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

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

China has reported new cases, many Chinese cities are under lockdown. Are we looking at another global wave of coronavirus cases?

China's latest Wuhan virus outbreak: 10 Chinese cities under lockdown

Hong Kong's Omicron fueled Wuhan virus is killing almost 150 people everyday. Funeral homes are overflowing. Refrigerated shipping containers are being hired to keep dead bodies. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Hong Kong: Shipping containers hired to store dead bodies

New York City has lifted the major COVID-19 protocols including the school mask mandate and vaccination requirements for businesses. Restaurants and indoor venues, including restaurants, theaters and gyms, no longer have to require proof of vaccination.

New York City lifts COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association. 
 
For the week ending March 3, almost 69,000 additional child Covid-19 cases were reported across the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/for-the-first-time-since-2008-gas-prices-in-us-surpassed-4-per-gallon-460170">For the first time since 2008, gas prices in US surpassed $4 per gallon</a> 
 
This marked the first time weekly child cases had dropped below 100,000 since August last year, said the report. 
 
It was also the sixth consecutive weekly decrease of child Covid-19 cases from the pandemic peak of 1,150,000 added the week ending January 20, according to the report. 
 
Reported Covid-19 cases among children spiked dramatically in 2022 during the Omicron variant surge, and over 4.8 million child cases were reported since the beginning of January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/people-with-heart-defects-may-be-at-higher-risk-for-severe-covid-study-459937">People with heart defects may be at higher risk for severe Covid: Study</a> 
 
Over 12.7 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic in the country in early 2020. 
 
Almost 670,000 of these cases were added in the past four weeks, according to the report.

Watch |&nbsp;NYC lifts COVID mandates: Masks made optional for schools with the reduction of cases in US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nyc-lifts-covid-mandates-masks-made-optional-for-schools-with-the-reduction-of-cases-in-us-460150/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since the first week of September 2021, there have been nearly 7.7 million additional child cases in the US, according to the report. 
 
As of Tuesday, the US continued to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of Covid cases and deaths at 79,339,202 and 960,310.

&nbsp;

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association.

Weekly child Covid-19 cases in the US have dropped below 100,000 for the first time since August 2021, according to the latest report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children's Hospital Association. For the week ending March 3, almost 69,000 additional child Covid-19 cases were reported across the country, Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying on Monday. Also read | For the first time since 2008, gas prices in US surpassed $4 per gallon This marked the first time weekly child cases had dropped below 100,000 since August last year, said the report. It was also the sixth consecutive weekly decrease of child Covid-19 cases from the pandemic peak of 1,150,000 added the week ending January 20, according to the report. Reported Covid-19 cases among children spiked dramatically in 2022 during the Omicron variant surge, and over 4.8 million child cases were reported since the beginning of January. Also read | People with heart defects may be at higher risk for severe Covid: Study Over 12.7 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic in the country in early 2020. Almost 670,000 of these cases were added in the past four weeks, according to the report. Watch | NYC lifts COVID mandates: Masks made optional for schools with the reduction of cases in US Since the first week of September 2021, there have been nearly 7.7 million additional child cases in the US, according to the report. As of Tuesday, the US continued to be the worst-hit country with the world's highest number of Covid cases and deaths at 79,339,202 and 960,310.

COVID-19: Weekly child cases in US drop below 100k for first time

Mainland&nbsp;China has logged its highest number of daily new local symptomatic COVID-19 infections in about two years, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant pressures its stringent policy to curb each outbreak quickly.

China reported 214 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms for Sunday, data from the National Health Commission showed on Monday.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-ukrainian-boy-travelled-1000-km-alone-to-slovakia-to-get-to-safety-459734">&nbsp;An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety</a>

That marks the highest daily caseload since Chinese authorities started in early March 2020 to count locally found infections and cases arriving from outside&nbsp;mainland&nbsp;separately.

China's latest local virus flare-ups are tiny by global standards, and the country is sticking to its "dynamic-clearing" policy which requires local authorities to quickly identify and quarantine every infection and their close contacts and impose travel restrictions to cut off transmission.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-spikes-to-2008-highs-as-us-europe-mull-russian-oil-import-ban-iran-delay-459688">Oil spikes to 2008 highs as U.S., Europe mull Russian oil import ban, Iran delay</a>

The majority of Sunday's 214 local cases were found in the provinces of Guangdong, Jilin and Shandong.

The number of locally transmitted asymptomatic cases rose to 312 for Sunday, the highest daily number since China stared in late March, 2020 to classify symptomless infections seperately from confirmed cases.

There were no new deaths, leaving the death toll unchanged at 4,636.

As of March 6, China had reported 111,195 cases with confirmed symptoms, including both local ones and those arriving from outside the&nbsp;mainland.

Mainland China has logged its highest number of daily new local symptomatic COVID-19 infections in about two years, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant pressures its stringent policy to curb each outbreak quickly.

Mainland China has logged its highest number of daily new local symptomatic COVID-19 infections in about two years, as the highly transmissible Omicron variant pressures its stringent policy to curb each outbreak quickly. China reported 214 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms for Sunday, data from the National Health Commission showed on Monday. Also read | An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety That marks the highest daily caseload since Chinese authorities started in early March 2020 to count locally found infections and cases arriving from outside mainland separately. China's latest local virus flare-ups are tiny by global standards, and the country is sticking to its "dynamic-clearing" policy which requires local authorities to quickly identify and quarantine every infection and their close contacts and impose travel restrictions to cut off transmission. Also read | Oil spikes to 2008 highs as U.S., Europe mull Russian oil import ban, Iran delay The majority of Sunday's 214 local cases were found in the provinces of Guangdong, Jilin and Shandong. The number of locally transmitted asymptomatic cases rose to 312 for Sunday, the highest daily number since China stared in late March, 2020 to classify symptomless infections seperately from confirmed cases. There were no new deaths, leaving the death toll unchanged at 4,636. As of March 6, China had reported 111,195 cases with confirmed symptoms, including both local ones and those arriving from outside the mainland.

COVID-19: China daily local virus cases at two-year high

The&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;port&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Qingdao&nbsp;reported 88 new coronavirus cases for March 5, all of them of the&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;variant, fuelling China's highest number of daily locally transmitted cases so far this year.

China recorded 329 new coronavirus cases on the mainland on Saturday, 175 of them locally transmitted, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday, compared with 102 local cases a day earlier.

The&nbsp;Qingdao&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;was mainly&nbsp;among&nbsp;middle school&nbsp;students&nbsp;in Laixi county, the&nbsp;Qingdao&nbsp;Municipal Health Commission said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reiterates-reunification-with-taiwan-firmly-opposes-foreign-interference-459268">China reiterates 'reunification' with Taiwan, firmly opposes foreign interference</a>

Laixi county will implement a second round of mass testing on March 7, a&nbsp;Qingdao&nbsp;official said at a news conference on Sunday, adding that there was no major risk of further&nbsp;outbreak.

China's "dynamic clearance" approach to COVID-19 aims shut off transmission routes as soon as new cases are detected.

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The&nbsp;Qingdao&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;helped send China's total local confirmed case count to its highest since Dec. 31, with other cases reported mainly in Jilin, Guangdong and Hebei provinces, according to the NHC.

The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, stood at 209, compared with 166 a day earlier.

As of March 5, mainland China had confirmed 110,868 COVID-19 cases and 4,636 fatalities.

The Chinese port city of Qingdao reported 88 new coronavirus cases for March 5, all of them of the Omicron variant, fuelling China's highest number of daily locally transmitted cases so far this year.

The Chinese port city of Qingdao reported 88 new coronavirus cases for March 5, all of them of the Omicron variant, fuelling China's highest number of daily locally transmitted cases so far this year. China recorded 329 new coronavirus cases on the mainland on Saturday, 175 of them locally transmitted, the National Health Commission (NHC) said on Sunday, compared with 102 local cases a day earlier. The Qingdao outbreak was mainly among middle school students in Laixi county, the Qingdao Municipal Health Commission said. Also read | China reiterates 'reunification' with Taiwan, firmly opposes foreign interference Laixi county will implement a second round of mass testing on March 7, a Qingdao official said at a news conference on Sunday, adding that there was no major risk of further outbreak. China's "dynamic clearance" approach to COVID-19 aims shut off transmission routes as soon as new cases are detected. Also read | China plans 7.1% defence spending rise this year, outpacing GDP target The Qingdao outbreak helped send China's total local confirmed case count to its highest since Dec. 31, with other cases reported mainly in Jilin, Guangdong and Hebei provinces, according to the NHC. The number of new asymptomatic cases, which China does not classify as confirmed cases, stood at 209, compared with 166 a day earlier. As of March 5, mainland China had confirmed 110,868 COVID-19 cases and 4,636 fatalities.

Chinese city of Qingdao reports Omicron outbreak among students

New&nbsp;Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda&nbsp;Ardern&nbsp;sought to cool simmering resentment&nbsp;over&nbsp;the slow unlocking of the country's&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;restrictions on Thursday, a day after police cleared a weeks-long Canada-style protest outside parliament.

Police in riot gear battled protesters late into the night on Wednesday, finally bringing an end to the occupation which, despite acts of violence and extremist elements, helped rally some support for its calls to end&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;restrictions.

In a special session of parliament to discuss the protest, the most violent in decades in the normally peaceful city,&nbsp;Ardern&nbsp;promised things would change, but gave no timeframe for easing&nbsp;curbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anxiety-and-depression-cases-surged-by-over-25-due-to-covid-who-458266">Anxiety and depression cases surged by over 25% due to Covid: WHO</a>

"Our people are coming home. Soon, tourists will return. Vaccine passes, mandates, restrictions – they will all change. There is reason to feel hopeful," she said.

A one-time poster child for tackling the coronavirus,&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand's&nbsp;swift response to the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;and its geographic isolation kept the country largely COVID-19 free until the end of last year, winning&nbsp;Ardern&nbsp;strong support. Total deaths stand at just 56.

However, anger&nbsp;over&nbsp;vaccine mandates for people working in sectors such as health and education and strict border closures have put pressure on the government to now soften its stance in line with much of the rest of the world.

"Ardern&nbsp;has to weave a path between acknowledging some of the government's mistakes without appearing like the protesters had a point," said Andrew Hughes from the Research School of Management at Australian National University.

"She can't be seen condoning their behaviour but she also can't be seen as tone deaf."

A Horizon Research snap poll released on Feb. 18 found 30 per cent of those polled supported the protests and about the same percentage was opposed to&nbsp;Ardern's vaccine mandate policy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-exit-zero-covid-strategy-top-scientist-says-it-cannot-remain-unchanged-forever-457858" hreflang="en">China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever'</a>

Some local businesses helped fund the encampment and well-known figures such as Olympic yachtsman Russell Coutts, Winston Peters, a former deputy prime minister under&nbsp;Ardern, and former prime minister Jim Bolger urged dialogue.

"I'm not anti-vaccine (I'm vaccinated) but I'm definitely against forced vaccinations," Coutts said in a Facebook post two weeks ago.

Ardern&nbsp;refused to meet the protesters, who she said had resorted to violence and bullying.

Omicron shift

The country of 5 million has a high COVID vaccination rate, with more than 95 per cent of the eligible population double vaccinated. More than 70 per cent of people have had a booster dose.

COVID-19 cases were restricted to fewer than 15,000 in total by end-2021 through a strict elimination approach, but the arrival of the Omicron variant has seen cases top 20,000 a day, reaching a cumulative total of nearly 150,000 on Thursday.

The government says restrictions that have frayed the public's patience are set to stay in place until at least mid-March when the Omicron surge is expected to peak.

The saga has dented&nbsp;Ardern's popularity since she won a second term in a landslide election victory in 2020.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-records-50000-covid-cases-as-first-bundle-of-goods-arrive-from-china-458203">Hong Kong records 50,000 Covid cases as first bundle of goods arrive from China</a>

Her support fell to 35 per cent, its lowest level since she became prime minister in 2017, according to a 1News Kantar Public poll at the end of January. However,&nbsp;Ardern&nbsp;remains the preferred prime minister and her centre-left coalition government is still on course to win the next election in late 2023.

The government has made some changes to its tough stand on borders that prevented many Kiwis from returning home due to a compulsory stay in limited quarantine facilities.

But the border remains closed to foreigners, unlike in neighbouring Australia which relaxed&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;this month.

Ardern&nbsp;said last week that her cabinet may bring forward the entry of foreign tourists from the current proposed date of October but again gave no timeframe.

Watch |&nbsp;The five stages of the covid Pandemic, as told by Dr Anthony Fauci

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-five-stages-of-the-covid-pandemic-as-told-by-dr-anthony-fauci-454715/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Unquestionably&nbsp;Ardern's elimination strategy was a massive success and saved lots of lives," said Martin&nbsp;Newell, a spokesman for Grounded Kiwis, representing&nbsp;overseas&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealanders.

"But with Omicron the government just seems to have been mentally unprepared for a shift in its approach."

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sought to cool simmering resentment over the slow unlocking of the country's pandemic restrictions on Thursday, a day after police cleared a weeks-long Canada-style protest outside parliament.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern sought to cool simmering resentment over the slow unlocking of the country's pandemic restrictions on Thursday, a day after police cleared a weeks-long Canada-style protest outside parliament. Police in riot gear battled protesters late into the night on Wednesday, finally bringing an end to the occupation which, despite acts of violence and extremist elements, helped rally some support for its calls to end pandemic restrictions. In a special session of parliament to discuss the protest, the most violent in decades in the normally peaceful city, Ardern promised things would change, but gave no timeframe for easing curbs. Also read | Anxiety and depression cases surged by over 25% due to Covid: WHO "Our people are coming home. Soon, tourists will return. Vaccine passes, mandates, restrictions – they will all change. There is reason to feel hopeful," she said. A one-time poster child for tackling the coronavirus, New Zealand's swift response to the pandemic and its geographic isolation kept the country largely COVID-19 free until the end of last year, winning Ardern strong support. Total deaths stand at just 56. However, anger over vaccine mandates for people working in sectors such as health and education and strict border closures have put pressure on the government to now soften its stance in line with much of the rest of the world. "Ardern has to weave a path between acknowledging some of the government's mistakes without appearing like the protesters had a point," said Andrew Hughes from the Research School of Management at Australian National University. "She can't be seen condoning their behaviour but she also can't be seen as tone deaf." A Horizon Research snap poll released on Feb. 18 found 30 per cent of those polled supported the protests and about the same percentage was opposed to Ardern's vaccine mandate policy. Also read | China to exit zero-Covid strategy? Top scientist says it cannot 'remain unchanged forever' Some local businesses helped fund the encampment and well-known figures such as Olympic yachtsman Russell Coutts, Winston Peters, a former deputy prime minister under Ardern, and former prime minister Jim Bolger urged dialogue. "I'm not anti-vaccine (I'm vaccinated) but I'm definitely against forced vaccinations," Coutts said in a Facebook post two weeks ago. Ardern refused to meet the protesters, who she said had resorted to violence and bullying. Omicron shift The country of 5 million has a high COVID vaccination rate, with more than 95 per cent of the eligible population double vaccinated. More than 70 per cent of people have had a booster dose. COVID-19 cases were restricted to fewer than 15,000 in total by end-2021 through a strict elimination approach, but the arrival of the Omicron variant has seen cases top 20,000 a day, reaching a cumulative total of nearly 150,000 on Thursday. The government says restrictions that have frayed the public's patience are set to stay in place until at least mid-March when the Omicron surge is expected to peak. The saga has dented Ardern's popularity since she won a second term in a landslide election victory in 2020. Also read | Hong Kong records 50,000 Covid cases as first bundle of goods arrive from China Her support fell to 35 per cent, its lowest level since she became prime minister in 2017, according to a 1News Kantar Public poll at the end of January. However, Ardern remains the preferred prime minister and her centre-left coalition government is still on course to win the next election in late 2023. The government has made some changes to its tough stand on borders that prevented many Kiwis from returning home due to a compulsory stay in limited quarantine facilities. But the border remains closed to foreigners, unlike in neighbouring Australia which relaxed curbs this month. Ardern said last week that her cabinet may bring forward the entry of foreign tourists from the current proposed date of October but again gave no timeframe. Watch | The five stages of the covid Pandemic, as told by Dr Anthony Fauci "Unquestionably Ardern's elimination strategy was a massive success and saved lots of lives," said Martin Newell, a spokesman for Grounded Kiwis, representing overseas New Zealanders. "But with Omicron the government just seems to have been mentally unprepared for a shift in its approach."

New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern faces resentment over slow unlocking of pandemic restrictions

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;reported a record 26,026 daily COVID-19 infections on Sunday and 83 deaths, as an outbreak of the highly transmissible Omicron variant overwhelms healthcare facilities and proves hard to control.

The global financial hub has imposed some of the most stringent COVID restrictions in the world to cope with the coronavirus spike, leading some executives to leave and frustrating some residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-hong-kongers-must-undergo-three-rounds-of-compulsory-coronavirus-tests-carrie-lam-455392">All Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus tests: Carrie Lam</a>

While most major cities seek to live with the virus,&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;has imposed its harshest rules yet, following the mainland with a "dynamic zero-COVID" strategy aiming to eradicate the disease. This proved largely successful until the Omicron spike overwhelmed the city's tracking and isolation processes.

At the start of a sensitive political year for Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing is deeply invested in the city's response. Xi says fighting the pandemic is the city's "overriding mission".

Hong&nbsp;Kong's outbreak has inundated its public health system, triggering a raft of measures including the construction of more isolation and treatment units.

“We are very worried,” Albert Au of&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong's department of health told a news conference. "Case numbers are still on the rise, and we expect that there will be a rising trend for the foreseeable future."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-a-surge-in-cases-hong-kong-to-ramp-up-isolation-facilities-454688">Amid a surge in cases, Hong Kong to ramp up isolation facilities</a>

Some experts predict the city of 7.4 million will have up to 180,000 cases daily next month.

The most vulnerable are particularly at risk, with 67 of the 83 deaths reported on Sunday at nursing homes. Vaccination rates among the elderly have been relatively low and many suffer from chronic illnesses.

Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;is hiring 1,000 temporary workers from mainland China to care for elderly COVID patients at its isolation and treatment facilities, said Law Chi-kwong, secretary for labour and welfare.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Covid-19 surge brings Hong Kong to its knees

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-19-surge-brings-hong-kong-to-its-knees-454147/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Officials have said the mainland would help provide testing, treatment and quarantine capacity. Last week city leader Carrie Lam used emergency powers granted under British colonial-era laws to exempt mainland Chinese staff and projects from any licensing or other legal requirements.

Hong Kong reported a record 26,026 daily COVID-19 infections on Sunday and 83 deaths, as an outbreak of the highly transmissible Omicron variant overwhelms healthcare facilities and proves hard to control.

Hong Kong reported a record 26,026 daily COVID-19 infections on Sunday and 83 deaths, as an outbreak of the highly transmissible Omicron variant overwhelms healthcare facilities and proves hard to control. The global financial hub has imposed some of the most stringent COVID restrictions in the world to cope with the coronavirus spike, leading some executives to leave and frustrating some residents. Also read | All Hong Kongers must undergo three rounds of compulsory coronavirus tests: Carrie Lam While most major cities seek to live with the virus, Hong Kong has imposed its harshest rules yet, following the mainland with a "dynamic zero-COVID" strategy aiming to eradicate the disease. This proved largely successful until the Omicron spike overwhelmed the city's tracking and isolation processes. At the start of a sensitive political year for Chinese President Xi Jinping, Beijing is deeply invested in the city's response. Xi says fighting the pandemic is the city's "overriding mission". Hong Kong's outbreak has inundated its public health system, triggering a raft of measures including the construction of more isolation and treatment units. “We are very worried,” Albert Au of Hong Kong's department of health told a news conference. "Case numbers are still on the rise, and we expect that there will be a rising trend for the foreseeable future." Also read | Amid a surge in cases, Hong Kong to ramp up isolation facilities Some experts predict the city of 7.4 million will have up to 180,000 cases daily next month. The most vulnerable are particularly at risk, with 67 of the 83 deaths reported on Sunday at nursing homes. Vaccination rates among the elderly have been relatively low and many suffer from chronic illnesses. Hong Kong is hiring 1,000 temporary workers from mainland China to care for elderly COVID patients at its isolation and treatment facilities, said Law Chi-kwong, secretary for labour and welfare. Watch | Gravitas: Covid-19 surge brings Hong Kong to its knees Officials have said the mainland would help provide testing, treatment and quarantine capacity. Last week city leader Carrie Lam used emergency powers granted under British colonial-era laws to exempt mainland Chinese staff and projects from any licensing or other legal requirements.

Hong Kong reports record daily COVID cases and 83 deaths

John Mayer's 'Sob Rock'&nbsp;tour is getting postponed after he, along with several members of the band, tested positive for COVID-19.

Taking to his Instagram handle, the singer wrote, "Whelp. More members of the band tested positive for Covid today, and I was one of them. This means we have to reschedule the next four shows, which we`ve already rescheduled and posted above." Further, he expressed his disappointment and apologised for the change of plans.

"I'm so sorry to make you change your plans. This is a bummer for everyone in the band and crew, to say nothing of the question hanging over everyone's head - mine included - as to how I tested positive on PCR twice in two months. (The first was extremely mild, but this one`s got the better of me.) We'll give you everything we`ve got at these upcoming shows, just as soon as we rest up and regroup. With love and appreciation... me," he added.

As per People Magazine, earlier this week, the guitarist's second sold-out Madison Square Garden show took on a different format after drummer Steve Ferrone and background vocalist Carlos Ricketts tested positive for coronavirus.

At Wednesday's Washington DC tour stop, Mayer -- who previously had a COVID infection in January -- appeared on stage for another acoustic set with a mug of Throat Coat tea and told the crowd he'd developed a sore throat the afternoon before. He said, "After the last two years, I am not cancelling a show. We do not cancel shows here. I mean, if it`s that thing and you've got it -- well, I understand. Anything other than that ... if it`s just me and I gotta bang on a guitar with my right hand and my left hand`s in a sling and I tell you stories, I will not cancel a show."

The February 25 Pittsburgh show will now be on May 5, while the March 1 Belmont Park, New York show is now on May 7 and the two Boston shows are on May 9 and 10.

The 'Sob Rock'&nbsp;tour will pick back up in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 11.&nbsp;

John Mayer's 'Sob Rock' tour is getting postponed after he, along with several members of the band, tested positive for COVID-19. Taking to his Instagram handle, the singer wrote, "Whelp.

John Mayer's 'Sob Rock' tour is getting postponed after he, along with several members of the band, tested positive for COVID-19. Taking to his Instagram handle, the singer wrote, "Whelp. More members of the band tested positive for Covid today, and I was one of them. This means we have to reschedule the next four shows, which we`ve already rescheduled and posted above." Further, he expressed his disappointment and apologised for the change of plans. "I'm so sorry to make you change your plans. This is a bummer for everyone in the band and crew, to say nothing of the question hanging over everyone's head - mine included - as to how I tested positive on PCR twice in two months. (The first was extremely mild, but this one`s got the better of me.) We'll give you everything we`ve got at these upcoming shows, just as soon as we rest up and regroup. With love and appreciation... me," he added. As per People Magazine, earlier this week, the guitarist's second sold-out Madison Square Garden show took on a different format after drummer Steve Ferrone and background vocalist Carlos Ricketts tested positive for coronavirus. At Wednesday's Washington DC tour stop, Mayer -- who previously had a COVID infection in January -- appeared on stage for another acoustic set with a mug of Throat Coat tea and told the crowd he'd developed a sore throat the afternoon before. He said, "After the last two years, I am not cancelling a show. We do not cancel shows here. I mean, if it`s that thing and you've got it -- well, I understand. Anything other than that ... if it`s just me and I gotta bang on a guitar with my right hand and my left hand`s in a sling and I tell you stories, I will not cancel a show." The February 25 Pittsburgh show will now be on May 5, while the March 1 Belmont Park, New York show is now on May 7 and the two Boston shows are on May 9 and 10. The 'Sob Rock' tour will pick back up in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on March 11.

John Mayer and band members test COVID-19 positive, reschedule 'Sob Rock' tour

In the stores and buses of&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort.

At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear.&nbsp;

"More than 95 percent of those sick with Covid-19 in intensive care are unvaccinated," said Ali Abdel Hussein Kazem, assistant director of the facility.

Half of the 40 intensive care beds are occupied in the department, where&nbsp;irregular beeping from monitors and IV machines is constantly heard.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-thousands-mark-2020-killing-of-iran-general-qassem-soleimani-441653">Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani</a>

Al-Shifaa hospital has been turned into a Covid treatment centre since the start of the pandemic and can treat 175 patients.

Linked to breathing devices, an old man and a young woman share a large room, where a family member is allowed to monitor them -- masked and in a white protective outfit.

Next door, a man in his 60s fidgets, pushing away his blanket. An asthmatic, he is also hooked up to a ventilator.

"He says he is suffocating," an alarmed relative said, summoning a doctor.

Iraq's public health system, already worn down by decades of war, under-investment and corruption, has struggled to cope with the coronavirus.

Since January,&nbsp;Iraq's 40 million people have been confronted with a fourth coronavirus wave, but -- unlike other countries -- the government has not imposed any restrictions.

Iraq&nbsp;has recorded more than 2.2 million infections and 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began two years ago, but data released by the authorities indicates that infections are now declining to around 2,000 new cases per day.

Despite 1,400 vaccination centres, officials struggle to overcome scepticism about the jabs, which health experts around the world say are saving lives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-uk-minister-resigns-iraq-rocket-attack-and-more-438084">Morning news brief: UK minister resigns, Iraq rocket attack and more</a>

Help from abroad

Fewer than 10 million people in&nbsp;Iraq, about a quarter of the population, have been vaccinated, said health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr.

Among them, not even seven million have received two doses, and those with a booster number less than 100,000.

In neighbouring Iran, 66 percent of the 83-million population have received two doses.

"About 90 percent of the sick are older than 60," said Al-Shifaa's intensive care director Mohammed Salih, as he made his morning rounds, checking X-rays and giving instructions.

"Most have chronic conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease," Salih said, accompanied by doctors and nurses from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a charity which is assisting the hospital.

Along with training that aims to "sustain the care", the MSF programme begun in November provides physiotherapy and mental health care, said Daniel Uche, a physician who heads the project.

Countering misinformation is another priority.

"Most of the pregnant women we admitted in our facility are not vaccinated because they are afraid for their precious babies, that maybe if they take the vaccine it will have an effect" on the infant, said Uche.&nbsp;

Salih said he noticed another trend: "Most of the patients come in only after reaching a critical stage."

They prefer to stay at home because of "social media" and "rumours" which minimise the gravity of the coronavirus or which raise suspicions about the vaccines, he added.

Those are the latest challenges for a health system crippled by decades of war and especially an international embargo under the dictator Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led 2003 invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-new-zealand-police-clash-with-anti-vaccine-demonstrators-455231">COVID-19: New Zealand police clash with anti-vaccine demonstrators</a>

"People are afraid of hospital because of rumours that say they won't get proper care, and that we won't be interested in looking after them," a nurse said, requesting anonymity.

Two deadly fires at public hospital Covid-19 units last year sparked outrage among the population. One blaze killed more than 80 people in Baghdad in April and three months later another claimed at least 60 lives in Nasiriyah, southern&nbsp;Iraq.

Be careful

Authorities acknowledge that challenges abound for a sector dealing with ageing equipment and shortages.

Badr, the ministry spokesman, said the health infrastructure in some provinces "was entirely destroyed" in the war against the Islamic State group jihadists from 2014-2017.&nbsp;

The health budget of the oil-rich country does not even receive two percent of state expenditures.

"For previous governments health care was not a priority," said Badr, adding that even though the system is challenged it is ready to help those who are sick with Covid-19.

"We have thousands of beds available for people who would have breathing difficulties. We also have medicine and the necessary equipment, as well as vaccines," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-from-iraq-to-afghanistan-americas-trail-of-deaths-437226/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At Al-Shifaa, Farouk Naoum, 75, is leaving hospital after his recovery. He was among the minority of Iraqis vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but despite the protection it offered, he still got infected.

"You have to be careful, very careful," he said after his 31 days of treatment.

In the stores and buses of Iraq masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort. At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear.

In the stores and buses of Iraq masks are rare even as Covid-19 spreads widely, vaccines are viewed with suspicion and the sick see hospitals as a last resort. At Al-Shifaa Hospital in the capital Baghdad, the ramifications are clear. "More than 95 percent of those sick with Covid-19 in intensive care are unvaccinated," said Ali Abdel Hussein Kazem, assistant director of the facility. Half of the 40 intensive care beds are occupied in the department, where irregular beeping from monitors and IV machines is constantly heard. Also read | Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani Al-Shifaa hospital has been turned into a Covid treatment centre since the start of the pandemic and can treat 175 patients. Linked to breathing devices, an old man and a young woman share a large room, where a family member is allowed to monitor them -- masked and in a white protective outfit. Next door, a man in his 60s fidgets, pushing away his blanket. An asthmatic, he is also hooked up to a ventilator. "He says he is suffocating," an alarmed relative said, summoning a doctor. Iraq's public health system, already worn down by decades of war, under-investment and corruption, has struggled to cope with the coronavirus. Since January, Iraq's 40 million people have been confronted with a fourth coronavirus wave, but -- unlike other countries -- the government has not imposed any restrictions. Iraq has recorded more than 2.2 million infections and 24,000 deaths since the pandemic began two years ago, but data released by the authorities indicates that infections are now declining to around 2,000 new cases per day. Despite 1,400 vaccination centres, officials struggle to overcome scepticism about the jabs, which health experts around the world say are saving lives. Also read | Morning news brief: UK minister resigns, Iraq rocket attack and more Help from abroad Fewer than 10 million people in Iraq, about a quarter of the population, have been vaccinated, said health ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr. Among them, not even seven million have received two doses, and those with a booster number less than 100,000. In neighbouring Iran, 66 percent of the 83-million population have received two doses. "About 90 percent of the sick are older than 60," said Al-Shifaa's intensive care director Mohammed Salih, as he made his morning rounds, checking X-rays and giving instructions. "Most have chronic conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease," Salih said, accompanied by doctors and nurses from Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a charity which is assisting the hospital. Along with training that aims to "sustain the care", the MSF programme begun in November provides physiotherapy and mental health care, said Daniel Uche, a physician who heads the project. Countering misinformation is another priority. "Most of the pregnant women we admitted in our facility are not vaccinated because they are afraid for their precious babies, that maybe if they take the vaccine it will have an effect" on the infant, said Uche. Salih said he noticed another trend: "Most of the patients come in only after reaching a critical stage." They prefer to stay at home because of "social media" and "rumours" which minimise the gravity of the coronavirus or which raise suspicions about the vaccines, he added. Those are the latest challenges for a health system crippled by decades of war and especially an international embargo under the dictator Saddam Hussein, who was toppled in a US-led 2003 invasion. Also read | COVID-19: New Zealand police clash with anti-vaccine demonstrators "People are afraid of hospital because of rumours that say they won't get proper care, and that we won't be interested in looking after them," a nurse said, requesting anonymity. Two deadly fires at public hospital Covid-19 units last year sparked outrage among the population. One blaze killed more than 80 people in Baghdad in April and three months later another claimed at least 60 lives in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq. Be careful Authorities acknowledge that challenges abound for a sector dealing with ageing equipment and shortages. Badr, the ministry spokesman, said the health infrastructure in some provinces "was entirely destroyed" in the war against the Islamic State group jihadists from 2014-2017. The health budget of the oil-rich country does not even receive two percent of state expenditures. "For previous governments health care was not a priority," said Badr, adding that even though the system is challenged it is ready to help those who are sick with Covid-19. "We have thousands of beds available for people who would have breathing difficulties. We also have medicine and the necessary equipment, as well as vaccines," he said. Watch | Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths At Al-Shifaa, Farouk Naoum, 75, is leaving hospital after his recovery. He was among the minority of Iraqis vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine but despite the protection it offered, he still got infected. "You have to be careful, very careful," he said after his 31 days of treatment.

Even as Covid rages in Iraq, vaccines viewed with suspicion

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said.

"The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said.&nbsp;

Royal officials announced on Sunday that the 95-year-old head of state had tested positive and had "mild" Covid symptoms, but would continue with "light duties".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-cancels-engagements-over-covid-symptoms-455373">Queen Elizabeth II cancels engagements over Covid symptoms</a>

Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, tested positive for the second time since early 2020 on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle.

The Queen, who is in her record-breaking 70th year on the throne, cancelled similar virtual engagements planned for Tuesday but spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson Wednesday.

The monarch and the prime minister hold regular weekly meetings in private. They were conducted by telephone rather than in person due to coronavirus restrictions.

Palace officials said there were no further engagements planned for this week. The latest cancellation will inevitably stoke further fears for her health, given her advanced age.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/well-as-you-can-see-i-cant-move-is-queen-elizabeths-health-failing-453977">'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing?</a>

As a precaution, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor, west of London, in March 2020 as the global pandemic hit Britain.

The couple, who were married for 73 years, self-isolated with a reduced number of household staff. Philip, 99, died in April 2021, and his funeral was held under virus curbs.

Elizabeth returned to official duties after his death and as restrictions were lifted. But she was forced to slow down on medical advice in October last year.

Watch |&nbsp;Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for COVID-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/britains-queen-elizabeth-tests-positive-for-covid-19-454914/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The palace was forced to confirm that she had an overnight stay in hospital after going in for unspecified tests. Since then her appearances have become rarer.

She held a public engagement at her Sandringham residence in eastern England on February 5 on the eve of the anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said. "The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said.

Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled two engagements on Thursday after she tested positive for coronavirus at the weekend, Buckingham Palace said. "The two virtual audiences that had previously been scheduled to take place today will now be rescheduled for a later date," a spokesman said. Royal officials announced on Sunday that the 95-year-old head of state had tested positive and had "mild" Covid symptoms, but would continue with "light duties". Also read | Queen Elizabeth II cancels engagements over Covid symptoms Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles, tested positive for the second time since early 2020 on February 10, two days after meeting his mother at Windsor Castle. The Queen, who is in her record-breaking 70th year on the throne, cancelled similar virtual engagements planned for Tuesday but spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson Wednesday. The monarch and the prime minister hold regular weekly meetings in private. They were conducted by telephone rather than in person due to coronavirus restrictions. Palace officials said there were no further engagements planned for this week. The latest cancellation will inevitably stoke further fears for her health, given her advanced age. Also read | 'Well, as you can see, I can't move': Is Queen Elizabeth's health failing? As a precaution, the Queen and her husband Prince Philip moved to Windsor, west of London, in March 2020 as the global pandemic hit Britain. The couple, who were married for 73 years, self-isolated with a reduced number of household staff. Philip, 99, died in April 2021, and his funeral was held under virus curbs. Elizabeth returned to official duties after his death and as restrictions were lifted. But she was forced to slow down on medical advice in October last year. Watch | Britain's Queen Elizabeth tests positive for COVID-19 The palace was forced to confirm that she had an overnight stay in hospital after going in for unspecified tests. Since then her appearances have become rarer. She held a public engagement at her Sandringham residence in eastern England on February 5 on the eve of the anniversary of her accession to the throne in 1952.

Covid: Queen Elizabeth postpones more planned virtual audiences - Buckingham Palace

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). 
 
The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783. A total of 10,311,143 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease, so far.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-some-in-england-end-of-virus-rules-threatens-more-isolation-455797">&nbsp;For some in England, end of virus rules threatens more isolation</a>

South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, Xinhua news agency reported citing Africa CDC. 
 
South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,662,032 cases, while the northern African country Morocco reported 1,159,584 as of Wednesday evening.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-transitioning-from-pandemic-will-have-to-manage-virus-who-452312">Africa transitioning from pandemic, will have to 'manage' virus: WHO</a> 
 
In terms of the caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected in the continent, according to the CDC.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783.

The number of Covid-19 cases in Africa reached 11,146,001 on Wednesday evening, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union, said the overall death toll of the continent stands at 247,783. A total of 10,311,143 patients across the continent have recovered from the disease, so far. Also read | For some in England, end of virus rules threatens more isolation South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia and Ethiopia are among the countries with the most cases in the continent, Xinhua news agency reported citing Africa CDC. South Africa has recorded the most Covid-19 cases in Africa with 3,662,032 cases, while the northern African country Morocco reported 1,159,584 as of Wednesday evening. Also read | Africa transitioning from pandemic, will have to 'manage' virus: WHO In terms of the caseload, southern Africa is the most affected region, followed by the northern and eastern parts of the continent, while central Africa is the least affected in the continent, according to the CDC.

Africa's Covid-19 cases pass 11.14 million

Pakistan added 1,455 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Thursday. 
 
The overall tally of the infected people climbed to 1,505,328 across the country, said the NCOC, Xinhua news agency reported, citing data released by the NCOC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-flak-over-new-laws-to-silence-media-opposition-454977">Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition'</a> 
 
A total of 30,114 people died of Covid in Pakistan, including 18 patients who lost their lives to the pandemic over the last 24 hours, the department leading Pakistan's campaign against the pandemic said. 
 
Pakistan's southern Sindh province has been the worst hit, with a total of 565,975 cases, followed by eastern Punjab province where the virus was detected in 500,092 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-pti-jui-f-united-by-misogyny-as-they-oppose-aurat-march-454777">Pakistan: PTI, JUI-F united by misogyny as they oppose 'Aurat March'</a> 
 
Over the last 24 hours, 2,914 patients have recovered from Covid, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,412,429, said the NCOC.

Pakistan added 1,455 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Thursday. The overall tally of the infected people climbed to 1,505,328 across the country, said the NCOC, Xinhua news agency reported, citing data released by the NCOC.

Pakistan added 1,455 new Covid-19 cases over the past 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) said on Thursday. The overall tally of the infected people climbed to 1,505,328 across the country, said the NCOC, Xinhua news agency reported, citing data released by the NCOC. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition' A total of 30,114 people died of Covid in Pakistan, including 18 patients who lost their lives to the pandemic over the last 24 hours, the department leading Pakistan's campaign against the pandemic said. Pakistan's southern Sindh province has been the worst hit, with a total of 565,975 cases, followed by eastern Punjab province where the virus was detected in 500,092 people. Also read | Pakistan: PTI, JUI-F united by misogyny as they oppose 'Aurat March' Over the last 24 hours, 2,914 patients have recovered from Covid, bringing the total number of recoveries to 1,412,429, said the NCOC.

Pakistan registers 1,455 new Covid-19 cases

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to unveil his 'living with covid' plan. Those positive for Wuhan virus would no longer need to self-isolate. The plan also scraps free test kits. What explains this? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Soon: Covid positive patients in UK won't need to isolate

Good news for the ARMY. V aka Kim Taehyung has recovered from COVID-19. The BTS band member took to his Instagram stories on Sunday to share a couple of videos that showed him seated on the floor and enjoying a song. The videos had messages in Korean and English

In the first video, the singer updated the ARMY about his recovery and thanked fans for their concern. "Thank you for worrying about me, I've fully recovered thanks to you." His second message written in English read, "You're sweet to worry have a good day." 
 
Soon after the video was shared, fans of the star took to social media to express their happiness. "What a great day to see Taehyung's face, he's being better &amp; his heartwarming message:.....*you're sweet to worry, have a good day* can't hold my tears," a Twitter user wrote, while another commented, "He’s so sweet to post in both Korean and English.. really happy to hear that he has recovered."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-singer-v-turns-25-burj-khalifa-lights-up-in-his-honour-353412">BTS singer V turns 25, Burj Khalifa lights up in his honour</a>

Last week, Big Hit Music, the media agency that handles BTS, had announced that V was the latest member of the band to contracted the virus.&nbsp; 
 
The statement read, "V completed two rounds of Covid-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat. He is currently undergoing treatment at home while waiting for further guidelines from the health care authorities." 
 
V's bandmates RM, Suga, and Jimin contracted the virus in December last year and January this year shortly after returning from the United States. 
&nbsp;

Good news for the ARMY. V aka Kim Taehyung has recovered from COVID-19. The BTS band member took to his Instagram stories on Sunday to share a couple of videos that showed him seated on the floor and enjoying a song.

Good news for the ARMY. V aka Kim Taehyung has recovered from COVID-19. The BTS band member took to his Instagram stories on Sunday to share a couple of videos that showed him seated on the floor and enjoying a song. The videos had messages in Korean and English In the first video, the singer updated the ARMY about his recovery and thanked fans for their concern. "Thank you for worrying about me, I've fully recovered thanks to you." His second message written in English read, "You're sweet to worry have a good day." Soon after the video was shared, fans of the star took to social media to express their happiness. "What a great day to see Taehyung's face, he's being better & his heartwarming message:.....*you're sweet to worry, have a good day* can't hold my tears," a Twitter user wrote, while another commented, "He’s so sweet to post in both Korean and English.. really happy to hear that he has recovered." BTS singer V turns 25, Burj Khalifa lights up in his honour Last week, Big Hit Music, the media agency that handles BTS, had announced that V was the latest member of the band to contracted the virus. The statement read, "V completed two rounds of Covid-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat. He is currently undergoing treatment at home while waiting for further guidelines from the health care authorities." V's bandmates RM, Suga, and Jimin contracted the virus in December last year and January this year shortly after returning from the United States.

V shares his health update on Instagram, thanks ARMY for 'worrying' about him

&nbsp;As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country.

Speaking to ANI, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant, which fuelled the third wave in the country.According to him, BA.2 cannot infect those who have previously had BA.1 sub-variant of COVID-19.

"It will not cause another surge. BA.2 is not capable of infecting people who had BA.1. It's not a new virus or strain. BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron," Dr Jayadevan said. The Expert further said that BA.2 will be more transmissible than BA.1 and it has mutated to increase its transmissibility.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/low-omicron-efficacy-behind-delay-of-pfizer-covid-vaccine-for-kids-under-5-wsj-454430">Low Omicron efficacy behind delay of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 5: WSJ</a>

"BA.2 is a little bit more transmissible than BA.1. For the last two years, it has constantly evolved to increase its fitness, which is its ability to infect more people and to leap past natural immunity and vaccinated immunity," he said.

Dr Jayadevan also said that the Omicron variant showed that vaccine immunity can be "easily surpassed by variants" and this trend will continue to be seen in future, if new variants emerge after mutation of the virus.

"Omicron showed that even vaccine immunity can be easily surpassed by variants and this trend will be expected in the future as new variants arrive. But BA.1 and BA.2 both have immune escape ability which means that if you've been naturally infected, or if you've been vaccinated or both, this virus can still infect us," he noted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-worst-is-yet-to-come-study-finds-that-omicron-is-10-times-better-than-delta-at-evading-covid-vaccines-454212">'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines</a>

Explaining the nature of BA.2, Dr Jayadevan said, "It is the sub-lineage of Omicron and is essentially as same as Omicron that was identified in November in South Africa. It now has BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3." He also said that virus will be around for a very long time time." Virus is going to be around. It will come in ups and downs for a very long time. When the next variant comes, there will be a surge. We do not know when that will be, but history says that it can happen once inevitably six to eight months and that is typically how it acts."

"But until then, we are now in the low phase Omicron. However, what we should remember is this virus is around which means that we must do everything we can to stop it from infecting us," he added.Citing a study conducted on hamsters in Japan, Dr Jayadevan said that BA.2 may cause severe lung disease. "As of today, symptoms of Omicron are no different between BA.1 and BA.2. So there is no difference in severity.

Watch |&nbsp;Will vaccines work against BA.2, the new sub-variant of Omicron? Covid-19

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-vaccines-work-against-ba2-the-new-sub-variant-of-omicron-covid-19-454480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, there is a study from Japan done on hamsters. In this study, hamsters showed that BA.2 involved the lungs more than BA.1. "On the trend of the Omicron BA.2 cases globally, he said, "It is believed that BA.2 is increasing in India. But in several other Asian countries in the region and across Europe, the prevalence is slowly increasing, particularly in Denmark. There's a slight increase in the United States and also in Britain."&nbsp;

As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country.

As India reports a high number of Omicron BA.2 cases, a top Health Expert has said it is not a cause of concern because it will not lead to another COVID-19 surge in the country. Speaking to ANI, Co-Chairman National IMA COVID Task Force Dr Rajeev Jayadevan said that BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron variant, which fuelled the third wave in the country.According to him, BA.2 cannot infect those who have previously had BA.1 sub-variant of COVID-19. "It will not cause another surge. BA.2 is not capable of infecting people who had BA.1. It's not a new virus or strain. BA.2 is a sub-lineage of Omicron," Dr Jayadevan said. The Expert further said that BA.2 will be more transmissible than BA.1 and it has mutated to increase its transmissibility. Also read | Low Omicron efficacy behind delay of Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids under 5: WSJ "BA.2 is a little bit more transmissible than BA.1. For the last two years, it has constantly evolved to increase its fitness, which is its ability to infect more people and to leap past natural immunity and vaccinated immunity," he said. Dr Jayadevan also said that the Omicron variant showed that vaccine immunity can be "easily surpassed by variants" and this trend will continue to be seen in future, if new variants emerge after mutation of the virus. "Omicron showed that even vaccine immunity can be easily surpassed by variants and this trend will be expected in the future as new variants arrive. But BA.1 and BA.2 both have immune escape ability which means that if you've been naturally infected, or if you've been vaccinated or both, this virus can still infect us," he noted. Also read | 'The worst is yet to come': Study finds that Omicron is 10 times better than Delta at evading Covid vaccines Explaining the nature of BA.2, Dr Jayadevan said, "It is the sub-lineage of Omicron and is essentially as same as Omicron that was identified in November in South Africa. It now has BA.1, BA.2 and BA.3." He also said that virus will be around for a very long time time." Virus is going to be around. It will come in ups and downs for a very long time. When the next variant comes, there will be a surge. We do not know when that will be, but history says that it can happen once inevitably six to eight months and that is typically how it acts." "But until then, we are now in the low phase Omicron. However, what we should remember is this virus is around which means that we must do everything we can to stop it from infecting us," he added.Citing a study conducted on hamsters in Japan, Dr Jayadevan said that BA.2 may cause severe lung disease. "As of today, symptoms of Omicron are no different between BA.1 and BA.2. So there is no difference in severity. Watch | Will vaccines work against BA.2, the new sub-variant of Omicron? Covid-19 However, there is a study from Japan done on hamsters. In this study, hamsters showed that BA.2 involved the lungs more than BA.1. "On the trend of the Omicron BA.2 cases globally, he said, "It is believed that BA.2 is increasing in India. But in several other Asian countries in the region and across Europe, the prevalence is slowly increasing, particularly in Denmark. There's a slight increase in the United States and also in Britain."

Omicron BA.2 will not cause another COVID-19 surge, says expert

United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson will set out plans to scrap all covid-19 restrictions as part of a "living with Covid" strategy. Johnson's Conservative government lifted most virus restrictions in January, scrapping vaccine passports for venues and ending mask mandates in most settings apart from hospitals in England.

UK to become first European nation to scrap all Covid-19 curbs

Australia has fully reopened its international borders on Monday, allowing vaccinated travellers into the country close to two years after COVID-19 restrictions were imposed.

Australia fully reopens international borders for vaccinated travellers after two years

British Prime Minister Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is set Monday to announce an end to all pandemic&nbsp;legal&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;in England, insisting it is time to move on despite political opposition and unease from the UN's health agency.

Two years after&nbsp;Covid-19 sparked the worst health crisis in generations,&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;will address parliament to outline his plan, pressing ahead despite news on Sunday that Queen Elizabeth II had tested positive for the first time.

However, he stands accused by opposition parties of seeking to distract public attention, with his premiership in peril as police investigate a series of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-biggest-war-since-1945-says-boris-johnson-454778">Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson</a>

"Today (Monday) will mark a moment of pride after one of the most difficult periods in our country's history as we begin to learn to live with&nbsp;Covid,"&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said in a Downing Street statement.

"The pandemic is not over, but thanks to the incredible vaccine rollout we are now one step closer towards a return to normality and finally giving people back their freedoms while continuing to protect ourselves and others."

Under the "living with&nbsp;Covid"&nbsp;plan, the government says it intends this week to end a&nbsp;legal&nbsp;requirement for people to self-isolate when infected with the coronavirus.

It says local authorities will be required to manage further outbreaks with pre-existing&nbsp;legal&nbsp;powers, and is expected to phase out free&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;testing for the general public.

The NHS Confederation, which represents senior managers in the state-run National Health Service, said internal polling showed a large majority of its members were opposed to ending self-isolation and free tests.

Matthew Taylor, the confederation's chief executive, acknowledged that the government's mass vaccination programme and the emergence of new&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;treatments offered "real hope".

"But the government cannot wave a magic wand and pretend the threat has disappeared entirely," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

'Very unwise indeed'

David Nabarro, a World Health Organization special envoy for&nbsp;Covid, said that scrapping the law on self-isolation was "really very unwise indeed".&nbsp;

While the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;has suffered one of the world's worst per-capita death tolls in the pandemic, it remains a country with "an enviable record for public health expertise", the British official told BBC radio on Saturday.

"I really do worry that Britain is taking a line that is against the public health consensus -- that other countries, other leaders will say if Britain is doing it, why can't we, and this will create a bit of a domino effect around the world," Nabarro added.

In the&nbsp;UK's devolved system, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own health policies and are largely staying more cautious than&nbsp;Johnson's intentions for England.

The opposition Labour party said that ending free testing was akin to substituting "your best defender" with 10 minutes to go of a football match.

"Boris&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;is declaring victory before the war is over, in an attempt to distract from the police knocking at his door," Labour's health spokesman Wes Streeting said.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid, Ukraine...Is PM Boris Johnson using crisis to stem unpopularity?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-ukraineis-pm-boris-johnson-using-crisis-to-stem-unpopularity-455002/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Downing Street confirmed on Friday that&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;had submitted a written response to police questions about parties held over the past two years, as detectives probe whether attendees violated strict social distancing and virus prevention rules in place at the time.

He stonewalled questions about the "partygate" affair in a weekend BBC interview, and declined to say if he would resign if he is fined by the police.

But&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;insisted that despite the apparent party breaches by himself and his staff, the public would still follow guidance to self-isolate when necessary, even without a&nbsp;legal&nbsp;mandate.

"Look at the evidence, look at what the British people have done," he said, referring to general compliance with the rules since the pandemic struck early in 2020.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set Monday to announce an end to all pandemic legal curbs in England, insisting it is time to move on despite political opposition and unease from the UN's health agency.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set Monday to announce an end to all pandemic legal curbs in England, insisting it is time to move on despite political opposition and unease from the UN's health agency. Two years after Covid-19 sparked the worst health crisis in generations, Johnson will address parliament to outline his plan, pressing ahead despite news on Sunday that Queen Elizabeth II had tested positive for the first time. However, he stands accused by opposition parties of seeking to distract public attention, with his premiership in peril as police investigate a series of lockdown-breaching parties in Downing Street. Also read | Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson "Today (Monday) will mark a moment of pride after one of the most difficult periods in our country's history as we begin to learn to live with Covid," Johnson said in a Downing Street statement. "The pandemic is not over, but thanks to the incredible vaccine rollout we are now one step closer towards a return to normality and finally giving people back their freedoms while continuing to protect ourselves and others." Under the "living with Covid" plan, the government says it intends this week to end a legal requirement for people to self-isolate when infected with the coronavirus. It says local authorities will be required to manage further outbreaks with pre-existing legal powers, and is expected to phase out free Covid testing for the general public. The NHS Confederation, which represents senior managers in the state-run National Health Service, said internal polling showed a large majority of its members were opposed to ending self-isolation and free tests. Matthew Taylor, the confederation's chief executive, acknowledged that the government's mass vaccination programme and the emergence of new Covid treatments offered "real hope". "But the government cannot wave a magic wand and pretend the threat has disappeared entirely," he said. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine 'Very unwise indeed' David Nabarro, a World Health Organization special envoy for Covid, said that scrapping the law on self-isolation was "really very unwise indeed". While the UK has suffered one of the world's worst per-capita death tolls in the pandemic, it remains a country with "an enviable record for public health expertise", the British official told BBC radio on Saturday. "I really do worry that Britain is taking a line that is against the public health consensus -- that other countries, other leaders will say if Britain is doing it, why can't we, and this will create a bit of a domino effect around the world," Nabarro added. In the UK's devolved system, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own health policies and are largely staying more cautious than Johnson's intentions for England. The opposition Labour party said that ending free testing was akin to substituting "your best defender" with 10 minutes to go of a football match. "Boris Johnson is declaring victory before the war is over, in an attempt to distract from the police knocking at his door," Labour's health spokesman Wes Streeting said. Watch | Covid, Ukraine...Is PM Boris Johnson using crisis to stem unpopularity? Downing Street confirmed on Friday that Johnson had submitted a written response to police questions about parties held over the past two years, as detectives probe whether attendees violated strict social distancing and virus prevention rules in place at the time. He stonewalled questions about the "partygate" affair in a weekend BBC interview, and declined to say if he would resign if he is fined by the police. But Johnson insisted that despite the apparent party breaches by himself and his staff, the public would still follow guidance to self-isolate when necessary, even without a legal mandate. "Look at the evidence, look at what the British people have done," he said, referring to general compliance with the rules since the pandemic struck early in 2020.

UK: Boris Johnson to scrap all COVID-19 legal curbs as criticism mounts

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday. 
 
Performers and presenters are required to undergo severe testing, but will not need to show proof of vaccination, the report said, citing an Academy spokeswoman. 
 
Face covering requirements will also vary at the award show, which will be held on March 27. Nominees and their guests will be seated in the orchestra and parterre areas of the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and will not be required to wear masks, according to the newspaper. 
 
Those seated in the mezzanine may be required to wear masks, as they will sit shoulder-to-shoulder, NYT said. 
 
Representatives for the Academy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. 
 
Comic actor Amy Schumer, actress Regina Hall and fellow comedian Wanda Sykes, will host the awards, the first time three women will emcee the Oscars.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars to show proof of vaccination against the coronavirus and at least two negative PCR tests, the New York Times reported on Thursday. Performers and presenters are required to undergo severe testing, but will not need to show proof of vaccination, the report said, citing an Academy spokeswoman. Face covering requirements will also vary at the award show, which will be held on March 27. Nominees and their guests will be seated in the orchestra and parterre areas of the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles and will not be required to wear masks, according to the newspaper. Those seated in the mezzanine may be required to wear masks, as they will sit shoulder-to-shoulder, NYT said. Representatives for the Academy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Comic actor Amy Schumer, actress Regina Hall and fellow comedian Wanda Sykes, will host the awards, the first time three women will emcee the Oscars.

Oscars will require COVID tests for all and vaccines for most

An Omicron fueled Wuhan Virus surge has brought Hong Kong to its knees. The hospitals in the city are overwhelmed. More than 10,000 people are waiting to be admitted to hospitals. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Covid-19 surge brings Hong Kong to its knees

New lab experiments from Japan shows that the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 may have features that make it capable of causing serious illness like older variants including Delta.

Study: BA.2 more severe than original Omicron variant

A new survey at an Israeli hospital has found that undetected Covid-19 infections are rare even as questions have been raised about country's official infection count.

Israeli survey conducts antibody tests on medical staff, finds undetected Covid infections very rare

V, band member of popular K-Pop band BTS is the latest singer to test positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;Five out of seven members of the group have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent months.&nbsp; 
 
The news about the 26-year-old singer born Kim Taehyung was confirmed by label Big Hit Music, which revealed that V visited a hospital on Tuesday morning after experiencing a mild sore throat, with a PCR test confirming that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. 
 
"V completed two rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat. He is currently undergoing treatment at home while waiting for further guidelines from the health care authorities," read the statement posted to Weverse. 
 
"There was contact with the other members on Saturday the 12th, but everyone was wearing a mask, and there was no close contact. None of the BTS members other than V are presenting any symptoms, and everyone received negative results from the preemptive self-tests." 
 
In December 2021, V's fellow bandmates RM, Jin and Suga had tested positive for COVID. 
 
Then, recently, Jimin was discharged from the hospital on February 5 after being hospitalized on January 30 with abdominal pain and a mild sore throat. &nbsp;He also underwent surgery for acute appendicitis on January 31. At that time, it was revealed that he'd also tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp; 
 
On February 2, Jimin checked in with fans to tell them he was "recovering well."

 
&nbsp;

V, band member of popular K-Pop band BTS is the latest singer to test positive for COVID-19. Five out of seven members of the group have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent months.

V, band member of popular K-Pop band BTS is the latest singer to test positive for COVID-19. Five out of seven members of the group have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent months. The news about the 26-year-old singer born Kim Taehyung was confirmed by label Big Hit Music, which revealed that V visited a hospital on Tuesday morning after experiencing a mild sore throat, with a PCR test confirming that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. "V completed two rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations and is not presenting any extraordinary symptoms other than a mild fever and sore throat. He is currently undergoing treatment at home while waiting for further guidelines from the health care authorities," read the statement posted to Weverse. "There was contact with the other members on Saturday the 12th, but everyone was wearing a mask, and there was no close contact. None of the BTS members other than V are presenting any symptoms, and everyone received negative results from the preemptive self-tests." In December 2021, V's fellow bandmates RM, Jin and Suga had tested positive for COVID. Then, recently, Jimin was discharged from the hospital on February 5 after being hospitalized on January 30 with abdominal pain and a mild sore throat. He also underwent surgery for acute appendicitis on January 31. At that time, it was revealed that he'd also tested positive for COVID-19. On February 2, Jimin checked in with fans to tell them he was "recovering well."

BTS member V tests positive for COVID-19 

Prince Charles has tested positive for COVID-19 again, his office revealed on Thursday. He is currently in isolation.&nbsp; 
A message on his official Twitter page said Charles had tested positive on Thursday morning and was "deeply disappointed" on not being able to attend a scheduled visit in Winchester, England. 
 
It read, "This morning The Prince of Wales has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating. HRH is deeply disappointed not to be able to attend today's events in Winchester and will look to reschedule his visit as soon as possible." 
 
On Wednesday, Charles had met several people during a large reception at London's British Museum on Wednesday evening. &nbsp;He was accompanied by his wife Camilla and was in close contact with Britain's Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, among others. 
 
Charles' office, Clarence House has stated that he is triple vaccinated.&nbsp; 
 
It was not immediately clear what his condition was or whether Charles had recently met with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

The queen had marked her Platinum Jubilee on Sunday by expressing her wish for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort when Charles becomes king. 
 
This isn't the first time that Charles has contracted the virus. He had previously tested positive for the coronavirus in March 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic. Back then officials said he had mild COVID-19 symptoms. 
 
Charles and Camilla were isolated at Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral estate in Scotland at the time.

Prince Charles has tested positive for COVID-19 again, his office revealed on Thursday. He is currently in isolation. A message on his official Twitter page said Charles had tested positive on Thursday morning and was "deeply disappointed" on not being able to attend a scheduled visit in Winchester, England.

Prince Charles has tested positive for COVID-19 again, his office revealed on Thursday. He is currently in isolation. A message on his official Twitter page said Charles had tested positive on Thursday morning and was "deeply disappointed" on not being able to attend a scheduled visit in Winchester, England. It read, "This morning The Prince of Wales has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating. HRH is deeply disappointed not to be able to attend today's events in Winchester and will look to reschedule his visit as soon as possible." On Wednesday, Charles had met several people during a large reception at London's British Museum on Wednesday evening. He was accompanied by his wife Camilla and was in close contact with Britain's Treasury chief Rishi Sunak, among others. Charles' office, Clarence House has stated that he is triple vaccinated. It was not immediately clear what his condition was or whether Charles had recently met with his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The queen had marked her Platinum Jubilee on Sunday by expressing her wish for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort when Charles becomes king. This isn't the first time that Charles has contracted the virus. He had previously tested positive for the coronavirus in March 2020, during the first wave of the pandemic. Back then officials said he had mild COVID-19 symptoms. Charles and Camilla were isolated at Queen Elizabeth II's Balmoral estate in Scotland at the time.

Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19 for second time, isolates himself

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles'&nbsp;Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

According to Variety, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for its upcoming ceremony on March 27. It is not yet known if the audience size might be reduced this year.

Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, the 2021 ceremony featured strict COVID-19 testing and masking policies for in-person attendees, in accordance with health and safety protocols. Since then, vaccines against the virus have become widely available to the general public.

This year, although the Academy will suggest attendees to be vaccinated, the 2022 Oscars ceremony will also require attendees to be tested prior to attending, with unvaccinated guests having additional and more stringent testing requirements, Variety has learned.

Under this rule, the Academy is technically complying with Los Angeles County`s policy on "indoor mega-events," which require either full vaccination status or day-of negative COVID-19 tests to all attendees ages 2 and older.

The Academy has yet to release an official COVID-19 policy for its upcoming ceremony. Reports indicate that the Academy may have elected to take a less strict position on vaccination status as a no-entry policy could have prevented some unvaccinated nominees or presenters from attending the ceremony.

However, other awards events this season, such as the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Association, are still requiring attendees to provide proof of vaccination for their ceremonies.

LA&nbsp;County has still not lifted its indoor mask mandate.Variety informed that on Tuesday, public health director Barbara Ferrer indicated barring extremely low case levels, the earliest time that masks requirements would likely be reversed is late April; that means after the '27 March 2022;&nbsp;Academy Awards` ceremony date. an

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles' Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

After a 2021 ceremony that saw the Academy Awards downsize to a smaller gathering at Los Angeles' Union Station, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting and also will not require in-person attendees to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. According to Variety, the Oscars will return to its traditional setting in the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for its upcoming ceremony on March 27. It is not yet known if the audience size might be reduced this year. Amid the rise in COVID-19 cases, the 2021 ceremony featured strict COVID-19 testing and masking policies for in-person attendees, in accordance with health and safety protocols. Since then, vaccines against the virus have become widely available to the general public. This year, although the Academy will suggest attendees to be vaccinated, the 2022 Oscars ceremony will also require attendees to be tested prior to attending, with unvaccinated guests having additional and more stringent testing requirements, Variety has learned. Under this rule, the Academy is technically complying with Los Angeles County`s policy on "indoor mega-events," which require either full vaccination status or day-of negative COVID-19 tests to all attendees ages 2 and older. The Academy has yet to release an official COVID-19 policy for its upcoming ceremony. Reports indicate that the Academy may have elected to take a less strict position on vaccination status as a no-entry policy could have prevented some unvaccinated nominees or presenters from attending the ceremony. However, other awards events this season, such as the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Association, are still requiring attendees to provide proof of vaccination for their ceremonies. LA County has still not lifted its indoor mask mandate.Variety informed that on Tuesday, public health director Barbara Ferrer indicated barring extremely low case levels, the earliest time that masks requirements would likely be reversed is late April; that means after the '27 March 2022; Academy Awards` ceremony date. an

Oscar 2022: Attendees not required  to provide COVID-19 vaccination proof

Bangladesh has decided to extend its decision to keep schools shut amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, driven by the Omicron variant. The move has triggered a debate among parents and teachers on whether these closures will have a long-term impact on children. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary | Bangladesh school closure triggers debate

The Covid 19 pandemic has reached yet another grim milestone in the United States. According to the John Hopkins University, the nation's cumulative death toll from the Covid 19 infections has surpassed the 900 000 mark. The latest number has been fueled by the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19

A total of 55 new COVID-19 infections have been found among Beijing Winter Olympic games related personnel on February 2, the highest daily tally so far.

55 new COVID-19 cases reported at Beijing Winter Olympics

New Zealand would gradually reopen its borders to citizens and international travellers after being closed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand to reopen borders that has been closed for almost two years

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