The grand mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia is operating at full capacity. Worshippers stood shoulder-to-shoulder as they prayed for the first time in mecca since COVID-19 outbreak. Floor markings guiding people to maintain social distance were removed in and around the grand mosque. While social distancing measures were lifted, authorities said that visitors must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Visitors are also required to wear face masks on mosque grounds.

Saudi Arabia: Mosque in Muslim holy city of Mecca operates at full capacity

The number of daily infections in Victoria state has not come down, Victoria logged almost 2300 new covid cases. That's the highest for any Australian state or territory since the pandemic began.

Australia: Covid 19 cases infections in Victoria hit record high

Following the formation of the new advisory group on dangerous pathogens, the WHO now says 'this may be our last chance to know the origins of Covid 19 pandemic'.

W.H.O: Our best and last chance to probe covid origin

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has was stopped from attending a football match between Santos and Grêmio yesterday because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19.

Unvaccinated Brazil president Bolsonaro denied entry into the stadium

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-counter-to-uk-british-nationals-to-undergo-10-day-mandatory-quarantine-on-arrival-417417">Also read | India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival</a>

"No quarantine for Indian travellers to the United Kingdom fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over the last month, " British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted."

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No quarantine for Indian 🇮🇳 travellers to UK 🇬🇧 fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. 
 
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Weeks after the United Kingdom placed quarantine restrictions on Indian travellers, India responded last Friday by stating that UK people travelling here from that country will be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine beginning on October 4.

In response to India's decision, the United Kingdom stated that it will continue to work with India to broaden recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification.&nbsp; 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-approves-covishield-but-has-problem-with-indian-vaccine-certificates-414869">UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates</a>

"The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the British High Commission spokesperson had said in a statement.

The UK government has been called discriminatory and even "colonialist" for refusing to recognise tourists as vaccinated unless they obtained their vaccinations in a few specified countries.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules.

Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine will not be quarantined when they arrive in the UK starting October 11, the High Commissioner to India announced today, putting an end to a row over what was perceived as unfair application of COVID-19 quarantine rules. Also read | India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival "No quarantine for Indian travellers to the United Kingdom fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over the last month, " British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis tweeted." No quarantine for Indian 🇮🇳 travellers to UK 🇬🇧 fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over last month. pic.twitter.com/cbI8Gqp0Qt — Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) October 7, 2021 × Weeks after the United Kingdom placed quarantine restrictions on Indian travellers, India responded last Friday by stating that UK people travelling here from that country will be subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine beginning on October 4. In response to India's decision, the United Kingdom stated that it will continue to work with India to broaden recognition of COVID-19 vaccination certification. Also read | UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates "The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India," the British High Commission spokesperson had said in a statement. The UK government has been called discriminatory and even "colonialist" for refusing to recognise tourists as vaccinated unless they obtained their vaccinations in a few specified countries. (With inputs from agencies)

No quarantine for fully vaccinated Indians in UK from October 11: British envoy

In a recent study,&nbsp;University College London researchers have identified a gene that affects both Alzheimer's disease and severe COVID-19 risk.

Researchers estimate that one genetic variant of the gene OAS1, increases Alzheimer's disease risk by roughly 3-6 per cent in the general population, whereas related variations on the same gene increase the chances of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

Research published in Brain could potentially make way for new targets for drug development and tracking disease progression of the diseases. Additionally, this study highlights the possibility that treatments developed can be used to treat both conditions.

Furthermore, the findings may have benefits for other conditions that are related to infectious diseases and dementias.

Watch |&nbsp;COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim

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Lead author Dr Dervis Salih (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL) said: "While Alzheimer's is primarily characterised by the harmful build-up of amyloid protein and tangles in the brain, there is also extensive inflammation in the brain that highlights the importance of the immune system in Alzheimer's. We have found that some of the same immune system changes can occur in both Alzheimer's disease and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

"In patients with severe COVID-19 infection, there can also be inflammatory changes in the brain. Here we have identified a gene that can contribute to an exaggerated immune response to increase risks of both Alzheimer's and COVID-19."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-people-are-interested-in-covid-booster-than-first-or-second-shot-cdc-419185">More people are interested in Covid booster than first or second shot: CDC</a>

According to the findings, people that carry&nbsp;the newly identified OAS1 gene variant called 'rs1131454', were more likely to have Alzheimer's disease, increasing carriers' baseline risk of Alzheimer's by an estimated 11-22 per cent.&nbsp;

The new variant identified by researchers is common, as it affects more than half of all Europeans, and it is more predictive of Alzheimer's risk than several known risk genes.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a recent study, University College London researchers have identified a gene that affects both Alzheimer's disease and severe COVID-19 risk. Researchers estimate that one genetic variant of the gene OAS1, increases Alzheimer's disease risk by roughly 3-6 per cent in the general population, whereas related variations on the same gene increase the chances of severe COVID-19 outcomes.

In a recent study, University College London researchers have identified a gene that affects both Alzheimer's disease and severe COVID-19 risk. Researchers estimate that one genetic variant of the gene OAS1, increases Alzheimer's disease risk by roughly 3-6 per cent in the general population, whereas related variations on the same gene increase the chances of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% Research published in Brain could potentially make way for new targets for drug development and tracking disease progression of the diseases. Additionally, this study highlights the possibility that treatments developed can be used to treat both conditions. Furthermore, the findings may have benefits for other conditions that are related to infectious diseases and dementias. Watch | COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim Lead author Dr Dervis Salih (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL) said: "While Alzheimer's is primarily characterised by the harmful build-up of amyloid protein and tangles in the brain, there is also extensive inflammation in the brain that highlights the importance of the immune system in Alzheimer's. We have found that some of the same immune system changes can occur in both Alzheimer's disease and COVID-19. "In patients with severe COVID-19 infection, there can also be inflammatory changes in the brain. Here we have identified a gene that can contribute to an exaggerated immune response to increase risks of both Alzheimer's and COVID-19." Also read | More people are interested in Covid booster than first or second shot: CDC According to the findings, people that carry the newly identified OAS1 gene variant called 'rs1131454', were more likely to have Alzheimer's disease, increasing carriers' baseline risk of Alzheimer's by an estimated 11-22 per cent. The new variant identified by researchers is common, as it affects more than half of all Europeans, and it is more predictive of Alzheimer's risk than several known risk genes. (With inputs from agencies)

Study suggests that Alzheimer's and COVID-19 share genetic risk factor

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant.

World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, issued this week, cited this cross-sectional study. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, focused on demographic characteristics, including severe illness and mortality rates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-logs-21257-new-covid-cases-271-deaths-419059">India logs 21,257 new Covid cases, 271 deaths</a>

Researchers conducted this study in India among COVID-19 cases caused by the B.1 variant (a non-Variant Of Concern) and the B.1.617.2 Delta variant (a Variant Of Concern).

"Using viral genomic sequences from 9,500 COVID-19 patients, the study found an increased number of infections among younger age groups (0-19 years) and women, a lower mean age for infection and symptomatic illness/hospitalisation, higher mortality and more frequent incidences of post-vaccination infections with Delta variant compared to the non-VOC (B.1) variant," the WHO update said.

Watch |&nbsp;COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim

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The update also stated that worldwide, the number of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths has been declining since August. Compared to the previous week, the number of cases plunged by 9 per cent, while death rates remained the same.

During the week of September 27 to October 3, 2021, 3.1 million new cases and just over 54,000 new deaths were reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a>

Globally, there have been more than 234 million confirmed cases and about 4.8 million deaths.

Except for the European region, all regions reported a decline in new cases this week. The African Region reported the largest decrease of 43 per cent, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region at 21 per cent and the South-East Asia Region at 19 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant.

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant. World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, issued this week, cited this cross-sectional study. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, focused on demographic characteristics, including severe illness and mortality rates. Also read | India logs 21,257 new Covid cases, 271 deaths Researchers conducted this study in India among COVID-19 cases caused by the B.1 variant (a non-Variant Of Concern) and the B.1.617.2 Delta variant (a Variant Of Concern). "Using viral genomic sequences from 9,500 COVID-19 patients, the study found an increased number of infections among younger age groups (0-19 years) and women, a lower mean age for infection and symptomatic illness/hospitalisation, higher mortality and more frequent incidences of post-vaccination infections with Delta variant compared to the non-VOC (B.1) variant," the WHO update said. Watch | COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim The update also stated that worldwide, the number of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths has been declining since August. Compared to the previous week, the number of cases plunged by 9 per cent, while death rates remained the same. During the week of September 27 to October 3, 2021, 3.1 million new cases and just over 54,000 new deaths were reported. Also read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million Globally, there have been more than 234 million confirmed cases and about 4.8 million deaths. Except for the European region, all regions reported a decline in new cases this week. The African Region reported the largest decrease of 43 per cent, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region at 21 per cent and the South-East Asia Region at 19 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%

The vaccines have helped the global community in its fight against Covid pandemic. The vaccines boost immune response and train the immune system to fight the infection. There has always been apprehension about how long this effect lasts. Now, two separate studies have said that the immune response after receiving Pfizer Covid vaccine wanes in several months. However, protection against severe infection, hospitalisation and death remains strong.

The studies were conducted in Israel and Qatar.

In Israeli study covered 4800 health workers. It was found that antibody levels waned rapidly after two doses of the vaccine. Men, persons aged 60 and above and those with immunosuppression were found to be susceptible to such an effect.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-delta-variant-increases-the-risk-of-death-by-133-per-cent-418711">COVID-19: &nbsp;Delta variant increases the risk of death by 133 per cent</a>

Researchers have said that neutralising antibody levels in years after vaccines against measles mumps and rubella decreased at the rate of 5 to 10 per cent each year.

But the antibody levels decreased rapidly in months after receiving Pfizer vaccine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/malaria-parasite-found-to-undergo-mutations-evading-detection-417757">Malaria parasite found to undergo mutations evading detection</a>

The second study carried out in Qatar analysed infections among highly vaccinated people. People in Qatar mostly got Pfizer vaccine. The researcher found that waning of the efect of the vaccine was prominently seen after fourth. Howeever, the researchers found that the protection from hospitalisation and death remained above 90 per cent.

The vaccines have helped the global community in its fight against Covid pandemic. The vaccines boost immune response and train the immune system to fight the infection.

The vaccines have helped the global community in its fight against Covid pandemic. The vaccines boost immune response and train the immune system to fight the infection. There has always been apprehension about how long this effect lasts. Now, two separate studies have said that the immune response after receiving Pfizer Covid vaccine wanes in several months. However, protection against severe infection, hospitalisation and death remains strong. The studies were conducted in Israel and Qatar. In Israeli study covered 4800 health workers. It was found that antibody levels waned rapidly after two doses of the vaccine. Men, persons aged 60 and above and those with immunosuppression were found to be susceptible to such an effect. Also Read | COVID-19: Delta variant increases the risk of death by 133 per cent Researchers have said that neutralising antibody levels in years after vaccines against measles mumps and rubella decreased at the rate of 5 to 10 per cent each year. But the antibody levels decreased rapidly in months after receiving Pfizer vaccine. Also Read | Malaria parasite found to undergo mutations evading detection The second study carried out in Qatar analysed infections among highly vaccinated people. People in Qatar mostly got Pfizer vaccine. The researcher found that waning of the efect of the vaccine was prominently seen after fourth. Howeever, the researchers found that the protection from hospitalisation and death remained above 90 per cent.

Covid immune response after Pfizer vaccine wanes in months, say studies

The world's fifth worst-hit country with more than 7.5 million infections, Russia has seen cases climb since August driven by the contaginous Delta variant and a sluggish vaccinations drive.

Russia struggles with high Coronavirus cases, record 929 deaths in 24 hours

In an exclusive interview to Palki Sharma, David Robinson- the Co-Founder of Internet 2.O revealed how purchases of PCR tests in Hubei shot up after May 2019- well before China officially reported its first cases.

Gravitas: Purchases of PCR tests in Hubei rose sharply from July-October 2019

China reported its first Wuhan virus cases in December 2019. But a study has found that the PLA, China's Centre for Disease Control & Chinese universities were buying PCR tests in Hubei in May 2019. Palki Sharma tells you about the explosive revelations.

Gravitas: Chinese officials were buying PCR tests in May 2019

Let us take a look at COVID-19 updates coming in from across the globe.

COVID-19 Update: Spain approves booster shots for people over 70

In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK.&nbsp;

Under the new regulations that come into effect from October 4, UK nationals will need a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test done within 72 hours before travel, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival at the airport, along with a third COVID-19 RT-PCR test on Day 8 of&nbsp;arrival.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-approves-covishield-but-has-problem-with-indian-vaccine-certificates-414869">UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates</a>

However, most significantly, they will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at home or at the destination address for 10 days following their arrival in India.

It will be applicable to all UK nationals irrespective of their vaccination status.&nbsp;

Watch | British arrogance: Indian vaccine certificates rejected

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Sources said, "Authorities in the MoH&amp;FW and MOCA would be taking steps to implement the new measures."

UK had announced new guidelines last month, which will come into effect on October 4.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-unhappy-over-changes-in-uk-travel-rules-report-414394">India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report</a>

The guidelines were seen as discriminatory and include rules like quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> test on or before day 2, another on or after day 8 for passengers who aren't fully vaccinated with UK authorised vaccines and certificates.

Interestingly India's new rules for the UK also come into effect on October 4.

Watch | PM Modi on UK's vaccine recognition row

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In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK.

In the backdrop United Kingdom not recognising India's covid vaccine certificate, New Delhi has decided to impose reciprocal measures on UK nationals arriving in the country from the UK. Under the new regulations that come into effect from October 4, UK nationals will need a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PCR test done within 72 hours before travel, a COVID-19 RT-PCR test on arrival at the airport, along with a third COVID-19 RT-PCR test on Day 8 of arrival. Also read | UK approves Covishield but has problem with Indian vaccine certificates However, most significantly, they will have to undergo mandatory quarantine at home or at the destination address for 10 days following their arrival in India. It will be applicable to all UK nationals irrespective of their vaccination status. Watch | British arrogance: Indian vaccine certificates rejected Sources said, "Authorities in the MoH&FW and MOCA would be taking steps to implement the new measures." UK had announced new guidelines last month, which will come into effect on October 4. Also read | India unhappy over changes in UK travel rules: Report The guidelines were seen as discriminatory and include rules like quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 days and COVID-19 test on or before day 2, another on or after day 8 for passengers who aren't fully vaccinated with UK authorised vaccines and certificates. Interestingly India's new rules for the UK also come into effect on October 4. Watch | PM Modi on UK's vaccine recognition row

India's counter to UK: British nationals to undergo 10-day mandatory quarantine on arrival

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots.

The booster dose is to be administered at least six months after completion of the second dose, and the authorisation would include people most susceptible to severe disease and those in jobs that left them at risk, the FDA said.

A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel could vote on Thursday on the use of a third shot of the vaccine, an agency official said at a public meeting of the panel on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden announced in August the government's intention to roll out booster shots for people aged 16 and older this week, pending approval by the FDA and CDC.

Advisers to the FDA voted on Friday to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness, after overwhelmingly rejecting a call for broader approval.

The advisory panel said there was not enough evidence to support booster shots for all those aged 16 and older who had received a second dose at least six months earlier and also sought more safety data.

The agency could revisit the issue of additional shots for a broader authorization in the future. Top FDA members have been split on the need for boosters for the general population, with interim head Janet Woodcock backing them and some of the agency's senior scientists arguing current evidence does not support them.

Johnson &amp; Johnson said on Tuesday a second shot of its COVID-19 vaccine increased its effectiveness in the United States against moderate to severe forms of the disease.

Data from Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on booster doses is just weeks away, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Sunday.

Some countries, including Israel and Britain, have already rolled out COVID-19 booster campaigns. The United States authorized extra shots for people with compromised immune systems last month and over 2 million people had already received a third shot, CDC data showed.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday (September 22) authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 65 and older and some high-risk Americans, paving the way for a quick rollout of the shots. The booster dose is to be administered at least six months after completion of the second dose, and the authorisation would include people most susceptible to severe disease and those in jobs that left them at risk, the FDA said. A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory panel could vote on Thursday on the use of a third shot of the vaccine, an agency official said at a public meeting of the panel on Wednesday. President Joe Biden announced in August the government's intention to roll out booster shots for people aged 16 and older this week, pending approval by the FDA and CDC. Advisers to the FDA voted on Friday to recommend COVID-19 vaccine booster shots for Americans 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness, after overwhelmingly rejecting a call for broader approval. The advisory panel said there was not enough evidence to support booster shots for all those aged 16 and older who had received a second dose at least six months earlier and also sought more safety data. The agency could revisit the issue of additional shots for a broader authorization in the future. Top FDA members have been split on the need for boosters for the general population, with interim head Janet Woodcock backing them and some of the agency's senior scientists arguing current evidence does not support them. Johnson & Johnson said on Tuesday a second shot of its COVID-19 vaccine increased its effectiveness in the United States against moderate to severe forms of the disease. Data from Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on booster doses is just weeks away, President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, said on Sunday. Some countries, including Israel and Britain, have already rolled out COVID-19 booster campaigns. The United States authorized extra shots for people with compromised immune systems last month and over 2 million people had already received a third shot, CDC data showed.

US FDA authorises third dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans

US President Joe Biden used his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly to describe a world where American civic leadership, rather than military power, acts as the driving force to resolve persistent problems like coronavirus, climate change, and cyberwar. WION's Susan Tehrani brings you more on this.

WION-USA Direct: Pandemic and climate crisis are borderless says Joe Biden

US President Joe Biden hosted a virtual summit with world leaders on Wednesday, to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, a day after his address at the 76th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

US President Joe Biden hosts virtual COVID-19 summit on UNGA sidelines

US President Joe Biden is all set to host a virtual COVID-19 summit on Wednesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The aim of the summit is to rally world leaders, health professionals, experts, NGOs with a singular message to end the pandemic by 2022.

Joe Biden to hold virtual COVID-19 summit, push for ending pandemic 'together'

More than 600,000 white flags have been planted at the National Mall as a tribute to America's COVID-19 victims. The death toll has now crossed that of the Spanish Flu in 1918. How did the world's most advanced nation succumb to a virus? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas US Edition: India v/s US: The vaccination story

The UK government has issued a revised travel advisory on Wednesday in which it said that Covishield will qualify as an approved vaccine for travellers visiting Britain from any part of the world from October 4 onwards.

UK recognises Covishield as an approved vaccine in revised travel advisory

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to meet with US President Joe Biden during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Both leaders are expected to discuss issues like China, the climate crisis & the COVID-19 pandemic.

WION-USA Direct: US & UK leaders to discuss China, climate & COVID during 76th UNGA session

New travel rules in Britain have sparked outrage from Africa to South Asia, provoking allegations of racism and raising concerns of deepening rifts between wealthy and poor nations as global travel begins to open up.

UK's new COVID-19 rules provoke allegations of racism in poor countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone into self-isolation. Putin's inner circle at Kremlin has tested positive for the Wuhan Virus. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus breaches Kremlin

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday that he will not get himself vaccinated in order to attend the UN General Assembly next week. Bolsonaro, who had the Coronavirus last year, has said he would be the "last Brazilian" to get vaccinated.

Brazil President Bolsonaro refuses to get vaccinated for UN meet

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to introduce a COVID-19 "vaccine passport" amid widespread skepticism of the jab in the continent's most affected country.

South Africa announces COVID-19 'vaccine passport' plans, eases curbs

South Africa is one of five countries to participate in the global children's vaccine trial. The trial of China's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine is a part of a global study. This study will focus on children in the age group from 6 months until 17 years.

South Africa starts trial of China's Sinovac vaccine

US President Joe Biden on Thursday announced sweeping new federal vaccine requirements that would affect a total of 100 million Americans. Biden sharply criticised the 80 million Americans who are still not vaccinated.

Joe Biden announces sweeping measures to vaccinate Americans

On the account of rising COVID-19 cases, Sri Lanka's ongoing lockdown has been extended till September 21. The quarantine curfew will now be in force till 4 am on September 21. It has been imposed since August 20.

Sri Lanka extends COVID-19 lockdown till September 21

Australia is struggling against the Delta variant of COVID-19. The virus has brought the country's healthcare system to its knees. Daily cases have reached close to 2,000 in the country.

Delta variant continues to gain ground in Australia, daily cases top 1,900

As Sri Lanka's death toll from COVID-19 surges and wooden coffins are becoming unaffordable many are opting for cardboard coffins. WION brings you a report.

Sri Lanka turns to affordable cardboard coffins

COVID-19 infection does not appear to impair the lung function of children and adolescents, according to a study presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress on Tuesday.

A team led by researchers at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, found that even patients with asthma did not show a statistically significant deterioration in lung function.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-mu-coronavirus-variant-spreads-to-49-us-states-411360">New ‘Mu’ coronavirus variant spreads to 49 US states</a>

However, such patients showed slightly lower measurements for the amount of air they could exhale forcibly in one second,&nbsp;known as forced expiratory air volume in one second (FEV1), which is one of the measures of lung function.

A second study presented at the conference on Sunday showed that the lung function in children and adolescents was also unimpaired after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> infection, apart from those who experienced a severe infection.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about if and how the lung is affected after clearance of the coronavirus infection, especially in young people from the general population with less severe disease," said Ida Mogensen, a post-doctoral fellow at the Karolinska Institute.

The first study gathered information from 661 young people with an average age of 22 years who were part of a large research that enrolled children born between 1994 and 1996 in Stockholm, and who have been followed by researchers ever since.

Collected data included measurements of lung function, inflammation and white blood cells called eosinophils, which are part of the immune system.

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Of the 661 participants, 178 had antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, indicating they had been infected.

The researchers measured FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) which represents the volume of air in the lungs that can be exhaled after a taking the deepest breath possible, and FEV1/FVC ratio, which is an indicator of narrowed airways.

They calculated the changes in lung function between the period before the and during the pandemic.

The researchers then compared the percentage change with participants who had not been infected.

"Our analysis showed similar lung function irrespective of COVID-19 history," said Mogensen.

When the researchers included 123 participants with asthma in the analysis, the 24 per cent who had had COVID-19 showed a slightly lower lung function, but this was not statistically significant.

There was no difference in lung function among patients who had had COVID-19 with respect to eosinophils, indicators of inflammation, allergy responses or use of inhaled corticosteroids, they said.

The second study, presented by Anne Schlegtendal, from the University Children's Hospital in Germany, looked at the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection between August 2020 and March 21 in 73 children and adolescents aged between five and 18 years.

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Schlegtendal and colleagues carried out lung function tests between two weeks and six months following COVID-19 infection and compared the results with a control group of 45 children who had not been infected with the coronavirus but may have had some other infection.

The participants had different severity of the disease. An infection was considered severe if patients suffered breathlessness, a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius for more than five days, bronchitis, pneumonia or stayed in hospital for more than a day.

Nineteen children and adolescents in the COVID-19 group had persistent or new symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers found.

Eight reported at least one respiratory symptom, six of whom suffered ongoing breathing problems and two had a persistent cough.

Two of these eight patients showed abnormal lung function, they said. "When we compared the COVID-19 patients with the control group, we found no statistically significant differences in the frequency of abnormal lung function," Schlegtendal said.

The researchers acknowledged some limitations in their study, including the small number of participants.

The participants were recruited at a single hospital, patients reported their symptoms, and a lack of information on long-term outcomes in the control group, they said.

In addition, the COVID-19 group did not include those with severe breathing problems during the acute phase of the infection.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-witnessed-in-healthcare-workers-owing-to-coronavirus-pandemic-411267/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The findings from these two studies provides important reassurance about the impact of COVID infection on lung function in children and young adults," said Anita Simonds, a professor at Imperial College London, UK, who was not involved in the research.

"We know already that this group is less likely to suffer severe illness if they contract the virus, and these studies, which importantly include comparator groups without COVID-19, show that they are also less likely to suffer long-term consequences with respect to lung function," Simonds added.&nbsp;

COVID-19 infection does not appear to impair the lung function of children and adolescents, according to a study presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress on Tuesday.

COVID-19 infection does not appear to impair the lung function of children and adolescents, according to a study presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress on Tuesday. A team led by researchers at the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, found that even patients with asthma did not show a statistically significant deterioration in lung function. Also read | New ‘Mu’ coronavirus variant spreads to 49 US states However, such patients showed slightly lower measurements for the amount of air they could exhale forcibly in one second, known as forced expiratory air volume in one second (FEV1), which is one of the measures of lung function. A second study presented at the conference on Sunday showed that the lung function in children and adolescents was also unimpaired after COVID-19 infection, apart from those who experienced a severe infection. "The COVID-19 pandemic has raised questions about if and how the lung is affected after clearance of the coronavirus infection, especially in young people from the general population with less severe disease," said Ida Mogensen, a post-doctoral fellow at the Karolinska Institute. The first study gathered information from 661 young people with an average age of 22 years who were part of a large research that enrolled children born between 1994 and 1996 in Stockholm, and who have been followed by researchers ever since. Collected data included measurements of lung function, inflammation and white blood cells called eosinophils, which are part of the immune system. Also read | In a first, Cuba begins COVID-19 vaccination for toddlers Of the 661 participants, 178 had antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, indicating they had been infected. The researchers measured FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) which represents the volume of air in the lungs that can be exhaled after a taking the deepest breath possible, and FEV1/FVC ratio, which is an indicator of narrowed airways. They calculated the changes in lung function between the period before the and during the pandemic. The researchers then compared the percentage change with participants who had not been infected. "Our analysis showed similar lung function irrespective of COVID-19 history," said Mogensen. When the researchers included 123 participants with asthma in the analysis, the 24 per cent who had had COVID-19 showed a slightly lower lung function, but this was not statistically significant. There was no difference in lung function among patients who had had COVID-19 with respect to eosinophils, indicators of inflammation, allergy responses or use of inhaled corticosteroids, they said. The second study, presented by Anne Schlegtendal, from the University Children's Hospital in Germany, looked at the long-term effects of COVID-19 infection between August 2020 and March 21 in 73 children and adolescents aged between five and 18 years. Also read | A guide to your healthy routine to beat the long-lasting Covid blues Schlegtendal and colleagues carried out lung function tests between two weeks and six months following COVID-19 infection and compared the results with a control group of 45 children who had not been infected with the coronavirus but may have had some other infection. The participants had different severity of the disease. An infection was considered severe if patients suffered breathlessness, a fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius for more than five days, bronchitis, pneumonia or stayed in hospital for more than a day. Nineteen children and adolescents in the COVID-19 group had persistent or new symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the researchers found. Eight reported at least one respiratory symptom, six of whom suffered ongoing breathing problems and two had a persistent cough. Two of these eight patients showed abnormal lung function, they said. "When we compared the COVID-19 patients with the control group, we found no statistically significant differences in the frequency of abnormal lung function," Schlegtendal said. The researchers acknowledged some limitations in their study, including the small number of participants. The participants were recruited at a single hospital, patients reported their symptoms, and a lack of information on long-term outcomes in the control group, they said. In addition, the COVID-19 group did not include those with severe breathing problems during the acute phase of the infection. "The findings from these two studies provides important reassurance about the impact of COVID infection on lung function in children and young adults," said Anita Simonds, a professor at Imperial College London, UK, who was not involved in the research. "We know already that this group is less likely to suffer severe illness if they contract the virus, and these studies, which importantly include comparator groups without COVID-19, show that they are also less likely to suffer long-term consequences with respect to lung function," Simonds added.

COVID-19 may not impair lung function in young adults, research shows

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