The Wall Street Journal report revealed that three researchers from China's Wuhan Institute of Virology became sick in the autumn of 2019, "with symptoms of both COVID-19 and common seasonal illness", they sought hospital care.

The Wall Street Journal report some crucial insights into the origin of COVID-19

World Health Assembly (WHA) members will gather on May 24 to discuss the world's response to COVID-19 pandemic. World leaders have also called for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA but China is opposing it.

World leaders call for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA

Despite the rage in Coronavirus Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro lead a motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid harsh criticism over his management of the pandemic.

Bolsonaro leads motorcade rally in Rio de Janeiro amid Coronavirus surge

Indian government said on Saturday that the WHO is yet to reach a consensus on the COVID-19 vaccine passport issue for allowing international travel to those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus infection and noted that discussions are still on.

Indian Govt: No consensus yet on COVID-19 vaccine passport issue at WHO level

Indonesia&nbsp;reported a&nbsp;new&nbsp;cluster&nbsp;of 42 coronavirus&nbsp;infections&nbsp;among medical workers who treated 13 Filipino&nbsp;ship&nbsp;crew who were sick with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, and is tracing dozens of others, a government official said on Sunday.

About 140 other medical workers came into close contact with the crew of the Panamanian-flagged&nbsp;cargo&nbsp;ship&nbsp;Hilma Bulker, who tested positive for the&nbsp;new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;after&nbsp;docking in Central Java on April 25, the province's governor, Ganjar Pranowo, told Reuters. The vessel had come from India.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-citizens-sue-government-over-air-pollution-386368">Indonesia: Citizens sue government over air pollution</a>

Genome sequencing showed the crew had the highly infectious B.1617.2 variant first identified in India, Ganjar said, adding that one of them had later died in hospital.

"For now we're actively tracing their nurses. Hundreds had had direct contact, close contact, and 42 had tested positive," Ganjar said by phone.

With more than 1.7 million confirmed cases and 49,000 deaths,&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;is the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-detects-two-cases-of-covid-variant-first-found-in-india-382531">Indonesia detects two cases of Covid variant first found in India</a>

Its&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;crisis is not as bad as that seen in India, but some health experts are concerned mass gatherings at this month's Eid al-Fitr celebrations and virus variants could trigger a surge of&nbsp;new&nbsp;cases in the world's fourth-most populous nation.

Last month&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;stopped issuing visas for foreigners who had recently been in India.

Ganjar said all other crew members of the Hilma Bulker had self-quarantined on the&nbsp;ship, and 49&nbsp;Indonesian officials who oversaw the unloading of the&nbsp;ship&nbsp;had all tested negative for the virus.

The vessel had delivered refined sugar from India, Ganjar said. It left&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;this month headed to the Philippine capital Manila, according to Refinitiv Eikon's vessel tracker.

Indonesia reported a new cluster of 42 coronavirus infections among medical workers who treated 13 Filipino ship crew who were sick with COVID-19, and is tracing dozens of others, a government official said on Sunday.

Indonesia reported a new cluster of 42 coronavirus infections among medical workers who treated 13 Filipino ship crew who were sick with COVID-19, and is tracing dozens of others, a government official said on Sunday. About 140 other medical workers came into close contact with the crew of the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship Hilma Bulker, who tested positive for the new coronavirus after docking in Central Java on April 25, the province's governor, Ganjar Pranowo, told Reuters. The vessel had come from India. Also read | Indonesia: Citizens sue government over air pollution Genome sequencing showed the crew had the highly infectious B.1617.2 variant first identified in India, Ganjar said, adding that one of them had later died in hospital. "For now we're actively tracing their nurses. Hundreds had had direct contact, close contact, and 42 had tested positive," Ganjar said by phone. With more than 1.7 million confirmed cases and 49,000 deaths, Indonesia is the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia. Also read | Indonesia detects two cases of Covid variant first found in India Its COVID-19 crisis is not as bad as that seen in India, but some health experts are concerned mass gatherings at this month's Eid al-Fitr celebrations and virus variants could trigger a surge of new cases in the world's fourth-most populous nation. Last month Indonesia stopped issuing visas for foreigners who had recently been in India. Ganjar said all other crew members of the Hilma Bulker had self-quarantined on the ship, and 49 Indonesian officials who oversaw the unloading of the ship had all tested negative for the virus. The vessel had delivered refined sugar from India, Ganjar said. It left Indonesia this month headed to the Philippine capital Manila, according to Refinitiv Eikon's vessel tracker.

Indonesia finds new COVID-19 cluster after cargo ship infections

Smoking is injurious to health, but some studies say smokers are 23% less likely to be diagnosed with Wuhan virus. Should you believe these studies? Palki Sharma tells why studies should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Gravitas Plus: Does smoking help you fight COVID-19?

Indian government and Pfizer are at loggerheads over a demand by the US drug maker for legal protection from any claims linked to the use of its COVID-19 vaccine in one of the world's biggest markets.

Indian Govt & Pfizer at loggerheads over COVID-19 vaccine indemnity demand

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1.

How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union?&nbsp;

What does the certificate record?

Often colloquially referred to during planning as a "vaccine passport", then as a green pass and now a certificate, the digital pass is designed to be recognised and readable by authorities across the European Union.

It will demonstrate whether a bearer has been vaccinated against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, has been recently tested or has acquired immunity from previously contracting the disease and recovering. &nbsp;

Member states have not agreed to a common standard on when a PCR or lateral flow Covid test must have been performed to remain valid,&nbsp;the rule varies between 24 and 72 hours ahead of arrival.

To prove acquired immunity, a PCR test from the time of the infection can be produced, but the protection is only considered to last for 180 days, and member states may individually decide on a shorter period.&nbsp;

Antibody testing is not yet judged sufficiently reliable to demonstrate acquired immunity, but this will be reviewed within four months of the regulation going into effect.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-to-party-you-might-need-a-vaccine-passport-383688">Want to party? You might need a ‘vaccine passport.’</a>

Which vaccines are accepted?

EU members will be asked to allow entry to travellers who have received the required doses of one of the four vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson. &nbsp;

Member states can also choose, but are not required, to approve entry for those who received jabs from a vaccine approved in some member states, such as Russia's Sputnik V, which is used by EU member Hungary.

They can also choose to recognise other vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, such as China's Sinopharm.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coming-soon-the-vaccine-passport-362262">Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’</a>

What does it look like?

If asked to produce a certificate, a traveller can present authorities with a QR code, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, for example, or printed on paper.

The design contains a unique digital signature which connects a reader to the traveller's Covid data. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Member states will decide individually whether these data are connected to their own national track-and-trace programme, or whether to maintain a separate app.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-you-need-a-vaccine-passport-in-california-378867">Will you need a vaccine passport in California?</a>

What about privacy?

The text adopted by the EU member states provides that the certificate only contain the data "strictly necessary" to oversee safe travel and that the app respect Europe's GDPR personal data protection laws.

The data are not transmitted between countries, only the key that allows the certificate's authenticity needs to be transferred. Data are not retained by the countries of arrival or transit once verified. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Can we escape quarantine?

In principle, travellers with a Covid certificate will no longer have to remain in quarantine once they arrive in another EU member state, but exceptions are possible.

If the epidemic situation in the country or region of departure worsens rapidly or if a dangerous or untested new variant of the virus emerges, measures can be applied. &nbsp;

If a member state wishes to impose such emergency controls, they must inform their partners 48 hours in advance and travellers can consult the "Re-open EU" website to track rule changes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-set-to-let-vaccinated-us-tourists-visit-this-summer-380444">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Is it useful for more than travel?

The EU law concerns European free-movement rules, but individual member states can decide whether they want to use the certificate to control access to other events, such as concerts and festivals, under the terms of national laws.

What about kids?

Vaccination will not be rolled out for children and adolescents in most EU members in time for summer holiday travel, and they may have to undergo testing prior to travelling even if their parents have the certificate.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-a-vaccine-passport-all-you-need-to-know-369934/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Which countries are involved?

The certificate system will apply to the 27 member states of the European Union plus their neighbours Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.

So far, successful tests of the EU data portal have been carried out in 18 of these countries.

The EU legislation governing the certificate comes into force on July 1 and initially lasts for 12 months.&nbsp;

But there will be a six-week transition period for countries that are not yet ready to implement the certificate under the EU model. During this period other EU members should accept their national vaccine records if they include the same data.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launches-digital-certificate-precursor-to-virus-passport-369104">China launches digital certificate, precursor to 'virus passport'</a>

What about the world beyond?

Several EU member states are keen to start receiving visitors from countries like Britain, Switzerland and the United States that are outside the scope of the EU certificate.

Talks are underway with the World Health Organization and air transport associations on how to make systems of certification mutually recognised and interoperable. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1. How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union?

It has been through a series of name changes and much scientific and political discussion, but the "EU digital Covid certificate" comes into use on July 1. How will it use data on coronavirus vaccinations, tests and immunity to usher in a return to summer tourism and non-essential travel across the European Union? What does the certificate record? Often colloquially referred to during planning as a "vaccine passport", then as a green pass and now a certificate, the digital pass is designed to be recognised and readable by authorities across the European Union. It will demonstrate whether a bearer has been vaccinated against COVID-19, has been recently tested or has acquired immunity from previously contracting the disease and recovering. Member states have not agreed to a common standard on when a PCR or lateral flow Covid test must have been performed to remain valid, the rule varies between 24 and 72 hours ahead of arrival. To prove acquired immunity, a PCR test from the time of the infection can be produced, but the protection is only considered to last for 180 days, and member states may individually decide on a shorter period. Antibody testing is not yet judged sufficiently reliable to demonstrate acquired immunity, but this will be reviewed within four months of the regulation going into effect. Also Read | Want to party? You might need a ‘vaccine passport.’ Which vaccines are accepted? EU members will be asked to allow entry to travellers who have received the required doses of one of the four vaccines that have been approved by the European Medicines Agency: Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Member states can also choose, but are not required, to approve entry for those who received jabs from a vaccine approved in some member states, such as Russia's Sputnik V, which is used by EU member Hungary. They can also choose to recognise other vaccines approved by the World Health Organization, such as China's Sinopharm. Also Read | Coming soon: The ‘Vaccine Passport’ What does it look like? If asked to produce a certificate, a traveller can present authorities with a QR code, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, for example, or printed on paper. The design contains a unique digital signature which connects a reader to the traveller's Covid data. Member states will decide individually whether these data are connected to their own national track-and-trace programme, or whether to maintain a separate app. Also Read | Will you need a vaccine passport in California? What about privacy? The text adopted by the EU member states provides that the certificate only contain the data "strictly necessary" to oversee safe travel and that the app respect Europe's GDPR personal data protection laws. The data are not transmitted between countries, only the key that allows the certificate's authenticity needs to be transferred. Data are not retained by the countries of arrival or transit once verified. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Can we escape quarantine? In principle, travellers with a Covid certificate will no longer have to remain in quarantine once they arrive in another EU member state, but exceptions are possible. If the epidemic situation in the country or region of departure worsens rapidly or if a dangerous or untested new variant of the virus emerges, measures can be applied. If a member state wishes to impose such emergency controls, they must inform their partners 48 hours in advance and travellers can consult the "Re-open EU" website to track rule changes. Also Read | EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Is it useful for more than travel? The EU law concerns European free-movement rules, but individual member states can decide whether they want to use the certificate to control access to other events, such as concerts and festivals, under the terms of national laws. What about kids? Vaccination will not be rolled out for children and adolescents in most EU members in time for summer holiday travel, and they may have to undergo testing prior to travelling even if their parents have the certificate. Which countries are involved? The certificate system will apply to the 27 member states of the European Union plus their neighbours Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. So far, successful tests of the EU data portal have been carried out in 18 of these countries. The EU legislation governing the certificate comes into force on July 1 and initially lasts for 12 months. But there will be a six-week transition period for countries that are not yet ready to implement the certificate under the EU model. During this period other EU members should accept their national vaccine records if they include the same data. Also Read | China launches digital certificate, precursor to 'virus passport' What about the world beyond? Several EU member states are keen to start receiving visitors from countries like Britain, Switzerland and the United States that are outside the scope of the EU certificate. Talks are underway with the World Health Organization and air transport associations on how to make systems of certification mutually recognised and interoperable.

Vaccine Passport: The European Covid certificate, a user's guide

Amid the rising Coronavirus cases in the Indian Union Territory Jammu & Kashmir and rising demand for oxygen and hospitals, the Indian army left no stone unturned to assist the local administration. WION brings you a report.

Indian army sets up 2 COVID-19 hospitals, restarts defunct oxygen plant in J&K

Despite having Africa’s highest number of reported deaths per capita, Tunisia has ended its one-week lockdown.

Lat year initially, thanks to a sweeping six-week lockdown, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Coronavirus</a> cases in Tunisia were low. Borders were closed, only essential activity was allowed, these precautions appeared to have halted the spread of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> virus. &nbsp;But now, according to Our World in Data figures, since easing that lockdown cases have increased manifold, with Tunisia reporting the highest daily reported infections and deaths in Africa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africas-covid-19-cases-surpass-443-million-africa-cdc-378916">Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC</a>

According to the US Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, if the current rate of spread continues unchecked, Tunisia’s death toll can reach 50,000 by September. To date, of the 11.7 million population, Tunisia has had at least 11,899 deaths with the reported number of infected people at 327,473.

In Tunisia, Vaccines have been available since March. However, due to high widespread mistrust of the vaccine, even among the healthcare workers, take-up i.e., the number of people opting to get vaccinated is low. Shockingly so far only five people have registered on the Tunisian government’s website.

The situation was made worse by a hidden-camera prank show, which while featuring an Angelina Jolie lookalike invited Tunisia’s celebrities to lead the vaccine initiative, only to then be met with a scene where “recipients” of the vaccine would fall sick and die. WHO also complained about the show, which was broadcasted on former presidential candidate Nabil Karoui owned channel.

One a source of national pride, Tunisia’s health sector is at the risk of collapsing under the weight of this pandemic. &nbsp;According to economists, the African nation’s funding for health has witnessed a steady fall over the years, more so after Islamic State gaining power, due to which cash was diverted towards strengthening the country’s domestic security.

Health workers also staged a three-day strike over the working conditions and pay across the health sector. While, a video footage obtained by Deutsche Welle, a German broadcaster shows patients sleeping on the floors of crowded waiting rooms, while one patient was lying down on top of a cupboard. With the oxygen demand constantly threatening to eclipse the available supply, Oxygen masks are&nbsp;at a premium.

Tunisia’s initial covid response won a lot of applause, but it came at a cost that’s shaping Tunisia’s present policy. “Unemployment has exploded from 15 per cent at the start of 2020 to 17.4 per cent at the end of the year,” said Radhi Meddeb, an economist, adding that the virus has had such a devastating impact on the economy which shrunk by 8.8 per cent during the pandemic, “leaving little if no room for manoeuvre for the government in terms of social support”.

Although the government has offered tax relief and government loans, the economic burden has proven to be too much for the Tunisians. Especially, with much of its workforce made up of daily wagers or day labourers, who are not eligible for government schemes.

With many cafes and restaurants stayed open in defiance of the restrictions, the lifting of lockdown was driven equally by the streets and the MPs.

&nbsp;“This inability to implement public health measures is a reflection of the growing absence of trust in the government, which is in my opinion the most worrying sign.”, said Dr Zied Mhirsi,&nbsp;director of Global Health Strategies.

“Roles and responsibilities are split within different ministry directorates and institutions, and that does not help for quick decision-making. It is also important to note that we have weak contact tracing, testing, monitoring and evaluation capabilities,” he added.

As witnessed in many countries, in Tunisia too, the economic pain of lockdown was seen as a greater risk than the virus, said Youssef Cherif, head of Columbia University’s Global Center in Tunis. “This low public concern has led to an increase in cases and to thousands of deaths in the last few months.

“Those who were directly hit, including my family, feel it, but those who were spared the grief and sorrow of this virus continue to live normally – until they are stricken.”

Despite having Africa’s highest number of reported deaths per capita, Tunisia has ended its one-week lockdown. Lat year initially, thanks to a sweeping six-week lockdown, Coronavirus cases in Tunisia were low.

Despite having Africa’s highest number of reported deaths per capita, Tunisia has ended its one-week lockdown. Lat year initially, thanks to a sweeping six-week lockdown, Coronavirus cases in Tunisia were low. Borders were closed, only essential activity was allowed, these precautions appeared to have halted the spread of the COVID-19 virus. But now, according to Our World in Data figures, since easing that lockdown cases have increased manifold, with Tunisia reporting the highest daily reported infections and deaths in Africa. Also read | Africa's COVID-19 cases surpass 4.43 million: Africa CDC According to the US Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, if the current rate of spread continues unchecked, Tunisia’s death toll can reach 50,000 by September. To date, of the 11.7 million population, Tunisia has had at least 11,899 deaths with the reported number of infected people at 327,473. In Tunisia, Vaccines have been available since March. However, due to high widespread mistrust of the vaccine, even among the healthcare workers, take-up i.e., the number of people opting to get vaccinated is low. Shockingly so far only five people have registered on the Tunisian government’s website. The situation was made worse by a hidden-camera prank show, which while featuring an Angelina Jolie lookalike invited Tunisia’s celebrities to lead the vaccine initiative, only to then be met with a scene where “recipients” of the vaccine would fall sick and die. WHO also complained about the show, which was broadcasted on former presidential candidate Nabil Karoui owned channel. One a source of national pride, Tunisia’s health sector is at the risk of collapsing under the weight of this pandemic. According to economists, the African nation’s funding for health has witnessed a steady fall over the years, more so after Islamic State gaining power, due to which cash was diverted towards strengthening the country’s domestic security. Health workers also staged a three-day strike over the working conditions and pay across the health sector. While, a video footage obtained by Deutsche Welle, a German broadcaster shows patients sleeping on the floors of crowded waiting rooms, while one patient was lying down on top of a cupboard. With the oxygen demand constantly threatening to eclipse the available supply, Oxygen masks are at a premium. Tunisia’s initial covid response won a lot of applause, but it came at a cost that’s shaping Tunisia’s present policy. “Unemployment has exploded from 15 per cent at the start of 2020 to 17.4 per cent at the end of the year,” said Radhi Meddeb, an economist, adding that the virus has had such a devastating impact on the economy which shrunk by 8.8 per cent during the pandemic, “leaving little if no room for manoeuvre for the government in terms of social support”. Although the government has offered tax relief and government loans, the economic burden has proven to be too much for the Tunisians. Especially, with much of its workforce made up of daily wagers or day labourers, who are not eligible for government schemes. With many cafes and restaurants stayed open in defiance of the restrictions, the lifting of lockdown was driven equally by the streets and the MPs. “This inability to implement public health measures is a reflection of the growing absence of trust in the government, which is in my opinion the most worrying sign.”, said Dr Zied Mhirsi, director of Global Health Strategies. “Roles and responsibilities are split within different ministry directorates and institutions, and that does not help for quick decision-making. It is also important to note that we have weak contact tracing, testing, monitoring and evaluation capabilities,” he added. As witnessed in many countries, in Tunisia too, the economic pain of lockdown was seen as a greater risk than the virus, said Youssef Cherif, head of Columbia University’s Global Center in Tunis. “This low public concern has led to an increase in cases and to thousands of deaths in the last few months. “Those who were directly hit, including my family, feel it, but those who were spared the grief and sorrow of this virus continue to live normally – until they are stricken.”

Coronavirus: Tunisia, Africa's worst-hit nation lifts lockdown

Sudan&nbsp;on Tuesday banned travellers arriving from India and imposed new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> restrictions including closing schools, as coronavirus cases rise.

"Entry will be prevented for all travellers arriving directly from India or through any other country after having visited India in the past 14 days," said the country's ruling council in a statement.&nbsp;

Travellers from Egypt and Ethiopia will be re-tested upon arrival, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-restricts-passengers-from-india-brazil-turkey-over-virus-382182">Nigeria restricts passengers from India, Brazil, Turkey over virus</a>

India is experiencing elevated numbers of Covid-19 cases following the spread of a variant which has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a "variant of concern."

Sudan&nbsp;has registered 34,707 Covid-19 cases including 1,116 fatalities as of May 16.

Authorities fear the virus caseload would exceed 100,000 during the first and second weeks of June if people fail to take the necessary measures, according to the statement.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bans-travellers-from-india-with-immediate-effect-383172">Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect</a>

"The Supreme Health Emergencies Committee ... ordered the suspension of all universities and schools for a month," it said.&nbsp;

Mass prayers and rituals will also be put on hold.

The coronavirus has piled pressure on&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;which is navigating a rocky political transition and struggling with economic woes following the April 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-decision-to-ban-travel-from-india-may-be-challenged-legally-382608">Australia: Decision to ban travel from India may be challenged legally</a>

Its dilapidated healthcare system was already strained by acute shortages of medicines and medical supplies.

In March, the country began inoculating healthcare workers after receiving AstraZeneca vaccinations through the Covax initiative which provides jabs to poor countries.&nbsp;

Sudan on Tuesday banned travellers arriving from India and imposed new coronavirus restrictions including closing schools, as coronavirus cases rise. "Entry will be prevented for all travellers arriving directly from India or through any other country after having visited India in the past 14 days," said the country's ruling council in a statement.

Sudan on Tuesday banned travellers arriving from India and imposed new coronavirus restrictions including closing schools, as coronavirus cases rise. "Entry will be prevented for all travellers arriving directly from India or through any other country after having visited India in the past 14 days," said the country's ruling council in a statement. Travellers from Egypt and Ethiopia will be re-tested upon arrival, it said. Also read | Nigeria restricts passengers from India, Brazil, Turkey over virus India is experiencing elevated numbers of Covid-19 cases following the spread of a variant which has been classified by the World Health Organisation as a "variant of concern." Sudan has registered 34,707 Covid-19 cases including 1,116 fatalities as of May 16. Authorities fear the virus caseload would exceed 100,000 during the first and second weeks of June if people fail to take the necessary measures, according to the statement. Also read | Sri Lanka bans travellers from India with immediate effect "The Supreme Health Emergencies Committee ... ordered the suspension of all universities and schools for a month," it said. Mass prayers and rituals will also be put on hold. The coronavirus has piled pressure on Sudan which is navigating a rocky political transition and struggling with economic woes following the April 2019 ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir. Also read | Australia: Decision to ban travel from India may be challenged legally Its dilapidated healthcare system was already strained by acute shortages of medicines and medical supplies. In March, the country began inoculating healthcare workers after receiving AstraZeneca vaccinations through the Covax initiative which provides jabs to poor countries.

Sudan bans travellers from India, imposes virus curbs

The Wuhan Virus is now infecting children. Singapore says virus is 'attacking' children more. Brazil is reporting a rise in 'child deaths' & Taiwan has shut down all schools. Palki Sharma tells you why India can't ignore these global trends.

Gravitas: Wuhan virus is now infecting children

India's daily infections have dropped below 300,000 for the first time in 25 days. Has India's deadly second wave touched its peak? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: India's COVID Surge: New cases drop for the first time in 25 days

International Vaccine Institute Director General Dr Jerome Kim talks to WION on WHO (World Health Organisation) ruling out Wuhan lab leak theory but remaining silent on the origin of the Coronavirus.

The  Interview: IVI Chief Dr Jerome Kim says WHO can't rule out Wuhan lab leak theory

South Africa has announced an ambitious plan to vaccinate five million citizens by the end of June in the second phase of its program to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Africa to vaccinate 5 mn citizens in second phase of it's vaccination drive

Portugal reopened its land border with Spain on Saturday and began the final stage of its program to ease COVID-19 restrictions. Portuguese authorities also announced that the country will allow holiday makers from Britain to enter the country.

Portugal reopens border, eases COVID-19 restrictions

According to medical journal Lancet, Convalescent Plasma therapy is ineffective in the treatment of patients hospitalized with Coronavirus. The study involves over 11,000 COVID-19 patients across hospitals in the United Kingdom.

Lancet: Convalescent Plasma therapy ineffective in treatment of COVID-19 patients

The daily COVID-19 infections across India have gone below the 300,000 mark. 281,386 fresh cases have been recorded in the last 24 hours and the nations total caseload down stands at 24.97 million.

India COVID-19: Daily infections slip below 300,000 mark, daily deaths rise by 4,106

Ministers will make a decision on June 14 about whether or not to proceed with the final phase of lockdown easing in England, health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday, describing the pandemic as "under control".

On Friday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/boris-johnson">Prime Minister Boris Johnson </a>announced that Britain would accelerate its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> vaccination programme to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India, warning that Britain's reopening could be knocked off track by the Indian variant.

"We'll make a final decision for step four, which is the biggest step on the roadmap. We'll make that final decision on the 14th of June," Hancock told Sky News.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-lockdown-and-a-vaccine-a-head-spinning-day-of-change-in-uk-353585">Brexit, lockdown and a vaccine: A head-spinning day of change in UK</a>

Any delay to the reopening could affect the country's predicted recovery from its worst economic slump in three centuries and spark fresh criticism of the government's management of the crisis.

Britain, which has one of the world's highest official deaths tolls at 127,675, currently has low overall rates of infection thanks largely to the success of its vaccine rollout.

Official data shows the seven-day average of daily infections is about 2,200 and that nearly 70 per cent of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cautious-hugging-and-pints-uk-pm-johnson-to-ease-englands-lockdown-384041">'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown</a>

The British government manages lockdown restrictions for England, while devolved authorities for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland take their own decisions.

In England, the last of four stages in the removal of lockdown restrictions that have been in place since early January is scheduled for June 21 and could ditch social distancing measures entirely.

The planned third stage of easing starts on Monday. Among other measures, people will be allowed to hug each other again and pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers inside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mask-free-and-hugs-how-the-west-is-rushing-towards-exit-of-pandemic-385133">Mask free and hugs: How the West is rushing towards exit of pandemic</a>

"The whole pandemic is currently under control," Hancock told the BBC. "But the Indian variant, it does appear, transmits more easily from person to person and so we have to be careful."

Hancock rejected criticism from political opponents that the government had been too slow to shut its borders to arrivals from India while cases there were surging. He said the decision had been taken before the variant had been officially designated as one of concern.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/boris-johnson-says-uk-anxious-about-coronavirus-variant-first-detected-in-india-384924">Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

The minister said there were slightly more than 1,300 cases of the Indian variant in Britain and early data showed that vaccines should still be effective against this variant.

"There is new, very early data out from Oxford University, and I would stress that this is from the labs, it's not clinical data, and it is very early, but it does give us a degree of confidence that the vaccines work against this Indian variant," Hancock said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-speed-up-vaccinations-warns-b16172-variant-may-delay-full-reopening-385187">UK to speed up vaccinations, warns B.1.617.2 variant may delay full reopening</a>

He said that five people who had received their first dose of the vaccine had been hospitalised with the Indian variant and one - whom he described as "frail" - had been hospitalised after having both doses.

Ministers will make a decision on June 14 about whether or not to proceed with the final phase of lockdown easing in England, health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday, describing the pandemic as "under control".

Ministers will make a decision on June 14 about whether or not to proceed with the final phase of lockdown easing in England, health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday, describing the pandemic as "under control". On Friday Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Britain would accelerate its COVID-19 vaccination programme to try to contain a fast-spreading variant first identified in India, warning that Britain's reopening could be knocked off track by the Indian variant. "We'll make a final decision for step four, which is the biggest step on the roadmap. We'll make that final decision on the 14th of June," Hancock told Sky News. Also read | Brexit, lockdown and a vaccine: A head-spinning day of change in UK Any delay to the reopening could affect the country's predicted recovery from its worst economic slump in three centuries and spark fresh criticism of the government's management of the crisis. Britain, which has one of the world's highest official deaths tolls at 127,675, currently has low overall rates of infection thanks largely to the success of its vaccine rollout. Official data shows the seven-day average of daily infections is about 2,200 and that nearly 70 per cent of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose. Also read | 'Cautious hugging' and pints: UK PM Johnson to ease England's lockdown The British government manages lockdown restrictions for England, while devolved authorities for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland take their own decisions. In England, the last of four stages in the removal of lockdown restrictions that have been in place since early January is scheduled for June 21 and could ditch social distancing measures entirely. The planned third stage of easing starts on Monday. Among other measures, people will be allowed to hug each other again and pubs and restaurants will be able to serve customers inside. Also read | Mask free and hugs: How the West is rushing towards exit of pandemic "The whole pandemic is currently under control," Hancock told the BBC. "But the Indian variant, it does appear, transmits more easily from person to person and so we have to be careful." Hancock rejected criticism from political opponents that the government had been too slow to shut its borders to arrivals from India while cases there were surging. He said the decision had been taken before the variant had been officially designated as one of concern. Also read | Boris Johnson says UK anxious about coronavirus variant first detected in India The minister said there were slightly more than 1,300 cases of the Indian variant in Britain and early data showed that vaccines should still be effective against this variant. "There is new, very early data out from Oxford University, and I would stress that this is from the labs, it's not clinical data, and it is very early, but it does give us a degree of confidence that the vaccines work against this Indian variant," Hancock said. Also read | UK to speed up vaccinations, warns B.1.617.2 variant may delay full reopening He said that five people who had received their first dose of the vaccine had been hospitalised with the Indian variant and one - whom he described as "frail" - had been hospitalised after having both doses.

Ministers will make England lockdown easing decision on June 14

India has built a roadmap for vaccine procurement. By December, India plans to procure more than two billion doses - supplies that can vaccinate the entire adult population. Where will India get these vaccines from? Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas | COVID surge: 2 billion vaccine doses for India by December?

How do India's vaccination numbers stack up against global data? Are western nations really pulling ahead in vaccinations? Palki Sharma tells you why a sluggish rollout is a global reality, masked by differences in population.

Gravitas: How long before we reach herd immunity?

Is India's top medical research body ICMR using an outdated prescription to treat Wuhan virus patients? ICMR's official treatment protocol encourages the use of HCQ & Ivermectin - drugs that leading global regulators advise against using. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is India using an outdated prescription to treat COVID-19 patients?

India has tweaked its vaccination rules. Those who recently recovered shouldn't take a shot before 6 months. The gap between the 1st & 2nd dose of Covishield has been increased to up to 16 weeks. This comes amid an acute shortage of vaccines. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: New rules for vaccination in India

A much-awaited report by an independent panel on the global response to the pandemic is out. The panel has failed to hold China to account in its report. Reportage about how China silenced whistleblowers has been reduced to footnotes. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas | Wuhan virus pandemic: Expert panel stops short of holding China to account

COVID-19 deaths in the United States have tumbled to an average of around 600 per day, the lowest level in 10 months. The US capital which has already vaccinated more than 70% of its residence launched a unique vaccine drive.

US prepares for a COVID-free future

People in Bangladesh ignored social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions as they made their way back to their families to celebrate Eid. Despite nationwide lockdown in several check points tens of thousands of people managed to leave the capital Dhaka.

Bangladesh: People ignored COVID-19 restrictions to make their way back home for Eid

Hospitals in Nepal are running out of oxygen and beds amid the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country. Many hospitals have started turning down patients. In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Nepal's hospitals run out of oxygen & beds, turn away COVID-19 patients

As India grapple with a shortage of Coronavirus vaccines, the Centre government on Thursday said that over two billion doses will be made available in the country in five months between August and December, enough to vaccinate the entire population.

India plans to procure 2 billion vaccine shots by December

Teenagers across the United States lined up to get their jabs against COVID-19 on Thursday, a day after CDC gave its green light to the use of Pfizer vaccine for children above 12 years of age.

Children over the age of 12 get vaccinated against COVID-19 across US

In its notice, the hospital also acknowledged Municipality, Police and Health Ministry about the cause for turning away the patients.

Hospitals in Nepal run short of oxygen, turn away COVID-19 patients

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