," said study lead author Professor Bin Cao, of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital, China. "Ongoing follow-up of COVID-19 survivors, particularly those with symptoms of long covid, is essential to understand the longer course of the illness, as is further exploration of the benefits of rehabilitation programmes for recovery," Cao said in a statement. The researchers noted that there is a clear need to provide continued support to a significant proportion of people who have had COVID-19, and to understand how vaccines, emerging treatments, and variants affect long-term health outcomes. Watch | China’s censors target WHO Chief after comments criticizing its Zero covid policy They evaluated the health of 1,192 participants with acute COVID-19 treated at Jin Yin-tan Hospital in Wuhan, between January 7 and May 29, 2020, at six months, 12 months, and two years. Assessments involved a six-minute walking test, laboratory tests, and questionnaires on symptoms, mental health, health-related quality of life, if they had returned to work, and health-care use after discharge, the researchers said. The median age of participants at discharge was 57 years, and 54 per cent were men. Six months after initially falling ill, 68 per cent of participants reported at least one long covid symptom, according to the researchers. By two years after infection, reports of symptoms had fallen to 55 per cent, they said. Fatigue or muscle weakness were the symptoms most often reported and fell from 52 per cent at six months to 30 per cent at two years, the researchers said. Regardless of the severity of their initial illness, 89 per cent of participants had returned to their original work at two years, they said. Also read | Chinese study claims lifting ‘zero-Covid’ policy will unleash ‘tsunami of cases’ The researchers noted that two years after initially falling ill, patients with COVID-19 are generally in poorer health than the general population, with 31 per cent reporting fatigue or muscle weakness and 31 per cent reporting sleep difficulties. COVID-19 patients were also more likely to report a number of other symptoms including joint pain, palpitations, dizziness, and headaches, they said. Around half of study participants had symptoms of long COVID at two years, and reported lower quality of life than those without long covid. In mental health questionnaires, 35 per cent reported pain or discomfort and 19 per cent reported anxiety or depression. Long covid participants also more often reported problems with their mobility or activity than those without the disorder. The authors acknowledge some limitations to their study. Also read | Covid-19 in North Korea: After official confirmation of outbreak, Kim orders lockdown Without a control group of hospital survivors unrelated to COVID-19 infection, it is hard to determine whether observed abnormalities are specific to COVID-19, they said. The slightly increased proportion of participants included in the analysis who received oxygen leads to the possibility that those who did not participate in the study had fewer symptoms than those who did, according to the researchers. This may result in an overestimate of the prevalence of long covid symptoms, they added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Half of Covid survivors show one symptom even two years after infection: Lancet study

Shanghai has intensified its Wuhan virus lockdown. Violators are being put behind bars, entire buildings are being isolated over just one case. Tesla has suspended most production, Chinese exports have also taken a hit. Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Shanghai intensifies lockdown

China's capital city is racing to contain the covid cases. Beijing has kicked off a fresh round of mass testing and officials have continued to tighten covid restrictions. Various subway stations have been shut down and at least 15% of the transportation network remains closed.

China struggles to contain covid surge, Beijing ramps up mass testing

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The death toll climbed to 5,24,103 with 10 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.74 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-centre-approves-russian-vaccine-sputnik-booster-shot-says-officials-477030">Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report</a>

A decrease of 766 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.79 per cent, according to the ministry.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge

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The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,63,949, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent.

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The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 190.50 crore.

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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covovax-vaccine-available-for-everyone-above-12-years-adar-poonawalla-476470">Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla</a>

The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

The 10 new fatalities include six from Kerala, three from Delhi and one from Karnataka.&nbsp;

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

With 2,288 new coronavirus infections reported in a day, India's tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,31,07,689, while the active cases decreased to 19,637, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The death toll climbed to 5,24,103 with 10 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.05 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate was 98.74 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report A decrease of 766 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.47 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.79 per cent, according to the ministry. Watch | India: Mask mandate back in New Delhi as COVID cases surge The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,63,949, while the case fatality rate was 1.22 per cent. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 190.50 crore. 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. Also read | Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. The 10 new fatalities include six from Kerala, three from Delhi and one from Karnataka.

India: Active COVID-19 cases dip to 19,637

Amid china's zero-covid policy, cases in the Chinese capital Beijing continue to surge. The city reported 39 new covid infections in the last 24 hours taking its total tally to 727. Authorities continued to conduct regular mass testing.

Covid Update: China's capital Beijing witnesses surge in covid cases

Amid the rising&nbsp;COVID-19 cases&nbsp;in India,&nbsp;the central government&nbsp;has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times.

While India began administering the third dosage of vaccination to its adult population earlier this year, it was only to individuals who had chosen Covaxin and Covishield.

Currently, there is no such opportunity for people who had chosen two doses of Sputnik V vaccines to receive a third dose.&nbsp;No specific time frame about how long the availability&nbsp;process will take is declared but the officials suggested that it might take a few weeks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-who-data-collection-methodology-unsound-and-scientifically-questionable-476612">India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable'</a>

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which has the rights to market and distribute the Russian vaccine in India, has already begun its talk with hospitals and manufacturing partners, and especially the government to make the vaccine available on CoWIN app as an option.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India's Central Bank hikes interest rates

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Dr Reddy’s statement said, “This week, component 1 of Sputnik V (or Sputnik Light) was approved for administration at private centres as the precaution dose for those who received Sputnik V as their primary vaccine. Having now received official confirmation of the approval, we are working with manufacturing partners in India...”

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The Supreme Court of India had earlier this week asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to decide on a person’s request to change the COVDI-19 policy to allow voluntary re-vaccination of people who had received the Sputnik V vaccine and wanted to travel abroad, reported by Times Now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heatwave-hit-indian-states-ready-with-plans-says-official-476886">India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official</a>

In February of this year, Sputnik Light acquired an Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drugs Controller general of India (DGCI). Sputnik’s V two dosages are separated by the duration of 21 to 30 days and have different formulations. The booster ‘light’ jab on the other hand, is some what identical to the standard edition’s initial dose.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in India, the central government has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times.

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases in India, the central government has approved the Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine for those who opted for it as per a report by Hindustan Times. While India began administering the third dosage of vaccination to its adult population earlier this year, it was only to individuals who had chosen Covaxin and Covishield. Currently, there is no such opportunity for people who had chosen two doses of Sputnik V vaccines to receive a third dose. No specific time frame about how long the availability process will take is declared but the officials suggested that it might take a few weeks. Also read | India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable' Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which has the rights to market and distribute the Russian vaccine in India, has already begun its talk with hospitals and manufacturing partners, and especially the government to make the vaccine available on CoWIN app as an option. Watch | Gravitas: India's Central Bank hikes interest rates Dr Reddy’s statement said, “This week, component 1 of Sputnik V (or Sputnik Light) was approved for administration at private centres as the precaution dose for those who received Sputnik V as their primary vaccine. Having now received official confirmation of the approval, we are working with manufacturing partners in India...” WATCH WION LIVE HERE: The Supreme Court of India had earlier this week asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to decide on a person’s request to change the COVDI-19 policy to allow voluntary re-vaccination of people who had received the Sputnik V vaccine and wanted to travel abroad, reported by Times Now. Also read | India: 23 states, hundreds of cities, districts at risk due to heatwave, says official In February of this year, Sputnik Light acquired an Emergency Use Authorisation from the Drugs Controller general of India (DGCI). Sputnik’s V two dosages are separated by the duration of 21 to 30 days and have different formulations. The booster ‘light’ jab on the other hand, is some what identical to the standard edition’s initial dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Centre approves Russian vaccine ‘Sputnik’ booster COVID-19 shot: Report

Despite an outbreak of the coronavirus caused by two new Omicron sub-variants of coronavirus; BA.4 and BA.5, South Africa has now put an end to school children wearing masks on Thursday (May 5).

The health ministry announced that regulations requiring all students to wear masks in class expired at midnight ad were not renewed. However, adults are still required to wear masks in public indoor locations, and there are still limits on the number of people for gatherings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-warns-world-is-blind-to-how-covid-is-mutating-after-safrica-reports-two-new-omicron-variants-476547" hreflang="en">After S.Africa reports two new Omicron variants, WHO chief warns world is blind to Covid mutations</a>

The country has officially reported over 3.8 million infected cases and 100,407 fatalities, the highest toll in Africa and yet just around half of the adult population has been properly vaccinated. Following a brief break in April, the number of cases has been in the country has been steadily increasing with reporting more than 6,100 cases on Wednesday (May 4).

Watch |&nbsp;More trouble for Jacob Zuma, probe finds questionable deals under his rule

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The ministry in a statement said, “The only way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones against this pandemic and the current rising number of positive cases is through vaccination and adhering to preventative measures at all times.”

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Indoor gatherings are limited to half of the venue capacity or 1,000 people and outdoor events can have 2,000 people with a negative covid test report. The inbound travellers are expected to be fully vaccinated and if not,&nbsp;to submit their negative covid test report.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-watchdog-warns-pandemic-is-far-from-over-will-continue-to-impact-our-lives-476651" hreflang="en">EU watchdog warns pandemic is 'far from over', will continue to impact our lives</a>

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation chief on Wednesday said that the two Omicron sub-variant are to be blamed for the increase in infections in the country. He further said, “too soon to know whether these new sub-variants can cause more severe disease than other Omicron sub-variants." 
(With inputs from agencies)

Despite an outbreak of the coronavirus caused by two new Omicron sub-variants of coronavirus; BA.4 and BA.5, South Africa has now put an end to school children wearing masks on Thursday (May 5).

Despite an outbreak of the coronavirus caused by two new Omicron sub-variants of coronavirus; BA.4 and BA.5, South Africa has now put an end to school children wearing masks on Thursday (May 5). The health ministry announced that regulations requiring all students to wear masks in class expired at midnight ad were not renewed. However, adults are still required to wear masks in public indoor locations, and there are still limits on the number of people for gatherings. Also read | After S.Africa reports two new Omicron variants, WHO chief warns world is blind to Covid mutations The country has officially reported over 3.8 million infected cases and 100,407 fatalities, the highest toll in Africa and yet just around half of the adult population has been properly vaccinated. Following a brief break in April, the number of cases has been in the country has been steadily increasing with reporting more than 6,100 cases on Wednesday (May 4). Watch | More trouble for Jacob Zuma, probe finds questionable deals under his rule The ministry in a statement said, “The only way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones against this pandemic and the current rising number of positive cases is through vaccination and adhering to preventative measures at all times.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE: Indoor gatherings are limited to half of the venue capacity or 1,000 people and outdoor events can have 2,000 people with a negative covid test report. The inbound travellers are expected to be fully vaccinated and if not, to submit their negative covid test report. Also read | EU watchdog warns pandemic is 'far from over', will continue to impact our lives Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organisation chief on Wednesday said that the two Omicron sub-variant are to be blamed for the increase in infections in the country. He further said, “too soon to know whether these new sub-variants can cause more severe disease than other Omicron sub-variants." (With inputs from agencies)

Despite an increase in COVID-19 cases, South Africa to drop masks for kids

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years.

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A lot of you have asked if Covovax is available for adults. The answer is yes, it is available for everyone above the age of 12.
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) <a href="https://twitter.com/adarpoonawalla/status/1521908211577618437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This confirmation came a day after Poonawalla stated on Twitter that Covovax is now available for children in India. In the country, Covovax (Novavax) will be available for children. This is the only Indian-made vaccine that is also available in Europe, and it boasts a 90 per cent efficacy rate. The CEO even mentioned the vision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim of delivering another vaccine to protect the children.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-as-severe-as-previous-covid-variants-large-study-finds-476450">Omicron as severe as previous Covid variants, large study finds</a>

The Indian government last year in December approved use of Covovax for an emergency case.

Watch |&nbsp;Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports

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Last Monday (May 2), the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) authorised the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India for the age group of 12-17 years.&nbsp;

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However, many Twitter users expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that the Covovax option is not available on the CoWIN app for vaccine recipients for the age group of 18 years and above.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/severe-covid-may-result-in-cognitive-ability-dropping-by-10-iq-points-study-476336">Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study</a>

Another user tweeted with a screenshot of the app and said, “Check this out, when we select 18 &amp; above option in CoWIN app, automatically Covovax option gets faded i.e disabled while 4 other options are highlighted i.e Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik, ZyCov-D."

(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune, confirmed on Wednesday (May 4) in his tweet that the COVID-19 vaccination Covovax will now be available to everyone above the age of 12 years. A lot of you have asked if Covovax is available for adults. The answer is yes, it is available for everyone above the age of 12. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) May 4, 2022 × This confirmation came a day after Poonawalla stated on Twitter that Covovax is now available for children in India. In the country, Covovax (Novavax) will be available for children. This is the only Indian-made vaccine that is also available in Europe, and it boasts a 90 per cent efficacy rate. The CEO even mentioned the vision of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aim of delivering another vaccine to protect the children. Also read | Omicron as severe as previous Covid variants, large study finds The Indian government last year in December approved use of Covovax for an emergency case. Watch | Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports Last Monday (May 2), the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) authorised the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India for the age group of 12-17 years. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: However, many Twitter users expressed their dissatisfaction with the fact that the Covovax option is not available on the CoWIN app for vaccine recipients for the age group of 18 years and above. Also read | Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study Another user tweeted with a screenshot of the app and said, “Check this out, when we select 18 & above option in CoWIN app, automatically Covovax option gets faded i.e disabled while 4 other options are highlighted i.e Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik, ZyCov-D." (With inputs from agencies)

Covovax vaccine available for everyone above 12 years: Adar Poonawalla

It is already known that Covid infection affects physical as well as mental health. But a new study suggests that cognitive impairment caused due to severe Covid infection may be equal to drop of 10 IQ points.

In other words, severe Covid infections may result in loss of cognitive abilities which happens between 50 and 70 years of age. The study has been carried out by a team of scientists from University of Cambridge and Imperial College London.

The study points at the possibility that effects of Covid may be detectable in a person even more than six months after the infection. The cognitive recovery may at best be gradual.

For this study, the researchers sifted through data of 46 patients who were admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for treatment of Covid.

Six months after their acute illness, the patients were asked to take detailed cognitive tests that checked their memory, attention and reasoning. Results obtained from the group of patients were compared to those obtained from a control group.

It was found that Covid survivors had slower response time and were less accurate in their answers in the cognitive tests. Such results were detected six months after the infection.

It was found during the study that cognitive impairment was strongest among patients who needed mechanical ventilation during their illness. In other words, they were severely infected by Covid.

The researchers compared the results with larger dataset obtained from 66,008 members of the public and inferred that the cognitive impairment due to severe infection of Covid was equivalent to 10 IQ points.

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It is already known that Covid infection affects physical as well as mental health. But a new study suggests that cognitive impairment caused due to severe Covid infection may be equal to drop of 10 IQ points.

It is already known that Covid infection affects physical as well as mental health. But a new study suggests that cognitive impairment caused due to severe Covid infection may be equal to drop of 10 IQ points. In other words, severe Covid infections may result in loss of cognitive abilities which happens between 50 and 70 years of age. The study has been carried out by a team of scientists from University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. The study points at the possibility that effects of Covid may be detectable in a person even more than six months after the infection. The cognitive recovery may at best be gradual. For this study, the researchers sifted through data of 46 patients who were admitted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for treatment of Covid. Six months after their acute illness, the patients were asked to take detailed cognitive tests that checked their memory, attention and reasoning. Results obtained from the group of patients were compared to those obtained from a control group. It was found that Covid survivors had slower response time and were less accurate in their answers in the cognitive tests. Such results were detected six months after the infection. It was found during the study that cognitive impairment was strongest among patients who needed mechanical ventilation during their illness. In other words, they were severely infected by Covid. The researchers compared the results with larger dataset obtained from 66,008 members of the public and inferred that the cognitive impairment due to severe infection of Covid was equivalent to 10 IQ points. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study

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