China will resume issuing visas to tourists and other foreigners from March 15 marking a step in the country’s move to leave its strict Covid restrictions behind, China’s embassy in the US said in a statement. With this, visa-free entry will resume into Guangdong province for foreigners in groups from Hong Kong and Macau and for those on cruise ships stopping in Shanghai, the statement added.

China to resume issuing all visa types for first time since 2020

Li Qiang is china’s new premier. Xi Jinping nominated Li Qing during the ongoing annual meeting of china's rubber-stamp parliament. As premier, Li Qing will manage the world's second-largest economy. 63-year-old Li Qing is a close ally of Xi Jinping and served as his chief of staff between 2004 and 2007. Back then, Xi Jinping was the provincial party secretary of eastern china's Zhejiang province. The incoming premier is widely perceived to be pragmatic and business-friendly. The Chinese economy is still emerging from the coronavirus pandemic. Weak global demand for exports, lingering U.S Tariff hikes, a shrinking workforce, and an aging population have compounded economic woes. Li Qiang will take office amid rising tensions with the west. The U.S. Is moving to block Beijing's access to key technologies. Many global companies are diversifying supply chains to hedge their china exposure. China's economy grew just 3% last year.

China appoints Xi Jinping loyalist as new Premier | Biggest government reshuffle in a decade

The speed at which Covid swept through China’s vast population since early December took the world by surprise. Now, the sudden decline in deaths in the country is also raising eyebrows. Watch the video to know more.

What will China do with it's COVID-19 data?

Britain's Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said Monday. This is the second time she has caught the disease. 
 
"After suffering the symptoms of a cold, Her Majesty The Queen Consort has tested positive for the Covid virus," said a statement from the palace. As a result, she has cancelled all public engagements for this week.

It is almost a year since Camilla, 75, tested positive for the virus for the first time, a few days after her husband -- then Prince Charles -- caught the disease. Both Charles and Camilla had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot, and Camilla had contracted the virus once in February last year.

The palace has not changed King Charles's appointments so far. The royal couple has urged people to get the Covid vaccine and have both had their booster jabs.

Britain's Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said Monday. This is the second time she has caught the disease.

Britain's Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said Monday. This is the second time she has caught the disease. "After suffering the symptoms of a cold, Her Majesty The Queen Consort has tested positive for the Covid virus," said a statement from the palace. As a result, she has cancelled all public engagements for this week. It is almost a year since Camilla, 75, tested positive for the virus for the first time, a few days after her husband -- then Prince Charles -- caught the disease. Both Charles and Camilla had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot, and Camilla had contracted the virus once in February last year. The palace has not changed King Charles's appointments so far. The royal couple has urged people to get the Covid vaccine and have both had their booster jabs.

UK Queen Consort Camilla tests positive for Covid again, cancels visits

Three years into the Covid-19 pandemic and it seems like Hollywood is still figuring out how to give each other Golden Statues without creating a potential super spreader event. A no. of celebrities have been tested Covid positive after attending the Golden Globe Awards last week.

Several Celebrities announce being Covid positive after attending Golden Globe Awards

COVID-19 has spread globally since its discovery in Hubei province, China in December 2019. Let's have a look as to what are the causes of creation of the new virus variants.

What causes the creation of new virus variants?

Hong Kong is set to cancel its stringent Covid19 norms, which means that arrivals are no longer required to do mandatory PCR Tests and the city's vaccine pass would also be scrapped. However, masks are still mandatory in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong scraps on-arrival PCR Test and vaccine pass

With the number of the Covid cases soaring in various nations, India stepped up for genome sequencing of Covid positive cases. States have been requested to ensure that samples are sent to the labs on daily basis. Watch to know further.

India is focusing on genome sequencing as the latest move amid Covid surge in other countries

Europe may soon face a 'cancer epidemic' unless urgent action is taken to boost treatment and research of the disease. According to a report, an estimated 1 million diagnoses were missed due to the pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
A report in The Guardian states that the healthcare sector focused on COVID-19 which affected cancer research and treatment across the continent. Experts feel if it is not addressed urgently, it may set back cancer outcomes by almost a decade.&nbsp; 
 
A report, European Groundshot – Addressing Europe’s Cancer Research Challenges: a Lancet Oncology Commission brought together a wide range of patient, scientific, and healthcare experts with detailed knowledge of cancer across Europe. 
 
One of the major side effects of the pandemic was the adverse effects of rapid repurposing of health services and lockdowns have had on cancer services, cancer research, and on patients with cancer.&nbsp; 
 
“To emphasize the scale of this problem, we estimate that about 1 million cancer diagnoses might have been missed across Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic,” experts wrote in The Lancet Oncology. “There is emerging evidence that a higher proportion of patients are diagnosed with later cancer stages compared with pre-pandemic rates as a result of substantial delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This cancer stage shift will continue to stress European cancer systems for years to come.” 
 
"These issues will ultimately compromise survival and contribute to inferior quality of life for many European patients with cancer." 
 
The report states that clinicians found 1.5 million fewer patients with cancer in the first year of the pandemic. The report also states that one in two patients with cancer did not receive timely surgery or chemotherapy.&nbsp; 
 
About 100 million screenings were missed, and it is estimated that as many as 1 million European citizens may have undiagnosed cancer as a result of the backlog. 
 
“We estimate that approximately 1 million cancer diagnoses were missed across Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Prof Mark Lawler, of Queen’s University Belfast, the chair and lead author of the commission. “We are in a race against time to find those missing cancers.” 
 
The report also highlights that the pandemic has also affected the desired funding that is needed for cancer prevention efforts and research.&nbsp; 
 
The report points out that the greater the prevention, the more it would reduce the number of people affected by the deadly disease and therefore lead to availability of more resources for those who do require treatment.

Europe may soon face a 'cancer epidemic' unless urgent action is taken to boost treatment and research of the disease. According to a report, an estimated 1 million diagnoses were missed due to the pandemic.

Europe may soon face a 'cancer epidemic' unless urgent action is taken to boost treatment and research of the disease. According to a report, an estimated 1 million diagnoses were missed due to the pandemic. A report in The Guardian states that the healthcare sector focused on COVID-19 which affected cancer research and treatment across the continent. Experts feel if it is not addressed urgently, it may set back cancer outcomes by almost a decade. A report, European Groundshot – Addressing Europe’s Cancer Research Challenges: a Lancet Oncology Commission brought together a wide range of patient, scientific, and healthcare experts with detailed knowledge of cancer across Europe. One of the major side effects of the pandemic was the adverse effects of rapid repurposing of health services and lockdowns have had on cancer services, cancer research, and on patients with cancer. “To emphasize the scale of this problem, we estimate that about 1 million cancer diagnoses might have been missed across Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic,” experts wrote in The Lancet Oncology. “There is emerging evidence that a higher proportion of patients are diagnosed with later cancer stages compared with pre-pandemic rates as a result of substantial delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This cancer stage shift will continue to stress European cancer systems for years to come.” "These issues will ultimately compromise survival and contribute to inferior quality of life for many European patients with cancer." The report states that clinicians found 1.5 million fewer patients with cancer in the first year of the pandemic. The report also states that one in two patients with cancer did not receive timely surgery or chemotherapy. About 100 million screenings were missed, and it is estimated that as many as 1 million European citizens may have undiagnosed cancer as a result of the backlog. “We estimate that approximately 1 million cancer diagnoses were missed across Europe during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Prof Mark Lawler, of Queen’s University Belfast, the chair and lead author of the commission. “We are in a race against time to find those missing cancers.” The report also highlights that the pandemic has also affected the desired funding that is needed for cancer prevention efforts and research. The report points out that the greater the prevention, the more it would reduce the number of people affected by the deadly disease and therefore lead to availability of more resources for those who do require treatment.

Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe?

Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet. After reporting more than 1,500 cases in the previous three weeks despite numerous rounds of mandatory mass testing in the city’s population, authorities planned a week of “static control” at the beginning of June. The limitations were supposed to be lifted on Monday, but the number of cases has risen, the Macau govt said that there had been 1,733 cases reported since the outbreak began, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The Macau administration declared a ‘static management’ on Saturday (July 16) and will continue till Friday (July 22).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-macau-announces-shutdown-of-casinos-and-businesses-for-one-week-496110">COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week</a>

All residents are required to remain at home, with the exception of going shopping for daily essentials and getting themselves tested for the virus. Violators might face up in prison for two years.

After city officials stated that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown, this might create financial hardships for the residents.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China gaming shares plunge as Macau shuts all its Casinos to curb Covid spread

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Greater than Las Vegas’ casino industry, Macau’s casino sector contributes to nearly one-fifth of the city’s employment and accounts for more than half of the GDP.

Despite the relatively low number of cases reported each day by international standards, authorities have responded fast to stop transmission in accordance with mainland China’s rigorous zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-uses-two-more-casino-hotels-for-covid-19-medical-facilities-495580">Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities</a>

Macau the city in China where gambling is legal has been some of the world’s strongest anti-measures such as strict border controls, lengthy quarantines, and targeted lockdowns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet.

Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet. After reporting more than 1,500 cases in the previous three weeks despite numerous rounds of mandatory mass testing in the city’s population, authorities planned a week of “static control” at the beginning of June. The limitations were supposed to be lifted on Monday, but the number of cases has risen, the Macau govt said that there had been 1,733 cases reported since the outbreak began, AFP reported. The Macau administration declared a ‘static management’ on Saturday (July 16) and will continue till Friday (July 22). Also read | COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week All residents are required to remain at home, with the exception of going shopping for daily essentials and getting themselves tested for the virus. Violators might face up in prison for two years. After city officials stated that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown, this might create financial hardships for the residents. Watch | China gaming shares plunge as Macau shuts all its Casinos to curb Covid spread Greater than Las Vegas’ casino industry, Macau’s casino sector contributes to nearly one-fifth of the city’s employment and accounts for more than half of the GDP. Despite the relatively low number of cases reported each day by international standards, authorities have responded fast to stop transmission in accordance with mainland China’s rigorous zero-Covid policy. Also read | Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities Macau the city in China where gambling is legal has been some of the world’s strongest anti-measures such as strict border controls, lengthy quarantines, and targeted lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Macau to extend its partial lockdown for one week

Back in November last year when the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first identified, many experts and scientists claimed that the variant is mild and not as dangerous as its predecessors Delta and Alpha.

Now, a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has found that the risk of hospitalisation and mortality between Omicron and previous waves was "nearly identical".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/severe-covid-may-result-in-cognitive-ability-dropping-by-10-iq-points-study-476336" hreflang="en">Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study</a>

"Our analysis suggests that the intrinsic severity of the Omicron variant may be as severe as previous variants."

The variant was first detected in South Africa and previous studies have reported that it is more transmissible than other variants.

Conducted in multiple countries, these studies also claimed that the variant is less severe, leading to a lower number of hospitalisations and deaths.

Watch |&nbsp;Beijing imposes stringent curbs amid rapid rise in COVID-19 cases

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Scientists integrated state-level vaccination data with quality-controlled electronic health records from a large healthcare system in Massachusetts, which included 13 hospitals, for the study.

The researchers then conducted a weighted case-control study on approximately 130,000 Covid patients to examine the risks of hospitalisation and fatality across the SARS-CoV-2 waves.

Previous waves appeared to have higher unadjusted rates of hospital admission and mortality than the Omicron period.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-discovers-why-covid-impacted-some-children-more-than-others-475827" hreflang="en">Study discovers why Covid impacted some children more than others</a>

However, after controlling for variables such as demography and vaccination status, the researchers concluded that "the Omicron variant was as deadly as previous SARS-CoV-2 waves," according to the study's authors, which included MGH's Zachary H. Strasse.

While previous reports have made note of Omicron's vaccine evading properties this new study provides evidence that the vaccines helped people escape its worst effects.

(With inputs from agencies)

Back in November last year when the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first identified, many experts and scientists claimed that the variant is mild and not as dangerous as its predecessors Delta and Alpha.

Back in November last year when the Omicron variant of COVID-19 was first identified, many experts and scientists claimed that the variant is mild and not as dangerous as its predecessors Delta and Alpha. Now, a study led by Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has found that the risk of hospitalisation and mortality between Omicron and previous waves was "nearly identical". Also read | Severe Covid infection may affect thinking similar to 20 years of ageing: Study "Our analysis suggests that the intrinsic severity of the Omicron variant may be as severe as previous variants." The variant was first detected in South Africa and previous studies have reported that it is more transmissible than other variants. Conducted in multiple countries, these studies also claimed that the variant is less severe, leading to a lower number of hospitalisations and deaths. Watch | Beijing imposes stringent curbs amid rapid rise in COVID-19 cases Scientists integrated state-level vaccination data with quality-controlled electronic health records from a large healthcare system in Massachusetts, which included 13 hospitals, for the study. The researchers then conducted a weighted case-control study on approximately 130,000 Covid patients to examine the risks of hospitalisation and fatality across the SARS-CoV-2 waves. Previous waves appeared to have higher unadjusted rates of hospital admission and mortality than the Omicron period. Also read | Study discovers why Covid impacted some children more than others However, after controlling for variables such as demography and vaccination status, the researchers concluded that "the Omicron variant was as deadly as previous SARS-CoV-2 waves," according to the study's authors, which included MGH's Zachary H. Strasse. While previous reports have made note of Omicron's vaccine evading properties this new study provides evidence that the vaccines helped people escape its worst effects. (With inputs from agencies)

Study finds Omicron variant of Covid is as severe as Delta variant

India expressed strong opposition on Thursday to the World Health Organization's (WHO) use of mathematical models to project excess mortality estimates linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

Citing the lack of authentic data, the country questioned the validity and robustness of the models used as well as the data collection methodology.

As per WHO estimates India has 4.7 million Covid deaths, which is ten times the official amount and accounts for nearly a third of all Covid deaths worldwide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-warns-world-is-blind-to-how-covid-is-mutating-after-safrica-reports-two-new-omicron-variants-476547" hreflang="en">After S.Africa reports two new Omicron variants, WHO chief warns world is blind to Covid mutations</a>

In total the organisation estimates that approximately 15 million people died in the past two years as a result of the coronavirus or its impact on overburdened health systems. This is more than double the official death toll of 6 million.&nbsp;

Union Health Ministry in its statement said that India has frequently objected to the WHO's methodology for projecting excess death figures based on mathematical models.

"Despite India's objection to the process, methodology and outcome of this modelling exercise," the statement added, "WHO has released the excess mortality estimates without adequately addressing India's concerns."

India further informed the WHO that due to the availability of accurate data released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) through the Civil Registration System (CRS), mathematical models should not be utilised to predict excess mortality numbers for India.

Watch |&nbsp;Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports

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India had questioned the WHO's standards and assumptions for classifying nations into Tier I and II, as well as the very foundation for classifying India into Tier II countries.

According to the statement, India does not deserve to be classified as a Tier II country because of the accuracy of mortality data obtained through an effective and comprehensive statutory system.

"WHO till date has not responded to India's contention. India has consistently questioned WHO's own admission that data in respect of seventeen Indian states was obtained from some websites and media reports and was used in their mathematical model."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-covid-death-toll-tripled-than-actually-reported-in-2020-21-says-who-476572" hreflang="en">15 million: World’s Covid death toll triple than actually reported in 2020-21, says WHO</a>

"This reflects a statistically unsound and scientifically questionable methodology of data collection for making excess mortality projections in case of India," the statement stated.

Because of its size, diversity, and population of 1.3 billion people, the country has always opposed the implementation of a "one size fits all" approach and model, which may be appropriate to smaller countries but not to India, it claims.

India expressed strong opposition on Thursday to the World Health Organization's (WHO) use of mathematical models to project excess mortality estimates linked to the coronavirus pandemic.

India expressed strong opposition on Thursday to the World Health Organization's (WHO) use of mathematical models to project excess mortality estimates linked to the coronavirus pandemic. Citing the lack of authentic data, the country questioned the validity and robustness of the models used as well as the data collection methodology. As per WHO estimates India has 4.7 million Covid deaths, which is ten times the official amount and accounts for nearly a third of all Covid deaths worldwide. Also read | After S.Africa reports two new Omicron variants, WHO chief warns world is blind to Covid mutations In total the organisation estimates that approximately 15 million people died in the past two years as a result of the coronavirus or its impact on overburdened health systems. This is more than double the official death toll of 6 million. Union Health Ministry in its statement said that India has frequently objected to the WHO's methodology for projecting excess death figures based on mathematical models. "Despite India's objection to the process, methodology and outcome of this modelling exercise," the statement added, "WHO has released the excess mortality estimates without adequately addressing India's concerns." India further informed the WHO that due to the availability of accurate data released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) through the Civil Registration System (CRS), mathematical models should not be utilised to predict excess mortality numbers for India. Watch | Cognitive abilities can decline due to severe covid: Reports India had questioned the WHO's standards and assumptions for classifying nations into Tier I and II, as well as the very foundation for classifying India into Tier II countries. According to the statement, India does not deserve to be classified as a Tier II country because of the accuracy of mortality data obtained through an effective and comprehensive statutory system. "WHO till date has not responded to India's contention. India has consistently questioned WHO's own admission that data in respect of seventeen Indian states was obtained from some websites and media reports and was used in their mathematical model." Also read | 15 million: World’s Covid death toll triple than actually reported in 2020-21, says WHO "This reflects a statistically unsound and scientifically questionable methodology of data collection for making excess mortality projections in case of India," the statement stated. Because of its size, diversity, and population of 1.3 billion people, the country has always opposed the implementation of a "one size fits all" approach and model, which may be appropriate to smaller countries but not to India, it claims.

India calls WHO data collection methodology 'unsound and scientifically questionable'

Even while the coronavirus wreaked devastation on the world, there was one minor fact that gave some consolation to people all across the world: it didn't have a particularly adverse effect&nbsp;on children.

However, doctors were soon&nbsp;perplexed by uncommon and severe responses to the virus in certain children. Symptoms included lung disease, blood clotting, heart damage, inflammation of the brain and acute respiratory distress syndrome, a type of lung disease.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/claims-of-an-ancient-human-in-the-modern-era-shake-the-scientific-community-heres-what-you-need-to-know-475313" hreflang="en">Claims of an ancient human in the modern era shake the scientific community. Here's what you need to know</a>

Now, a study published in the journal Nature Communications claims to have discovered pathways that are activated in these severe cases in children.

This advancement has the potential of leading to an earlier diagnosis and can also enable targeted treatments.

As per the researchers, the main triggers were blood-clotting and the immune system protein's reaction to the virus.

"Children are in general less susceptible to COVID-19 and present with milder symptoms, but it remained unclear what caused some to develop very severe disease,"&nbsp;said Conor McCafferty, a PhD student at the Australia's University of Melbourne.

Watch |&nbsp;Covid-19 in China: Authorities in Beijing impose strict covid curbs

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According to PTI,&nbsp;McCafferty also claims, that their study was the first to identify the exact blood clotting and immunological protein pathways damaged in youngsters.

Blood samples from 20 healthy children and 33 SARS-CoV-2 infected children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome or acute respiratory distress syndrome were collected for the study.

It discovered that 85 proteins were unique to multisystem inflammatory disease and 52 proteins were unique to acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. Severe COVID-19 has the potential to cause both disorders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-subvariants-can-overcome-natural-immunity-trigger-new-wave-study-475595" hreflang="en">Omicron Covid subvariants can overcome natural immunity, trigger new wave: Study</a>

ccording to Professor Vera Ignjatovic of Australia's Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI),"the results provided an understanding of the processes that underly severe COVID-19 in children, which would help in the development of diagnostic tests for early identification of children at risk, as well as therapeutic targets to improve the outcomes for those with severe cases."&nbsp;

"Knowing the mechanisms associated with severe COVID-19 in children and how the blood clotting and immune systems in children react to the virus will help diagnose and detect acute COVID-19 cases and allow us to develop targeted treatment," Ignjatovic added.

Watch WION LIVE HERE:

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(With inputs from agencies)

Even while the coronavirus wreaked devastation on the world, there was one minor fact that gave some consolation to people all across the world: it didn't have a particularly adverse effect on children.

Even while the coronavirus wreaked devastation on the world, there was one minor fact that gave some consolation to people all across the world: it didn't have a particularly adverse effect on children. However, doctors were soon perplexed by uncommon and severe responses to the virus in certain children. Symptoms included lung disease, blood clotting, heart damage, inflammation of the brain and acute respiratory distress syndrome, a type of lung disease. Also read | Claims of an ancient human in the modern era shake the scientific community. Here's what you need to know Now, a study published in the journal Nature Communications claims to have discovered pathways that are activated in these severe cases in children. This advancement has the potential of leading to an earlier diagnosis and can also enable targeted treatments. As per the researchers, the main triggers were blood-clotting and the immune system protein's reaction to the virus. "Children are in general less susceptible to COVID-19 and present with milder symptoms, but it remained unclear what caused some to develop very severe disease," said Conor McCafferty, a PhD student at the Australia's University of Melbourne. Watch | Covid-19 in China: Authorities in Beijing impose strict covid curbs According to PTI, McCafferty also claims, that their study was the first to identify the exact blood clotting and immunological protein pathways damaged in youngsters. Blood samples from 20 healthy children and 33 SARS-CoV-2 infected children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome or acute respiratory distress syndrome were collected for the study. It discovered that 85 proteins were unique to multisystem inflammatory disease and 52 proteins were unique to acute respiratory distress syndrome, respectively. Severe COVID-19 has the potential to cause both disorders. Also read | Omicron Covid subvariants can overcome natural immunity, trigger new wave: Study ccording to Professor Vera Ignjatovic of Australia's Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI),"the results provided an understanding of the processes that underly severe COVID-19 in children, which would help in the development of diagnostic tests for early identification of children at risk, as well as therapeutic targets to improve the outcomes for those with severe cases." "Knowing the mechanisms associated with severe COVID-19 in children and how the blood clotting and immune systems in children react to the virus will help diagnose and detect acute COVID-19 cases and allow us to develop targeted treatment," Ignjatovic added. Watch WION LIVE HERE: (With inputs from agencies)

Study discovers why Covid impacted some children more than others

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases.

The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-three-arrested-for-trafficking-arms-for-terrorists-474521">Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists</a>

The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report.&nbsp;

So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West

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Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/to-ensure-healthy-eating-india-may-make-food-labelling-mandatory-474505">To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory</a>

As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities.

The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled.

(With inputs from agencies)

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry.

India reported 3,303 new coronavirus cases on Thursday bringing the total number of cases to 4,30,68,799 cases with 16,980 active cases, as per the data released from the Union health ministry. In the last 24 hours, the active covid-19 caseload has grown by 701 cases. The death toll has risen to 5,23,693 cases with 39 more deaths according to the data updated by the ministry this morning at 8 am. According to the ministry, the daily positivity rate was 0.66 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 0.61 per cent. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir: Three arrested for trafficking arms for terrorists The number of persons who have recovered from the sickness has risen to 4,25,28,126 with a case fatality rate of 1.22 per cent, according to the report. So far, more than 188.40 crore doses of covid vaccine have been administered across the country as part of the state-wide vaccination programme. Watch | Gravitas: India slams UNSC 'reform' backed by the West Kerala has 36 new deaths, with one each from Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Out of the total 5,23,693 deaths reported in the country so far, 1,47,838 people in Maharashtra, 68,952 in Kerala, 26,170 in Delhi, 23,506 in Uttar Pradesh, and 21,201 in West Bengal. Telangana registered 49 new covid cases on Wednesday, bring the total number of cases in the state to reach 7,91,906. Also read | To ensure healthy eating, India may make food labelling mandatory As per the ministry, more than 70 per cent deaths have been caused by comorbidities. The ministry said on its website, "Our data are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research,” and figures from states are being verified and reconciled. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India records more than 3,000 new cases and 39 deaths

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorisation to a Covid diagnostic test that uses breath samples to provide a positive or a negative result.

Called the ‘InspectIR’, this breath analyser Covid test detects chemical compounds associated with coronavirus in breath samples.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645" hreflang="en">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health said, “today’s authorisation is yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.”&nbsp;

“The FDA continues to support the development of novel COVID-19 tests with the goal of advancing technologies that can help address the current pandemic and better position the US for the next public health emergency,” he added.

The test, which is the size of carry-on luggage, can show the result in less than three minutes.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Shanghai Covid Outbreak: Indian consulate "inaccessible"

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The FDA explained how the test is to be used. It must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider and can be performed in settings where the patient samples are both collected and analysed, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, and mobile testing locations.

InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyser's performance was tested and validated in a comprehensive study of 2,409 people. The study included both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. As per the FDA website, the test had 91.2 per cent sensitivity (the percentage of positive samples correctly identified) and 99.3 per cent&nbsp;specificity (the percentage of negative samples correctly identified) in the trial.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/what-is-myocarditis-a-rare-complication-of-covid-19-and-non-covid-vaccination-470438" hreflang="en">What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations</a>

“InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” said the agency.

“At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.”

(With inputs from agencies)

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorisation to a Covid diagnostic test that uses breath samples to provide a positive or a negative result.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given emergency use authorisation to a Covid diagnostic test that uses breath samples to provide a positive or a negative result. Called the ‘InspectIR’, this breath analyser Covid test detects chemical compounds associated with coronavirus in breath samples. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health said, “today’s authorisation is yet another example of the rapid innovation occurring with diagnostic tests for COVID-19.” “The FDA continues to support the development of novel COVID-19 tests with the goal of advancing technologies that can help address the current pandemic and better position the US for the next public health emergency,” he added. The test, which is the size of carry-on luggage, can show the result in less than three minutes. Watch | Gravitas: Shanghai Covid Outbreak: Indian consulate "inaccessible" The FDA explained how the test is to be used. It must be carried out under the supervision of a licensed health care provider and can be performed in settings where the patient samples are both collected and analysed, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, and mobile testing locations. InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyser's performance was tested and validated in a comprehensive study of 2,409 people. The study included both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. As per the FDA website, the test had 91.2 per cent sensitivity (the percentage of positive samples correctly identified) and 99.3 per cent specificity (the percentage of negative samples correctly identified) in the trial. Also read | What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations “InspectIR expects to be able to produce approximately 100 instruments per week, which can each be used to evaluate approximately 160 samples per day,” said the agency. “At this level of production, testing capacity using the InspectIR COVID-19 Breathalyzer is expected to increase by approximately 64,000 samples per month.” (With inputs from agencies)

US FDA approves emergency use of first Covid test that uses breath samples

America’s attempt to vaccinate the world against COVID is about to come to an end.

“We are at a point now where without additional funding we are going to have to start winding down our programming,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, the leader of the United States Agency for International Development’s COVID-19 task force. Such funding does not appear to be forthcoming. Our gruesomely dysfunctional politics are going to lead to more illness and death across the globe, and we’re increasing the odds that a new viral mutation will once again upend American life. If it does, we might call it the filibuster variant.

Even for a body as broken and ineffectual as Congress, this level of self-sabotage is hard to fathom. “The biggest risk we face domestically and globally is more new variants,” said Konyndyk. Such variants, he said, are most likely to emerge in chronically immunocompromised populations, including people living with diseases like HIV and tuberculosis; because they have trouble clearing the coronavirus, it lingers and has more opportunities to evolve.

“That’s likely where omicron came from, quite possibly where delta came from,” Konyndyk said. “So making sure that we are targeting those populations for vaccination and then targeting them with the rollout of antivirals is the best insurance policy we have against new variants. It’s not foolproof, but it’s the best we can do.”

But it seems we are not going to do it. Part of the blame for this lies with House Democrats. Far more belongs to Senate Republicans.

The Democrats miscalculated last month when, amid internal dissension, they stripped a $15.6 billion COVID aid package from the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill. Senate Republicans had insisted that the COVID aid come from money that was already appropriated but unspent. So congressional leaders devised a scheme drawing $7 billion from funds that had been set aside for state and local governments in last year’s American Rescue Plan.

House Democrats — as well as governors in both parties — had good reason to object, because state and local lawmakers had made their budgets with that money in mind. Twenty states got their American Rescue Plan money all at once, but in the remaining 30 states it was supposed to come in two tranches. Those states were suddenly looking at substantial budget cuts.

“A bunch of House members said no, we’re not going to vote to cut our own state budgets and have to go home and explain why we’ve cut these budgets,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

After a revolt among her own members, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was forced to pull the COVID aid from the omnibus bill. But if House Democrats thought they would get another chance to negotiate international COVID funds, they underestimated the nihilism of the Republican Party.

Because of the filibuster, Senate Democrats need 10 Republicans to support a stand-alone COVID bill, and Republicans are balking at more money for international COVID programs. “I’m frankly struggling,” Chris Coons, a Democratic senator known for his commitment to bipartisanship, said of trying to negotiate an agreement. He describes a basic disagreement between the caucuses over the threat posed by COVID. A number of his Republican colleagues, said Coons, have told him, “We’re done with this pandemic.”

Since they are largely indifferent to whether additional COVID funding passes, some Republicans have used it as leverage in their demand for tougher border policies. They are holding up authorization of any more COVID aid unless the administration reinstates Title 42, a policy adopted in 2020 to rapidly expel migrants without letting them apply for asylum, all in the name of protecting public health.

The USAID funding is not fungible — the agency can’t simply transfer resources from other programs to keep its vaccine program going, or to start providing antivirals like Paxlovid. As a last-ditch measure, Coons tried to get Republicans to agree to give the agency emergency authority to move its own money around to address the pandemic, but he couldn’t get enough of them onboard.

As a result of this intransigence, many of the vaccine doses America already donated could go to waste. At this point, there’s no longer a global vaccine shortage — the problem is that many countries lack the infrastructure required to transport and administer them. The impasse in the Senate, Coons said, means we aren’t delivering millions of vaccine shots that we have already paid for.

Coons holds out hope that there could be a breakthrough in the Senate in three or four weeks, after it returns from recess. But it’s not easy to restart programs once they have been stopped, and in the meantime, we are pointlessly imperiling both our own health and the health of people all over the planet.

There’s also a political cost to abandoning the rest of the world on COVID. At a time of renewed great-power competition, America’s effective vaccines could give us a diplomatic advantage. Last year, said Coons, “both Russia and China made big fanfares about delivering planeloads of vaccines to dozens of countries in the developing world. Those vaccines are ineffective against omicron. Our vaccines are effective.” Our Congress, unfortunately, is not.

America’s attempt to vaccinate the world against COVID is about to come to an end. “We are at a point now where without additional funding we are going to have to start winding down our programming,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, the leader of the United States Agency for International Development’s COVID-19 task force.

America’s attempt to vaccinate the world against COVID is about to come to an end. “We are at a point now where without additional funding we are going to have to start winding down our programming,” said Jeremy Konyndyk, the leader of the United States Agency for International Development’s COVID-19 task force. Such funding does not appear to be forthcoming. Our gruesomely dysfunctional politics are going to lead to more illness and death across the globe, and we’re increasing the odds that a new viral mutation will once again upend American life. If it does, we might call it the filibuster variant. Even for a body as broken and ineffectual as Congress, this level of self-sabotage is hard to fathom. “The biggest risk we face domestically and globally is more new variants,” said Konyndyk. Such variants, he said, are most likely to emerge in chronically immunocompromised populations, including people living with diseases like HIV and tuberculosis; because they have trouble clearing the coronavirus, it lingers and has more opportunities to evolve. “That’s likely where omicron came from, quite possibly where delta came from,” Konyndyk said. “So making sure that we are targeting those populations for vaccination and then targeting them with the rollout of antivirals is the best insurance policy we have against new variants. It’s not foolproof, but it’s the best we can do.” But it seems we are not going to do it. Part of the blame for this lies with House Democrats. Far more belongs to Senate Republicans. The Democrats miscalculated last month when, amid internal dissension, they stripped a $15.6 billion COVID aid package from the $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill. Senate Republicans had insisted that the COVID aid come from money that was already appropriated but unspent. So congressional leaders devised a scheme drawing $7 billion from funds that had been set aside for state and local governments in last year’s American Rescue Plan. House Democrats — as well as governors in both parties — had good reason to object, because state and local lawmakers had made their budgets with that money in mind. Twenty states got their American Rescue Plan money all at once, but in the remaining 30 states it was supposed to come in two tranches. Those states were suddenly looking at substantial budget cuts. “A bunch of House members said no, we’re not going to vote to cut our own state budgets and have to go home and explain why we’ve cut these budgets,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. After a revolt among her own members, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was forced to pull the COVID aid from the omnibus bill. But if House Democrats thought they would get another chance to negotiate international COVID funds, they underestimated the nihilism of the Republican Party. Because of the filibuster, Senate Democrats need 10 Republicans to support a stand-alone COVID bill, and Republicans are balking at more money for international COVID programs. “I’m frankly struggling,” Chris Coons, a Democratic senator known for his commitment to bipartisanship, said of trying to negotiate an agreement. He describes a basic disagreement between the caucuses over the threat posed by COVID. A number of his Republican colleagues, said Coons, have told him, “We’re done with this pandemic.” Since they are largely indifferent to whether additional COVID funding passes, some Republicans have used it as leverage in their demand for tougher border policies. They are holding up authorization of any more COVID aid unless the administration reinstates Title 42, a policy adopted in 2020 to rapidly expel migrants without letting them apply for asylum, all in the name of protecting public health. The USAID funding is not fungible — the agency can’t simply transfer resources from other programs to keep its vaccine program going, or to start providing antivirals like Paxlovid. As a last-ditch measure, Coons tried to get Republicans to agree to give the agency emergency authority to move its own money around to address the pandemic, but he couldn’t get enough of them onboard. As a result of this intransigence, many of the vaccine doses America already donated could go to waste. At this point, there’s no longer a global vaccine shortage — the problem is that many countries lack the infrastructure required to transport and administer them. The impasse in the Senate, Coons said, means we aren’t delivering millions of vaccine shots that we have already paid for. Coons holds out hope that there could be a breakthrough in the Senate in three or four weeks, after it returns from recess. But it’s not easy to restart programs once they have been stopped, and in the meantime, we are pointlessly imperiling both our own health and the health of people all over the planet. There’s also a political cost to abandoning the rest of the world on COVID. At a time of renewed great-power competition, America’s effective vaccines could give us a diplomatic advantage. Last year, said Coons, “both Russia and China made big fanfares about delivering planeloads of vaccines to dozens of countries in the developing world. Those vaccines are ineffective against omicron. Our vaccines are effective.” Our Congress, unfortunately, is not.

The unbelievable stupidity of ending global Covid aid

Sri Lankan physicians warned on Sunday that life-saving drugs were running scarce and that the island nation's economic woes were threatening to kill more people than the coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;outbreak.

According to an AFP report, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said that hospitals in the country were no longer able to acquire imported medical tools and essential pharmaceuticals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-to-hold-crucial-meeting-with-41mps-470002" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs</a>

Several hospitals have already halted routine surgeries due to a dangerous shortage of anaesthetics, but the SLMA warned that even emergency procedures may not be viable soon.

"We are made to make very difficult choices. We have to decide who gets treatment and who will not," the organisation said on Sunday as&nbsp;they released a letter they&nbsp;had sent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa a few days earlier, warning him about the situation.

Watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF

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"If supplies are not restored within days, the casualties will be far worse than from the pandemic."

Weeks of power outages, as well as severe shortages of food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals, have caused havoc on Sri Lanka's economy, which is undergoing its worst slump since 1948.

Government mismanagement, years of accumulated debt, and ill-advised tax cuts, according to economists, have aggravated Sri Lanka's dilemma say experts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-seeking-3-billion-in-months-to-stave-off-crisis-finance-minister-469713" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka seeking $3 billion in months to stave off crisis: Finance minister</a>

Large rallies calling for Rajapaksa's resignation have erupted as public outrage over the crisis grows.

Rajapaksa's government is seeking an IMF bailout to help the country escape the crisis, which has seen food prices spike and the local currency lose a third of its value in the last month.

On Friday, Ali Sabry, the island's new finance minister, told parliament that he expects IMF will provide $3 billion in support for the island's balance of payments over the next three years.&nbsp;On Saturday, business leaders joined calls for the president to resign, claiming that the island's persistent fuel shortages had caused their enterprises to lose money.

Sri Lanka is struggling to service its mounting $51 billion international debt due to a catastrophic lack of foreign cash, with the pandemic jeopardising essential revenue from tourism and remittances.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan physicians warned on Sunday that life-saving drugs were running scarce and that the island nation's economic woes were threatening to kill more people than the coronavirus pandemic outbreak.

Sri Lankan physicians warned on Sunday that life-saving drugs were running scarce and that the island nation's economic woes were threatening to kill more people than the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. According to an AFP report, the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) said that hospitals in the country were no longer able to acquire imported medical tools and essential pharmaceuticals. Also read | Sri Lanka's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to hold crucial meeting with 41MPs Several hospitals have already halted routine surgeries due to a dangerous shortage of anaesthetics, but the SLMA warned that even emergency procedures may not be viable soon. "We are made to make very difficult choices. We have to decide who gets treatment and who will not," the organisation said on Sunday as they released a letter they had sent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa a few days earlier, warning him about the situation. Watch | Sri Lanka to seek US$ 3 billion to stave off economic crisis, readies for negotiations with IMF "If supplies are not restored within days, the casualties will be far worse than from the pandemic." Weeks of power outages, as well as severe shortages of food, fuel, and pharmaceuticals, have caused havoc on Sri Lanka's economy, which is undergoing its worst slump since 1948. Government mismanagement, years of accumulated debt, and ill-advised tax cuts, according to economists, have aggravated Sri Lanka's dilemma say experts. Also read | Sri Lanka seeking $3 billion in months to stave off crisis: Finance minister Large rallies calling for Rajapaksa's resignation have erupted as public outrage over the crisis grows. Rajapaksa's government is seeking an IMF bailout to help the country escape the crisis, which has seen food prices spike and the local currency lose a third of its value in the last month. On Friday, Ali Sabry, the island's new finance minister, told parliament that he expects IMF will provide $3 billion in support for the island's balance of payments over the next three years. On Saturday, business leaders joined calls for the president to resign, claiming that the island's persistent fuel shortages had caused their enterprises to lose money. Sri Lanka is struggling to service its mounting $51 billion international debt due to a catastrophic lack of foreign cash, with the pandemic jeopardising essential revenue from tourism and remittances. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka doctors warn that economic crisis would have higher death toll than COVID-19 pandemic

A&nbsp;World Health Organization report released on Thursday claims that the African COVID-19 infection numbers might be 97 times higher than what was reported.

It&nbsp;claims that more than two-thirds of Africans may have contracted COVID-19 in the last two years and that by September last year, approximately 800 million individuals could have been infected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-says-people-inoculated-with-booster-dose-recover-more-than-three-days-earlier-from-omicron-than-delta-469245" hreflang="en">Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta</a>

Just 11.5 million Covid cases and 252,000 deaths have been detected in laboratory tests across Africa.&nbsp;However, according to the WHO Africa region, the officially confirmed statistics are "likely only scratching the surface of the real extent of coronavirus infections in Africa".

"A new meta-analysis of standardised sero-prevalence study revealed that the true number of infections could be as much as 97 times higher than the number of confirmed reported cases,"&nbsp;said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa's regional director.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-shanghai-social-media-unpicks-chinas-covid-lockdown-story-469102" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story</a>

The research looked at over 150 studies that were published between January 2020 and December of the previous year. It found that virus exposure increased from 3 per cent&nbsp;in June 2020 to 66 per cent in September of the same year.

"In real terms, this means that in September 2021, rather than the reported 8.2 million cases, there were 800 million," said Moeti.

"The focus was very much on testing people who were symptomatic when there were challenges in having access to testing supplies"&nbsp;Moeti told the media, and this resulted in "under-representing the genuine number of persons who have been exposed and are infected by the virus."

Watch |&nbsp;Study: Omicron is less severe than Delta &amp; recovery is 3.3 days quicker

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Even the global average of true infection counts is thought to be 16 times greater than the number of confirmed reported cases.

According to the latest data provided by the South African Medical Research Council, the number of deaths could be three times higher than previously recorded.

Between May 3, 2020, and last Saturday, South Africa recorded 303,969 excess deaths from natural causes, but the official numbers suggest that Covid has killed 100,075 individuals since the outbreak began.

(With inputs from agencies)

A World Health Organization report released on Thursday claims that the African COVID-19 infection numbers might be 97 times higher than what was reported. It claims that more than two-thirds of Africans may have contracted COVID-19 in the last two years and that by September last year, approximately 800 million individuals could have been infected.

A World Health Organization report released on Thursday claims that the African COVID-19 infection numbers might be 97 times higher than what was reported. It claims that more than two-thirds of Africans may have contracted COVID-19 in the last two years and that by September last year, approximately 800 million individuals could have been infected. Also read | Study says people inoculated with booster dose recover more than three days earlier from Omicron than Delta Just 11.5 million Covid cases and 252,000 deaths have been detected in laboratory tests across Africa. However, according to the WHO Africa region, the officially confirmed statistics are "likely only scratching the surface of the real extent of coronavirus infections in Africa". "A new meta-analysis of standardised sero-prevalence study revealed that the true number of infections could be as much as 97 times higher than the number of confirmed reported cases," said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Africa's regional director. Also read | COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story The research looked at over 150 studies that were published between January 2020 and December of the previous year. It found that virus exposure increased from 3 per cent in June 2020 to 66 per cent in September of the same year. "In real terms, this means that in September 2021, rather than the reported 8.2 million cases, there were 800 million," said Moeti. "The focus was very much on testing people who were symptomatic when there were challenges in having access to testing supplies" Moeti told the media, and this resulted in "under-representing the genuine number of persons who have been exposed and are infected by the virus." Watch | Study: Omicron is less severe than Delta & recovery is 3.3 days quicker Even the global average of true infection counts is thought to be 16 times greater than the number of confirmed reported cases. According to the latest data provided by the South African Medical Research Council, the number of deaths could be three times higher than previously recorded. Between May 3, 2020, and last Saturday, South Africa recorded 303,969 excess deaths from natural causes, but the official numbers suggest that Covid has killed 100,075 individuals since the outbreak began. (With inputs from agencies)

800 million, not 8.2mn: Africa's Covid toll 97 times higher than reported, says WHO

The Covid 19 pandemic has reached yet another grim milestone in the United States. According to the John Hopkins University, the nation's cumulative death toll from the Covid 19 infections has surpassed the 900 000 mark. The latest number has been fueled by the omicron variant of the coronavirus.

United States reaches a grim milestone in fight against Covid 19

Even as the world battles Coronavirus and its various variants, many people still remain unvaccinated. Popularly known as anti-vaxxers or vaccine-skeptics, even after months of vaccine being readily available, these people refuse to get vaccinated. This city is planning on taking harsh steps against its unvaccinated citizens. Find out more.

Tax for unvaccinated! A Canadian city is doing this

Veteran actor Dharmendra, on Wednesday, revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot. 
 
Taking to his Twitter handle, the 86-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose, saying "Booster le raha hun, booster.&nbsp; 
 
Dard bhi nahi hua kuchh."Sharing the video, Dharmendra also urged his fans to get vaccinated."Friends, humble request please take the booster dose," he tweeted alongside the video.

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Friends, humble request 🙏 please take the booster dose. <a href="https://t.co/ES0vcJtQww">pic.twitter.com/ES0vcJtQww</a>
— Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam) <a href="https://twitter.com/aapkadharam/status/1481169284303060998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps improve the protection people have from their first two doses of the vaccination. Health and frontline workers and people above 60 years old with comorbidities are currently eligible to take the jab.&nbsp; 
 
The drive began as the whole world battles a spike in COVID-19 cases fuelled by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. 
 
Meanwhile, on the work front, the 'Sholay' actor will next be seen in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' co-starring Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan.&nbsp;

Veteran actor Dharmendra, on Wednesday, revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot. Taking to his Twitter handle, the 86-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose, saying "Booster le raha hun, booster.

Veteran actor Dharmendra, on Wednesday, revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot. Taking to his Twitter handle, the 86-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose, saying "Booster le raha hun, booster. Dard bhi nahi hua kuchh."Sharing the video, Dharmendra also urged his fans to get vaccinated."Friends, humble request please take the booster dose," he tweeted alongside the video. Friends, humble request 🙏 please take the booster dose. pic.twitter.com/ES0vcJtQww — Dharmendra Deol (@aapkadharam) January 12, 2022 × A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps improve the protection people have from their first two doses of the vaccination. Health and frontline workers and people above 60 years old with comorbidities are currently eligible to take the jab. The drive began as the whole world battles a spike in COVID-19 cases fuelled by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, on the work front, the 'Sholay' actor will next be seen in Karan Johar's 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani' co-starring Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Shabana Azmi and Jaya Bachchan.

Dharmendra gets COVID-19 booster shot, urges everyone to take it

The Sars-CoV-2 virus, within 20 minutes of becoming airborne, loses its ability to infect others, as per a recent study. The UK-based study suggests that the most loss occurs in the first five minutes. The findings of the study reaffirm the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. In an environment where humidity is lower than 50 percent, the virus becomes half as infectious within five seconds. In a more humid environment, the decline is significantly slower.

What happens to Covid within 20 minutes of being airborne? Study reveals

Hospitalization in the US has reached a record high on Monday, with several states struggling to cope with the spike in cases. Now there were 132,000 hospitalizations for Covid, crossing the record set in January last year. But hospitalizations have been increasing steadily since late December, as the Omicron quickly took over Delta as the dominant version of the virus.

United States break Covid hospitalization record

Omicron cases continue to spread virtually as a wildfire. Australia has now said that it has surpassed the grim milestone of a million Covid 19 infections with more than half of them having been recorded in just the last week.

Australia has now surpassed the milestone of million Covid 19 infections, more than half of them recorded in last week

Australia has now surpassed the milestone of a million Covid 19 infections

The United Kingdom continues to report nearly 200,000 cases of Covid 19 infections pretty much on a day-to-day basis. But what is interesting is that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is resisting calls to impose a stringent lockdown.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resists imposing a stringent lockdown

Citing preliminary findings of a study conducted in Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the fourth dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold a week after the shot is administered.

Israel PM Naftali Bennett: the 4th dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold

Israel is also battling a surge in Covid-19 infections due to the spread of the omicron variant. The top health advisor to the Israeli government has predicted that one-third of the country's population could contract omicron in the next few weeks.

Israel hospitals sound alarms over surging COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

The rapidly spreading Omicron variant is becoming a major challenge for the health authorities in Israel the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests.

Israel shifts focus to rapid tests amid Omicron surge

Israeli the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests

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