Snapping a three-day rally on renewed concerns over demand due to rising COVID-19 infections and as Mexico restored some output after a fire disrupted supplies, oil prices settled lower on Thursday.

World Business Watch: Oil rally falters on pandemic surge, renewed Mexico supply

Sri Lanka is battling a new surge of COVID-19 infections driven by the highly contagious Delta Variant of Coronavirus. As the death toll mounts and wooden coffins are becoming unaffordable many are opting for cardboard coffins.

Some Sri Lankans opt for cardboard coffins amid COVID-19 surge

British car output fell to its lowest July level since 1956 as a global shortage of semi-conductor chips and staff having to self-isolate due to COVID-19 hit the sector.

World Business Watch: British car output fell to lowest July level since 1956

The Delta Variant is fueling a surge of COVID-19 cases across the world. Countries are going into lockdown, others are ramping up their vaccination efforts. But in Afghanistan, it looks like the pandemic does not exist.

A forgotten pandemic in Afghanistan

The Delta Variant has been driving a surge in COVID-19 cases across the globe. Countries are grappling with new infections and growing hospitalisations. WION tells you why the Delta variant is more transmissible than other strains?

Explained: Why is Delta variant more transmissible than other COVID-19 strains?

Australia is currently battling its worst COVID-19 outbreak. The government's pandemic modeling adviser has said that the country can proceed with reopening plans when it reaches 70 to 80 percent vaccination levels.

Australia sets targets to reopen after lockdown, PM says COVID-19 lockdowns unsustainable

Iran's COVID-19 death toll has crossed 100,000 as the Delta variant spreads through West Asia's worst-affected nations. The country is struggling to contain the fifth wave of infections.

Iran battles fifth wave of COVID-19 infections, death toll crosses 100,000 mark

Sri Lanka is grappling with the surge in COVID-19 patients. The island nation announced a 10-day lockdown to curb the spread. Daily infections have double in more than a month to an average of over 3,000 cases.

COVID-19 cases and deaths surge in Sri Lanka, hospitals overflowing

Highlighting the increasingly heavy toll a recent wave of COVID-19 infections is taking on Japan's economy. The country's factory activity growth slowed in August, while that of the services sector shrank at the fastest pace since May last year.

World Business Watch: Japan's private-sector activity hit by COVID-19 surge

The Southeast Asian nation of Vietnam is currently witnessing a resurgence of COVID-19 infections fuelled by the Delta variant cases, with over 11,000 new cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours.

Vietnam COVID-19: Over 11,000 cases and 737 deaths in 24 hours

Sri Lanka announced a 10-day lockdown starting from Friday night in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus cases. This comes as surging infections and deaths overwhelm the island's health system.

Sri Lanka announces nationwide lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge

<p>The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.</p>

<p>The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Initial booster doses will be given to Americans who received the two-dose vaccines, but U.S. health officials said they anticipate that people who received the single-dose Johnson &amp; Johnson shot, the other COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States, will also need boosters. The United States did not begin administering J&amp;J shots until March.</p>

<p>The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top U.S. health officials said in a joint statement.</p>


The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time.

The US said on Wednesday that it plans to make Covid vaccine booster shots widely available September 20 onwards. The decision has been taken in view of rise in infections due to Delta variant and also due to the data indicating diminishing protection from vaccines over time. The officials are prepared to give third shot to Americans who completed their inoculation at least 8 months ago. Initial booster doses will be given to Americans who received the two-dose vaccines, but U.S. health officials said they anticipate that people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot, the other COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States, will also need boosters. The United States did not begin administering J&J shots until March. The booster shots initially will focus upon healthcare workers, nursing home residents and older people, among the first groups to be vaccinated in late 2020 and early 2021, top U.S. health officials said in a joint statement.

US to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots in September

<p>An Indian civic body is aiming to vaccinate around 150, 000 underprivileged people in India on the country's 75th Independence Day. The Robin Hood Army, a non-profit, civic body that is known to feed millions of underprivileged for the last 6 years has this year decided to vaccinate those who do not have access to apps and private hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With help from leading technology companies, the Robin Hood Army has embarked on a nation wide campaign titled <strong>#mission28states🇮🇳</strong> to fight the pandemic's biggest challenges- vaccine hesitancy and hunger.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The campaign which kickstarted a week before Independence Day had volunteers across the country spearheading mass vaccine awareness and drive. The aim was to vaccinate 150,000 people and feed 5 million citizens across the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neel Ghose, the founder of RHA spoke to WION recently and revealed that it is through strategic partnerships with local municipalities and healthcare facilities that the campaign has been able to take shape. RHA is aware that many who are vaccinated will come from homeless families and providing food to such is an important part of the campaign. Not just the homeless but RHA has aimed to include the transgender community, aged destitutes and all those who need help the most.</p>

<p>RHA has also got able support from big tech teams that have come forward to provide the infrastructure for the mission: Uber is providing thousands of rides, WhatsApp has built a dedicated chatbot for the mission, and Google is providing millions of meals.</p>

<p>Interestingly, no money is involved in any of the partnership and it is just the human goodness that took precedence for this noble campaign.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-new-age-robins-this-india-based-civic-body-is-feeding-millions-of-homeless-across-the-globe-321287">Meet new age Robins: This India based civic body is feeding millions of homeless across the globe</a></strong></p>

<p>The RHA is not new to such campaigns. Every year they launch massive food drives across the country to celebrate Independence day. Last year, the organisation had taken up the herculean task of feeding 30 million from mid- July to August. The mission was the largest food relief effort that any civic organization has ever put together.</p>


An Indian civic body is aiming to vaccinate around 150, 000 underprivileged people in India on the country's 75th Independence Day. The Robin Hood Army, a non-profit, civic body that is known to feed millions of underprivileged for the last 6 years has this year decided to vaccinate those who do not have access to apps and private hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Indian civic body is aiming to vaccinate around 150, 000 underprivileged people in India on the country's 75th Independence Day. The Robin Hood Army, a non-profit, civic body that is known to feed millions of underprivileged for the last 6 years has this year decided to vaccinate those who do not have access to apps and private hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With help from leading technology companies, the Robin Hood Army has embarked on a nation wide campaign titled #mission28states🇮🇳 to fight the pandemic's biggest challenges- vaccine hesitancy and hunger. The campaign which kickstarted a week before Independence Day had volunteers across the country spearheading mass vaccine awareness and drive. The aim was to vaccinate 150,000 people and feed 5 million citizens across the country. Neel Ghose, the founder of RHA spoke to WION recently and revealed that it is through strategic partnerships with local municipalities and healthcare facilities that the campaign has been able to take shape. RHA is aware that many who are vaccinated will come from homeless families and providing food to such is an important part of the campaign. Not just the homeless but RHA has aimed to include the transgender community, aged destitutes and all those who need help the most. RHA has also got able support from big tech teams that have come forward to provide the infrastructure for the mission: Uber is providing thousands of rides, WhatsApp has built a dedicated chatbot for the mission, and Google is providing millions of meals. Interestingly, no money is involved in any of the partnership and it is just the human goodness that took precedence for this noble campaign. Meet new age Robins: This India based civic body is feeding millions of homeless across the globe The RHA is not new to such campaigns. Every year they launch massive food drives across the country to celebrate Independence day. Last year, the organisation had taken up the herculean task of feeding 30 million from mid- July to August. The mission was the largest food relief effort that any civic organization has ever put together.

This Indian charity organisation is aiming to vaccinate 150,000 people on Independence Day

<p>DJ Khaled and his family have fully recovered after contracting the coronavirus, he confirms.<br />
<br />
The popular musician&nbsp;thanked everyone&nbsp;for ‘calls and prayers’ as he revealed he and his family have now recovered from Covid-19.<br />
<br />
Taking to Instagram, Khaled&nbsp;said that he and his family are "all good" after recovering from the deadly virus. ''My family and I have recovered from COVID and we're all good now," the message read.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"God is the greatest! God love us and we love God!". Along with the statement, the artist included a series of photos and videos of himself and his family spending some quality playful time.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Khaled and wife Nicole Tuck shares two children, Asahd, 4, and Aalam, 1.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In the post's caption, he thanked the doctors and pleaded, “Please be safe out there! Please take care of yourself."&nbsp;<br />
<br />
''Thank you to DOCTORS, thank you Dovi thank you to my Queen thank you Rosa thank you to my WE THE BEST team my management ROC NATION&nbsp;and My partners at EPIC RECORDS for holding me up while Me and my family focused on recovery 🤲🏽 [sic]<br />
<br />
''THANK YOU GOD ! 🤲🏽 GOD LOVE US ! WE LOVE GOD ! 🤲🏽 GOD IS THE GREATEST! 🤲🏽 WE THE BEST! LOVE AND BLESSINGS! 🤲🏽''</p>

<p>The pop star did not disclose when he and his family was diagnosed with COVID-19.</p>


DJ Khaled and his family have fully recovered after contracting the coronavirus, he confirms. The popular musician thanked everyone for ‘calls and prayers’ as he revealed he and his family have now recovered from Covid-19.

DJ Khaled and his family have fully recovered after contracting the coronavirus, he confirms. The popular musician thanked everyone for ‘calls and prayers’ as he revealed he and his family have now recovered from Covid-19. Taking to Instagram, Khaled said that he and his family are "all good" after recovering from the deadly virus. ''My family and I have recovered from COVID and we're all good now," the message read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DJ KHALED (@djkhaled) × "God is the greatest! God love us and we love God!". Along with the statement, the artist included a series of photos and videos of himself and his family spending some quality playful time. Khaled and wife Nicole Tuck shares two children, Asahd, 4, and Aalam, 1. In the post's caption, he thanked the doctors and pleaded, “Please be safe out there! Please take care of yourself." ''Thank you to DOCTORS, thank you Dovi thank you to my Queen thank you Rosa thank you to my WE THE BEST team my management ROC NATION and My partners at EPIC RECORDS for holding me up while Me and my family focused on recovery 🤲🏽 [sic] ''THANK YOU GOD ! 🤲🏽 GOD LOVE US ! WE LOVE GOD ! 🤲🏽 GOD IS THE GREATEST! 🤲🏽 WE THE BEST! LOVE AND BLESSINGS! 🤲🏽'' The pop star did not disclose when he and his family was diagnosed with COVID-19.

DJ Khaled reveals he & his family contracted COVID-19, recovered now

<p>Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts.<br />
<br />
August 13 is observed as World Organ Donation Day every year to motivate people to pledge organ donation after death and to spread awareness and eliminate myths and fears regarding organ donation.<br />
<br />
During Covid pandemic lockdowns, fear of infection, and lack of awareness compounded the reduction in organ donation chances, the experts said.<br />
<br />
"The number of organ donations in our country has been very low in comparison to the western countries. Furthermore, there is a significant drop since the start of the pandemic, the reason being Covid recovered patients cannot donate immediately after recovering. Too much focus on Covid and the lack of awareness on organ donation are also the reason why this number has dropped significantly," Vishwanath S, HOD and Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, told IANS.<br />
<br />
There are two ways to donate organs: a living donor -- a healthy person who donates one of a pair of organs such as the kidney or part of an organ such as the liver; and/or through Cadaveric donation -- when you harvest organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas) from brain dead people, as well as tissue donation, meaning taking tissues (skin, corneas, tendons, bone) from brain dead as well as those whose heart has stopped, but in that case it has to be done with limited time period.<br />
<br />
A single cadaveric donor can give life to about six-nine recipients (two kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, intestine, eyes and tissues).<br />
<br />
"Due to Covid-induced lockdowns and reduced traffic on the roads, accidents with consequent head injury and brain death related organ donors have reduced. On the other hand, even the recipients are unable to travel to transplant centres due to intra and interstate travel restrictions," Mukul Rastogi, Additional Director-Hepatology, Fortis Noida, told IANS.<br />
<br />
"There is also an apprehension regarding Covid status and potential transmission from deceased donors to recipients and healthcare providers. Similarly, there is a risk of recipients, live donors and the healthcare team inadvertently transmitting Covid to each other," he added.<br />
<br />
However, the doctors suggest that it is safe to donate after two-three months of Covid recovery. A complete vaccination before the process can make it safer, protecting both the donor and the recipient from the future infection of Covid. Even if they develop Covid, it will be very mild.<br />
<br />
"After the Covid pandemic, doctors have been extra cautious in the procedures of organ donation. It is safe to donate once you recover from Covid. Post-Covid, we assess whether there is any Covid-related involvement of the organs. If any person wants to donate organs post-recovery, we evaluate them completely. In cases when lungs are needed to be donated, we ensure there are no residual problems before donation," Vishwanath said.<br />
<br />
Moreover, with the availability of accurate tests (RT -PCR and antibody) for Covid with a rapid turnaround time (4-6 hours), it is possible to determine whether transplant can be safely performed, the doctors said.<br />
<br />
In India, every year almost 3.5 lakh people need some form of organ transplant but less than 11,000 transplants are carried out. The overall organ donation rate in India is quite low at around 0.52 per million population, compared with 36.07 donors per million in the US.<br />
<br />
The Cardiology Society of India reveals that over 50,000 patients need heart transplantation in a year but less than 250 actually get one.<br />
<br />
As per the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation, of the 21,395 kidneys transplanted in India between 1971 and 2015, only 783 were from cadaveric donors. Out of more than 50,000 people who need liver transplant, only 2,000 procedures are being done, according to Indian Society of Gastroenterology.<br />
<br />
"Organ donation in India needs to pick up the pace to match the humongous gap that is existing between patients who need organs and organ availability. As critical illnesses are on the rise, harvesting organs from deceased bodies and making it accessible to the one who needs should be the priority," D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, in Hyderabad, told IANS.</p>


Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts.

Organ donation has less uptake in India, when compared to western nations. Covid-19 pandemic raging over the last 18 months, has further dwindled down the number of organ donations, say health experts. August 13 is observed as World Organ Donation Day every year to motivate people to pledge organ donation after death and to spread awareness and eliminate myths and fears regarding organ donation. During Covid pandemic lockdowns, fear of infection, and lack of awareness compounded the reduction in organ donation chances, the experts said. "The number of organ donations in our country has been very low in comparison to the western countries. Furthermore, there is a significant drop since the start of the pandemic, the reason being Covid recovered patients cannot donate immediately after recovering. Too much focus on Covid and the lack of awareness on organ donation are also the reason why this number has dropped significantly," Vishwanath S, HOD and Consultant - Nephrology, Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, told IANS. There are two ways to donate organs: a living donor -- a healthy person who donates one of a pair of organs such as the kidney or part of an organ such as the liver; and/or through Cadaveric donation -- when you harvest organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas) from brain dead people, as well as tissue donation, meaning taking tissues (skin, corneas, tendons, bone) from brain dead as well as those whose heart has stopped, but in that case it has to be done with limited time period. A single cadaveric donor can give life to about six-nine recipients (two kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, intestine, eyes and tissues). "Due to Covid-induced lockdowns and reduced traffic on the roads, accidents with consequent head injury and brain death related organ donors have reduced. On the other hand, even the recipients are unable to travel to transplant centres due to intra and interstate travel restrictions," Mukul Rastogi, Additional Director-Hepatology, Fortis Noida, told IANS. "There is also an apprehension regarding Covid status and potential transmission from deceased donors to recipients and healthcare providers. Similarly, there is a risk of recipients, live donors and the healthcare team inadvertently transmitting Covid to each other," he added. However, the doctors suggest that it is safe to donate after two-three months of Covid recovery. A complete vaccination before the process can make it safer, protecting both the donor and the recipient from the future infection of Covid. Even if they develop Covid, it will be very mild. "After the Covid pandemic, doctors have been extra cautious in the procedures of organ donation. It is safe to donate once you recover from Covid. Post-Covid, we assess whether there is any Covid-related involvement of the organs. If any person wants to donate organs post-recovery, we evaluate them completely. In cases when lungs are needed to be donated, we ensure there are no residual problems before donation," Vishwanath said. Moreover, with the availability of accurate tests (RT -PCR and antibody) for Covid with a rapid turnaround time (4-6 hours), it is possible to determine whether transplant can be safely performed, the doctors said. In India, every year almost 3.5 lakh people need some form of organ transplant but less than 11,000 transplants are carried out. The overall organ donation rate in India is quite low at around 0.52 per million population, compared with 36.07 donors per million in the US. The Cardiology Society of India reveals that over 50,000 patients need heart transplantation in a year but less than 250 actually get one. As per the Indian Society of Organ Transplantation, of the 21,395 kidneys transplanted in India between 1971 and 2015, only 783 were from cadaveric donors. Out of more than 50,000 people who need liver transplant, only 2,000 procedures are being done, according to Indian Society of Gastroenterology. "Organ donation in India needs to pick up the pace to match the humongous gap that is existing between patients who need organs and organ availability. As critical illnesses are on the rise, harvesting organs from deceased bodies and making it accessible to the one who needs should be the priority," D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman, AIG Hospitals, in Hyderabad, told IANS.

Organ donation dropped significantly due to COVID-19: Experts

<p>Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads.</p>

<p>Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving.</p>

<p>According to a Taiwan News report, if someone is discovered to have opened their door more than three times, the authorities will lock them inside.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwij1KjS5K3yAhUCjuYKHXStCbIQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw30iaDUzC7Jzu4ibK9Owl3q" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450" target="_blank">COVID-19: All you need to know about&nbsp;Delta Plus&nbsp;variant</a></strong></p>

<p>As shown in a Twitter photo, people wearing full PPE gear can be seen hammering large metallic bars over a doorway in an X pattern at a house.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Chinese Communist Party is locking people inside their homes again.<br />
<br />
If someone in the building tests positive or has positive contact tracing, the whole building gets sealed for 14 to 21 days, sometimes longer.<br />
<br />
August 2021 <a href="https://t.co/LyArs7DQN6">pic.twitter.com/LyArs7DQN6</a></p>
— Things China Doesn't Want You To Know (@TruthAbtChina) <a href="https://twitter.com/TruthAbtChina/status/1424511477264785411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zh">大爷出来透一下气。<a href="https://t.co/4cQvpmn9Pt">pic.twitter.com/4cQvpmn9Pt</a></p>
— 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) <a href="https://twitter.com/wakeupfrog01/status/1424687889942679552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="zh">小姑娘感谢来封门。<br />
专政铁拳，应用到防疫工作上。<a href="https://t.co/5I1s6LAnig">pic.twitter.com/5I1s6LAnig</a></p>
— 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) <a href="https://twitter.com/wakeupfrog01/status/1424669647513612302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday, China reported 143 new cases, up from 125 the day before.</p>

<p>According to authorities, the highly transmissible delta form is mostly responsible for China's recent clusters.</p>

<p>The National Health Commission said that 108 of the new confirmed illnesses, the largest number since Jan. 20, were locally transmitted, up from 94 the day before, while the rest were imported.</p>

<p>Most local infections were in the eastern province of Jiangsu and the central province of Henan.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads. Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving.

Videos of Chinese officials keeping citizens inside their houses have appeared on social media as the Delta variation of COVID-19 spreads. Multiple videos emerged on Weibo, Twitter, and YouTube showing hazmat workers slamming iron bars over people's doors to prevent them from leaving. According to a Taiwan News report, if someone is discovered to have opened their door more than three times, the authorities will lock them inside. Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant As shown in a Twitter photo, people wearing full PPE gear can be seen hammering large metallic bars over a doorway in an X pattern at a house. The Chinese Communist Party is locking people inside their homes again. If someone in the building tests positive or has positive contact tracing, the whole building gets sealed for 14 to 21 days, sometimes longer. August 2021 pic.twitter.com/LyArs7DQN6 — Things China Doesn't Want You To Know (@TruthAbtChina) August 8, 2021 × 大爷出来透一下气。pic.twitter.com/4cQvpmn9Pt — 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) August 9, 2021 × 小姑娘感谢来封门。 专政铁拳，应用到防疫工作上。pic.twitter.com/5I1s6LAnig — 习近彭 (@wakeupfrog01) August 9, 2021 × On Monday, China reported 143 new cases, up from 125 the day before. According to authorities, the highly transmissible delta form is mostly responsible for China's recent clusters. The National Health Commission said that 108 of the new confirmed illnesses, the largest number since Jan. 20, were locally transmitted, up from 94 the day before, while the rest were imported. Most local infections were in the eastern province of Jiangsu and the central province of Henan. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | COVID-19: China locks citizens behind iron bars as Delta variant surge

More than three billion people are waiting for a Wuhan virus shot around the world. But, the developed world is dumping billions of shots in the dustbin. Why? Because they expired. Palki Sharma tells you more about this criminal wastage.

Gravitas: The developed world is dumping millions of COVID-19 shots in the dustbin

<p>According to a recent study from Shaare Zedek Medical Center, neutralising antibodies begin to fade among kids who catch the virus after only four months.</p>

<p>Researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, led by Prof. Yechiel Schlesinger, recently conducted the first-ever study into the prevalence of coronavirus antibodies in children attending the hospital's pediatric ward in collaboration with the Health Ministry.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/children-at-risk-of-long-covid-symptoms-new-study-finds-381039">Children at risk of long-Covid symptoms, new study finds</a></strong></p>

<p>Approximately 1,138 children under the age of 18, with a mean age of 4.4, were surveyed between October 18, 2020, and January 12, 2021, for the study that appeared in Acta Paediatrica. It was found that nearly one-third (or 29 per cent) of the children with coronavirus positive results were lacking neutralizing antibodies during that time.</p>

<p>Schlesinger explained that one-third of the patients didn't have antibodies when they were tested three weeks after onset of the disease.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the antibodies of the other two-thirds who had developed the disease more than four months ago had waned.</p>

<p>The study found that children reach their peak antibody level three months after diagnosis. The number of antibodies decreased significantly - much more than in adults. It may be indicative of a weaker long-term immune reaction among children.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/british-study-finds-almost-one-in-seven-suffer-long-covid-symptoms-374862" hreflang="en">British study finds almost one in seven suffer long Covid symptoms</a></strong></p>

<p>Schlesinger asserts that the disappearance of antibodies does not suggest these children are not protected. However, the disappearance does make one wonder whether those kids are truly protected.</p>

<p>As antibody levels decline, the likelihood of infection is higher. Separate studies have demonstrated this correlation.</p>

<p>Additionally, the study could have implications for understanding herd immunity, the possibility of a resurgence of an infection wave, and the development of childhood vaccines, he said.</p>

<p>It is also noteworthy that 10&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of children were found to have been infected, even though 41 per cent of those children did not know they were infected.</p>

<p>As a result of subsequent studies conducted in June and July 2021, which have yet to be published and are being written up, Schlesinger said that the percentage of children in Jerusalem with the virus has increased from 10 to 30&nbsp;per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-spread-coronavirus-more-efficiently-than-adults-study-383559">Children spread coronavirus 'more efficiently' than adults: Study</a></strong></p>

<p>Lastly, the researchers found no correlation between school openings and infection rates among children, as students who continued to attend schools for various reasons during the closed periods did not develop additional antibodies than students who stayed home.</p>

<p>Additionally, when the country reopened schools slowly, morbidity did not decrease.</p>


According to a recent study from Shaare Zedek Medical Center, neutralising antibodies begin to fade among kids who catch the virus after only four months. Researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, led by Prof.

According to a recent study from Shaare Zedek Medical Center, neutralising antibodies begin to fade among kids who catch the virus after only four months. Researchers at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, led by Prof. Yechiel Schlesinger, recently conducted the first-ever study into the prevalence of coronavirus antibodies in children attending the hospital's pediatric ward in collaboration with the Health Ministry. Also read | Children at risk of long-Covid symptoms, new study finds Approximately 1,138 children under the age of 18, with a mean age of 4.4, were surveyed between October 18, 2020, and January 12, 2021, for the study that appeared in Acta Paediatrica. It was found that nearly one-third (or 29 per cent) of the children with coronavirus positive results were lacking neutralizing antibodies during that time. Schlesinger explained that one-third of the patients didn't have antibodies when they were tested three weeks after onset of the disease. Meanwhile, the antibodies of the other two-thirds who had developed the disease more than four months ago had waned. The study found that children reach their peak antibody level three months after diagnosis. The number of antibodies decreased significantly - much more than in adults. It may be indicative of a weaker long-term immune reaction among children. Also read: British study finds almost one in seven suffer long Covid symptoms Schlesinger asserts that the disappearance of antibodies does not suggest these children are not protected. However, the disappearance does make one wonder whether those kids are truly protected. As antibody levels decline, the likelihood of infection is higher. Separate studies have demonstrated this correlation. Additionally, the study could have implications for understanding herd immunity, the possibility of a resurgence of an infection wave, and the development of childhood vaccines, he said. It is also noteworthy that 10 per cent of children were found to have been infected, even though 41 per cent of those children did not know they were infected. As a result of subsequent studies conducted in June and July 2021, which have yet to be published and are being written up, Schlesinger said that the percentage of children in Jerusalem with the virus has increased from 10 to 30 per cent. Also read | Children spread coronavirus 'more efficiently' than adults: Study Lastly, the researchers found no correlation between school openings and infection rates among children, as students who continued to attend schools for various reasons during the closed periods did not develop additional antibodies than students who stayed home. Additionally, when the country reopened schools slowly, morbidity did not decrease.

Study suggests that Children may have a weaker immune response to Covid

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a> patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">Delta variant</a> spreads coast-to-coast.</p>

<p>As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases. Bloomberg reports that new cases in the US topped 761,216 in the week ended Sunday, the highest number since early February.</p>

<p>Efforts to mitigate the disease are falling short, the number of unvaccinated patients in intensive care is similar to the winter wave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-citizens-against-travel-to-france-over-covid-concerns-404436">US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>In the US, Delta began its march in Ozarks and the south, in regions and states with low vaccination rates. However, the surge shows that even the best-vaccinated areas do not have sufficient immunity to prevent the easy-to-spread variant.</p>

<p>Delta wave experts say there won't be the same death toll as last year as vaccinated individuals are much less likely to die than those who are unvaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaccinated areas have generally seen a relatively slow increase in hospitalisations. However, the waves for these infections are just beginning, and sometimes it can take weeks to send people to the ICU.</p>

<p>As a result, there's little doubt the pandemic isn't over with America, and even less so in places where people have refused vaccinations or ignored mask mandates and other safety measures.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recorded-highest-new-covid-19-cases-worldwide-in-past-week-who-401286">US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, hospital utilisation nationwide is expected to rise in the coming weeks, and there are already too few people to take care of patients.</p>

<p>Although vaccination rates have risen as a result of concerns about the Delta variant, millions of people remain sceptical about the vaccine, especially in conservative-leaning areas.</p>

<p>According to Ajay Sethi, an associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin, halting transmission would require 90 per cent vaccination, which is impossible since children under 12 are not eligible for shots.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Covid patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the Delta variant spreads coast-to-coast. As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases.

Covid patients and their families are taking over hospitals across the US, seeking doctors and nurses as the Delta variant spreads coast-to-coast. As the nation witnessed a fresh outbreak of coronavirus infections, the United States recorded its highest weekly rate of new cases. Bloomberg reports that new cases in the US topped 761,216 in the week ended Sunday, the highest number since early February. Efforts to mitigate the disease are falling short, the number of unvaccinated patients in intensive care is similar to the winter wave. Also read | US warns citizens against travel to France over Covid concerns In the US, Delta began its march in Ozarks and the south, in regions and states with low vaccination rates. However, the surge shows that even the best-vaccinated areas do not have sufficient immunity to prevent the easy-to-spread variant. Delta wave experts say there won't be the same death toll as last year as vaccinated individuals are much less likely to die than those who are unvaccinated. Vaccinated areas have generally seen a relatively slow increase in hospitalisations. However, the waves for these infections are just beginning, and sometimes it can take weeks to send people to the ICU. As a result, there's little doubt the pandemic isn't over with America, and even less so in places where people have refused vaccinations or ignored mask mandates and other safety measures. Also read | US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, hospital utilisation nationwide is expected to rise in the coming weeks, and there are already too few people to take care of patients. Although vaccination rates have risen as a result of concerns about the Delta variant, millions of people remain sceptical about the vaccine, especially in conservative-leaning areas. According to Ajay Sethi, an associate professor of population health sciences at the University of Wisconsin, halting transmission would require 90 per cent vaccination, which is impossible since children under 12 are not eligible for shots. (With inputs from agencies)

US hospitals overwhelmed as cases of Delta variant caused covid reported

The latest covid outbreak continues to make alarming inroads across the US. Experts say children are now more likely to get infected with COVID-19. The latest surge has been fuelled by a highly contagious delta variant.

COVID surge continues to make alarming inroads across US

<p>China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases</a> hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic.</p>

<p>State media has described the current outbreak -- which has sparked local lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions -- as the most severe since the virus emerged in the central city of Wuhan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-tests-all-residents-as-chinas-virus-cases-reach-six-month-high-404132">Wuhan tests all residents as China's virus cases reach six-month high</a></strong></p>

<p>Authorities had brought domestic infections down to virtually zero, allowing economic activity to rebound albeit with tight border restrictions.</p>

<p>But now, cases are rising.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Chinese health authorities reported 143 new coronavirus infections -- 108 of them locally transmitted.</p>

<p>Dozens of cases in recent days have been linked to a COVID-19 testing site in eastern Yangzhou city.</p>

<p>In a sign of the anxiety over even relatively minor outbreaks, several officials have been issued warnings for mishandling mass testing, which city authorities said allowed the virus to spread.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-records-highest-daily-covid-19-cases-in-current-outbreak-403296">China records highest daily COVID-19 cases in current outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>Yangzhou city authorities said, "a small number of party members and cadres have yet to perform their duties properly".</p>

<p>The city of about 4.6 million people has so far conducted five rounds of widespread testing, collecting 1.6 million samples in an attempt to stamp out the spread.</p>

<p>The latest surge started after infections among airport cleaners in neighbouring Nanjing city sparked a chain of cases across the country.</p>

<p>Tuesday's numbers are the highest since January, when the country logged 144 new cases and 126 domestic infections, mostly in the northern regions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-resurgence-in-wuhan-leads-to-testing-of-1123-million-403810">Coronavirus resurgence in Wuhan leads to testing of 11.23 million</a></strong></p>

<p>Authorities are now working to shore up confidence that the latest resurgence is controllable.</p>

<p>"We have successfully contained the epidemic in Guangzhou, and the epidemic in Nanjing is gradually being put under control," the official Xinhua news agency cited infectious diseases specialist Zhang Wenhong as saying.</p>


China's coronavirus cases hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic.

China's coronavirus cases hit a seven-month high on Tuesday after a cluster at a test site helped drive up numbers as the Delta variant challenges Beijing's grip on the pandemic. State media has described the current outbreak -- which has sparked local lockdowns, mass testing and travel restrictions -- as the most severe since the virus emerged in the central city of Wuhan. Also read | Wuhan tests all residents as China's virus cases reach six-month high Authorities had brought domestic infections down to virtually zero, allowing economic activity to rebound albeit with tight border restrictions. But now, cases are rising. On Tuesday, Chinese health authorities reported 143 new coronavirus infections -- 108 of them locally transmitted. Dozens of cases in recent days have been linked to a COVID-19 testing site in eastern Yangzhou city. In a sign of the anxiety over even relatively minor outbreaks, several officials have been issued warnings for mishandling mass testing, which city authorities said allowed the virus to spread. Also read | China records highest daily COVID-19 cases in current outbreak Yangzhou city authorities said, "a small number of party members and cadres have yet to perform their duties properly". The city of about 4.6 million people has so far conducted five rounds of widespread testing, collecting 1.6 million samples in an attempt to stamp out the spread. The latest surge started after infections among airport cleaners in neighbouring Nanjing city sparked a chain of cases across the country. Tuesday's numbers are the highest since January, when the country logged 144 new cases and 126 domestic infections, mostly in the northern regions. Also read | Coronavirus resurgence in Wuhan leads to testing of 11.23 million Authorities are now working to shore up confidence that the latest resurgence is controllable. "We have successfully contained the epidemic in Guangzhou, and the epidemic in Nanjing is gradually being put under control," the official Xinhua news agency cited infectious diseases specialist Zhang Wenhong as saying.

China Covid cases hit seven-month high as Delta variant challenges Beijing

<p>IPL players won't need to put forth the additional attempt of refreshing data on their contact-tracing band. All things considered, Bubble Integrity officials will follow the developments of the players and care staff during the second please of IPL 2021 scheduled to occur in the UAE from September 19 to October 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is one of the pointers in the 46-page health advisory set forth by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the resumption of IPL second phase.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-everything-that-we-prepared-for-one-and-half-months-fell-in-place-admits-kl-rahul-404137" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'Everything that we prepared for one and half months fell in place,' admits KL Rahul</a></p>

<p>“The BCCI has decided to do away with the idea of wearing contact-tracing bands as not only is it sometimes difficult to feed information for sportspersons during the course of a tournament, but also, we had a few instances earlier this year when the devices couldn’t catch the movement of the players and the fact that they had left a certain location wasn’t updated and players and support staff realized this much later.</p>

<p>“As a result, it has been decided that the Bubble Integrity officers present with the teams will keep a track of the movements and act accordingly if there is a case that comes up during the course of the tournament. There will be four integrity officers with each team and will work in shifts to help with this,” sources told ANI.</p>

<p>The 14th edition of the IPL was postponed indefinitely on May 4 get after COVID-19 cases were accounted for in various franchises. The excess 31 games will presently be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“All franchise team members must quarantine in their hotel room for six full days before entering the bubble."</p>

<p>"Upon arrival and before commencing any group training activities, all team members who will be included in the bubble will follow the below-mentioned RT-PCR testing plan. A nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing. Test reports are available within 8-12 hours after sample collection,” the health directory stated.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-we-certainly-felt-like-we-were-on-top-of-the-game-virat-kohli-after-rain-forces-draw-in-nottingham-404134" hreflang="en">Cricket: 'We certainly felt like we were on top of the game' - Virat Kohli after rain forces draw in Nottingham</a></p>

<p>Keeping tough strict bubbles is critical to staying away from a stop because of a COVID-19 flare-up. The second phase of IPL 2021 will see 14 bio-bubbles inside the confined environment.</p>

<p>“Within the bio-secure environment, 14 bubbles will be created as mentioned below: Franchise teams and support staff 8 Bubbles, match officials and&nbsp;match management team – three bubbles, broadcast commentators and crew – three bubbles."</p>


IPL players won't need to put forth the additional attempt of refreshing data on their contact-tracing band. All things considered, Bubble Integrity officials will follow the developments of the players and care staff during the second please of IPL 2021 scheduled to occur in the UAE from September 19 to October 15.

IPL players won't need to put forth the additional attempt of refreshing data on their contact-tracing band. All things considered, Bubble Integrity officials will follow the developments of the players and care staff during the second please of IPL 2021 scheduled to occur in the UAE from September 19 to October 15. This is one of the pointers in the 46-page health advisory set forth by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for the resumption of IPL second phase. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'Everything that we prepared for one and half months fell in place,' admits KL Rahul “The BCCI has decided to do away with the idea of wearing contact-tracing bands as not only is it sometimes difficult to feed information for sportspersons during the course of a tournament, but also, we had a few instances earlier this year when the devices couldn’t catch the movement of the players and the fact that they had left a certain location wasn’t updated and players and support staff realized this much later. “As a result, it has been decided that the Bubble Integrity officers present with the teams will keep a track of the movements and act accordingly if there is a case that comes up during the course of the tournament. There will be four integrity officers with each team and will work in shifts to help with this,” sources told ANI. The 14th edition of the IPL was postponed indefinitely on May 4 get after COVID-19 cases were accounted for in various franchises. The excess 31 games will presently be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. “All franchise team members must quarantine in their hotel room for six full days before entering the bubble." "Upon arrival and before commencing any group training activities, all team members who will be included in the bubble will follow the below-mentioned RT-PCR testing plan. A nasopharyngeal swab will be taken for testing. Test reports are available within 8-12 hours after sample collection,” the health directory stated. ALSO READ: Cricket: 'We certainly felt like we were on top of the game' - Virat Kohli after rain forces draw in Nottingham Keeping tough strict bubbles is critical to staying away from a stop because of a COVID-19 flare-up. The second phase of IPL 2021 will see 14 bio-bubbles inside the confined environment. “Within the bio-secure environment, 14 bubbles will be created as mentioned below: Franchise teams and support staff 8 Bubbles, match officials and match management team – three bubbles, broadcast commentators and crew – three bubbles."

IPL 2021: Bio-bubble integrity officials and different bubbles to keep COVID under control during UAE leg

The government of France has made it compulsory for people to show virus certificates so as to enjoy routine activities such as travelling or going out for dinner. This decision has been taken despite the nationwide protest against the health pass rule.

France implements COVID-19 health pass despite nationwide protest

<p>After a no-show in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of fashion industry's biggest nights - The Met Gala will be taking place in September this year.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Since the pandemic is still on and the possibility of the Delta variant of spreading looms large, the organisers of the upcoming fashion event is enforcing strict COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all its attendees.<br />
<br />
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue's annual Met Gala will take place on September 13 in New York.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Currently, all attendees at The Met Gala on September 13 must provide proof of full vaccination and will also be expected to wear masks indoors except when eating or drinking," a spokesperson for The Met confirmed to PEOPLE. "We will update these guidelines as needed."<br />
<br />
The theme for the star-studded event this year is 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.'<br />
<br />
In order to adhere to safety protocols, the Metropolitan Museum of Art confirmed in April that the annual fashion event will take place in two parts.<br />
<br />
The museum's exhibition will have series of events celebrating American fashion. Part one, titled 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,' will debut on September 18, 2021 and run through September 5, 2022 to "celebrate The Costume Institute's 75th anniversary and explore a modern vocabulary of American fashion," the release states.<br />
<br />
Part two, 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion,' will open on May 5, 2022 and "will explore the development of American fashion by presenting narratives that relate to the complex and layered histories of those spaces."&nbsp;It will also close on September 5, 2022.<br />
<br />
Filmmaker Melina Matsoukas has been commissioned to create an open-ended film to project in the galleries, with content changing during the course of the exhibition.</p>


After a no-show in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of fashion industry's biggest nights - The Met Gala will be taking place in September this year. Since the pandemic is still on and the possibility of the Delta variant of spreading looms large, the organisers of the upcoming fashion event is enforcing strict COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all its attendees.

After a no-show in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of fashion industry's biggest nights - The Met Gala will be taking place in September this year. Since the pandemic is still on and the possibility of the Delta variant of spreading looms large, the organisers of the upcoming fashion event is enforcing strict COVID-19 vaccination mandate for all its attendees. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Vogue's annual Met Gala will take place on September 13 in New York. "Currently, all attendees at The Met Gala on September 13 must provide proof of full vaccination and will also be expected to wear masks indoors except when eating or drinking," a spokesperson for The Met confirmed to PEOPLE. "We will update these guidelines as needed." The theme for the star-studded event this year is 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.' In order to adhere to safety protocols, the Metropolitan Museum of Art confirmed in April that the annual fashion event will take place in two parts. The museum's exhibition will have series of events celebrating American fashion. Part one, titled 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,' will debut on September 18, 2021 and run through September 5, 2022 to "celebrate The Costume Institute's 75th anniversary and explore a modern vocabulary of American fashion," the release states. Part two, 'In America: An Anthology of Fashion,' will open on May 5, 2022 and "will explore the development of American fashion by presenting narratives that relate to the complex and layered histories of those spaces." It will also close on September 5, 2022. Filmmaker Melina Matsoukas has been commissioned to create an open-ended film to project in the galleries, with content changing during the course of the exhibition.

Met Gala 2021 will require attendees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, wear masks indoors

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