<p>Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported.<br />
<br />
The health authorities in the Kingdom continue to assess conditions and take all measures to protect the health and well-being of the public, state media quoted the Ministry of Haj and Umrah as saying on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca">Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca</a></strong><br />
<br />
It added that organisation details of the Haj season will be announced later, Xinhua news agency reported.<br />
<br />
The Ministry did not mention whether foreign pilgrims will be allowed to attend this season.<br />
<br />
The Kingdom had organised an exceptional Haj season last year with a limited number of pilgrims as part of precautionary measures against the spread of Covid.<br />
<br />
Saudi Arabia has so far reported 426,384 confirmed Covid cases, with 7,072 deaths and 409,740 recoveries.</p>


Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported.

Saudi Arabia has announced its plan to hold this year's Haj pilgrimage under Covod safety measures that will ensure preserving the health and safety of the worshippers, state media reported. The health authorities in the Kingdom continue to assess conditions and take all measures to protect the health and well-being of the public, state media quoted the Ministry of Haj and Umrah as saying on Sunday. Also read | Saudi Arabia to allow only 'immunised' pilgrims to Mecca It added that organisation details of the Haj season will be announced later, Xinhua news agency reported. The Ministry did not mention whether foreign pilgrims will be allowed to attend this season. The Kingdom had organised an exceptional Haj season last year with a limited number of pilgrims as part of precautionary measures against the spread of Covid. Saudi Arabia has so far reported 426,384 confirmed Covid cases, with 7,072 deaths and 409,740 recoveries.

Saudi Arabia to hold Haj under Covid safety measures

<p>China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.</p>

<p>Everest base camp on the Nepalese side has been hit by coronavirus cases since late April. The Nepalese government, starved of tourism revenue, has yet to cancel the spring climbing season, usually from April to early June before the monsoon rains.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear how the line would be enforced on the summit, a tiny, perilous and inhospitable area the size of a dining table.</p>

<p>A small team of Tibetan climbing guides will ascend Everest and set up the "line of separation" at the summit to stop any contact between mountaineers from both sides of the peak, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the head of Tibet's sports bureau.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-mt-everest-climbers-show-symptoms-officials-dismiss-reports-of-possible-outbreak-383235">COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>A group of 21 Chinese nationals are en route to the summit on the Tibetan side, Xinhua reported.</p>

<p>The Tibetan guides will set up the separation line ahead of their arrival, the state-run news agency said, without describing what the line would look like.</p>

<p>It was also unclear whether the Tibetan guides would be the ones enforcing the "separation", or whether they would remain in the so-called death zone, where many lives have been lost due to a dearth of oxygen, to hold the line.</p>

<p>The top of the 8,848-metre peak is a small mound of snow with barely enough space for half a dozen climbers and guides at any one time.</p>

<p>China has not allowed any foreign climbers to ascend from the Tibetan side since the outbreak of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> last year due to infection concerns.</p>

<p>Tourists in the Everest scenic area in Tibet are also banned from visiting the base camp on the Tibetan side.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-reports-record-high-covid-19-cases-govt-warns-about-hospital-beds-shortage-382017">Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage</a></strong></p>

<p>Mainland China on Sunday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on May 8 - all of which involved travellers arriving from overseas - up from seven a day earlier. Nepal reported 9,023 new cases on Friday, the country's biggest one-day increase.</p>


China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday.

China will set up "a line of separation" at the summit of Mount Everest to prevent the mingling of climbers from COVID-hit Nepal and those ascending from the Tibetan side as a precautionary measure, Chinese state media reported on Sunday. Everest base camp on the Nepalese side has been hit by coronavirus cases since late April. The Nepalese government, starved of tourism revenue, has yet to cancel the spring climbing season, usually from April to early June before the monsoon rains. It was not immediately clear how the line would be enforced on the summit, a tiny, perilous and inhospitable area the size of a dining table. A small team of Tibetan climbing guides will ascend Everest and set up the "line of separation" at the summit to stop any contact between mountaineers from both sides of the peak, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the head of Tibet's sports bureau. Also read | COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak A group of 21 Chinese nationals are en route to the summit on the Tibetan side, Xinhua reported. The Tibetan guides will set up the separation line ahead of their arrival, the state-run news agency said, without describing what the line would look like. It was also unclear whether the Tibetan guides would be the ones enforcing the "separation", or whether they would remain in the so-called death zone, where many lives have been lost due to a dearth of oxygen, to hold the line. The top of the 8,848-metre peak is a small mound of snow with barely enough space for half a dozen climbers and guides at any one time. China has not allowed any foreign climbers to ascend from the Tibetan side since the outbreak of the new coronavirus last year due to infection concerns. Tourists in the Everest scenic area in Tibet are also banned from visiting the base camp on the Tibetan side. Also read | Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage Mainland China on Sunday reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on May 8 - all of which involved travellers arriving from overseas - up from seven a day earlier. Nepal reported 9,023 new cases on Friday, the country's biggest one-day increase.

China to create 'line of separation' at Everest summit on COVID fears

<p>2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories.</p>

<p>It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind. But, just like the virus, the conspiracy theories are back too.</p>

<p>The person to set the conspiracy ball rolling this year is the Brazil&nbsp;President&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro. Throughout 2020, downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 virus, he refused to wear a mask in public, rejected calls for a lockdown, questioned the efficacy of vaccines and advised his supporters to do the same.</p>

<p>The result of this today&nbsp;is that Brazil, a country with just a quarter of India’s population, is the third-worst Covid-hit country in the world. Brazil now has more than 14 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths to date.</p>

<p>Over Brazil’s current state of affairs, Bolsonaro faces a criminal investigation and a possible impeachment. With this, the Brazilian president has suddenly come to the realisation that this virus, i.e.&nbsp;coronavirus, is in fact quite lethal, and according to him can very well be part of a biological war.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-brazils-president-calls-covid-19-biological-warfare-383340/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“It's a new virus, nobody knows if it was born in a lab or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have. But it is there. And the military knows all about this chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I guess. Which country's GDP has grown the most? I am not going to tell you,” said Bolsonaro.</p>

<p>There have been similar conspiracy theories earlier as well. Theories that this virus is not natural and was made in a lab, or that it is a bio-weapon or that 5G can be used to spread this virus.</p>

<p>While entertaining, these theories remain to be merely theories. According to scientists, there is no evidence to back these claims. While trying to counter scientists, some theories claim that thanks to China’s control on the flow of information, maybe these scientists just haven’t come across the evidence yet.<br />
<br />
Scientists addressing the lab and biowarfare theory say that if the virus was indeed engineered, there would have been the evidence of any additions or deletions in the virus’s original genetic code or DNA.</p>

<p>Last year, at the onset of this pandemic, there were numerous reports on supposedly how the virus escaped from The Wuhan Institute of Virology. To address these rumours and to probe the origins of COVID-19, a team from WHO travelled to China but were unable to find any proof backing these claims.</p>

<p>Was this because they didn’t get there in time? &nbsp;The team went to China in January this year, more than 13 months after the first case of coronavirus was reported. Instead of answering some of the long-standing questions, this team by WHO came back with more questions. According to them, while the institute at Wuhan had many strains of coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, which has at times been referred to as “Wuhan Virus,” is not among them.</p>

<p>However on March 31, calling for a deeper probe into the lab theory, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that he does not believe his team's assessment of the lab leak possibility was extensive enough.</p>

<p>It’s been a month since Dr Tedros’s statement, and WHO is still evaluating how to move forward with its probe.</p>

<p>Now, President Bolsonaro can do two things; either ask his military to show the world whatever proof they have to support his claims, or wait for WHO to once again travel to China, and conduct another probe.</p>

<p>But whether this would solve the mystery or not, remains doubtful.</p>


2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories. It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind.

2020 was not just the year of pandemic, it was also an infodemic, which mainstreamed conspiracy theories. It amplified hard-to-digest narratives. With the new year, we thought we had left all this behind. But, just like the virus, the conspiracy theories are back too. The person to set the conspiracy ball rolling this year is the Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro. Throughout 2020, downplaying the severity of the COVID-19 virus, he refused to wear a mask in public, rejected calls for a lockdown, questioned the efficacy of vaccines and advised his supporters to do the same. The result of this today is that Brazil, a country with just a quarter of India’s population, is the third-worst Covid-hit country in the world. Brazil now has more than 14 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths to date. Over Brazil’s current state of affairs, Bolsonaro faces a criminal investigation and a possible impeachment. With this, the Brazilian president has suddenly come to the realisation that this virus, i.e. coronavirus, is in fact quite lethal, and according to him can very well be part of a biological war. “It's a new virus, nobody knows if it was born in a lab or because a human ate some animal they shouldn't have. But it is there. And the military knows all about this chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Could we be fighting a new war? I guess. Which country's GDP has grown the most? I am not going to tell you,” said Bolsonaro. There have been similar conspiracy theories earlier as well. Theories that this virus is not natural and was made in a lab, or that it is a bio-weapon or that 5G can be used to spread this virus. While entertaining, these theories remain to be merely theories. According to scientists, there is no evidence to back these claims. While trying to counter scientists, some theories claim that thanks to China’s control on the flow of information, maybe these scientists just haven’t come across the evidence yet. Scientists addressing the lab and biowarfare theory say that if the virus was indeed engineered, there would have been the evidence of any additions or deletions in the virus’s original genetic code or DNA. Last year, at the onset of this pandemic, there were numerous reports on supposedly how the virus escaped from The Wuhan Institute of Virology. To address these rumours and to probe the origins of COVID-19, a team from WHO travelled to China but were unable to find any proof backing these claims. Was this because they didn’t get there in time? The team went to China in January this year, more than 13 months after the first case of coronavirus was reported. Instead of answering some of the long-standing questions, this team by WHO came back with more questions. According to them, while the institute at Wuhan had many strains of coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, which has at times been referred to as “Wuhan Virus,” is not among them. However on March 31, calling for a deeper probe into the lab theory, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said that he does not believe his team's assessment of the lab leak possibility was extensive enough. It’s been a month since Dr Tedros’s statement, and WHO is still evaluating how to move forward with its probe. Now, President Bolsonaro can do two things; either ask his military to show the world whatever proof they have to support his claims, or wait for WHO to once again travel to China, and conduct another probe. But whether this would solve the mystery or not, remains doubtful.

Faced with the possibility of impeachment, Brazil President calls COVID-19 a bio-weapon

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell below 500,000 last week for the first since the COVID-19 pandemic started more than a year ago, signaling the labor market recovery had entered a new phase amid a booming economy.

World Business Watch: US weekly jobless claims drop below 500,000, layoffs lowest since 2000

The Supreme Court of India has refused to expunge critical remarks of the Madras High Court holding the poll panel responsible for surge in COVID-19 cases in country. SC also trashed the plea that media be restrained from reporting observations of judicial proceedings, saying it will be a retrograde act.

India: Supreme Court refuses to expunge critical remarks of Madras High Court against EC

Bangladesh on Thursday handed over 10,000 vials of Remdesivir injection to India as part of its medical assistance amid deteriorating COVID-19 situation in the neighbouring country. The doses of Remdesivir were produced by Beximco, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh sends 10,000 vials of Beximco's Remdesivir to India

<p>Drugmakers&nbsp;on Thursday said US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving&nbsp;patents of COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-backs-india-led-fight-to-waive-covid-vaccines-patents-383092">US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents</a></strong></p>

<p>If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and&nbsp;oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said.</p>

<p>"I have heard many (vaccine&nbsp;makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved.</p>

<p>Vaccine&nbsp;developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution.</p>

<p>"Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our&nbsp;vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three&nbsp;billion doses together with Pfizer this year.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-supports-global-waiver-of-intellectual-property-protection-for-covid-19-vaccines-383100/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its&nbsp;vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond&nbsp;patents.</p>

<p>Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;as early as this month, said&nbsp;patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks.</p>

<p>"Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said.</p>

<p>IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA).</p>

<p>The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters.</p>

<p>Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate&nbsp;vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home.</p>

<p>Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its&nbsp;vaccines in 2021 and 2022.</p>

<p>The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its&nbsp;patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would.</p>

<p>Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine was also critical of&nbsp;patent&nbsp;waivers.</p>

<p>"There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said.</p>

<p>In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed&nbsp;Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.</p>


Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world.

Drugmakers on Thursday said US President Joe Biden's support for waiving patents of COVID-19 vaccines could disrupt a fragile supply chain, and that, rich countries should instead share more generously with the developing world. Biden on Wednesday threw his support behind waiving intellectual property rights for COVID-19 vaccines, angering research-based pharmaceutical companies. Also read | US backs India-led fight to waive Covid vaccines patents If adopted by the World Trade Organisation, the proposal would invite new manufacturers that lack essential know-how and oversight from the inventors to crowd out established contractors, the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) said. "I have heard many (vaccine makers) talking about 'our resources are stretched, our technicians are stretched'," IFPMA Director General Thomas Cueni told Reuters. He warned of a possible free for all if "sort of rogue companies" were allowed to become involved. Vaccine developers echoed his comments that waiving intellectual property rights was not a solution. "Patents are not the limiting factor for the production or supply of our vaccine. They would not increase the global production and supply of vaccine doses in the short and middle term," said Germany's BioNTech, which aims to supply up to three billion doses together with Pfizer this year. BioNTech said it took more than a decade to develop its vaccines manufacturing process and replicating it required experienced personnel and a meticulous technology transfer, among several other factors beyond patents. Another German company CureVac, which hopes to release trial results on its messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine as early as this month, said patents were not to blame for supply bottlenecks. "Since mRNA technology has emerged as the key technology in the fight against COVID-19, the world now needs the same raw materials in unfathomable amounts. The biggest problem is how to coordinate this," a spokeswoman said. IFPMA's Cueni said the real bottlenecks were trade barriers, in particular the US Defense Production Act (DPA). The DPA is a decades-old US law that prioritised procurement orders related to US national defence, but it has been widely used in non-military crises, such as natural disasters. Cueni said the way to kickstart low-income countries' vaccination campaigns, was for rich countries to donate vaccine, rather than widen eligibility to young and healthy people at home. Moderna, which on Thursday reported quarterly results, said waiving intellectual property rights would not help to increase the supply of its vaccines in 2021 and 2022. The US drugmaker said last year it would not enforce its vaccine patents. CureVac said on Thursday it would also not enforce its patents during the pandemic and that it knew of no other developer that would. Italy's ReiThera which is in late-stage tests on an experimental COVID-19 vaccine was also critical of patent waivers. "There is proprietary know-how that has to be transferred by the owner. And then there is the problem with process materials, which at the moment have delivery times of almost a year," ReiThera's chief of technology Stefano Colloca said. In contrast to the industry reaction, the GAVI vaccine alliance, which co-leads the COVAX dose-sharing programme with the WHO and faces major supply constraints, welcomed Biden's support for waiving intellectual property rights.

Drugmakers say Biden misguided over vaccine patent waiver

Japan’s government is set to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases just months before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan government to extend COVID-19 curbs till May end

A few days ago world's highest peak Mount Everest, reported its first ever case of COVID-19 since then almost 17 climbers have tested positive raising fears of a serious outbreak. Base camp officials have received reports of 17 confirmed cases from a hospital in the Kathmandu, Nepal.

17 Mount Everest climbers test positive for COVID-19 raising fears of serious outbreak

Thousand miles away from their home, Indian students in the United Kingdom are worried about their families and friends. While the COVID-19 positivity rate in UK has gone down in last one week, anxiety and worry for these students hasn't. WION brings you a report.

Miles away from home, Indian students abroad remain anxious about COVID-19 crisis

India's deadly second wave of COVID-19 is making global headlines. News of death, grief and collapsing health infrastructure has become the new normal for most of us. But, it is also important to applaud those who are fighting the pandemic with great resilience. India's youth is using apps to help save lives. WION brings you more in this report.

India's youth turn to apps to save lives amid COVID-19 pandemic

Principle scientific advisor of India, KV Raghavan has warned that a third wave of Coronavirus in the country is inevitable but timing could not be predicted and the authorities should be prepared for it.

Indian government advisor warns of third Coronavirus wave

<p>Officials at the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal told WION that a rise in the number of climbers with coronavirus symptoms has been witnessed and that a few positive cases have also been reported.</p>

<p>“Many people have shown symptoms and around 10-15 people have tested positive in Everest Base Camp and in Dhaulagiri base camp but the condition is stable and no serious case yet,” said Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks.</p>

<p>However, some officials have dismissed the reports of a possible COVID-19 outbreak on Everest.</p>

<p>“We are not sure about the positive cases. Tests are not done at the base camp. All the people with symptoms have tested negative,” said Lakpa Norbu Sherpa, the base camp manager of the Himalayan Rescue Association.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-reaches-mount-everest-as-climber-tests-positive-379433">Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive</a></strong></p>

<p>Local media said the Nepal government has also dismissed the report of the COVID-19 outbreak on Mount Everest.</p>

<p>Earlier, the department of tourism had issued a notice urging all the trekkers and climbers to take precaution against the spread of coronavirus.</p>

<p>The government had also requested the travel agencies and expedition outfitters to make arrangements for the self-isolation of climbers after returning from trekking.</p>

<p>The first summit bid on Everest has been planned for May 9.</p>

<p>Nepal on Wednesday reported 8,659 new coronavirus cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours.</p>


Officials at the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal told WION that a rise in the number of climbers with coronavirus symptoms has been witnessed and that a few positive cases have also been reported.

Officials at the Mount Everest base camp in Nepal told WION that a rise in the number of climbers with coronavirus symptoms has been witnessed and that a few positive cases have also been reported. “Many people have shown symptoms and around 10-15 people have tested positive in Everest Base Camp and in Dhaulagiri base camp but the condition is stable and no serious case yet,” said Mingma Sherpa, chairman of Seven Summit Treks. However, some officials have dismissed the reports of a possible COVID-19 outbreak on Everest. “We are not sure about the positive cases. Tests are not done at the base camp. All the people with symptoms have tested negative,” said Lakpa Norbu Sherpa, the base camp manager of the Himalayan Rescue Association. Also read | Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive Local media said the Nepal government has also dismissed the report of the COVID-19 outbreak on Mount Everest. Earlier, the department of tourism had issued a notice urging all the trekkers and climbers to take precaution against the spread of coronavirus. The government had also requested the travel agencies and expedition outfitters to make arrangements for the self-isolation of climbers after returning from trekking. The first summit bid on Everest has been planned for May 9. Nepal on Wednesday reported 8,659 new coronavirus cases and 58 deaths in the last 24 hours.

COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak

President Jair Bolsonaro on Wednesday said that the Coronavirus may have been made in a laboratory to wage 'biological warfare', in the latest comments likely to strain Brazil's relations with China.

Brazil President Bolsonaro suggests Coronavirus is part of 'biological warfare'

US hotel operator Hyatt Hotels reported a bigger loss for the first quarter on Tuesday as people stayed at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Net loss attributable to Hyatt was $304 million, or $2.99 per share, in the three months ended March 31, compared with a loss of $103 million, or $1.02 per share, a year earlier.

World Business Watch: Hyatt posts bigger loss as COVID-19 pandemic keeps people at home

A Canadian government advisory panel on Monday recommended the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for people aged 30 years and over, despite blood clotting fears. Shelley Deeks of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) said the J&J jab has proven to be 'highly effective' in preventing severe COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.

Canada recommends J&J jab for 30 years and over, despite blood clot fears

The British government said India’s entire delegation to the Group of Seven summit in London is self-isolating after two of its members tested positive for COVID-19. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar did not test positive for the virus.

News Alert: Two coronavirus cases among Indian delegation at London G7 Summit

G7 nations have gathered in London for the first in-person talks since 2019. Two words have dominated the headlines since end of 2019- China & Coronavirus. These two words dominated the summit as well. WION brings you more on this.

G7 nations seeks common front on China, discuss sharing vaccine stockpile

According to the Times newspaper report, everyone aged over 50 in Britain will be offered a third COVID-19 vaccination jab in the autumn in an attempt to eradicate the threat from the infection entirely by Christmas.

People aged over 50 to be offered third COVID-19 vaccine shot in Britain

In a bid to reduce the burden on the testing laboratories in the country, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) issued new guidelines for COVID-19 testing. ICMR has advised to remove the requirement of testing for people travelling from one state to another.

ICMR issues new COVID-19 testing rules, says no RT-PCR tests required for domestic travel

Eight Asiatic lions at Hyderabad's Nehru Zoological Park have tested positive for COVIS-19. This is the first case of lions or any other animals testing positive in an Indian zoo.

In a first in India, 8 Asiatic lions test positive for COVID-19 in Hyderabad zoo

According to a mathematical model of a team of scientists advising the government, India's COVID-19 cases may peak between May 3-5. This comes as the Coronavirus is spreading faster than expected in the country.

Experts say India's COVID-19 infections may peak between May 3-5

As the COVID-19 pandemic rages Bangladesh, the country has decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till May 16. This decision has taken place to contain and combat the surge of coronavirus.

Nationwide lockdown in Bangladesh extended till May 16

Nepal has halted all domestic and international flights till May 14. The bus services have also been completely halted in the country since April 29 as people scramble to leave Kathmandu. Nepal is currently under a 15 day lockdown.

Nepal halts domestic & international flights amid COVID-19 surge

The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 has been indefinitely suspended more players tested positive for COVID-19. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the BCCI.

BCCI indefinitely suspends IPL 2021 after more players test COVID-19 positive

<p>Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival has been cancelled for second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. The premier of southern German state of Bavaria announced this on Monday. Oktoberfest attracts around 6 million visitors to Munich every year.</p>

<p>Munich residents were mostly sad to see another year without the colourful folk festival but were understanding of the measures.</p>

<p>Bartenders who stand to lose a lot of income from the lack of beer and boozing said they were pinning their hopes on 2022.</p>

<p>Bavarian premier Markus Soeder told journalists that it was necessary to cancel major events such as the Oktoberfest again this year because they required large financial commitments and the risk was too large given uncertainty over when the pandemic may ease up.</p>

<p>"Also, in classic beer halls measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing cannot be enforced," Soeder said.</p>

<p>Germany has vaccinated more than 28 per cent of its population so far. Germans are hoping for restrictions to be lifted with increasing vaccination and falling number of cases.</p>

<p>This year's Oktoberfest was scheduled to take place from Sept. 18 to Oct. 3.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival has been cancelled for second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. The premier of southern German state of Bavaria announced this on Monday.

Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival has been cancelled for second year in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic. The premier of southern German state of Bavaria announced this on Monday. Oktoberfest attracts around 6 million visitors to Munich every year. Munich residents were mostly sad to see another year without the colourful folk festival but were understanding of the measures. Bartenders who stand to lose a lot of income from the lack of beer and boozing said they were pinning their hopes on 2022. Bavarian premier Markus Soeder told journalists that it was necessary to cancel major events such as the Oktoberfest again this year because they required large financial commitments and the risk was too large given uncertainty over when the pandemic may ease up. "Also, in classic beer halls measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing cannot be enforced," Soeder said. Germany has vaccinated more than 28 per cent of its population so far. Germans are hoping for restrictions to be lifted with increasing vaccination and falling number of cases. This year's Oktoberfest was scheduled to take place from Sept. 18 to Oct. 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Oktoberfest gets cancelled again due to pandemic

For Poles, the May long weekend is usually a time for grilling, socializing and drinking. But in the middle of a pandemic, there is no normal life. So thousands across Poland stood in pouring rain, waiting in line to get a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 jab instead.

Thousand across Poland stood in the pouring rain for J&J COVID-19 jab

<p>Saudi Arabia is set to permit citizens immunised from Covid-19 to travel abroad from May 17, said the country's interior ministry. This developed has come more than a year after Saudis were barred from external trips.</p>

<p>As per the ministry, three categories of the people would be considered immunised -- those who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior to travel, and people who have recovered from the infection within the last six months.</p>

<p>Saudis under the age of 18 -- an age group that is not receiving vaccines -- would also be allowed to travel from May 17, provided they carry an insurance policy approved by the central bank, the ministry said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency.</p>

<p>"The decision to lift the suspension on citizens travelling outside Saudi Arabia will go into effect at 1:00 am on May 17," the ministry said, adding that the kingdom will re-open its land, sea and air borders.</p>

<p>The policy represents an incentive for citizens, barred from travelling abroad since the pandemic began, to get vaccinated.</p>

<p>The kingdom's health ministry said it has administered more than nine million coronavirus vaccine doses, in a country with a population of over 34 million.</p>

<p>The country has reported more than 419,000 coronavirus infections and nearly 7,000 deaths from Covid-19.</p>

<p>Last month, Saudi Arabia permitted only people immunised against Covid-19 to perform the year-round umrah pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims.</p>

<p>It is unclear whether that policy, which comes amid an uptick in coronavirus infections in the kingdom, would be extended to the annual hajj pilgrimage later this year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Saudi Arabia is set to permit citizens immunised from Covid-19 to travel abroad from May 17, said the country's interior ministry. This developed has come more than a year after Saudis were barred from external trips.

Saudi Arabia is set to permit citizens immunised from Covid-19 to travel abroad from May 17, said the country's interior ministry. This developed has come more than a year after Saudis were barred from external trips. As per the ministry, three categories of the people would be considered immunised -- those who have received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine, those administered a single dose at least 14 days prior to travel, and people who have recovered from the infection within the last six months. Saudis under the age of 18 -- an age group that is not receiving vaccines -- would also be allowed to travel from May 17, provided they carry an insurance policy approved by the central bank, the ministry said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency. "The decision to lift the suspension on citizens travelling outside Saudi Arabia will go into effect at 1:00 am on May 17," the ministry said, adding that the kingdom will re-open its land, sea and air borders. The policy represents an incentive for citizens, barred from travelling abroad since the pandemic began, to get vaccinated. The kingdom's health ministry said it has administered more than nine million coronavirus vaccine doses, in a country with a population of over 34 million. The country has reported more than 419,000 coronavirus infections and nearly 7,000 deaths from Covid-19. Last month, Saudi Arabia permitted only people immunised against Covid-19 to perform the year-round umrah pilgrimage from the start of Ramadan, the holy fasting month for Muslims. It is unclear whether that policy, which comes amid an uptick in coronavirus infections in the kingdom, would be extended to the annual hajj pilgrimage later this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia to allow 'immunised' citizens to travel abroad

At a times when India's Coronavirus cases and casualties are rising exponentially, Confederation of Indian Industry has urged the government to take the “strongest national steps” and to curtail economic activity to save lives.

World Business Watch: CII chief calls for strict curbs to battle COVID-19 pandemic

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">The Kolkata Knight Riders match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, planned for Monday, May 3, has been deferred and rescheduled after two players of the KKR camp have tested positive for COVID-19, as revealed by IPL.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier have gone under the KKR scanner after doubt of testing positive for COVID-19, yet the unforeseen is as yet anticipating a subsequent test result to avoid a false test possibility.</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">Nonetheless, to guarantee the wellbeing and security of all staff and players included, the match has been scheduled for a deferment until the whole circumstance is clear.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt">The crippled and stressed fans took to Twitter to respond, soon after the information on the match's delay penniless out.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today’s match between KKR and RCB has been postponed by the BCCI <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvsRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvsRCB</a><br />
<br />
MPL, Dream11, betting Apps rn: <a href="https://t.co/3T9GhIYfRI">pic.twitter.com/3T9GhIYfRI</a></p>
— irfan (@simplyirfan) <a href="https://twitter.com/simplyirfan/status/1389123272151736328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">*Today's Match between KKR &amp; RCB has been Rescheduled*<br />
<br />
IPL fans Tonight: <a href="https://t.co/gsFIxqAEJX">pic.twitter.com/gsFIxqAEJX</a></p>
— Yash Siddhapura (@Yash1701__) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yash1701__/status/1389121699107336196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Varun Chakravarthy left bubble for hospital then he should put into quarantine for week or 2 . Why did he rejoin in bubble ? KKR absolutely unprofessional man .</p>
— Sai (@akakrcb6) <a href="https://twitter.com/akakrcb6/status/1389115150108528644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No IPL today <a href="https://t.co/WeDNR6aSXz">pic.twitter.com/WeDNR6aSXz</a></p>
— Matt (@CrickHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/CrickHQ/status/1389124906651160579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They said actual covid numbers from Bengal will come out after election. Didn't know they meant IPL.</p>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1389117369750941700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IPL fans reaction after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvsRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvsRCB</a> match got postponed.<a href="https://t.co/ORO3DiIgs3">pic.twitter.com/ORO3DiIgs3</a></p>
— Chetan Krishna👑 🇮🇳 (@ckchetanck) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckchetanck/status/1389124493348458496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/postponed?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#postponed</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KKRvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KKRvRCB</a><br />
<br />
No One<br />
<br />
IPL fans after hearing this News - <a href="https://t.co/hZ2SixzLBc">pic.twitter.com/hZ2SixzLBc</a></p>
— Darshan Shrikhande (@DarshanShrikha2) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarshanShrikha2/status/1389138642862366721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier had reportedly left the IPL bio-bubble and visited a hospital through the official green channel to undergo a scan on his shoulder and that is where he might have contracted the virus. Although, the franchise is awaiting the second result.&nbsp;</p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in 10pt"><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Kolkata Knight Riders match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, planned for Monday, May 3, has been deferred and rescheduled after two players of the KKR camp have tested positive for COVID-19, as revealed by IPL.

The Kolkata Knight Riders match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, planned for Monday, May 3, has been deferred and rescheduled after two players of the KKR camp have tested positive for COVID-19, as revealed by IPL. Bowlers Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier have gone under the KKR scanner after doubt of testing positive for COVID-19, yet the unforeseen is as yet anticipating a subsequent test result to avoid a false test possibility. Nonetheless, to guarantee the wellbeing and security of all staff and players included, the match has been scheduled for a deferment until the whole circumstance is clear. The crippled and stressed fans took to Twitter to respond, soon after the information on the match's delay penniless out. Today’s match between KKR and RCB has been postponed by the BCCI #KKRvsRCB MPL, Dream11, betting Apps rn: pic.twitter.com/3T9GhIYfRI — irfan (@simplyirfan) May 3, 2021 × *Today's Match between KKR & RCB has been Rescheduled* IPL fans Tonight: pic.twitter.com/gsFIxqAEJX — Yash Siddhapura (@Yash1701__) May 3, 2021 × If Varun Chakravarthy left bubble for hospital then he should put into quarantine for week or 2 . Why did he rejoin in bubble ? KKR absolutely unprofessional man . — Sai (@akakrcb6) May 3, 2021 × No IPL today pic.twitter.com/WeDNR6aSXz — Matt (@CrickHQ) May 3, 2021 × They said actual covid numbers from Bengal will come out after election. Didn't know they meant IPL. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 3, 2021 × IPL fans reaction after #KKRvsRCB match got postponed.pic.twitter.com/ORO3DiIgs3 — Chetan Krishna👑 🇮🇳 (@ckchetanck) May 3, 2021 × #postponed #KKRvRCB No One IPL fans after hearing this News - pic.twitter.com/hZ2SixzLBc — Darshan Shrikhande (@DarshanShrikha2) May 3, 2021 × Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Warrier had reportedly left the IPL bio-bubble and visited a hospital through the official green channel to undergo a scan on his shoulder and that is where he might have contracted the virus. Although, the franchise is awaiting the second result.

IPL 2021: Twitter reacts as KKR vs RCB match got postponed after two players test COVID positive

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;will &nbsp;on Sunday take delivery of the&nbsp;first&nbsp;batch of its&nbsp;4.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;Pfizer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;as the country readies to start ramping up immunisation.</p>

<p>In a statement, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said 325,260&nbsp;doses&nbsp;were scheduled to land at the country's OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg late on Sunday.</p>

<p>A similar number is expected weekly until the end of this month.</p>

<p>"Thereafter the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;supply will increase to an average of 636, 480&nbsp;doses&nbsp;weekly from 31 May which will see us accumulating close to&nbsp;4.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;doses&nbsp;by the end of June," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cash-strapped-africa-overwhelmed-by-covid-vaccine-challenge-378973">Cash-strapped Africa overwhelmed by COVID vaccine challenge</a></strong></p>

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;is the continent's worst affected country with over 1.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;infections, including 54,406 fatalities.</p>

<p>But it has vaccinated only 318,670 people, mainly health workers so far.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after it suspended inoculations using Johnson &amp; Johnson anti-Covid&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;for two weeks last month to vet risks over blood clots.</p>

<p>The resumption of the Johnson &amp; Johnson&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;will target health workers in particular.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-african-variant-may-break-through-pfizer-vaccine-protection-says-study-378504">South African variant may 'break through' Pfizer vaccine protection, says study</a></strong></p>

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;earlier this year purchased AstraZeneca&nbsp;vaccines&nbsp;and then sold them to other African countries following fears that it would be less effective against a local variant of coronavirus.</p>

<p>The government also said it was expecting more Johnson &amp; Johnson jabs from a local plant of Aspen Pharmacare by mid-May.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;doses&nbsp;are ready but awaiting checks by international regulators.</p>

<p>"We are confident that the final outcome will be positive and that, provided there are no further disruptions, Johnson and Johnson will be in a position to release the stock from the Aspen plant... by the middle of May," said the minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Authorities say they have purchased enough&nbsp;doses&nbsp;of the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;to immunise at least 45&nbsp;million&nbsp;people.</p>

<p>The government previously set a target of March 2022.</p>


South Africa will on Sunday take delivery of the first batch of its 4.5 million Pfizer coronavirus vaccines as the country readies to start ramping up immunisation.

South Africa will on Sunday take delivery of the first batch of its 4.5 million Pfizer coronavirus vaccines as the country readies to start ramping up immunisation. In a statement, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said 325,260 doses were scheduled to land at the country's OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg late on Sunday. A similar number is expected weekly until the end of this month. "Thereafter the vaccine supply will increase to an average of 636, 480 doses weekly from 31 May which will see us accumulating close to 4.5 million doses by the end of June," he said. Also read | Cash-strapped Africa overwhelmed by COVID vaccine challenge South Africa is the continent's worst affected country with over 1.5 million infections, including 54,406 fatalities. But it has vaccinated only 318,670 people, mainly health workers so far. This was after it suspended inoculations using Johnson & Johnson anti-Covid vaccines for two weeks last month to vet risks over blood clots. The resumption of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will target health workers in particular. Also read | South African variant may 'break through' Pfizer vaccine protection, says study South Africa earlier this year purchased AstraZeneca vaccines and then sold them to other African countries following fears that it would be less effective against a local variant of coronavirus. The government also said it was expecting more Johnson & Johnson jabs from a local plant of Aspen Pharmacare by mid-May. The doses are ready but awaiting checks by international regulators. "We are confident that the final outcome will be positive and that, provided there are no further disruptions, Johnson and Johnson will be in a position to release the stock from the Aspen plant... by the middle of May," said the minister. Authorities say they have purchased enough doses of the vaccine to immunise at least 45 million people. The government previously set a target of March 2022.

South Africa to get first of 4.5 million Pfizer vaccine doses

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