Bangladesh reported 6,214 new COVID-19 cases and 134 new deaths on Saturday. Khulna, the new virus hotspot, recorded the highest number of deaths among the eight divisions.

Bangladesh records 6,214 new cases in last 24 hours

Australia&nbsp;will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

The new restrictions on travel come as&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;fights outbreaks of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a> simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all&nbsp;Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-sydney-and-darwin-in-covid-19-lockdowns-394215">Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns</a>

Australia&nbsp;shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning&nbsp;Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense.

Morrison said&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier.

Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australias-victoria-detects-two-cases-of-delta-covid-19-variant-for-first-time-in-latest-outbreak-389400">Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak</a>

"Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for&nbsp;Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas.

New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney,&nbsp;Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant.

On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year.

Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-victoria-state-lockdown-end-date-in-doubt-after-new-covid-19-cases-388785">Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases</a>

"We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters.

Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported.

Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day.

Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-fears-of-blood-clots-australia-further-restricts-astrazeneca-vaccine-392218">Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine</a>

The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

Australia will halve the number of arrivals from overseas as its coronavirus hotel quarantine system creaks under pressure from outbreaks of the highly transmissible Delta variant, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday. The new restrictions on travel come as Australia fights outbreaks of the Delta variant simultaneously in three state capital cities, meaning nearly half of all Australians are currently under strict orders to stay at home. Most recent outbreaks have been traced to leaks in hotel quarantine. Also read | Australia's Sydney and Darwin in COVID-19 lockdowns Australia shut its international borders early last year largely to non-citizens. Permanent residents and returning Australian travellers, except those exiting New Zealand, have to quarantine in hotels for two weeks at their own expense. Morrison said Australia will now only accept about 3,000 travellers from overseas per week. Lowering the cap will be finalised by July 14, he said, though some states can move earlier. Speaking after a meeting of the country's national cabinet, Morrison also said a four-phase plan had been agreed to reopen Australia after lockdowns triggered by the latest outbreaks. He said this would be based on achieving vaccination levels aimed at suppressing COVID-19 to a stage where it would be managed like other infectious diseases like the flu. Also read | Australia's Victoria detects two cases of Delta Covid-19 variant for first time in latest outbreak "Our mind-set on managing COVID-19 has to change once you move from pre-vaccination to post-vaccination. That's the deal for Australians," Morrison told reporters in Canberra. The four-phased approach could give fully vaccinated people more freedoms, he said, including a shorter quarantine period after arriving from overseas. New South Wales (NSW) capital Sydney, Australia's largest city and home to a fifth of the country's 25 million population is halfway through a two-week lockdown imposed in a bid to contain the Delta variant. On Friday it warned residents to brace for an increase in COVID-19 infections over the next few days as it reported the biggest daily rise in locally acquired cases recorded so far this year. Thirty-one local cases were reported in NSW on Friday, so far the biggest daily rise in cases during the latest outbreak and for 2021. Total infections have grown to more than 200 since the first case was detected more than two weeks ago. Also read | Australia: Victoria state lockdown end date in doubt after new COVID-19 cases "We are anticipating there could be an increase in numbers over the next few days, then hopefully early next week we should see the impact of the lockdown really turning and having a positive impact," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters. Queensland officials said lockdown rules will be eased in parts of Queensland from Friday, although they have been extended in state capital Brisbane and a neighbouring region for another day after three new cases were reported. Lockdown in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, will also be lifted on Friday. Restrictions in Perth will be reviewed later in the day. Lockdowns, swift contact tracing and tough social distancing rules have helped Australia to suppress prior outbreaks, but the fast-moving Delta strain has alarmed authorities amid a sluggish nationwide vaccination drive. Also read | Amid fears of blood clots, Australia further restricts AstraZeneca vaccine The rollout, mired in confusion and frustration due to frequent changes in medical advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine, has become a flashpoint in relations between the federal government and state leaders.

Australia to halve arrivals from overseas, offers COVID-19 exit roadmap

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> figures have soared since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots.

Russia on Sunday announced 25,142 new infections, the highest figure since January 2 when Russia was emerging from a second wave of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-another-covid-record-as-world-battles-delta-variant-395710">Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant</a>

This week Russia reported record numbers of coronavirus deaths for five days in a row, registering 697 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday.

On Sunday, the official tally showed 663 people dying of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours.

Some experts say that Russia vastly under-reports coronavirus fatalities, counting only cases when the virus was found to be the primary cause of death after the autopsy.

Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 7,624 new cases and 111 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-covid-deaths-for-fifth-straight-day-395544">Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day</a>

The government has ruled out a nationwide lockdown but this week President Vladimir Putin once again urged Russians to get vaccinated and "listen to experts" rather than rumours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Vaccine</a> hesitancy has been a huge challenge for the Russian authorities, and Moscow has become the first Russian city to introduce mandatory vaccinations.

City authorities said at least 60 per cent of service industry workers should be fully inoculated by mid-August.

So far 137,925 people have died among 5.6 million infected in Russia, according to official figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-wants-a-lockdown-coronavirus-related-deaths-spike-in-russia-395375">'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia</a>

On Sunday, neighbouring Kazakhstan reported 3,003 new virus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic.

Another Central Asian country, Tajikistan, in June admitted having coronavirus cases for the first time in more than five months.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Tajikistan made vaccines mandatory for citizens aged 18 and older.

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant.

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant. The coronavirus figures have soared since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots. Russia on Sunday announced 25,142 new infections, the highest figure since January 2 when Russia was emerging from a second wave of the pandemic. Also read | Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant This week Russia reported record numbers of coronavirus deaths for five days in a row, registering 697 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday. On Sunday, the official tally showed 663 people dying of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. Some experts say that Russia vastly under-reports coronavirus fatalities, counting only cases when the virus was found to be the primary cause of death after the autopsy. Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 7,624 new cases and 111 deaths. Also read | Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day The government has ruled out a nationwide lockdown but this week President Vladimir Putin once again urged Russians to get vaccinated and "listen to experts" rather than rumours. Vaccine hesitancy has been a huge challenge for the Russian authorities, and Moscow has become the first Russian city to introduce mandatory vaccinations. City authorities said at least 60 per cent of service industry workers should be fully inoculated by mid-August. So far 137,925 people have died among 5.6 million infected in Russia, according to official figures. Also read | 'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia On Sunday, neighbouring Kazakhstan reported 3,003 new virus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic. Another Central Asian country, Tajikistan, in June admitted having coronavirus cases for the first time in more than five months. On Saturday, Tajikistan made vaccines mandatory for citizens aged 18 and older.

Russia posts highest number of virus cases since early January

Israel reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambles to contain the spread of the new delta variant. However, the number of severe COVID cases in Israel remains low.

Israel struggles to contain the spread of Delta variant

While coronavirus continues to rage in its mutant forms, it is now being estimated that over 14% of people who catch COVID-19 end up having lasting symptoms- some similar to COVID, while some may be debilitating enough to require long-term support and care.

Coronavirus: What are the symptoms of long COVID?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has sent out a warning to Europe after two months of decline in COVID-19 cases. The organisation said that there will be a new wave in the European region unless we remain disciplined. The number of new cases across Europe rose by 10 percent last week.

WHO warns Europe against a new wave of COVID-19 as cases rise again

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was grilled by the opposition leaders over former Health Secretary Matt Hancock's COVID conduct as well as Johnson's response to this whole scandal.

Johnson faces tough questions in parliament over Hancock's COVID conduct

Thousands fled Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka ahead of tightened lockdown that will curtail most economic activity and confine people to their homes as coronavirus infections soar.

Thousands flee from Dhaka ahead of nationwide strict lockdown

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever.

At 17,590 feet, his symptoms quickly worsened. The expedition company that had hired Sherpa to help a Bahraini prince climb Everest had him airlifted to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, where he tested positive for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/guide-over-100-virus-cases-on-everest-despite-nepal-denials-386894">Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials</a>&nbsp;

He spent a week at the hospital and six days at home and then was back at base camp. Experienced guides like him from Nepal’s high-mountain-dwelling Sherpa community were in short supply because of the pandemic, and the expedition company stood to lose thousands of dollars if the prince’s climb were cancelled.

So, with his body still fighting the vestiges of the virus, Sherpa, 38, most likely became the first person with COVID-19 to stand on Everest’s pinnacle when he led the prince and 15 others there at dawn on May 11. By the end of the climbing season early this month, at least 59 infected people had been on the mountain, including five others who reached the top, according to interviews with climbers and expedition companies and the personal accounts of social media users.

“Were Sherpas and climbers supermen?” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “This issue deserves in-depth research.”

But according to the Nepal government, there was never any COVID-19 on Everest. Tourism officials dismissed the accounts of climbers, calling one a pneumonia patient. Coughing, they added, is nothing new in the dry mountain air.

Nepal’s tourism department, which oversees Everest expeditions, maintained this position even as people were being airlifted off the mountain and expeditions were being cancelled — a rare event because of the great expense and effort made to train, travel to Nepal and try to summit Everest.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-china-cancels-everest-expedition-385457/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In April, a Norwegian climber, Erlend Ness; a British climber, Steve Davis; and others wrote on social media about having COVID-19 during their Everest expeditions.

“From 2 hospitals last 3 days. Today I will have a PCR test. Hope to leave the hospital soon,” Ness wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself in a mask in a hospital bed.

Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been struggling with a dire coronavirus outbreak and a shortage of vaccines. Few Sherpas or other Nepalis had access to vaccines while the climbing season was underway; even now, as the government pleads with wealthy nations for doses, less than 3 per cent of the population has been fully inoculated.

Officials had strong incentives to play down the COVID situation on Everest. Nepal closed its peaks in 2020 because of the pandemic, after bringing in more than $2 billion from climbing and trekking in 2019. If the COVID-19 cases were publicized, it could tarnish Nepal’s image as a tourist destination, and invite climbers whose expeditions were cancelled to demand extensions of their climbing permits.

Still, with this year’s climbing season now over, more expedition agencies are acknowledging that COVID-19 infections were rampant in the crowded base camp, which drew a record 408 foreign climbers this year. The true number of cases could be far higher than 59, since expedition organizers, doctors and climbers themselves said they were pressured to hide infections.

The Nepal government had made some preparation to avoid infections on the mountain. It instituted testing, mask and social-distancing requirements, stationed medical personnel at the Everest base camp and had helicopters ready to swoop in and pick up infected climbers.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-draws-separation-line-on-everest-peak-384185/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Expedition companies, which often bring their own medical personnel, also packed antigen kits, testing members of their groups regularly and isolating anyone who tested positive.

Given that all climbers had to test negative before starting the trek to base camp, it is likely that most of those with COVID-19 became infected while on the mountain, though it is possible that some arrived with infections that were not initially detected.

There were compelling reasons for expedition companies to proceed with climbs, even as the first coronavirus cases were reported at base camp from the last week of April to the first week of May.

They had laid out more than 60 per cent&nbsp;of their budgets. The government of Nepal had received $4.6 million in royalties. Sherpas and support staff were deployed. Ropes were soon to be fixed in place. Food, cooking gas and other supplies had been hauled up by workers and yaks to the makeshift city of colourful tents where climbers stay for 40 days, allowing their lungs to adjust to the altitude and waiting for a window of clear weather to make the ascent.

Multiple Sherpas and expedition companies interviewed by The New York Times said that at least three or four people from each expedition group were eventually infected during their stay at base camp.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/foreign-expedition-abandons-everest-attempt-citing-covid-19-risks-385485">Foreign expedition abandons Everest attempt citing COVID-19 risks</a>

Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, which cancelled its expedition, sending climbers back to Kathmandu before they could attempt to summit Everest, estimated that the tally was far higher than The Times’ count.

His company’s expedition ended after an American climber and three Sherpa guides were evacuated from base camp to the capital, where they were hospitalized for COVID-19. Furtenbach has written to Nepal’s tourism department requesting that the government extend his climbers’ permits by two years.

Rudra Singh Tamang, director-general of the tourism department, said he had no information about Furtenbach’s appeal or those of other expedition agencies sent to his office to extend climbing permits.

“We can’t just extend climbing permits on basis of COVID rumors,” Tamang said. “Whether their expeditions were canceled because of COVID-19 or not, that should be examined.”

With very few Sherpas having been vaccinated when they arrived at base camp, dozens contracted COVID-19. Some were airlifted out. Others isolated in their pup tents and climbed to higher camps after recovering.

Phunuru Sherpa of International Mountain Guides said 10 Sherpa guides on his team fell sick with COVID-19.

Of the more than 400 foreign climbers attempting to scale Everest, almost half abandoned their expeditions, either because of COVID-19 infections or because of a cyclone that caused snowstorms in the Himalayas.

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever.

In April at Mount Everest base camp, where climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude before heading to the summit of the world’s highest peak, Jangbu Sherpa fell ill with a cough and fever. At 17,590 feet, his symptoms quickly worsened. The expedition company that had hired Sherpa to help a Bahraini prince climb Everest had him airlifted to a hospital in the capital, Kathmandu, where he tested positive for COVID-19. Also read | Guide: Over 100 virus cases on Everest despite Nepal denials He spent a week at the hospital and six days at home and then was back at base camp. Experienced guides like him from Nepal’s high-mountain-dwelling Sherpa community were in short supply because of the pandemic, and the expedition company stood to lose thousands of dollars if the prince’s climb were cancelled. So, with his body still fighting the vestiges of the virus, Sherpa, 38, most likely became the first person with COVID-19 to stand on Everest’s pinnacle when he led the prince and 15 others there at dawn on May 11. By the end of the climbing season early this month, at least 59 infected people had been on the mountain, including five others who reached the top, according to interviews with climbers and expedition companies and the personal accounts of social media users. “Were Sherpas and climbers supermen?” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association. “This issue deserves in-depth research.” But according to the Nepal government, there was never any COVID-19 on Everest. Tourism officials dismissed the accounts of climbers, calling one a pneumonia patient. Coughing, they added, is nothing new in the dry mountain air. Nepal’s tourism department, which oversees Everest expeditions, maintained this position even as people were being airlifted off the mountain and expeditions were being cancelled — a rare event because of the great expense and effort made to train, travel to Nepal and try to summit Everest. In April, a Norwegian climber, Erlend Ness; a British climber, Steve Davis; and others wrote on social media about having COVID-19 during their Everest expeditions. “From 2 hospitals last 3 days. Today I will have a PCR test. Hope to leave the hospital soon,” Ness wrote on Facebook, posting a photo of himself in a mask in a hospital bed. Nepal, one of the world’s poorest countries, has been struggling with a dire coronavirus outbreak and a shortage of vaccines. Few Sherpas or other Nepalis had access to vaccines while the climbing season was underway; even now, as the government pleads with wealthy nations for doses, less than 3 per cent of the population has been fully inoculated. Officials had strong incentives to play down the COVID situation on Everest. Nepal closed its peaks in 2020 because of the pandemic, after bringing in more than $2 billion from climbing and trekking in 2019. If the COVID-19 cases were publicized, it could tarnish Nepal’s image as a tourist destination, and invite climbers whose expeditions were cancelled to demand extensions of their climbing permits. Still, with this year’s climbing season now over, more expedition agencies are acknowledging that COVID-19 infections were rampant in the crowded base camp, which drew a record 408 foreign climbers this year. The true number of cases could be far higher than 59, since expedition organizers, doctors and climbers themselves said they were pressured to hide infections. The Nepal government had made some preparation to avoid infections on the mountain. It instituted testing, mask and social-distancing requirements, stationed medical personnel at the Everest base camp and had helicopters ready to swoop in and pick up infected climbers. Expedition companies, which often bring their own medical personnel, also packed antigen kits, testing members of their groups regularly and isolating anyone who tested positive. Given that all climbers had to test negative before starting the trek to base camp, it is likely that most of those with COVID-19 became infected while on the mountain, though it is possible that some arrived with infections that were not initially detected. There were compelling reasons for expedition companies to proceed with climbs, even as the first coronavirus cases were reported at base camp from the last week of April to the first week of May. They had laid out more than 60 per cent of their budgets. The government of Nepal had received $4.6 million in royalties. Sherpas and support staff were deployed. Ropes were soon to be fixed in place. Food, cooking gas and other supplies had been hauled up by workers and yaks to the makeshift city of colourful tents where climbers stay for 40 days, allowing their lungs to adjust to the altitude and waiting for a window of clear weather to make the ascent. Multiple Sherpas and expedition companies interviewed by The New York Times said that at least three or four people from each expedition group were eventually infected during their stay at base camp. Also read | Foreign expedition abandons Everest attempt citing COVID-19 risks Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures, which cancelled its expedition, sending climbers back to Kathmandu before they could attempt to summit Everest, estimated that the tally was far higher than The Times’ count. His company’s expedition ended after an American climber and three Sherpa guides were evacuated from base camp to the capital, where they were hospitalized for COVID-19. Furtenbach has written to Nepal’s tourism department requesting that the government extend his climbers’ permits by two years. Rudra Singh Tamang, director-general of the tourism department, said he had no information about Furtenbach’s appeal or those of other expedition agencies sent to his office to extend climbing permits. “We can’t just extend climbing permits on basis of COVID rumors,” Tamang said. “Whether their expeditions were canceled because of COVID-19 or not, that should be examined.” With very few Sherpas having been vaccinated when they arrived at base camp, dozens contracted COVID-19. Some were airlifted out. Others isolated in their pup tents and climbed to higher camps after recovering. Phunuru Sherpa of International Mountain Guides said 10 Sherpa guides on his team fell sick with COVID-19. Of the more than 400 foreign climbers attempting to scale Everest, almost half abandoned their expeditions, either because of COVID-19 infections or because of a cyclone that caused snowstorms in the Himalayas.

Dozens came down with COVID-19 on Everest. Nepal says it never happened.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> policies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-to-suspend-entry-from-three-countries-dubai-updates-travel-protocols-392673">UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols</a>

In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus pandemic</a>.

Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23.

Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours.

A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change.

"We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume."

Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/private-jets-in-demand-indians-flee-the-country-fly-to-uae-to-escape-covid-surge-381327">Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge</a>

Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine.

A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections.

Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries.

A United Arab Emirates ban on entry from India, South Africa and Nigeria remains in place, the federal aviation authority said on Sunday after Dubai had announced it would ease entry restrictions from those countries. Dubai, a business and tourism hub, is the most populous of the UAE's seven emirates. Throughout the pandemic, the UAE's seven emirates have set some of their own COVID-19 policies. Also read | UAE to suspend entry from three countries, Dubai updates travel protocols In a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) on Sunday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) referenced a June 21 GCAA document stating entry from 13 countries, including Pakistan, was banned due to the coronavirus pandemic. Dubai had said on June 19 that an entry ban on those who in the past 14 days had visited India, Nigeria and South Africa would ease from June 23. Under the changes, an entry would be permitted to UAE residents in India who were fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, anyone in South Africa who was fully vaccinated and those in Nigeria who had tested negative for coronavirus in the past 48 hours. A GCAA representative on Sunday said those travelling from India were still banned from entering the UAE but deferred further comment to the Dubai government. Dubai's media office did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Dubai's Emirates airline said on Twitter flights from India were available from July 7 but cautioned that could change. "We're waiting for the exact travel protocols and guidelines before we can resume." Indians represent one of the UAE's largest residential communities and are the biggest source market for tourists. Also read | Private jets in demand: Indians flee the country, fly to UAE to escape Covid surge Dubai reopened its borders to foreign visitors in July, while Abu Dhabi requires arrivals from most countries to quarantine. A national ban on entry from India began in April as India faced a surge in coronavirus infections. Certain individuals, such as UAE citizens and diplomats, have been exempted from entry bans.

UAE ban on entry from India unchanged, aviation notice says

Authorities have been alarmed by instances of people passing on the virus during fleeting encounters in shops and then quickly infecting close family contacts.

Australia: Sydney extends COVID lockdown to entire city

AstraZeneca&nbsp;and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a> against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Beta variant</a>, which first emerged in South Africa.

The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.

They include people who have been fully vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> with two doses of the original Oxford-AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccine or an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer as well as those who have not got the jab at all.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-vaccine-to-be-tested-on-children-to-test-efficacy-363946">AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy</a>

The new vaccine, known as AZD2816, has been designed using the same base as the main&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant.

"Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic coronavirus, should their use be needed," said Andrew Pollard, chief investigator and director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford.&nbsp;

Britain has had a successful vaccine roll out the programme, but experts do not know how long protection lasts.&nbsp;

"This study will provide vital evidence on whether further doses including 'tweaks' against new virus variants may be needed in the future," said Maheshi Ramasamy, Principal Investigator at the Oxford Vaccine Group.

Initial data from the trial is expected later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics</a>

Current vaccines are believed to be less effective against the Beta variant, although it is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which emerged in India, that is currently causing most concern.

Although the main vaccines are believed to be highly effective at preventing serious illness, the Delta variant's transmissible nature is leading to a spike in cases in some countries, including Britain.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland.

AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford on Sunday began new trials to test a modified vaccine against the Beta variant, which first emerged in South Africa. The 'booster' vaccine's trial will involve around 2,250 participants from Britain, South Africa, Brazil and Poland. They include people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses of the original Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine or an mRNA vaccine such as Pfizer as well as those who have not got the jab at all. Also read | AstraZeneca vaccine to be tested on children to test efficacy The new vaccine, known as AZD2816, has been designed using the same base as the main AstraZeneca shot but with minor genetic alterations to the spike protein based on the Beta variant. "Testing booster doses of existing vaccines and new variant vaccines is important to ensure we are best prepared to stay ahead of the pandemic coronavirus, should their use be needed," said Andrew Pollard, chief investigator and director of the Oxford Vaccine Group at the University of Oxford. Britain has had a successful vaccine roll out the programme, but experts do not know how long protection lasts. "This study will provide vital evidence on whether further doses including 'tweaks' against new virus variants may be needed in the future," said Maheshi Ramasamy, Principal Investigator at the Oxford Vaccine Group. Initial data from the trial is expected later this year. Also read | Universal coronavirus vaccine? Scientists make unique discovery that may help prevent future pandemics Current vaccines are believed to be less effective against the Beta variant, although it is the Delta variant, which emerged in India, that is currently causing most concern. Although the main vaccines are believed to be highly effective at preventing serious illness, the Delta variant's transmissible nature is leading to a spike in cases in some countries, including Britain.

AstraZeneca tests booster jab against Covid variant

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases since mid-January.

Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-moscow-orders-work-from-home-amid-rise-in-delta-variant-cases-394002">COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases</a>

Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch.

The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kappa-delta-who-releases-greek-nomenclature-for-covid-variants-including-ones-found-in-india-388657">Delta variant</a>, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city.

"To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV.

So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday.

By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-registers-record-high-covid-19-cases-deaths-393736">Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths</a>&nbsp;

Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million.

The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683.

St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January.

A central Russian region on Saturday suspended COVID-19 vaccinations for two days due to a shortage of doses, local officials said, as the country reported its highest daily increase in coronavirus cases since mid-January. Russia is facing a surge in new cases that authorities blame on the highly infectious Delta variant and slow progress on vaccinating people, with deaths hitting a new record in the capital, Moscow, on Friday. Also read | COVID-19: Moscow orders work-from-home amid rise in Delta variant cases Following shortages that suspended inoculation campaigns from Friday at some centres in the Bashkiria and Khabarovsk regions, health officials in the central Udmurtia region said vaccinations would stop until Monday due to a supply crunch. The Kremlin said the issue would be resolved in the coming days, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced additional health spending of 25 billion roubles ($346.80 million) for the care of COVID-19 patients. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said cases of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, were on the increase in the city. "To drastically solve the issues, you need people to get vaccinated or head to lockdowns and shut down everything," he told state TV. So far, 21 million of Russia's 144 million people have received at least one vaccine dose, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said on Friday. By the end of this month, 2.5 million doses of the country's Sputnik Light single-dose vaccine will be put into circulation, he said on Saturday. Also read | Russia registers record high COVID-19 cases, deaths Russia reported 21,665 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, more than a third of them in Moscow, taking the official national tally since the pandemic began to nearly 5.5 million. The government's coronavirus task force said 619 people had died of COVID-19-linked causes in the past 24 hours, the highest number since late December and pushing the overall death toll to 132,683. St Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, saw a record daily death toll from the novel coronavirus of 107 in the past 24 hours.

Russian regions run low on vaccines as COVID-19 cases jump

With unprecedented hospital admissions and health facilities getting pushed to the brink by a rising number of fatalities, Africa is facing a resurgence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Although the continent is falling behind in the global <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19&nbsp;vaccination</a> drive, after Oceania it is still the world’s least affected continent. For a population of 13 billion, Africa has had just under 5.3 million reported cases and around 139,000 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-enters-third-wave-of-coronavirus-positivity-rate-reaches-157-390705">South Africa enters third wave of coronavirus; positivity rate reaches 15.7%</a>

The continent has escaped a fate similar to India or Brazil, but the pandemic is resurging fast.

Matshidiso Moeti, Africa director for World Health Organization (WHO) warned that "The third wave is picking up speed, spreading faster, hitting harder," and "The latest surge threatens to be&nbsp;Africa's worst yet".

While John Nkengasong, the director of Africa&nbsp;Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa&nbsp;CDC) uses the words "extremely brutal" and "very devastating" to describe the third wave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

George Weah, Liberia's president, warned that as the hospitals continue to overflow in his country, the wave appears to be "far more alarming than a year ago".

The spread of more transmissible variants like Delta, immunisation hitches along with winter in the southern hemisphere, are aggravating Africa's third wave.

First detected in India, the Delta variant has been reported in 14 African countries&nbsp;so far, and according to WHO, it makes up the bulk of new cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-to-set-up-vaccine-tech-transfer-hub-in-south-africa-393132">WHO to set up vaccine tech transfer hub in South&nbsp;Africa</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Doctors in South&nbsp;Africa are struggling with an unprecedented rise in patients' numbers. The country accounts for around 35 per cent of all reported cases.

However, unlike past waves, this time "the hospital system is not coping," said doctors' association chief Angelique Coetzee.

With hospital admissions increasing by approximately 60 per cent since early April, South&nbsp;Africa's average new daily infections have increased 15 times.

'Unprecedented' deaths in Zambia

The countries Namibia and Zambia are also witnessing steep infection curves.

While Africa CDC says that the country is overwhelmed. An "unprecedented" number of COVID-19 deaths have been piling pressure on mortuaries says Zambia's health ministry.

With similar trends in Uganda, Health Minister Jane Ruth Acheng blamed highly infectious variants for the new spread, "different from the second wave" with a large number of young people hospitalised.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-battles-the-pandemic-covid-19-alert-raised-to-level-3-391953/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Civil societies report that the country is facing an oxygen shortfall amounting to 24.5 million litres per day, an allegation denied by Acheng. However, the fact remains, Uganda is facing oxygen shortages.

Governments are once again tightening restrictions. Uganda has imposed a new nationwide lockdown and 13 Kenyan counties have adopted&nbsp;a tougher curfew.

At the same time, the pace of vaccinations is struggling to get off the ground.

According to the WHO, in the lowest ratio worldwide, only about one per cent of the continent's population is fully vaccinated and90 per cent of African nations are expected to miss a target to inoculate a tenth of their populations by September.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-pulls-two-million-doses-of-johnson-johnson-vaccine-391175">South Africa pulls two million doses of Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine</a>

"We are running a race behind time, the pandemic is ahead of us. We are not winning in&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;this battle against the virus," said&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;CDC's Nkengasong.

"It's frightening what is going on on the continent," he added.

Vaccination failures

While recently western leaders have pledged to donate one billion vaccine doses to poorer countries, the process has been too slow.&nbsp;

Cases are "outpacing vaccinations", Moeti said. "Africa&nbsp;urgently needs a million more vaccines. We need a sprint".

Due to vaccine hesitancy and logical failures, several countries failed to administer jabs from the UN-backed Covax scheme before their use-by date.

In May, Malawi destroyed almost 20,000 expired AstraZeneca doses, and now just as thousand were due for their second shot the country exhausted its vaccine stocks last week.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-many-covid-variants-are-dominant-in-south-africa-392368/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

DRC and South Sudan had to return about two million shots to the UN to avoid facing this scenario like Malawi.

Chinese vaccines face a slow take-up and a surge in AstraZeneca's main supplier country, India, has delayed Covax deliveries to&nbsp;Africa.

After Harare’s mail vaccination centre ran out of shots last month hundreds of frustrated Zimbabweans staged a protest.

Even as South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;says that it has secured enough Johnson &amp; Johnson and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines to immunise 67 per cent of its 59 million inhabitants, due to rollout setbacks so far only 2.2 million people, mostly healthcare workers and over 60s, have received a jab so far.

"The lack of vaccines in a region with high levels of poverty and inequality means many people feel they are just waiting to die," said Amnesty International's regional director Deprose Muchena.

(With inputs from agencies)

With unprecedented hospital admissions and health facilities getting pushed to the brink by a rising number of fatalities, Africa is facing a resurgence of coronavirus.

With unprecedented hospital admissions and health facilities getting pushed to the brink by a rising number of fatalities, Africa is facing a resurgence of coronavirus. Although the continent is falling behind in the global COVID-19 vaccination drive, after Oceania it is still the world’s least affected continent. For a population of 13 billion, Africa has had just under 5.3 million reported cases and around 139,000 deaths. Also read | South Africa enters third wave of coronavirus; positivity rate reaches 15.7% The continent has escaped a fate similar to India or Brazil, but the pandemic is resurging fast. Matshidiso Moeti, Africa director for World Health Organization (WHO) warned that "The third wave is picking up speed, spreading faster, hitting harder," and "The latest surge threatens to be Africa's worst yet". While John Nkengasong, the director of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) uses the words "extremely brutal" and "very devastating" to describe the third wave. Also read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC George Weah, Liberia's president, warned that as the hospitals continue to overflow in his country, the wave appears to be "far more alarming than a year ago". The spread of more transmissible variants like Delta, immunisation hitches along with winter in the southern hemisphere, are aggravating Africa's third wave. First detected in India, the Delta variant has been reported in 14 African countries so far, and according to WHO, it makes up the bulk of new cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also read | WHO to set up vaccine tech transfer hub in South Africa Doctors in South Africa are struggling with an unprecedented rise in patients' numbers. The country accounts for around 35 per cent of all reported cases. However, unlike past waves, this time "the hospital system is not coping," said doctors' association chief Angelique Coetzee. With hospital admissions increasing by approximately 60 per cent since early April, South Africa's average new daily infections have increased 15 times. 'Unprecedented' deaths in Zambia The countries Namibia and Zambia are also witnessing steep infection curves. While Africa CDC says that the country is overwhelmed. An "unprecedented" number of COVID-19 deaths have been piling pressure on mortuaries says Zambia's health ministry. With similar trends in Uganda, Health Minister Jane Ruth Acheng blamed highly infectious variants for the new spread, "different from the second wave" with a large number of young people hospitalised. Civil societies report that the country is facing an oxygen shortfall amounting to 24.5 million litres per day, an allegation denied by Acheng. However, the fact remains, Uganda is facing oxygen shortages. Governments are once again tightening restrictions. Uganda has imposed a new nationwide lockdown and 13 Kenyan counties have adopted a tougher curfew. At the same time, the pace of vaccinations is struggling to get off the ground. According to the WHO, in the lowest ratio worldwide, only about one per cent of the continent's population is fully vaccinated and90 per cent of African nations are expected to miss a target to inoculate a tenth of their populations by September. Also read | South Africa pulls two million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine "We are running a race behind time, the pandemic is ahead of us. We are not winning in Africa this battle against the virus," said Africa CDC's Nkengasong. "It's frightening what is going on on the continent," he added. Vaccination failures While recently western leaders have pledged to donate one billion vaccine doses to poorer countries, the process has been too slow. Cases are "outpacing vaccinations", Moeti said. "Africa urgently needs a million more vaccines. We need a sprint". Due to vaccine hesitancy and logical failures, several countries failed to administer jabs from the UN-backed Covax scheme before their use-by date. In May, Malawi destroyed almost 20,000 expired AstraZeneca doses, and now just as thousand were due for their second shot the country exhausted its vaccine stocks last week. DRC and South Sudan had to return about two million shots to the UN to avoid facing this scenario like Malawi. Chinese vaccines face a slow take-up and a surge in AstraZeneca's main supplier country, India, has delayed Covax deliveries to Africa. After Harare’s mail vaccination centre ran out of shots last month hundreds of frustrated Zimbabweans staged a protest. Even as South Africa says that it has secured enough Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines to immunise 67 per cent of its 59 million inhabitants, due to rollout setbacks so far only 2.2 million people, mostly healthcare workers and over 60s, have received a jab so far. "The lack of vaccines in a region with high levels of poverty and inequality means many people feel they are just waiting to die," said Amnesty International's regional director Deprose Muchena. (With inputs from agencies)

'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows

American surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy has warned that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-calls-delta-variant-greatest-threat-to-eradicating-covid-19-pandemic-393420">Delta variant</a> of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> is significantly more transmissible and dangerous. Reported in over 85 countries, the variant which now makes up for 90 per cent of all new cases causes a more severe illness as compared to other variants.

Talking to MSNBC Dr Murthy said, "We have seen how quickly it has taken over in the United Kingdom, where it’s getting close to 100 per cent of new COVID cases, Delta. And we have seen a surge here too. So, I am worried,".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-variant-reported-in-85-countries-globally-expected-to-become-dominant-lineage-warns-who-393572">Delta variant reported in 85 countries globally, expected to become dominant lineage, warns WHO</a>

"I'm quite worried about the Delta variant. It is more transmissible, significantly more transmissible. It also may be more dangerous in terms of the severity of illness that it causes,” he added.

Showing concern for the unvaccinated people he added that if people are completely <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a>, they are well protected against hospitalisations and deaths.

"The worry is if you're not vaccinated, that you're at even greater risk than you were before. So, what I don't want to see is a growing divide in our country between the unvaccinated and vaccinated. We've got to close that gap. That's why we're working so hard to get people vaccinated everywhere,” he responded to a question.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-delta-variant-now-in-20-of-us-cases-393225">COVID-19 Delta variant now in 20% of US cases</a>

The vaccination rate in the US stands at 62.5 per cent for children aged 12 and older, while for adults over 18 years of age, it is 65.4 per cent, an approximate 55.9 per cent of Americans are now fully vaccinated against the virus and 65.4 per cent have received at least one shot.

"Your level of risk, your kid's level of risk really depends on where you live and how high the community vaccination rates are. And this is why we always say - and I say this as a dad who's got two young kids, three and four, whose - we don't have a vaccine available for kids that young. So, I'm worried about my kids, just like any other parents are,” said Dr Murthy.

Dr Murthy laid stress on the need of getting vaccinated, which he said "is an effort more than just about protecting yourself". According to him, "it's about protecting those around you, as even those who are not seriously ill are capable of transmitting the infection to others."

American surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy has warned that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is significantly more transmissible and dangerous. Reported in over 85 countries, the variant which now makes up for 90 per cent of all new cases causes a more severe illness as compared to other variants.

American surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy has warned that the Delta variant of COVID-19 is significantly more transmissible and dangerous. Reported in over 85 countries, the variant which now makes up for 90 per cent of all new cases causes a more severe illness as compared to other variants. Talking to MSNBC Dr Murthy said, "We have seen how quickly it has taken over in the United Kingdom, where it’s getting close to 100 per cent of new COVID cases, Delta. And we have seen a surge here too. So, I am worried,". Also read | Delta variant reported in 85 countries globally, expected to become dominant lineage, warns WHO "I'm quite worried about the Delta variant. It is more transmissible, significantly more transmissible. It also may be more dangerous in terms of the severity of illness that it causes,” he added. Showing concern for the unvaccinated people he added that if people are completely vaccinated, they are well protected against hospitalisations and deaths. "The worry is if you're not vaccinated, that you're at even greater risk than you were before. So, what I don't want to see is a growing divide in our country between the unvaccinated and vaccinated. We've got to close that gap. That's why we're working so hard to get people vaccinated everywhere,” he responded to a question. Also read | COVID-19 Delta variant now in 20% of US cases The vaccination rate in the US stands at 62.5 per cent for children aged 12 and older, while for adults over 18 years of age, it is 65.4 per cent, an approximate 55.9 per cent of Americans are now fully vaccinated against the virus and 65.4 per cent have received at least one shot. "Your level of risk, your kid's level of risk really depends on where you live and how high the community vaccination rates are. And this is why we always say - and I say this as a dad who's got two young kids, three and four, whose - we don't have a vaccine available for kids that young. So, I'm worried about my kids, just like any other parents are,” said Dr Murthy. Dr Murthy laid stress on the need of getting vaccinated, which he said "is an effort more than just about protecting yourself". According to him, "it's about protecting those around you, as even those who are not seriously ill are capable of transmitting the infection to others."

US Surgeon General warns against Delta Variant, says it's more transmissible

A new trial involving the use of the anti-parasitic drug ‘Ivermectin’, for use in cases involving people at a higher risk of serious illness from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, has been announced by a team of researchers from Oxford University.

Aiming to investigate the efficacy and safety of the drug, the trial has already recruited more than 5,000 volunteers.

Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against the use of Ivermectin, in treating patients with Covid.

According to the WHO, there is a "very low certainty of evidence" relating to the drug’s effect on mortality, the requirement of a patient’s admission to a hospital and ridding a patient of the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/anti-parasitic-drug-successfully-kills-covid-19-in-48-hours-reveals-study-346727">Anti-parasitic drug successfully kills COVID-19 in 48 hours, reveals study</a>

"Safety and efficacy are important when using any drug for a new indication. WHO recommends against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 except within clinical trials," said Soumya Swaminathan, the global health body’s chief scientist, in a tweet published on May 10 which has been since deleted.

While previous studies on the drug’s usage show that early administration with ivermectin can help reduce viral load and the duration of symptoms in some patients with a mild case of Covid, such studies have generally been small or of low quality. 
 
Despite all this, Ivermectin has been used by self-medicating individuals and doctors in many countries including, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa. 
 
"Ivermectin is readily available globally, has been in wide use for many other infectious conditions so it’s a well-known medicine with a good safety profile, and because of the early promising results in some studies it is already being widely used to treat COVID-19 in several countries,"&nbsp;Professor Chris Butler, from the University Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said in a statement. 
 
"By including Ivermectin in a large-scale trial, we hope to generate robust evidence to determine how effective the treatment is against COVID-19, and whether there are benefits or harms associated with its use," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-govt-ditches-most-popular-drugs-in-new-covid-19-treatment-plan-390257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

As part of the trial, more than 5,000 volunteers from across the UK&nbsp;will randomly be assigned to receive a three-day course of the Ivermectin treatment. This will be followed for 28 days, and a comparison will be done between the volunteers receiving the drug and the rest who will be receiving the usual standard of National Health Service care.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">People aged between 18 to 64 with certain underlying health conditions or those experiencing shortness of breath because of the virus, along with those aged over 65, are eligible to join the trial within the first 14 days of experiencing coronavirus-related symptoms or after receiving a COVID-19 positive test.</div>

The eligible people from the UK can join the trial easily either online, over the telephone, or via a GP practice. All this can be done without the need for a face-to-face visit with the trial team in Oxford. 
 
Those who are taking treatments that are known to interact with the drug Ivermectin, or patients suffering from severe liver disease, who are on the blood-thinning medication warfarin, will be excluded from the trial. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A new trial involving the use of the anti-parasitic drug ‘Ivermectin’, for use in cases involving people at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, has been announced by a team of researchers from Oxford University.

A new trial involving the use of the anti-parasitic drug ‘Ivermectin’, for use in cases involving people at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19, has been announced by a team of researchers from Oxford University. Aiming to investigate the efficacy and safety of the drug, the trial has already recruited more than 5,000 volunteers. Earlier this year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended against the use of Ivermectin, in treating patients with Covid. According to the WHO, there is a "very low certainty of evidence" relating to the drug’s effect on mortality, the requirement of a patient’s admission to a hospital and ridding a patient of the virus. Also read | Anti-parasitic drug successfully kills COVID-19 in 48 hours, reveals study "Safety and efficacy are important when using any drug for a new indication. WHO recommends against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 except within clinical trials," said Soumya Swaminathan, the global health body’s chief scientist, in a tweet published on May 10 which has been since deleted. While previous studies on the drug’s usage show that early administration with ivermectin can help reduce viral load and the duration of symptoms in some patients with a mild case of Covid, such studies have generally been small or of low quality. Despite all this, Ivermectin has been used by self-medicating individuals and doctors in many countries including, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa. "Ivermectin is readily available globally, has been in wide use for many other infectious conditions so it’s a well-known medicine with a good safety profile, and because of the early promising results in some studies it is already being widely used to treat COVID-19 in several countries," Professor Chris Butler, from the University Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, said in a statement. "By including Ivermectin in a large-scale trial, we hope to generate robust evidence to determine how effective the treatment is against COVID-19, and whether there are benefits or harms associated with its use," he added. As part of the trial, more than 5,000 volunteers from across the UK will randomly be assigned to receive a three-day course of the Ivermectin treatment. This will be followed for 28 days, and a comparison will be done between the volunteers receiving the drug and the rest who will be receiving the usual standard of National Health Service care. People aged between 18 to 64 with certain underlying health conditions or those experiencing shortness of breath because of the virus, along with those aged over 65, are eligible to join the trial within the first 14 days of experiencing coronavirus-related symptoms or after receiving a COVID-19 positive test. The eligible people from the UK can join the trial easily either online, over the telephone, or via a GP practice. All this can be done without the need for a face-to-face visit with the trial team in Oxford. Those who are taking treatments that are known to interact with the drug Ivermectin, or patients suffering from severe liver disease, who are on the blood-thinning medication warfarin, will be excluded from the trial. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxford to study anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin's efficacy for Covid treatment

As the world struggles with the Delta variant, the virus has mutated again. At least 9 countries have now detected the "Delta plus" variant, with India reporting around 30 cases of the new mutation. Palki Sharma tells you why this variant has sparked concerns.

Gravitas | Delta Plus variant: The new worry for the world

Days after the G7 summit ended in Cornwall, the county is reporting a 2,500% rise in COVID cases. Did the world leaders & their entourage trigger the outbreak? Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas | G7 aftermath: 2,500% rise in COVID cases

The countdown to the 2020 Olympics is underway with less than a month to go for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. The organisers and the International Olympic Committee have unveiled a series of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during the two-week-long event and a severe breach of restrictions could even lead to expulsion. Many are calling these measures harsh but Indian medal hopeful and reigning Badminton World Champion PV Sindhu has backed the IOC's plans for keeping her and her fellow athletes safe. Sindhu was in conversation with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

Exclusive: PV Sindhu looks ahead to Tokyo Olympics | World Champion backs COVID-19 countermeasures

A Ugandan Olympic coach has tested positive for the Wuhan virus, even after vaccination. India says the Olympic rules are highly unfair for Indian athletes. With the opposition within Japan growing, will the Olympics be cancelled again? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ugandan Olympic coach tests positive for Wuhan virus after vaccination

As India witnessed a second devastating surge in COVID-19 cases, help came from all around the world. However, some organisations use the crisis to collect funds illegitimately in the name of charity.

Report: Pakistan NGO misused COVID-19 relief funds collected to help India

Israel&nbsp;will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-for-just-cause-of-palestine-389238">Opinion: For just cause of Palestine</a>

Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Rights groups have criticised&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war.

Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire.
— PHRI (@PHRIsrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/PHRIsrael/status/1405846181469638659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Israel&nbsp;will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said.

The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that&nbsp;Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-200000-palestinians-need-health-aid-after-israel-gaza-conflict-says-who-389080">Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO</a>

An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday,&nbsp;Israeli officials said.

A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The&nbsp;Israeli statement said&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October.

Around 55 per cent of eligible&nbsp;Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12&nbsp;to 15-year-olds.

Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials.

According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated.

The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from&nbsp;Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed. Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give Israel a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year. Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Rights groups have criticised Israel for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war. Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule. Also read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights Israel said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire." Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire. — PHRI (@PHRIsrael) June 18, 2021 × The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu. "Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said. The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date. Also read | Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday, Israeli officials said. A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The Israeli statement said Israel would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October. Around 55 per cent of eligible Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12 to 15-year-olds. Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials. According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated. The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Under Covid vaccine swap, Israel to send 1 million doses to Palestinians

COVID-19 related deaths worldwide passed a grim milestone of 4 million on Thursday. It took over a year for the Coronavirus death toll to hit 2 million, while the next 2 million were recorded in just 166 days.

World's COVID-19 death toll exceeds 4 mn mark, last 2 mn deaths in 166 days

Moscow has reported a record surge in the number of Coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. The Russian capital has recorded over 9,000 new COVID-19 infections along with 78 people losing their lives.

Moscow COVID-19 cases soar to record high, new variants suspected behind surge

The US Embassy in Kabul was placed on lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge in Afghanistan. At least 114 employees have been tested positive for the coronavirus and are currently in isolation.

COVID-19 outbreak hits US Embassy in Afghanistan, 114 staffers tested positive

The health service in the United Kingdom is all set to open COVID-19 vaccinations for all adults. The government has vowed to inoculate all willing adults with at least one shot by next month.

Health services in UK set to open vaccination for all adults

Many of the donated G7 doses will be filtered through Covax, a global body charged with ensuring equitable vaccine distribution.

Global leaders pledge to share COVID-19 vaccine doses internationally

A study in the United States has concluded that people in 5 states had COVID-19 antibodies even before cases were confirmed. The research hints at the undetected spread of the virus.

Study: COVID-19 found in 5 states of US before first confirmed case reported

South Africa has entered at level 3 lockdown as Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc across the country. Only 2 million people have received COVID-19 vaccine doses in the country.

South Africa battles the pandemic; COVID-19 alert raised to level 3

In a new study, a research team led by Dr. Tracey Rouault in the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has found new ways to target an enzyme produced by SARS-CoV-2 called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp).

Study: Orally administered drug 'TEMPOL' can inhibit COVID-19's replication

covid-19

Covid 19, News on Covid 19, stories on Covid 19, articles on Covid 19, Covid 19 stories at Wion, Covid 19 news, Covid 19 latest news

covid 19