Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work. Response to a crisis generally changes the ways the world operates. After World War II, Germany was once again looking for ways to rebuild itself. With the advancements in telecommunication, offices could be segregated from factories and warehouses. It was the German concept of Bürolandschaft that has been further tweaked into today’s “office landscape”. &nbsp;

Today the 9-5 office forms a major part of the workforce in the ‘big cities.’ The formal sector economy is hugely concentrated in these major metropolitan cities which in-turn become over crowed areas of the skilled workforce. As per the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India’s biggest cities may be losing up to $22 billion annually to traffic congestion. The commuters are largely bearing the burden. On average the travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes compared to their counterparts in other Asian cities mitigating traffic during peak hours. Overcrowding of these metro cities also means logistic concerns for the state authorise.&nbsp;

The pandemic, however, forced the authorities to push people to maintain hygiene. One way to arrange it is by providing flexible work condition including work from home, wherever possible. &nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has once again propelled the world to change its way of operation. The public health emergency under which globe is reeling had locked downed over 3 billion people by mid-March, 2020. The business has plummeted to its worst crisis since the 2008-09 Lehman debacle. Industries like tourism, fashion and sports have been brought to a complete standstill as ‘contact’ is quintessential for these industries. Amidst the ‘lockdown’, the economy still needs to churn. It is a clarion call that ‘social distancing’ must be accepted as a behavioural change and offices must be encouraged to operate with minimal physical contact. Therefore, one thing that has become concomitant is ‘Work from Home” and it is here to stay.&nbsp;

The Gurugram administration has recently asked its IT companies to allow ‘Work from Home’ facility for their employees till July 2020. Similar steps should be emulated for all companies where human contact can be voluntary, even after the lockdown is over. More industries and sectors must be identified where ‘Work from Home’ is feasible. Obviously the WFH model is not feasible in every industry like manufacturing, hospitality, performing arts, entertainment etc. But many sectors can be identified in which daily physical contact may not be obligatory. For instance, at one point physical presence was considered essential for the function of courts; but with the help of technology, the legal system is also coping with the situation. A similar approach must be identified in other sectors too. &nbsp;

The government sector in India had never, previously, accepted the idea of work from home. But necessity is the mother of innovation and during the lockdown period, many employees have been allowed to continue work from home. Leading PSUs have adopted and even found value in the WFH model.&nbsp;

Even with all its benefits, the WFH model has its own problems, such as improper infrastructure at home. The firewalls required for electronic communication are not as adept at home as at office and necessary precautions have not been taken to protect against data piracy. However, these are temporary micro issues pertaining to generally people involved in the IT sector. If eventually, work from home does become a viable long-term alternative, care would be taken to enhance infrastructure and ensure that data is protected.&nbsp;

Few silver linings have come to light as people worked from home during the ‘lockdown’. Globally, pollution levels have diminished to their lowest in years. Major cities like Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, etc., have had clear skies and the traffic has been impeccably smooth. The cities had been previously at a breaking point due to over-crowding and pollution but have shown signs of ecological improvement. &nbsp;

This has in turn helped with the quality of life for employees who used to be stranded in traffic for hours damaging the environment as well as causing personal damage to health. It is high time that people find innovative solutions in order to live in harmony along with the ecology.&nbsp;

Concept of Work from Home is also beneficial for employers who can save on real estate with smaller workspaces. Small town industries can pick up when there is a scope of talent joining from anywhere. It shall also curtail over-crowding of the metropolitans if the skilled worker does not have to migrate from their own towns looking for ‘suitable’ job opportunities. &nbsp;

The idea is also in the interest of women who are traditionally in a quandary to maintain a work-life balance. Work from anywhere can attract more women to continue with jobs even after facing difficult life choices like returning to work post-maternity.

Businesses should stop treating ‘work from home’ as an aberration. Tata Consultancy Services with a workforce of 4.5 lakh has announced to adapt the ‘Secure Borderless Model’ where 75 per cent of its employees will be working from home in the longer run. New age dynamics allot marks for working and not for mere physical presence. To boost productivity, one has to ascertain that the workforce is not ‘exhausted’ all the time. Many a time, an employee has to mark his absence from important deliberations because they cannot ‘reach on time’. However if the need to reach on time physically is out of the picture, then everyone may be available on video-call (though at different places). &nbsp;

Work from Home may not supplant, but surely can supplement the traditional way of working. For people fretting at the thought of finding no ‘connection’ or camaraderie in the workplace, many things can be put in place. For instance, there is a concept of ‘virtual water-cooler’ scheduled as ‘cloud-meetings’ of mix groups in offices which promote employees to mingle and have informal conversations and bond over non-work discussions. &nbsp;

As is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Dealing with a pandemic is tough, but the good lessons can always be adapted.&nbsp; 
 
(The article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work.

Up to the 17th century, most of the “knowledge/office work” used to happen at home. However, professionals in time realised that they needed a dedicated space to work. Response to a crisis generally changes the ways the world operates. After World War II, Germany was once again looking for ways to rebuild itself. With the advancements in telecommunication, offices could be segregated from factories and warehouses. It was the German concept of Bürolandschaft that has been further tweaked into today’s “office landscape”. Today the 9-5 office forms a major part of the workforce in the ‘big cities.’ The formal sector economy is hugely concentrated in these major metropolitan cities which in-turn become over crowed areas of the skilled workforce. As per the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), India’s biggest cities may be losing up to $22 billion annually to traffic congestion. The commuters are largely bearing the burden. On average the travellers in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata spend 1.5 hours more on their daily commutes compared to their counterparts in other Asian cities mitigating traffic during peak hours. Overcrowding of these metro cities also means logistic concerns for the state authorise. The pandemic, however, forced the authorities to push people to maintain hygiene. One way to arrange it is by providing flexible work condition including work from home, wherever possible. Coronavirus pandemic has once again propelled the world to change its way of operation. The public health emergency under which globe is reeling had locked downed over 3 billion people by mid-March, 2020. The business has plummeted to its worst crisis since the 2008-09 Lehman debacle. Industries like tourism, fashion and sports have been brought to a complete standstill as ‘contact’ is quintessential for these industries. Amidst the ‘lockdown’, the economy still needs to churn. It is a clarion call that ‘social distancing’ must be accepted as a behavioural change and offices must be encouraged to operate with minimal physical contact. Therefore, one thing that has become concomitant is ‘Work from Home” and it is here to stay. The Gurugram administration has recently asked its IT companies to allow ‘Work from Home’ facility for their employees till July 2020. Similar steps should be emulated for all companies where human contact can be voluntary, even after the lockdown is over. More industries and sectors must be identified where ‘Work from Home’ is feasible. Obviously the WFH model is not feasible in every industry like manufacturing, hospitality, performing arts, entertainment etc. But many sectors can be identified in which daily physical contact may not be obligatory. For instance, at one point physical presence was considered essential for the function of courts; but with the help of technology, the legal system is also coping with the situation. A similar approach must be identified in other sectors too. The government sector in India had never, previously, accepted the idea of work from home. But necessity is the mother of innovation and during the lockdown period, many employees have been allowed to continue work from home. Leading PSUs have adopted and even found value in the WFH model. Even with all its benefits, the WFH model has its own problems, such as improper infrastructure at home. The firewalls required for electronic communication are not as adept at home as at office and necessary precautions have not been taken to protect against data piracy. However, these are temporary micro issues pertaining to generally people involved in the IT sector. If eventually, work from home does become a viable long-term alternative, care would be taken to enhance infrastructure and ensure that data is protected. Few silver linings have come to light as people worked from home during the ‘lockdown’. Globally, pollution levels have diminished to their lowest in years. Major cities like Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, etc., have had clear skies and the traffic has been impeccably smooth. The cities had been previously at a breaking point due to over-crowding and pollution but have shown signs of ecological improvement. This has in turn helped with the quality of life for employees who used to be stranded in traffic for hours damaging the environment as well as causing personal damage to health. It is high time that people find innovative solutions in order to live in harmony along with the ecology. Concept of Work from Home is also beneficial for employers who can save on real estate with smaller workspaces. Small town industries can pick up when there is a scope of talent joining from anywhere. It shall also curtail over-crowding of the metropolitans if the skilled worker does not have to migrate from their own towns looking for ‘suitable’ job opportunities. The idea is also in the interest of women who are traditionally in a quandary to maintain a work-life balance. Work from anywhere can attract more women to continue with jobs even after facing difficult life choices like returning to work post-maternity. Businesses should stop treating ‘work from home’ as an aberration. Tata Consultancy Services with a workforce of 4.5 lakh has announced to adapt the ‘Secure Borderless Model’ where 75 per cent of its employees will be working from home in the longer run. New age dynamics allot marks for working and not for mere physical presence. To boost productivity, one has to ascertain that the workforce is not ‘exhausted’ all the time. Many a time, an employee has to mark his absence from important deliberations because they cannot ‘reach on time’. However if the need to reach on time physically is out of the picture, then everyone may be available on video-call (though at different places). Work from Home may not supplant, but surely can supplement the traditional way of working. For people fretting at the thought of finding no ‘connection’ or camaraderie in the workplace, many things can be put in place. For instance, there is a concept of ‘virtual water-cooler’ scheduled as ‘cloud-meetings’ of mix groups in offices which promote employees to mingle and have informal conversations and bond over non-work discussions. As is said, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Dealing with a pandemic is tough, but the good lessons can always be adapted. (The article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is work from home the new normal?

ONE in five doctors across the south west have sourced their own personal protective equipment or relied on a donation.

UK Doctors buying their own PPE's: Survey

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus

India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening.

After receiving the test kits, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the top agency dealing with Coronavirus outbreak in India, said that the performance of the test kits received from China is not reliable and therefore, asked all states in India not to use the Chinese test kits anymore.

This decision of ICMR not to use test kits from China has provoked angry reactions from China, which termed &nbsp;Indian decision as unfair and irresponsible. China gave itself self-certification that Chinese authorities have validated the equipment produced by the two Chinese firms namely Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics.

Like a typical seller who would like to save his skin after supplying bad quality products, &nbsp;China has virtually accused &nbsp;Indian medical practitioners of not having enough expertise to use the equipment. China said “The tests needed to be carried out in a professional manner to produce accurate results. There are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations”.

Obviously, with such a statement, China has attempted to humiliate the Indian medical professionals by doubting their competence and knowledge level. This is a negative statement made with the intention of evading from the responsibility of a supplier, which needs to be strongly condemned.

Earlier, when countries like Spain rejected the test kits from China due to quality issues, China responded by offering to replace them. However, when India rejected test kits, China has termed it an irresponsible decision. Does this mean that China has different yardsticks for different countries and views India’s decision with contempt?

It is usual practice for major producers to sub-contract the production to small sub-contractors, &nbsp;if there is a large order beyond the capacity of the producers to supply at the stipulated schedule.

Many people now wonder, that faced with the huge order situation, many small Chinese producers could also have produced the test kits as sub-contractors to the major suppliers from China and the quality of these test kits might not have been subjected to strict quality check and control. This aspect needs to be instigated

In any case, the main producers and the government of China are accountable for the quality of the test kits, particularly when exported.

Instead of merely explaining as to why the test kits have failed to give reliable results in India, Chinese producers should have demonstrated and proved the reliability of the test kits, China has merely called India’s decision as irresponsible. On the other hand, one may not be wrong if he would conclude that only China has been irresponsible.

Today, China stands accused as an unrepentant seller, with least regard for the interest of the buyers. India is certainly entitled to reject the test kits, if it is not be satisfied, which is the legitimate and internationally acceptable practice of buyers.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening.

Facing COVID 19 crisis, several countries including India placed orders for test kits from China for testing for antibodies to the coronavirus India ordered from China more than half a million kits to boost its screening. After receiving the test kits, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the top agency dealing with Coronavirus outbreak in India, said that the performance of the test kits received from China is not reliable and therefore, asked all states in India not to use the Chinese test kits anymore. This decision of ICMR not to use test kits from China has provoked angry reactions from China, which termed Indian decision as unfair and irresponsible. China gave itself self-certification that Chinese authorities have validated the equipment produced by the two Chinese firms namely Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Zhuhai Livzon Diagnostics. Like a typical seller who would like to save his skin after supplying bad quality products, China has virtually accused Indian medical practitioners of not having enough expertise to use the equipment. China said “The tests needed to be carried out in a professional manner to produce accurate results. There are strict requirements for the storage, transportation and use of COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits. Any operation which is not carried out by professionals in accordance with the product specifications will lead to the testing accuracy variations”. Obviously, with such a statement, China has attempted to humiliate the Indian medical professionals by doubting their competence and knowledge level. This is a negative statement made with the intention of evading from the responsibility of a supplier, which needs to be strongly condemned. Earlier, when countries like Spain rejected the test kits from China due to quality issues, China responded by offering to replace them. However, when India rejected test kits, China has termed it an irresponsible decision. Does this mean that China has different yardsticks for different countries and views India’s decision with contempt? It is usual practice for major producers to sub-contract the production to small sub-contractors, if there is a large order beyond the capacity of the producers to supply at the stipulated schedule. Many people now wonder, that faced with the huge order situation, many small Chinese producers could also have produced the test kits as sub-contractors to the major suppliers from China and the quality of these test kits might not have been subjected to strict quality check and control. This aspect needs to be instigated In any case, the main producers and the government of China are accountable for the quality of the test kits, particularly when exported. Instead of merely explaining as to why the test kits have failed to give reliable results in India, Chinese producers should have demonstrated and proved the reliability of the test kits, China has merely called India’s decision as irresponsible. On the other hand, one may not be wrong if he would conclude that only China has been irresponsible. Today, China stands accused as an unrepentant seller, with least regard for the interest of the buyers. India is certainly entitled to reject the test kits, if it is not be satisfied, which is the legitimate and internationally acceptable practice of buyers. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

COVID-19 outbreak: Why China is wrong to blame India for rejecting the 'faulty' test kits

A draft government report predicts that the daily death toll from the coronavirus could reach 3,000 by June 1 — twice the current rate.

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A doctor at an ambulance unit in Russia's western Voronezh region is in serious condition after falling from a hospital window

Third Russian Doctor falls from Hospital's window; Mystery Continues

Coronavirus test kits used in Tanzania were dismissed as faulty by President John Magufuli on Sunday, because he said they had returned positive results on samples taken from a goat.

Tanzania rejects Chinese kits after Goat, Sheep tests positive for COVID-19

Israel has isolated a key coronavirus antibody at its main biological research laboratory, the Israeli defense minister said on Monday, calling the step a “significant breakthrough”

Israel institute isolates COVID-19 antibody; Claims it a 'Significant breakthrough'

Sharp falls in road traffic and industrial emissions have also resulted in 1.3m fewer days of work absence, 6,000 fewer children developing asthma, 1,900 avoided emergency room visits and 600 fewer preterm births

Here's how lockdown improves air quality in Europe

A total of 168,845 New Yorkers have now been diagnosed with the bug, according to statistics from the city’s Department of Health.

What is it like to work as health worker during a pandemic?

The coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented measures to contain its spread are disrupting nearly every aspect of children’s lives: their health, development, learning, behaviour

COVID-19's severe impact on children

Ever since the pandemic broke out Russia was seemingly less effected, the numbers were far less when compared to the countries that were hard hit. But now Covid-19 cases in Russia are growing faster than European nations.

COVID-19: Russian doctors silenced by the government

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-hes-seen-evidence-coronavirus-originated-in-chinese-lab-295950">US President Donald Trump</a> too&nbsp;has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy". The President has claimed that he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory.&nbsp;

However, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-not-man-made-or-genetically-modified-us-intelligence-community-295906">US intelligence community</a> has ruled out the bio-weapon theory behind coronavirus spread. They say their report is work in progress and is based on public material. "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," the community statement said.

Pompeo said that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-increasing-global-backlash-over-coronavirus-warns-internal-report-296619">China has a history of infecting</a> the world and of running 'substandard labs'. The fact is, America was funding this very same 'substandard lab'.

Last month, the US National Institute of Health (NIH) gave&nbsp;$3.7 million dollars to this Wuhan lab. The funding has now been blocked, but it does raise questions on why Washington was supporting what it now calls 'substandard labs.'

Meanwhile, the country in question, China, has launched an all-out attack. Beijing has unleashed its entire state media machinery to discredit the Trump administration.

China is backing up its cartoons with harsh and tough statements from the foreign ministry. Broadcasts on the Chinese media are now devoting prime airtime to bash Mike Pompeo.

The state media is publishing one editorial after another to blast at the US Secretary of State. The shrill exchanges only show how bad things are between the United States and China and how much is at stake.

Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades.&nbsp;

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan.

The US government is now claiming that coronavirus came from a virology lab in Wuhan, China. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday that there was "enormous evidence" that the coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in Wuhan. US President Donald Trump too has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the "invisible enemy". The President has claimed that he had seen evidence that proved the novel coronavirus originated in a laboratory. However, the US intelligence community has ruled out the bio-weapon theory behind coronavirus spread. They say their report is work in progress and is based on public material. "The intelligence community will continue to rigorously examine emerging information and intelligence to determine whether the outbreak began through contact with infected animals or if it was a result of an accident at a laboratory in Wuhan," the community statement said. Pompeo said that China has a history of infecting the world and of running 'substandard labs'. The fact is, America was funding this very same 'substandard lab'. Last month, the US National Institute of Health (NIH) gave $3.7 million dollars to this Wuhan lab. The funding has now been blocked, but it does raise questions on why Washington was supporting what it now calls 'substandard labs.' Meanwhile, the country in question, China, has launched an all-out attack. Beijing has unleashed its entire state media machinery to discredit the Trump administration. China is backing up its cartoons with harsh and tough statements from the foreign ministry. Broadcasts on the Chinese media are now devoting prime airtime to bash Mike Pompeo. The state media is publishing one editorial after another to blast at the US Secretary of State. The shrill exchanges only show how bad things are between the United States and China and how much is at stake. Relations between China and the United States are being seen to be at their worst point in decades.

US-China war of words escalates over COVID-19 origin

Every summer buyers in India patiently wait for the king of fruit, mangoes. But after nearly 30 years mangoes await their buyers.

In India, mangoes await their buyers

World Is One News, WION exclusively speaks to Rahul Chhabra, who is currently serving as India's envoy to Kenya.

WION Exclusively speaks to Rahul Chhabra | Indian envoy to Kenya

Italy plans to conduct antibody tests on 150,000 persons in its 20 regions, under a nationwide campaign beginning on 4 May

Italy to start antibody blood tests on Monday

People in isolation, looking for animal companionship, have started to adopt dogs. And many dogs have made new friends in the volunteers who walk the pets of elderly people.

Abandoned pets find new homes in Moscow

With signs that the spread of the disease is coming under control, parts of Europe, Asia and the United States have begun to lift restrictions to try to inject life into economies.

Italy to re-open with restrictions on May 4

For years, Jiang Zhuoyue enjoyed buying nice things and chasing discounts. In doing so, she filled wardrobe after wardrobe with clothes, shoes, handbags and other luxury items. After the coronavirus outbreak, the former shopaholic has now started to do the opposite.

Chinese former shopaholic empties wardrobes, turns thrifty due to COVID-19 outbreak

The protests were taking place in at least 11 cities, including the capital Sacramento as well as San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.

'Fully Reopen California' demands protestors to lift lockdown

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said "enormous evidence" showed the new coronavirus originated in a lab in China, further fueling tensions with Beijing over its handling of the outbreak.

Pompeo claims evidence shows virus came from China's lab

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic:

(1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market;

(2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory;

(3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory.

The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease because certain vested interests may be affected, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and an effect on ongoing scientific collaboration and research funding. &nbsp;

Viruses, which can undergo frequent mutation, do “jump” from animals to humans after acquiring an ability to infect humans. That may prove to be the case for COVID-19.

Arguing against that conclusion are the facts that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30183-5/fulltext">not visited </a>the Wuhan Seafood Market, there were <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7079563/">no bats</a> in that market and there is no clear evolutionary pathway yet identified that explains the unique features of COVID-19.

The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relatives found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and a coronavirus from the scaly anteater, called pangolins. &nbsp;

There are, however, inconsistencies that do not fully support that claim.

Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340924249_Is_considering_a_genetic-manipulation_origin_for_SARS-CoV-2_a_conspiracy_theory_that_must_be_censored">is closer </a>to that of pangolins.

In addition, there is no explanation for the origin of the furin polybasic cleavage site as represented by the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives yet identified, a structure that is known to enhance <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6832359/">pathogenicity </a>and <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12250-020-00212-7">transmissibility </a>in coronaviruses.

Alternatively, the inconsistencies of the naturally-occurring argument could be resolved if one assumes that COVID-19 was bioengineered.

There are two US&nbsp;patents related to that type of bioengineering, “Methods and Compositions for Chimeric Coronavirus Spike Proteins” and “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof,” patent numbers US9884895B2 and US7223390, respectively.

Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell.

The binding and membrane-fusing capability of COVID-19 resides in a structure called the spike protein, specifically sections of the “S” protein, which contain the receptor-binding domain and the furin polybasic cleavage site.

The bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques for which I provide the following specific examples.

In 2015, Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina, co-patent holder of US9884895B2, and Zheng-Li Shi, the <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-chinas-bat-woman-hunted-down-viruses-from-sars-to-the-new-coronavirus1/">“bat woman” </a>from the Wuhan Institute of Virology jointly published a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nm.3985">scientific article </a>describing the combination of the receptor-binding spike protein from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) and the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic.

The above experiment produced a novel virus, chimera SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test human infectivity.

In 2013, Chinese scientists <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3823846/">demonstrated</a> the capability to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site, similar to that of COVID-19, into a protein, an article which cited US patent “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof.”

One of the authors of that 2013 article, Chinese scientist Shibo Jiang, has a joint appointment at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute in New York and Fudan University in Shanghai and is a long-time collaborator of Zheng-Li Shi and Ralph Baric in coronavirus research.

All of the above is not meant to assign complicity or culpability in any way, but to demonstrate that the bioengineering capability to manufacture COVID-19 clearly exists and should be investigated as its possible origin.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market; (2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory; (3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory.

There are only three possible origins for the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) It is a naturally-occurring disease, where coronaviruses circulating in a bat population mutated and acquired the ability to infect humans, which was then transmitted to people either visiting or working in the Wuhan Seafood Market; (2) A yet unknown and undescribed coronavirus of natural origin, now named COVID-19, was one of the many bat coronaviruses isolated from bat populations by Chinese scientists and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory; (3) COVID-19 was man-made and leaked from a Wuhan laboratory. The Chinese government, the media and some scientists are desperately trying to convince the public that COVID-19 is a naturally-occurring disease because certain vested interests may be affected, including the potentially devastating political and economic consequences for China, global corporate and private investment in China and an effect on ongoing scientific collaboration and research funding. Viruses, which can undergo frequent mutation, do “jump” from animals to humans after acquiring an ability to infect humans. That may prove to be the case for COVID-19. Arguing against that conclusion are the facts that the initial patients hospitalised between December 1-10, 2019 had not visited the Wuhan Seafood Market, there were no bats in that market and there is no clear evolutionary pathway yet identified that explains the unique features of COVID-19. The claim that COVID-19 is naturally-occurring is based nearly entirely on a single, but widely-cited Nature Medicine article entitled “The Proximal Origin of SAR-CoV-2,” which compares the structure of COVID-19 to what the authors consider its closest relatives found in animal populations, specifically, the bat coronavirus RaTG13 and a coronavirus from the scaly anteater, called pangolins. There are, however, inconsistencies that do not fully support that claim. Although COVID-19 bears a striking structural similarity to the bat coronavirus RaTG13, the critical receptor binding domain, which initiates attachment to human cells, is closer to that of pangolins. In addition, there is no explanation for the origin of the furin polybasic cleavage site as represented by the proline-arginine-arginine-alanine (PRRA) amino acid insertion, which does not exist in any of the bat or pangolin close relatives yet identified, a structure that is known to enhance pathogenicity and transmissibility in coronaviruses. Alternatively, the inconsistencies of the naturally-occurring argument could be resolved if one assumes that COVID-19 was bioengineered. There are two US patents related to that type of bioengineering, “Methods and Compositions for Chimeric Coronavirus Spike Proteins” and “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof,” patent numbers US9884895B2 and US7223390, respectively. Viruses rely on the biochemical mechanisms of the host cell they invade to bind and fuse with the host cell membrane and replicate inside the cell. The binding and membrane-fusing capability of COVID-19 resides in a structure called the spike protein, specifically sections of the “S” protein, which contain the receptor-binding domain and the furin polybasic cleavage site. The bioengineering capabilities to “splice” the receptor-binding domain from one virus to another and to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site are both well-established laboratory techniques for which I provide the following specific examples. In 2015, Ralph Baric from the University of North Carolina, co-patent holder of US9884895B2, and Zheng-Li Shi, the “bat woman” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology jointly published a scientific article describing the combination of the receptor-binding spike protein from a newly isolated coronavirus (SHC014) and the “backbone” from SARS-CoV, the coronavirus responsible for the 2002-2003 pandemic. The above experiment produced a novel virus, chimera SHC014-MA15, which showed “robust viral replication both in vitro [cell cultures] and in vivo [animals],” using models adapted to test human infectivity. In 2013, Chinese scientists demonstrated the capability to insert a furin polybasic cleavage site, similar to that of COVID-19, into a protein, an article which cited US patent “Insertion of Furin Protease Cleavage Sites in Membrane Proteins and Uses Thereof.” One of the authors of that 2013 article, Chinese scientist Shibo Jiang, has a joint appointment at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute in New York and Fudan University in Shanghai and is a long-time collaborator of Zheng-Li Shi and Ralph Baric in coronavirus research. All of the above is not meant to assign complicity or culpability in any way, but to demonstrate that the bioengineering capability to manufacture COVID-19 clearly exists and should be investigated as its possible origin. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How US expertise may have inadvertently contributed to COVID-19

Despite losing work amid a nationwide lockdown, Estonian slacklining athlete Jan Roose is using the chance to leap forward in his career.

Estonian slackliner uses lockdown to jump ahead in his career

As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, cinemas across Iran have closed but film fans in Tehran are now able to enjoy screenings at a drive-in cinema.

Tehran opens drive-in cinema as coronavirus restrictions are eased

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.”&nbsp;

We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us.&nbsp;

We need to strongly commit and dedicate ourselves in providing support to communities during these difficult times and salute the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication of all those who are at the forefront of this fight. Our joint commitment to give every possible support to the communities awakens the hope that these consolidated efforts can make a significant difference in these testing times. During the times of a global health crisis, organisations can collaborate with NGO’s which are working extensively to reach out to the affected communities. Providing masks and gloves, creating awareness about the symptoms and precautions, ensuring access to essential commodities are the major intervention areas where the organisations can contribute and extend their support to. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ensuring the health and well-being of the society at large is something all companies must address. Proper nutrition, good dietary habits, and an active lifestyle are integral to maintaining good health. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle during these critical times ensures healthy living and lesser health issues. &nbsp;

In this regard, companies should leverage the network in communities they have built through their societal initiatives. They can use social media and phone calls in collaboration with NGO partners to educate community members on the steps to be taken to prevent COVID-19. Local influencers can be engaged to ensure that the seriousness of the situation is conveyed adequately and that people are more receptive towards the precautionary measures that are to be taken to flatten the curve. These are the measures we are also taking through our network under the Nestlé Healthy Kids Program and for our beneficiaries as part of our Project Jagriti. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

While all of us are doing our best to get through this by isolating ourselves and social distancing, few among us are out on the streets trying to keep the society afloat, trying to help our world heal. Our waste workers are also among these front-line fighters. While the collectors are facing the danger of getting infected every day, the scrap dealers and rag pickers are dealing with lack of work and little or no means to earn their livelihood. However, one common problem that engulfs all kinds of daily wage workers is limited or no access to basic essentials. &nbsp;In collaboration with local stakeholders, we can reach out to these waste workers enabling them to face the COVID-19 crisis by providing essentials, creating awareness and equipping them with safety gears.&nbsp;

Alongside communities, companies must also explore ways to help out their external partners like distributors. The front-line sales force who work for distribution partners is the heroes who are heeding to a call of duty to ensure much-needed products are available for the consumers. Companies should ensure their safety and protect them should any unfortunate COVID-19 related event befall them. &nbsp;

We must understand, this pandemic has affected everyone on a personal level. The need of the hour is to work collectively towards adding value to the overall societal effort to combat the impact of the virus. We must be committed towards the human beings around us and be consistent towards ensuring their well-being at this point of time.&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.” We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us.

Nelson Mandela once said, “when people are determined they can overcome anything.” We truly are faced with an unprecedented public health emergency. But at times like these, more than ever, we can come together and create a meaningful impact in the communities around us. We need to strongly commit and dedicate ourselves in providing support to communities during these difficult times and salute the sacrifice, perseverance and dedication of all those who are at the forefront of this fight. Our joint commitment to give every possible support to the communities awakens the hope that these consolidated efforts can make a significant difference in these testing times. During the times of a global health crisis, organisations can collaborate with NGO’s which are working extensively to reach out to the affected communities. Providing masks and gloves, creating awareness about the symptoms and precautions, ensuring access to essential commodities are the major intervention areas where the organisations can contribute and extend their support to. Ensuring the health and well-being of the society at large is something all companies must address. Proper nutrition, good dietary habits, and an active lifestyle are integral to maintaining good health. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle during these critical times ensures healthy living and lesser health issues. In this regard, companies should leverage the network in communities they have built through their societal initiatives. They can use social media and phone calls in collaboration with NGO partners to educate community members on the steps to be taken to prevent COVID-19. Local influencers can be engaged to ensure that the seriousness of the situation is conveyed adequately and that people are more receptive towards the precautionary measures that are to be taken to flatten the curve. These are the measures we are also taking through our network under the Nestlé Healthy Kids Program and for our beneficiaries as part of our Project Jagriti. While all of us are doing our best to get through this by isolating ourselves and social distancing, few among us are out on the streets trying to keep the society afloat, trying to help our world heal. Our waste workers are also among these front-line fighters. While the collectors are facing the danger of getting infected every day, the scrap dealers and rag pickers are dealing with lack of work and little or no means to earn their livelihood. However, one common problem that engulfs all kinds of daily wage workers is limited or no access to basic essentials. In collaboration with local stakeholders, we can reach out to these waste workers enabling them to face the COVID-19 crisis by providing essentials, creating awareness and equipping them with safety gears. Alongside communities, companies must also explore ways to help out their external partners like distributors. The front-line sales force who work for distribution partners is the heroes who are heeding to a call of duty to ensure much-needed products are available for the consumers. Companies should ensure their safety and protect them should any unfortunate COVID-19 related event befall them. We must understand, this pandemic has affected everyone on a personal level. The need of the hour is to work collectively towards adding value to the overall societal effort to combat the impact of the virus. We must be committed towards the human beings around us and be consistent towards ensuring their well-being at this point of time. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Coronavirus outbreak: How leading organisations can contribute to the community during a pandemic

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 42,533. The death toll has increased to 1,373 as India recorded 72 deaths in last 24 hours.

India records 72 deaths, 2,553 cases in last 24 hours

ndia's manufacturing activity declined at its sharpest pace on record in April as the lockdown announced by the government to curb the rapid spread of the deadly COVID-19

India's factory activity slumps to record low in April

Widespread testing, intensive contact tracing and tracking apps have enabled South Korea to limit the spread of the pandemic with social distancing rather than lengthy lockdowns.

South Korea emerges as a role model for the world?

Just weeks after Philip was born on December 5, 2019, his twin brother Samuel died of the Spanish Flu, which killed 50 million people globally and about 675,000 in the United States

Two deadly pandemics kill twin brothers 100 years apart

The country has had one of the worst outbreaks with more than 24,500 deaths. In mid-March it imposed one of the strictest lockdowns in the world

Spain Eases strict Lockdown Restrictions

Sweden's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell has become the unlikely subject of a tattoo, immortalised on the arm of one of his fans, Gustav Lloyd Agerblad.

Swedes agree with Tegnell's COVID-19 strategy for Sweden

Spain was one of the worst-hit countries in Europe. However, the country reported the lowest daily death toll, of 164 people, since March 18. Spaniards lived the best of these two days of the weekend, as the country eased out restrictions of lockdown. Healthy adults were allowed to head outdoors to play sports and take walks for the first time in seven weeks.

Spain eases lockdown restrictions, only unavoidable commuting allowed

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