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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-cuba-begins-covid-19-vaccination-for-toddlers-411276">In a first, Cuba begins COVID-19 vaccination for toddlers</a>

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 |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-a-guide-to-your-healthy-routine-to-beat-the-long-lasting-covid-blues-411281">A guide to your healthy routine to beat the long-lasting Covid blues</a>

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

Sri Lanka is currently facing a financial emergency. The island country is running out of food and basic supplies, the currency is plunging and forex reserves are depleting. WION brings you a report.

Massive spike in food prices in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is in the grip of an economic crisis triggered by the COVID pandemic that has led to shortages of food and medicine in the country.

Sri Lanka: COVID-19 pandemic & plunging economy leads to food crisis

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley.&nbsp;

The notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration said, ‘smart lockdown’, will be enforced, which allows local administrations to impose restrictions in different areas depending upon the severity of the COVID-19 situation.

“Educational institutions cannot resume with the physical presence of the students but however if schools authorities wish to &nbsp;open then proper Covid protocol and smart lockdown provisions needs to be followed,” said the statement.&nbsp;

The district administration said, if school authorities choose to reopen they can do so in coordination with the district COVID-19 crisis management centre.&nbsp;

As per the new orders, all businesses and industries will be allowed to operate in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols.&nbsp;

People are still not allowed to attend large gatherings, conference meetings, protests, festivities or parties.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the National Examination Board (NEB) has decided to conduct Grade XII examination from September 15 to 24.&nbsp;

Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur administration offices have announced that some COVID-19 related restrictions will remain until September 16.

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley.

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley. The notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration said, ‘smart lockdown’, will be enforced, which allows local administrations to impose restrictions in different areas depending upon the severity of the COVID-19 situation. “Educational institutions cannot resume with the physical presence of the students but however if schools authorities wish to open then proper Covid protocol and smart lockdown provisions needs to be followed,” said the statement. The district administration said, if school authorities choose to reopen they can do so in coordination with the district COVID-19 crisis management centre. As per the new orders, all businesses and industries will be allowed to operate in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols. People are still not allowed to attend large gatherings, conference meetings, protests, festivities or parties. Meanwhile, the National Examination Board (NEB) has decided to conduct Grade XII examination from September 15 to 24. Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur administration offices have announced that some COVID-19 related restrictions will remain until September 16.

Nepal: Prohibitory orders lifted in Kathmandu Valley as Covid cases drop 

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will be stepping down by the end of this month, setting the stage for a new premier after a one-year tenure marred by an unpopular COVID-19 response and rapidly dwindling public support.

Yoshihide Suga to step down as Japan's prime minister

News Zealanders are out on beaches and are queuing up for takeaway food and stuff as lockdown measures have been enforced to break an outbreak of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus. However, the country's largest city, Auckland still remains under lockdown.

New Zealand eases COVID-19 curbs in most parts, Auckland remains under a lockdown

Brazil's economy has contracted by 0.1 percent in the second quarter. The setback for the country's economy came as a serious second wave of COVID-19 infections triggered restrictions in major cities during April and May.

World Business Watch: Brazil's economy down by 0.1% in second quarter

The global ban and travel ban have dented business in China's gambling hub Macau which is one of its kind recreational centre in Asia as well.

World Business Watch: COVID-19 hits China's gambling hub, business remains muted in casinos

As production contracted for the first time in 12 months and slowed demand due to rising COVID-19 infections, South Korea's factory activity has slowed in August, also impacted by the supply chain disruptions across the region.

World Business Watch: South Korea's factory activity growth slows as output shrinks

As the world battles the Delta variant, World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a new coronavirus strain that may be able to bypass vaccines' effect.<o:p></o:p>

In WHO’s weekly bulletin on the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation talked about the new variant dubbed as Mu, or B.1.621, which was first identified in Colombia in January 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-organ-transplants-dip-as-covid-19-grips-world-409653" hreflang="en">Number of organ transplants dip as COVID-19 grips world</a>

<o:p></o:p>

Experts explained that this new variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> has been mutating. This has led the scientists to believe that the Mu variant might be resistant to the existing vaccines. This has reminded the experts about the situation with the Beta variant. However, the WHO has also cautioned people that more studies are needed to examine this variant and its resistance further.<o:p></o:p>

"Since its first identification in Colombia in January 2021, there have been a few sporadic reports of cases of the Mu variant and some larger outbreaks have been reported from other countries in South America and in Europe," the bulletin read.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-west-nile-virus-the-infection-russia-has-warned-may-spread-409520">What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread?</a></o:p>

While the totality rate of growth has not been alarming yet, its spread in Colombia and Ecuador is increasing. "Although the global prevalence of the Mu variant among sequenced cases has declined and is currently below 0.1%, the prevalence in Colombia (39%) and Ecuador (13%) has consistently increased," the bulletin explained. "The epidemiology of the Mu variant in South America, particularly with the co-circulation of the Delta variant, will be monitored for changes."<o:p></o:p>

As of now, the world is fighting the deadly and wide spread of the Delta variant which was first identified by the scientists of India and has quickly spread across the world. Along with the Delta variant, there are three other variants of concern — Alpha variant, which was first recorded in England; Beta which has spread in 141 countries and Gamma which is now found in over 90 countries.<o:p></o:p>

Mu variant is the fifth variant of interest, for now, as per the WHO.<o:p></o:p>

As the world battles the Delta variant, World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a new coronavirus strain that may be able to bypass vaccines' effect. In WHO’s weekly bulletin on the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation talked about the new variant dubbed as Mu, or B.

As the world battles the Delta variant, World Health Organization (WHO) has identified a new coronavirus strain that may be able to bypass vaccines' effect. In WHO’s weekly bulletin on the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation talked about the new variant dubbed as Mu, or B.1.621, which was first identified in Colombia in January 2021. Also read | Number of organ transplants dip as COVID-19 grips world Experts explained that this new variant of coronavirus has been mutating. This has led the scientists to believe that the Mu variant might be resistant to the existing vaccines. This has reminded the experts about the situation with the Beta variant. However, the WHO has also cautioned people that more studies are needed to examine this variant and its resistance further. "Since its first identification in Colombia in January 2021, there have been a few sporadic reports of cases of the Mu variant and some larger outbreaks have been reported from other countries in South America and in Europe," the bulletin read. Also read | What is the West Nile virus, the infection Russia has warned may spread? While the totality rate of growth has not been alarming yet, its spread in Colombia and Ecuador is increasing. "Although the global prevalence of the Mu variant among sequenced cases has declined and is currently below 0.1%, the prevalence in Colombia (39%) and Ecuador (13%) has consistently increased," the bulletin explained. "The epidemiology of the Mu variant in South America, particularly with the co-circulation of the Delta variant, will be monitored for changes." As of now, the world is fighting the deadly and wide spread of the Delta variant which was first identified by the scientists of India and has quickly spread across the world. Along with the Delta variant, there are three other variants of concern — Alpha variant, which was first recorded in England; Beta which has spread in 141 countries and Gamma which is now found in over 90 countries. Mu variant is the fifth variant of interest, for now, as per the WHO.

WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines

All eyes are on India's April to June or Q1 GDP data figures that will be out today (August 31). During this period though India was hit by the severe second COVID-19 wave.

World Business Watch: India is set to post record fiscal first-quarter GDP

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States&nbsp;from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors from the United States and the five other countries will now likely face tighter controls, such as COVID-19 tests and quarantines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-propose-travel-restrictions-on-us-visitors-409454">EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors</a>

In addition to the US, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have also been omitted from the list.

This list intends to standardise travel rules across the EU, but it does not bind the individual member states, which can still set their own border policies.

However, so far most EU members have followed Brussels' travel recommendation during the crisis.

Several EU countries, including Germany and Belgium, already categorise the United States as red and require testing and quarantines, while France and the Netherlands deem it safe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

According to data from Our World in Data, average&nbsp;US <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases in the week to August 28 numbered more than 450 per million people, up from under 40 when the European Union added the US to its list in mid-June.

According to the data, Israel, Kosovo, and Montenegro have an even higher rate of cases.

Non-EU visitors who have full <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">immunisations</a> are still allowed into the EU bloc, although testing and quarantines may apply, depending on the country of arrival.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-potential-covid-19-variant-of-concern-identified-in-south-africa-409448" hreflang="en">New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa</a>

With Canada, Japan, and New Zealand included on the EU safe list, now the number of safe countries is 17.&nbsp;COVID-19 issues in each country, as well as reciprocity, are heavily weighed in while assembling the list.

However, as Washington does not allow EU citizens to visit freely despite EU appeals, a&nbsp;division exists within the bloc over reciprocity and the growing number of US cases versus those that rely on tourism and would prefer not to restrict US visitor numbers.

According to a statement by the bloc, the list will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As of Monday, the European Union removed five territories, including the United States from its list of countries that were earlier exempt from restrictions on non-essential travel during the Coronavirus pandemic. Visitors from the United States and the five other countries will now likely face tighter controls, such as COVID-19 tests and quarantines. Also read | EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors In addition to the US, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro, and North Macedonia have also been omitted from the list. This list intends to standardise travel rules across the EU, but it does not bind the individual member states, which can still set their own border policies. However, so far most EU members have followed Brussels' travel recommendation during the crisis. Several EU countries, including Germany and Belgium, already categorise the United States as red and require testing and quarantines, while France and the Netherlands deem it safe. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon According to data from Our World in Data, average US COVID-19 cases in the week to August 28 numbered more than 450 per million people, up from under 40 when the European Union added the US to its list in mid-June. According to the data, Israel, Kosovo, and Montenegro have an even higher rate of cases. Non-EU visitors who have full immunisations are still allowed into the EU bloc, although testing and quarantines may apply, depending on the country of arrival. Also read | New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa With Canada, Japan, and New Zealand included on the EU safe list, now the number of safe countries is 17. COVID-19 issues in each country, as well as reciprocity, are heavily weighed in while assembling the list. However, as Washington does not allow EU citizens to visit freely despite EU appeals, a division exists within the bloc over reciprocity and the growing number of US cases versus those that rely on tourism and would prefer not to restrict US visitor numbers. According to a statement by the bloc, the list will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed. (With inputs from agencies)

EU drops US from list of Covid-safe countries for non-essential travel

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks.

Starting Monday, the officials said, the United States will be removed from a “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to the 27-nation bloc without additional restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements. The suggested restrictions, made by the European Council, will not be mandatory for member countries, and it will remain up to those countries to decide whether to impose them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-origins-us-intelligence-community-says-it-was-not-developed-as-biological-weapon-408909">COVID-19 virus&nbsp;origins:&nbsp;US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon</a>

Most European countries reopened their borders to Americans in June, more than a year after imposing a travel ban, hoping that Americans would visit this summer and help an ailing tourism industry bounce back.

In essence, the EU gave the United States a summertime pass to encourage tourism, despite the relatively high infection rates in parts of the country.

The threshold for being on the EU “safe travel” list is having fewer than 75 new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases daily per 100,000 people over the previous 14 days. The United States has an infection rate well above that threshold, and COVID hospitalisations in the country climbed above 100,000 last week for the first time since January.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-potential-covid-19-variant-of-concern-identified-in-south-africa-409448" hreflang="en">New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa</a>

Yet while American tourists were able to travel to Europe this summer, the United States has remained closed to Europeans, drawing anger from Europeans and their leaders, who have expressed frustration at the lack of reciprocity.

Travellers from countries on the safe list can usually visit EU countries without quarantining by showing proof of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccination</a> or a negative test, while those from countries not on that list are barred from visiting for nonessential reasons and can be subject to further testing and quarantine requirements.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-and-suffering-in-future-fauci-warns-us-against-covid-surge-402281">'Pain and suffering in future': Fauci warns US against Covid surge</a>

Most European countries reopened their economies this summer after vaccination campaigns picked up speed in recent months. Countries such as France and Italy, among others, have required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for people to dine in restaurants, visit museums or attend concerts, making COVID passes a fixture of daily life.

The decision to urge the reimposition of travel restrictions on US travellers was first reported by Reuters. European officials who outlined the plan did so under condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly before an announcement planned for Monday.

Other countries expected to be removed from the “safe list” include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-americas-covid-crisis-walled-by-the-western-press-408899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The EU overtook the United States in vaccinations last month, with 64 per cent of the bloc’s residents having received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 60 per cent in the United States, according to Our World in Data.

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks.

The European Union is set to advise member states that they should reintroduce travel restrictions for visitors from the United States, three EU officials said Sunday, as coronavirus infections and hospitalisations have surged in the US in recent weeks. Starting Monday, the officials said, the United States will be removed from a “safe list” of countries whose residents can travel to the 27-nation bloc without additional restrictions, such as quarantine and testing requirements. The suggested restrictions, made by the European Council, will not be mandatory for member countries, and it will remain up to those countries to decide whether to impose them. Also read | COVID-19 virus origins: US intelligence community says it was 'not developed' as biological weapon Most European countries reopened their borders to Americans in June, more than a year after imposing a travel ban, hoping that Americans would visit this summer and help an ailing tourism industry bounce back. In essence, the EU gave the United States a summertime pass to encourage tourism, despite the relatively high infection rates in parts of the country. The threshold for being on the EU “safe travel” list is having fewer than 75 new COVID-19 cases daily per 100,000 people over the previous 14 days. The United States has an infection rate well above that threshold, and COVID hospitalisations in the country climbed above 100,000 last week for the first time since January. Also read | New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa Yet while American tourists were able to travel to Europe this summer, the United States has remained closed to Europeans, drawing anger from Europeans and their leaders, who have expressed frustration at the lack of reciprocity. Travellers from countries on the safe list can usually visit EU countries without quarantining by showing proof of vaccination or a negative test, while those from countries not on that list are barred from visiting for nonessential reasons and can be subject to further testing and quarantine requirements. Also read | 'Pain and suffering in future': Fauci warns US against Covid surge Most European countries reopened their economies this summer after vaccination campaigns picked up speed in recent months. Countries such as France and Italy, among others, have required proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test result for people to dine in restaurants, visit museums or attend concerts, making COVID passes a fixture of daily life. The decision to urge the reimposition of travel restrictions on US travellers was first reported by Reuters. European officials who outlined the plan did so under condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly before an announcement planned for Monday. Other countries expected to be removed from the “safe list” include Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Montenegro and North Macedonia. The EU overtook the United States in vaccinations last month, with 64 per cent of the bloc’s residents having received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, compared with 60 per cent in the United States, according to Our World in Data.

EU set to propose travel restrictions on US visitors

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified.

Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted&nbsp;the strain&nbsp;in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warning-from-wuhans-bat-woman-new-covid-variants-will-continue-to-emerge-says-shi-zhengli-404383">Warning from Wuhan's 'bat woman': New Covid variants will continue to emerge, says Shi Zhengli</a>

Since then, the strain which has been assigned to the PANGO lineage C.1.2, has been&nbsp;detected in most of South Africa's provinces as well as in seven other countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania.

The variant is believed to have evolved from C.1,&nbsp;one of the lineages predominant during the first outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">SARS-CoV-2</a> in South Africa.

According to the study's abstract C.1.2 is associated with&nbsp;reduced neutralisation sensitivity,&nbsp;as well as having increased transmissibility.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries</a>

Compared to C.1, the new variant has undergone substantial mutations and is further away from the original virus detected in Wuhan than any other variant of concern (VOC) or VOI detected so far around the world. 
 
Study results indicate that C.1.2 develops 41.8 mutations per year. This is an approximately 1.7-fold increase over the current global rate and an approximately 1.8-fold increase over the original SARS-CoV-2 evolution estimate.

Alpha, Beta, and Gamma VOCs also emerged after a similarly short period of increased evolution. The researchers suggest that one event, followed by amplification in the number of cases, was responsible for the faster mutation rate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450">COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</a>

Over half or 52 per cent of the spike mutations identified in C.1.2 have already been identified in other VOIs and VOCs. 
 
Moreover, the study found a consistent rise in the number of C.1.2 genomes each month in South Africa, rising from 0.2 per cent in May to 1.6 per cent in June and 2.0 per cent in July. Researchers noted this is similar to what was observed in Beta and Delta during early detection in South Africa. 
 
80 sequences matching the C.1.2 lineage are already listed on the open-access database GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data) as of August 20, 2021.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unvaccinated-teacher-infects-students-after-contracting-covid-19-409277/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
More study is needed "to determine the functional impact of these mutations, which likely include neutralising antibody escape, and to investigate whether it confers advantage over the Delta variant," says&nbsp;Cathrine Scheepers, from NICD.

These findings have been reported in a study that has yet to be peer-reviewed but is available on the medRxiv server.

(With inputs from agencies)

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified. Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted the strain in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country.

In South Africa, a new potential COVID-19 variant of interest (VOI) has been identified. Scientists from the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) of South Africa first spotted the strain in May 2021 during the third wave of Covid in the country. Also read | Warning from Wuhan's 'bat woman': New Covid variants will continue to emerge, says Shi Zhengli Since then, the strain which has been assigned to the PANGO lineage C.1.2, has been detected in most of South Africa's provinces as well as in seven other countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The variant is believed to have evolved from C.1, one of the lineages predominant during the first outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in South Africa. According to the study's abstract C.1.2 is associated with reduced neutralisation sensitivity, as well as having increased transmissibility. Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries Compared to C.1, the new variant has undergone substantial mutations and is further away from the original virus detected in Wuhan than any other variant of concern (VOC) or VOI detected so far around the world. Study results indicate that C.1.2 develops 41.8 mutations per year. This is an approximately 1.7-fold increase over the current global rate and an approximately 1.8-fold increase over the original SARS-CoV-2 evolution estimate. Alpha, Beta, and Gamma VOCs also emerged after a similarly short period of increased evolution. The researchers suggest that one event, followed by amplification in the number of cases, was responsible for the faster mutation rate. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant Over half or 52 per cent of the spike mutations identified in C.1.2 have already been identified in other VOIs and VOCs. Moreover, the study found a consistent rise in the number of C.1.2 genomes each month in South Africa, rising from 0.2 per cent in May to 1.6 per cent in June and 2.0 per cent in July. Researchers noted this is similar to what was observed in Beta and Delta during early detection in South Africa. 80 sequences matching the C.1.2 lineage are already listed on the open-access database GISAID (Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data) as of August 20, 2021. More study is needed "to determine the functional impact of these mutations, which likely include neutralising antibody escape, and to investigate whether it confers advantage over the Delta variant," says Cathrine Scheepers, from NICD. These findings have been reported in a study that has yet to be peer-reviewed but is available on the medRxiv server. (With inputs from agencies)

New potential COVID-19 variant of concern identified in South Africa

A simple paper craft is fast becoming a way for Malaysians to pay tribute to the departed. The religious festival of Hungry Ghost sees Buddhists across Southeast Asia give offerings of food for the spirits of the deceased they believe return to Earth during this time. Offerings made of paper are also made. These resemble the things the deceased may have wanted.

This year, a box set of a syringe and two vaccine vials made of paper are among the fastest-selling items for the festival at Raymond Shieh Siow Leong's religious goods store in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru.

"The COVID-19 situation in our country is quite serious and many people passed away before receiving the vaccine. I hope this product can help the deceased to fulfill their dying wish," Shieh said.

He started making paper vaccine sets in early August. Each set is priced at 22.80 ringgit ($5.45). Shieh says he has sold more than 200 sets so far.

<img alt="Covid paper vaccine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72d41ddd-ab36-4c1c-af47-f32fbdef4c09" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/paper%20vaccine.JPG" />

"We made this paper vaccine to test the water of the market, but we didn't expect the reaction to be this good. The orders keep coming, and we have to work overtime until late at night to make this product," he said.

Malaysia has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia with a total caseload of almost 1.6 million and a death toll of 14,818. About 57% of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A Muslim-majority country, about 20% of Malaysia's 32 million people practise Buddhism, the second-most prevalent religion.

(With inputs from agencies)

A simple paper craft is fast becoming a way for Malaysians to pay tribute to the departed. The religious festival of Hungry Ghost sees Buddhists across Southeast Asia give offerings of food for the spirits of the deceased they believe return to Earth during this time.

A simple paper craft is fast becoming a way for Malaysians to pay tribute to the departed. The religious festival of Hungry Ghost sees Buddhists across Southeast Asia give offerings of food for the spirits of the deceased they believe return to Earth during this time. Offerings made of paper are also made. These resemble the things the deceased may have wanted. This year, a box set of a syringe and two vaccine vials made of paper are among the fastest-selling items for the festival at Raymond Shieh Siow Leong's religious goods store in the southern Malaysian city of Johor Bahru. "The COVID-19 situation in our country is quite serious and many people passed away before receiving the vaccine. I hope this product can help the deceased to fulfill their dying wish," Shieh said. He started making paper vaccine sets in early August. Each set is priced at 22.80 ringgit ($5.45). Shieh says he has sold more than 200 sets so far. "We made this paper vaccine to test the water of the market, but we didn't expect the reaction to be this good. The orders keep coming, and we have to work overtime until late at night to make this product," he said. Malaysia has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths in Southeast Asia with a total caseload of almost 1.6 million and a death toll of 14,818. About 57% of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A Muslim-majority country, about 20% of Malaysia's 32 million people practise Buddhism, the second-most prevalent religion. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia: Covid vaccine paper mock-ups in demand during religious festival

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