The World Health Organization's European office on Tuesday warned the risk of Covid-19 has not gone away, saying it was still responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths a week in the region.

WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away'

<p>A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview&nbsp;with Jennifer Zeng, a member of the International Press Association, who provides first-hand information and unique insights about China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the researcher Chao Shao revealed that his colleagues were given four variants of the virus to determine which one would spread most effectively, the ANI report said.&nbsp;He referred to the coronavirus as a "bioweapon."</p>

<p>Chao Shao shared an anecdote about his colleague, Shan Chao, who confessed that their superior provided them with four <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fraudsters-make-off-with-200-billion-from-covid-relief-programs-says-us-watchdog-609559">coronavirus</a> strains for testing. Their task was to identify the strain with the greatest ability to infect various species, including humans. These revelations highlight the alleged intention to create a highly contagious virus.</p>

<h2><strong>Suspicious activities during the 2019 military world games</strong></h2>

<p>During the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, several of Chao Shao's colleagues mysteriously disappeared. It was later revealed that they were sent to hotels accommodating athletes from different countries to "check the health or hygiene conditions." Chao Shao became suspicious, as such tasks did not require virologists. He suspected their involvement in spreading the virus intentionally.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away'</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Unusual assignments in Xinjiang</strong></h2>

<p>Chao Shao disclosed another concerning assignment in April 2020 when he was sent to Xinjiang to assess the health status of Uyghurs detained in re-education camps. Expressing scepticism, he questioned the need for a virologist to conduct health checks, suggesting alternative motives. His implication raises suspicions of either virus dissemination or observation of its impact on humans.</p>

<p>Chao Shao's revelations spanned from March to April 2020, providing a glimpse into the broader picture surrounding the origins of coronavirus. These startling claims shed light on potential activities that could have contributed to the pandemic's outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-chinese-scientist-says-dont-rule-out-covid-lab-leak-theory-598433">Top Chinese scientist says don't rule out Covid lab leak theory</a></p>

<h2><strong>US intelligence unable to confirm lab-related infections</strong></h2>

<p>A recently released declassified report from US intelligence agencies failed to definitively confirm whether researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, who fell ill in 2019, were infected with the COVID-19 causing coronavirus. The report also mentioned research conducted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prominent-chinese-financial-journalist-banned-from-social-media-for-speaking-about-economic-woes-unemployment-609275">Chinese</a> People's Liberation Army at the lab, but it did not establish a direct link between their work and the pandemic.</p>

<p>The release of the intelligence report does little to settle the contentious debate surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. With partisan clashes and ongoing investigations, the question of how the pandemic started remains a topic of heated discussion. Chao Shao's claims, while significant, require further scrutiny and investigation to establish the full truth about the origins and intentions behind the virus's creation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon.

A researcher from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chao Shao, has made claims about the origins of the coronavirus and has linked them to plans for developing a highly contagious virus as a bioweapon. In an exclusive interview with Jennifer Zeng, a member of the International Press Association, who provides first-hand information and unique insights about China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the researcher Chao Shao revealed that his colleagues were given four variants of the virus to determine which one would spread most effectively, the ANI report said. He referred to the coronavirus as a "bioweapon." Chao Shao shared an anecdote about his colleague, Shan Chao, who confessed that their superior provided them with four coronavirus strains for testing. Their task was to identify the strain with the greatest ability to infect various species, including humans. These revelations highlight the alleged intention to create a highly contagious virus. Suspicious activities during the 2019 military world games During the 2019 Military World Games held in Wuhan, several of Chao Shao's colleagues mysteriously disappeared. It was later revealed that they were sent to hotels accommodating athletes from different countries to "check the health or hygiene conditions." Chao Shao became suspicious, as such tasks did not require virologists. He suspected their involvement in spreading the virus intentionally. Also watch | WHO warns Covid 'has not gone away' Unusual assignments in Xinjiang Chao Shao disclosed another concerning assignment in April 2020 when he was sent to Xinjiang to assess the health status of Uyghurs detained in re-education camps. Expressing scepticism, he questioned the need for a virologist to conduct health checks, suggesting alternative motives. His implication raises suspicions of either virus dissemination or observation of its impact on humans. Chao Shao's revelations spanned from March to April 2020, providing a glimpse into the broader picture surrounding the origins of coronavirus. These startling claims shed light on potential activities that could have contributed to the pandemic's outbreak. Also read | Top Chinese scientist says don't rule out Covid lab leak theory US intelligence unable to confirm lab-related infections A recently released declassified report from US intelligence agencies failed to definitively confirm whether researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, who fell ill in 2019, were infected with the COVID-19 causing coronavirus. The report also mentioned research conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army at the lab, but it did not establish a direct link between their work and the pandemic. The release of the intelligence report does little to settle the contentious debate surrounding the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. With partisan clashes and ongoing investigations, the question of how the pandemic started remains a topic of heated discussion. Chao Shao's claims, while significant, require further scrutiny and investigation to establish the full truth about the origins and intentions behind the virus's creation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

COVID-19 was engineered as ‘bioweapon’ to purposely infect people, claims Wuhan researcher

<p>Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry.</p>

<p>Hancock, who was health secretary during and at the height of the pandemic, said that it was a mistake to consider that the pandemic would be flu-based and that it was not possible to contain the spread of coronavirus. Hancock told the inquiry that he “bore ministerial responsibility for that calamitous state of affairs”.</p>

<p>“I bear responsibility for all the things that happened, not only in my department but also the agencies that reported to me as secretary of state,” said Hancock, as quoted by The Guardian.</p>

<p>The former health secretary said that the main error had been to assume that Covid virus cannot be stopped from spreading.</p>

<p>“The doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster,” Hancock said. “Can we buy enough body bags? Where are we going to bury the dead? And that was completely wrong."</p>

<p>“Of course, it’s important to have that in case you failed to stop a pandemic. But central to pandemic planning needs to be how do you stop that disaster from happening in the first place. How do you suppress the virus?”</p>

<h2><strong>'Huge error in the doctrine'</strong></h2>

<p>Keith attempted to grill Hancock and ask why in the 18 months before the pandemic when he was the health secretary, he did not attempt to improve the situation and ensure that the UK was prepared.</p>

<p>“Because I was assured that the UK planning was among the best and in some instances the best in the world,” Hancock said. “Of course, in hindsight, I wish I’d spent that short period of time as health secretary before the pandemic struck changing the entire attitude to how we respond to a pandemic.”</p>

<p>Hancock admitted that there was a “huge error in the doctrine”.</p>

<p>“If I may say so, I am profoundly sorry, for the impact that had, I’m profoundly sorry for each death that has occurred. And I also understand why, for some, it will be hard to take that apology from me," he said.</p>

<p>“I understand that, I get it. But it is honest and heartfelt. And I’m not very good at talking about my emotions on how I feel. But that is honest and true. And all I can do is ensure that this inquiry gets to the bottom of it and that for the future we learn the right lessons so that we stop a pandemic in its tracks much, much earlier.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry.

Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock has said that he is 'profoundly sorry for each death' in the UK caused by coronavirus. He is facing public enquiry into the Covid pandemic in the UK and was questioned by Hugo Keith KC, the lead counsel for the inquiry. Hancock, who was health secretary during and at the height of the pandemic, said that it was a mistake to consider that the pandemic would be flu-based and that it was not possible to contain the spread of coronavirus. Hancock told the inquiry that he “bore ministerial responsibility for that calamitous state of affairs”. “I bear responsibility for all the things that happened, not only in my department but also the agencies that reported to me as secretary of state,” said Hancock, as quoted by The Guardian. The former health secretary said that the main error had been to assume that Covid virus cannot be stopped from spreading. “The doctrine of the UK was to plan for the consequences of a disaster,” Hancock said. “Can we buy enough body bags? Where are we going to bury the dead? And that was completely wrong." “Of course, it’s important to have that in case you failed to stop a pandemic. But central to pandemic planning needs to be how do you stop that disaster from happening in the first place. How do you suppress the virus?” 'Huge error in the doctrine' Keith attempted to grill Hancock and ask why in the 18 months before the pandemic when he was the health secretary, he did not attempt to improve the situation and ensure that the UK was prepared. “Because I was assured that the UK planning was among the best and in some instances the best in the world,” Hancock said. “Of course, in hindsight, I wish I’d spent that short period of time as health secretary before the pandemic struck changing the entire attitude to how we respond to a pandemic.” Hancock admitted that there was a “huge error in the doctrine”. “If I may say so, I am profoundly sorry, for the impact that had, I’m profoundly sorry for each death that has occurred. And I also understand why, for some, it will be hard to take that apology from me," he said. “I understand that, I get it. But it is honest and heartfelt. And I’m not very good at talking about my emotions on how I feel. But that is honest and true. And all I can do is ensure that this inquiry gets to the bottom of it and that for the future we learn the right lessons so that we stop a pandemic in its tracks much, much earlier.” (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Profoundly sorry for each death,' says former UK health secretary over Covid pandemic

<p>A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a&nbsp;major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother&nbsp;from India's eastern state of Bihar.</p>

<p>Police said the man (22) and his minor brother illegally accessed information on the portal, retrieved personal details of a few individuals and created a bot, which was uploaded on messaging app Telegram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man was arrested from the capital city of Patna. He has completed B.Tech from a Bihar institute and was unemployed. After conducting investigation, the authorities found his 17-year-old brother was also involved in the case and took him in custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police said the duo did not sell the data to anyone but created the Telegram bot to merely "gain more followers". They used their mother's login credentials, who is an&nbsp;Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) in Patna, to access the data on CoWIN portal.</p>

<p>“The mother will also be questioned. She was not aware that her CoWIN ID had been compromised. While not much is known, we found that the sons gained access to the mother’s ID and took data of a few individuals from Bihar," a senior police officer from the Special Cell was quoted as saying by <em>The Indian Express</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They created a bot and circulated the information on their Telegram channel to gain more followers. At present, we haven’t found any other motive,” said a senior police officer from the Special Cell.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both brothers were brought to Delhi&nbsp;and produced before courts. They are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and other investigation agencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/diamond-prices-fall-18-from-their-peak-analysts-say-theres-still-more-room-to-plunge-607659"><b>WATCH |&nbsp;Diamond prices fall 18% from their peak, analysts say there's still more room to plunge</b></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Government's response to the allegations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, reports claimed that there was a purported breach of data of beneficiaries registered on the government-run portal. However, the Union Health Ministry soon released a clarification saying&nbsp;such reports were without any basis, and the security systems had not been breached by any external attack.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity &amp; Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-data-breach-in-india-personal-info-of-covid-vaccine-recipients-leaked-on-telegram-say-reports-603379"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe</strong></a></p>

<p>The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother from India's eastern state of Bihar.

A little less than 10 days after news reports pointed to a major data breach in the COVID-19 vaccination portal CoWIN, the Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a man and apprehended his minor brother from India's eastern state of Bihar. Police said the man (22) and his minor brother illegally accessed information on the portal, retrieved personal details of a few individuals and created a bot, which was uploaded on messaging app Telegram. The man was arrested from the capital city of Patna. He has completed B.Tech from a Bihar institute and was unemployed. After conducting investigation, the authorities found his 17-year-old brother was also involved in the case and took him in custody. Police said the duo did not sell the data to anyone but created the Telegram bot to merely "gain more followers". They used their mother's login credentials, who is an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) in Patna, to access the data on CoWIN portal. “The mother will also be questioned. She was not aware that her CoWIN ID had been compromised. While not much is known, we found that the sons gained access to the mother’s ID and took data of a few individuals from Bihar," a senior police officer from the Special Cell was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. "They created a bot and circulated the information on their Telegram channel to gain more followers. At present, we haven’t found any other motive,” said a senior police officer from the Special Cell. Both brothers were brought to Delhi and produced before courts. They are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and other investigation agencies. WATCH | Diamond prices fall 18% from their peak, analysts say there's still more room to plunge × Government's response to the allegations Last week, reports claimed that there was a purported breach of data of beneficiaries registered on the government-run portal. However, the Union Health Ministry soon released a clarification saying such reports were without any basis, and the security systems had not been breached by any external attack. “Co-WIN portal of the Health Ministry is completely safe with adequate safeguards for data privacy. Furthermore, security measures are in place on the Co-WIN portal, with Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, regular vulnerability assessment, Identity & Access Management etc. Only OTP authentication-based access of data is provided,” read the statement. Also read | CoWIN leak: Indian govt refutes Covid vaccine portal data breach reports, orders probe The ministry also said that without a One-Time-Password (OTP), vaccinated beneficiaries’ data cannot be shared with any BOT. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India: Two brothers in Bihar stole CoWin data, misused mother's official ID to access info

For three years, the U.S. government has been tied in knots over the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, frustrated that China’s hindrance of investigations and unwillingness to look critically at its own research have obscured what intelligence agencies can learn about whether the virus escaped from a lab.

US Intelligence Agencies may never find Covid's Origins, Officials Say

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<p>The Enforcement Directorate, on Wednesday, June 21, raided 15 premises in Mumbai and one outside the city as a part of its money laundering probe into the Covid jumbo centre scam. They searched the premises of Sujit Patkar and IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal. Patkar is a close aide to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Jaiswal, then additional municipal commissioner, is a close aide to Aaditya Thackeray. ED has also raided the premises of contractors and intermediaries involved in the alleged scam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The raided places include Lifeline Hospital Management Services in Sasmira Marg, Worli, and Patkar's residence in Santacruz (East), the Indian Express reported. Here's everything you need to know about Mumbai's Covid jumbo centre scam.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About Mumbai's Covid Jumbo Centre Scam</strong></h2>

<p>The Enforcement Directorate opened the investigation into the alleged Covid jumbo centre scam based on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In August 2022, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Kirit Somaiya, registered an FIR about the same at the Azad Maidan police station against four Lifeline Hospital Management Services partners, including Sujit Patkar. The other four names in the FIR were Dr Hemant Ramsharan Gupta, Sanjay Madanlal Shah, and Raju Nandkumar Salunkhe. Later, the local police transferred the case to the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW).</p>

<p>In January 2023, EOW asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) senior officials for details about contracts and transfers to Lifeline Hospital Management Services. During the pandemic, the civic body contracted the company to set up Covid jumbo centres in Mumbai. ED also interrogated the civic officials about the matter.</p>

<p>BJP leader Kirti Somaiya claimed the Covid jumbo centre scam is a ₹100-crore scam. However, the Mumbai Police EOW pegged it at ₹38 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ED has searched the Chembur residence of Suraj Chouhan, another close aide of Aaditya Thackeray.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the FIR, Somaiya accused the firm of getting the contract by forging documents, including the partnership deed. He also accused the firm of hiding information about being barred by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority from giving medical services. Furthermore, the BJP leader alleged that the authorities allotted the contracts at exorbitant rates to contractors linked to Shiv Sena leaders but had prior experience in the healthcare service sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Mumbai Police's EOW is investigating the criminal aspect of the alleged Covid jumbo centre scam, ED is tracking the money trails of the proceeds. So far, the EOW has arrested two people, Raju Nandakumar Salunke and Bala Ramchandra Kadam. They have also questioned many BMC officials, including IS Chahal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Enforcement Directorate, on Wednesday, June 21, raided 15 premises in Mumbai and one outside the city as a part of its money laundering probe into the Covid jumbo centre scam.

The Enforcement Directorate, on Wednesday, June 21, raided 15 premises in Mumbai and one outside the city as a part of its money laundering probe into the Covid jumbo centre scam. They searched the premises of Sujit Patkar and IAS officer Sanjeev Jaiswal. Patkar is a close aide to Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Jaiswal, then additional municipal commissioner, is a close aide to Aaditya Thackeray. ED has also raided the premises of contractors and intermediaries involved in the alleged scam. The raided places include Lifeline Hospital Management Services in Sasmira Marg, Worli, and Patkar's residence in Santacruz (East), the Indian Express reported. Here's everything you need to know about Mumbai's Covid jumbo centre scam. About Mumbai's Covid Jumbo Centre Scam The Enforcement Directorate opened the investigation into the alleged Covid jumbo centre scam based on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In August 2022, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Kirit Somaiya, registered an FIR about the same at the Azad Maidan police station against four Lifeline Hospital Management Services partners, including Sujit Patkar. The other four names in the FIR were Dr Hemant Ramsharan Gupta, Sanjay Madanlal Shah, and Raju Nandkumar Salunkhe. Later, the local police transferred the case to the Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW). In January 2023, EOW asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) senior officials for details about contracts and transfers to Lifeline Hospital Management Services. During the pandemic, the civic body contracted the company to set up Covid jumbo centres in Mumbai. ED also interrogated the civic officials about the matter. BJP leader Kirti Somaiya claimed the Covid jumbo centre scam is a ₹100-crore scam. However, the Mumbai Police EOW pegged it at ₹38 crore. ED has searched the Chembur residence of Suraj Chouhan, another close aide of Aaditya Thackeray. In the FIR, Somaiya accused the firm of getting the contract by forging documents, including the partnership deed. He also accused the firm of hiding information about being barred by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority from giving medical services. Furthermore, the BJP leader alleged that the authorities allotted the contracts at exorbitant rates to contractors linked to Shiv Sena leaders but had prior experience in the healthcare service sector. While Mumbai Police's EOW is investigating the criminal aspect of the alleged Covid jumbo centre scam, ED is tracking the money trails of the proceeds. So far, the EOW has arrested two people, Raju Nandakumar Salunke and Bala Ramchandra Kadam. They have also questioned many BMC officials, including IS Chahal. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Covid Jumbo Centre Scam: Here's why Enforcement Directorate has raided 15 locations in Mumbai

The Bangladesh bank has raised interest rates, signaling a tight monetary policy for the first half of the new fiscal year. These measures come as Bangladesh faces inflationary pressures stemming from pandemic-related spending, surging commodity prices and a weaker taka currency. Consumer prices rose by 9.94% in may, surpassing the average inflation target of 6%.

Bangladesh bank raises interest rates | World Business Watch

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for Conservative member on the privileges committee to resign, he claimed the Tory MP Bernard Jenkin himself attended a birthday party in Parliament during Covid restrictions.

Boris Johnson calls for Tory MP on panel to resign from 'Partygate' probe

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<p>An inquiry into the UK government's handling of the Covid pandemic will open later on Tuesday (June 13). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the inquiry chair, retired senior judge Heather Hallett, called for former prime minister Boris Johnson's unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks to be handed over, prompting a legal challenge from the government of Rishi Sunak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK suffered one of worst Covid death tolls across Europe. The first phase of Tuesday's inquiry would focus on the country's resilience and preparedness in the face of the global health emergency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The inquiry, which was established by Johnson in 2021, will be split up into six sections and begin with an opening statement from Heather Hallett. It will then be followed by a short film showing the impact of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Relatives of victims lash out</strong></h2>

<p>The report said that the relatives of Covid victims condemned the decision not to include any of them in the inquiry's first six-week phase. The Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group had put forward 20 people to be considered as witnesses for the first module but said none were called to give evidence.</p>

<p>Group member Barbara Herbert, who lost her husband to the virus, said, "Without learning from the experiences of our members, how can the inquiry properly evaluate the decisions made by those in charge?"</p>

<p>Saleyha Ahsan, a doctor whose father also succumbed to Covid, said "We are people that will be able to put reality to the theory that Hallett is testing, that has got to happen, otherwise it's just a farce."</p>

<p>Citing an inquiry spokesperson, AFP reported the chair had not ruled out calling testimony from bereaved people in later phases of the probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first phase of the inquiry gets underway today, and later phases would focus on how the country's health service coped with Covid, vaccines and therapeutics, government procurement, and the impact on the care sector.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An inquiry into the UK government's handling of the Covid pandemic will open later on Tuesday (June 13). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the inquiry chair, retired senior judge Heather Hallett, called for former prime minister Boris Johnson's unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks to be handed over, prompting a legal challenge from the government of Rishi Sunak.

An inquiry into the UK government's handling of the Covid pandemic will open later on Tuesday (June 13). According to a report by the news agency AFP, the inquiry chair, retired senior judge Heather Hallett, called for former prime minister Boris Johnson's unredacted WhatsApp messages and notebooks to be handed over, prompting a legal challenge from the government of Rishi Sunak. The UK suffered one of worst Covid death tolls across Europe. The first phase of Tuesday's inquiry would focus on the country's resilience and preparedness in the face of the global health emergency. The inquiry, which was established by Johnson in 2021, will be split up into six sections and begin with an opening statement from Heather Hallett. It will then be followed by a short film showing the impact of the pandemic. Relatives of victims lash out The report said that the relatives of Covid victims condemned the decision not to include any of them in the inquiry's first six-week phase. The Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group had put forward 20 people to be considered as witnesses for the first module but said none were called to give evidence. Group member Barbara Herbert, who lost her husband to the virus, said, "Without learning from the experiences of our members, how can the inquiry properly evaluate the decisions made by those in charge?" Saleyha Ahsan, a doctor whose father also succumbed to Covid, said "We are people that will be able to put reality to the theory that Hallett is testing, that has got to happen, otherwise it's just a farce." Citing an inquiry spokesperson, AFP reported the chair had not ruled out calling testimony from bereaved people in later phases of the probe. The first phase of the inquiry gets underway today, and later phases would focus on how the country's health service coped with Covid, vaccines and therapeutics, government procurement, and the impact on the care sector. (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.

UK Covid inquiry set to open after nation suffered one of the worst death tolls in Europe

Former UK PM Boris Johnson calls for Tory MP on panel to resign, targets Partygate panel member

The UK’s public inquiry into the country’s preparedness and handling of COVID-19 opened for hearings in London on Tuesday amid a vigil by some bereaved families who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

UK’s public inquiry into government’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic begins hearings

Was the Wuhan virus pandemic a result of Chinese military's persuasion of bioweapons? A new report reveals that China was mixing two of the deadliest coronaviruses inside the Wuhan lab shortly before the outbreak. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: China's Covid Secret: Wuhan lab's deadly bioweapon experiment

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted China's economy and disrupted its growth but its not just the economy that has suffered. According to latest reports, the marriages in China dropped in 2022.

Wedding bells go silent in China, deals with decline in marriages and birth rates

According to sources, three years after the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe, the arguments and speculations surrounding its cause have not yet died down. These reports come from investigators who looked closely at top-secret to intercepted communications. Research and communications in science concur.

Report: Chinese labs spliced deadly pathogens together

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<p>Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic more than three years ago, there has been a debate about whether the virus emerged due to a laboratory leak or was it from nature. And researchers who have over these years attempted to find the answer have been hampered by a lack of transparency from China, the country from where the virus first emerged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a report in The Sunday Times on Saturday (June 10) said that Chinese scientists were running a covert project of dangerous experiments that caused a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and started the Covid outbreak. Citing US investigators, the report said there was no published information on the work as it was done in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese military, which was funding it, and was pursuing bioweapons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Institute engaged in risky experiments on coronaviruses'</strong></h2>

<p>The Sunday Times report said that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had started hunting the origins of the Sars virus in 2003. It attracted funding from the US government through a New York-based charity. The institute was engaged in risky experiments on coronaviruses it gathered from bat caves in southern China. Initially, the findings (of the experiments) were made public and the institute argued that the associated risks were justified as the work might help develop vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-leak-likely-caused-the-covid-19-virus-fbi-chief-admits-567077">FBI coronavirus 'lab leak' claims hurt US credibility: China</a></strong></p>

<p>Fast forward to 2016, researchers found a new type of coronavirus in a mineshaft in Mojiang in Yunnan province where people had died from symptoms similar to Sars.</p>

<p>And instead of warning the world, China did not report these deaths. The report said that the virus found there are now recognised as the only members of Covid’s immediate family known to have been in existence pre-pandemic. They were transported to the Wuhan Institute and the work of its scientists became classified.</p>

<p>American investigators said the classified programme was to make the mineshaft viruses more infectious to humans, the report added. The investigators believed this led to the creation of Covid and that it leaked into Wuhan after a laboratory accident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It has become increasingly clear that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was involved in the creation, promulgation, and cover-up of the Covid-19 pandemic,” one of the investigators said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In November 2019, researchers working on these experiments were hospitalised with Covid-like symptoms, and their relatives died.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>China blocks foreign experts from probing source of pandemic</strong></h2>

<p>The Sunday Times report also pointed out that foreign experts seeking to identify the source of the pandemic were blocked from investigating by China. Alice Hughes, a British bat expert, was a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences which oversees the Wuhan Institute. Hughes had been working in the mines. She said she was barred from speaking to the media about her research and was being watched by Beijing. The restrictions forced her to leave China and move to Hong Kong.</p>

<h2><strong>US investigators get access to secret intelligence</strong></h2>

<p>As countries around the world emerged from lockdowns, US investigators were given access to secret intelligence on what was going on in China before Covid emerged. The report said that over a dozen investigators were given access to “metadata, phone information and internet information” from intercepts collected by the US intelligence services.</p>

<p>The report also said that the shadow project on the mine viruses at the Wuhan Institute was being funded by the Chinese military. In a separate report, US State Department investigators said, "Despite presenting itself as a civilian institution, the United States has determined that the Wuhan Institute of Virology has collaborated on publications and secret projects with China’s military. The Wuhan Institute of Virology has engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments, on behalf of the Chinese military since at least 2017."</p>

<p>The Chinese military was also given positions of responsibility in the institute. One of the investigators said the reason the&nbsp;Mojiang case&nbsp;was covered up was due to military secrecy related to [the army’s] pursuit of dual-use capabilities in virological biological weapons and vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military&nbsp;had taken an interest in developing a vaccine for the viruses so they could be used as potential bioweapons, the report also said.&nbsp;</p>

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Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic more than three years ago, there has been a debate about whether the virus emerged due to a laboratory leak or was it from nature.

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic more than three years ago, there has been a debate about whether the virus emerged due to a laboratory leak or was it from nature. And researchers who have over these years attempted to find the answer have been hampered by a lack of transparency from China, the country from where the virus first emerged. However, a report in The Sunday Times on Saturday (June 10) said that Chinese scientists were running a covert project of dangerous experiments that caused a leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and started the Covid outbreak. Citing US investigators, the report said there was no published information on the work as it was done in collaboration with researchers from the Chinese military, which was funding it, and was pursuing bioweapons. 'Institute engaged in risky experiments on coronaviruses' The Sunday Times report said that the Wuhan Institute of Virology had started hunting the origins of the Sars virus in 2003. It attracted funding from the US government through a New York-based charity. The institute was engaged in risky experiments on coronaviruses it gathered from bat caves in southern China. Initially, the findings (of the experiments) were made public and the institute argued that the associated risks were justified as the work might help develop vaccines. Also read | FBI coronavirus 'lab leak' claims hurt US credibility: China Fast forward to 2016, researchers found a new type of coronavirus in a mineshaft in Mojiang in Yunnan province where people had died from symptoms similar to Sars. And instead of warning the world, China did not report these deaths. The report said that the virus found there are now recognised as the only members of Covid’s immediate family known to have been in existence pre-pandemic. They were transported to the Wuhan Institute and the work of its scientists became classified. American investigators said the classified programme was to make the mineshaft viruses more infectious to humans, the report added. The investigators believed this led to the creation of Covid and that it leaked into Wuhan after a laboratory accident. “It has become increasingly clear that the Wuhan Institute of Virology was involved in the creation, promulgation, and cover-up of the Covid-19 pandemic,” one of the investigators said. In November 2019, researchers working on these experiments were hospitalised with Covid-like symptoms, and their relatives died. China blocks foreign experts from probing source of pandemic The Sunday Times report also pointed out that foreign experts seeking to identify the source of the pandemic were blocked from investigating by China. Alice Hughes, a British bat expert, was a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences which oversees the Wuhan Institute. Hughes had been working in the mines. She said she was barred from speaking to the media about her research and was being watched by Beijing. The restrictions forced her to leave China and move to Hong Kong. US investigators get access to secret intelligence As countries around the world emerged from lockdowns, US investigators were given access to secret intelligence on what was going on in China before Covid emerged. The report said that over a dozen investigators were given access to “metadata, phone information and internet information” from intercepts collected by the US intelligence services. The report also said that the shadow project on the mine viruses at the Wuhan Institute was being funded by the Chinese military. In a separate report, US State Department investigators said, "Despite presenting itself as a civilian institution, the United States has determined that the Wuhan Institute of Virology has collaborated on publications and secret projects with China’s military. The Wuhan Institute of Virology has engaged in classified research, including laboratory animal experiments, on behalf of the Chinese military since at least 2017." The Chinese military was also given positions of responsibility in the institute. One of the investigators said the reason the Mojiang case was covered up was due to military secrecy related to [the army’s] pursuit of dual-use capabilities in virological biological weapons and vaccines. The military had taken an interest in developing a vaccine for the viruses so they could be used as potential bioweapons, the report also said. 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.

Wuhan institute involved in creation, cover-up of Covid pandemic: Report

<p>Ashish Jha, the United States White House's point person for the nation's COVID-19 response will, as per reports, resign from his post next week.</p>

<p>Quoting the White House, the news agency AP reports that Jha will return to serving as the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.&nbsp;He will reportedly depart from the post on June 15th and will go back to being the dean from July 1st.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Ashish Jha leaving the post?</strong></h2>

<p>Jha's departure from the post of White House COVID-19 coordinator comes as the US federal government ended its twin virus emergencies on the coronavirus earlier this spring.</p>

<p>Announcing Jha's departure, US President Joe Biden in a statement said that Covid "no longer controls our daily lives."</p>

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<p>He further said that "as one of the leading public health experts in America, he has effectively translated and communicated complex scientific challenges into concrete actions that helped save and improve the lives of millions of Americans."</p>

<p>"I extend my deepest thanks to Ashish and his family. We are a stronger and healthier nation because of his contributions to public service," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's Covid czars</strong></h2>

<p>President Biden's first COVID-19 czar was Jeff Zients, who is now the White House chief of staff.</p>

<p>Ashish Jha will be the last of his administration's rotating COVID response coordinators, reports Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Who will be the point person for the White House's Covid response after Jha?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the Wall Street Journal, after the removal of the COVID response coordinator post, the director of the White House's nascent Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy will advise the president and coordinate federal responses to various biological and pandemic threats. However, who will take the job is yet to be announced.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-house-of-representatives-launches-probe-into-whistleblower-claims-of-governments-ufo-cover-up-602135">US House of Representatives launches probe into whistleblower claims of government's UFO cover-up</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking to the newspaper on Thursday, Jha said, "We've now had a sustained period of time with low deaths and hospitalizations. Excess mortality has been down to zero in the past couple of months. As for the impact of COVID on our lives now, we have made a lot of progress."</p>

<h2><strong>US and the Covid public health emergency</strong></h2>

<p>The US government ended its COVID Public Health Emergency in May. This allowed millions of Americans to receive vaccines, tests and treatments at no cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the end of the Public Health Emergency, it was expected that the White House will cut down its COVID response team.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Ashish Jha, the United States White House's point person for the nation's COVID-19 response will, as per reports, resign from his post next week. Quoting the White House, the news agency AP reports that Jha will return to serving as the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.

Ashish Jha, the United States White House's point person for the nation's COVID-19 response will, as per reports, resign from his post next week. Quoting the White House, the news agency AP reports that Jha will return to serving as the dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. He will reportedly depart from the post on June 15th and will go back to being the dean from July 1st. Why is Ashish Jha leaving the post? Jha's departure from the post of White House COVID-19 coordinator comes as the US federal government ended its twin virus emergencies on the coronavirus earlier this spring. Announcing Jha's departure, US President Joe Biden in a statement said that Covid "no longer controls our daily lives." Also read | Did Trump kiss Fauci? Ron DeSantis ups the ante with AI-generated fake images of two men He further said that "as one of the leading public health experts in America, he has effectively translated and communicated complex scientific challenges into concrete actions that helped save and improve the lives of millions of Americans." "I extend my deepest thanks to Ashish and his family. We are a stronger and healthier nation because of his contributions to public service," he added. Biden's Covid czars President Biden's first COVID-19 czar was Jeff Zients, who is now the White House chief of staff. Ashish Jha will be the last of his administration's rotating COVID response coordinators, reports Reuters. Who will be the point person for the White House's Covid response after Jha? As per the Wall Street Journal, after the removal of the COVID response coordinator post, the director of the White House's nascent Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy will advise the president and coordinate federal responses to various biological and pandemic threats. However, who will take the job is yet to be announced. Also read | US House of Representatives launches probe into whistleblower claims of government's UFO cover-up Talking to the newspaper on Thursday, Jha said, "We've now had a sustained period of time with low deaths and hospitalizations. Excess mortality has been down to zero in the past couple of months. As for the impact of COVID on our lives now, we have made a lot of progress." US and the Covid public health emergency The US government ended its COVID Public Health Emergency in May. This allowed millions of Americans to receive vaccines, tests and treatments at no cost. Following the end of the Public Health Emergency, it was expected that the White House will cut down its COVID response team. (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.

Biden's Covid czar Ashish Jha to step down as White House Coordinator

Covid-19 remains a threat even though it is no longer a global health emergency, the EU’s vaccines watchdog warned on Tuesday in its final briefing of the pandemic.

'Still circulating, new variants emerging': Covid still a threat, EU watchdog warns

Rotarian Dr Binish Desai lays out ideas to reduce the waste generation and create more eco-products, boosting the local economy in the post-COVID era.

Video Opinion: Revitalising local economy in the post-COVID world

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims he has provided the UK government with all of the WhatsApp chats and notebooks requested by the Covid-19 investigation. Mr. Johnson is pressing the administration to provide the evidence to the inquiry in its entirety, with no redactions.

UK: Row over Boris Johnson's Covid investigations, former PM says 'have handed over material'

The role revolving around former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is deepening as the inquiry panel investigating the Covid gatherings in Number 10 demands that WhatsApp messages and diary entries should be revealed. The chair of the panel has also threatened to launch legal action against the UK government if they fail to release all the details required.

UK cabinet may take legal action against covid inquiry panel

Covid-19 cases are rising in China but Beijing has refused to impose a lockdown. Why? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: China won't impose lockdown, as Covid cases rise

<p>Over the projections on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in China by late June, Dr. Zhang Wenhong, the director of the centre for infectious diseases at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and a key figure in China's response to Covid, stated in a recent interview with Chinese media outlets that the nation "should not go too far in taking pandemic prevent measures in response," referring to last year's harsh restrictions and lockdowns that shunted China's economic growth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that up to three-quarters of Chinese people infected in the most recent rise were not infected in the initial wave. Nonetheless, the resurgence in cases, Dr. Zhang noted “should not have a huge impact overall on economic activity and life."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-venice-canal-stuns-locals-as-patch-takes-on-fluorescent-green-hue-597632">Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue</a></p>

<p>Chinese officials appear to be attempting to get rid of the strict limitations that by the end of last year had worn out the public's tolerance, reported New York Times. The administration has turned its attention to boosting economic growth and job creation since dropping its stringent restrictions on travel.</p>

<p>Politics may view the 20 per cent unemployment rate among urban teenagers as more urgent than the growing Covid figures.</p>

<p>Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago said,&nbsp;“After most people had caught the last wave, the intensity was gone." The professor has been writing a book on how China tackled the pandemic.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-secures-approval-for-second-hydropower-project-in-nepal-strengthening-bilateral-energy-cooperation-597637">India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation</a></p>

<p>He continued by noting that China now considered Covid to be a "Class B" illness, which is not the most urgent classification, and that officials there, while keeping an eye on the most recent spike in cases, "have also been trying to reassure the public, saying that the symptoms are relatively mild."</p>

<h2><strong>65 million Covid cases a week by late June&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Since April, more instances of Covid have been recorded in China, particularly from more recent subvariants that are circulating globally.</p>

<p>Last Monday, Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a well-known physician who was among the first to publicly acknowledge in early 2020 that the coronavirus might spread quickly among people, said that by late June, up to 65 million people a week may get sick with it throughout China.</p>

<p>That would be an increase from the 40 million infections each week he predicted in late May. China no longer regularly releases official national infection estimates, reported the media portal.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years</strong></p>

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<p>“People have become used to infections, and they see this as normal in the post-Covid era,” the 36-year-old Lin Zixian from a Beijing tech company told NYTimes.</p>

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping still wears Covid protection mask when he meets people indoors. But Lin said that he and his other family members had stopped wearing masks&nbsp;in most of the public spaces. He also added that even many people in China have stopped masking up in public spaces.</p>

<p>“Many of my friends got infected last year and got infected again this year,” Lin said. “Personally, I’m pretty calm about the virus and pandemic.”</p>

<h2><strong>China's zero Covid policy and lockdowns&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>China had implemented a stringent "zero Covid" policy aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus within its borders. This policy involved strict lockdowns, mass testing, contact tracing, and quarantine measures to prevent local transmission and minimise the importation of cases from abroad.</p>

<p>China experienced a significant rebound in economic growth after easing its lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, China's economy contracted by 6.8% compared to the previous year, marking its first quarterly contraction in decades. In December last year, the country lifted restrictions and resumed economic activities.&nbsp;</p>

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Over the projections on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in China by late June, Dr. Zhang Wenhong, the director of the centre for infectious diseases at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and a key figure in China's response to Covid, stated in a recent interview with Chinese media outlets that the nation "should not go too far in taking pandemic prevent measures in response," referring to last year's harsh restrictions and lockdowns that shunted China's economic growth.

Over the projections on the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak in China by late June, Dr. Zhang Wenhong, the director of the centre for infectious diseases at Huashan Hospital in Shanghai and a key figure in China's response to Covid, stated in a recent interview with Chinese media outlets that the nation "should not go too far in taking pandemic prevent measures in response," referring to last year's harsh restrictions and lockdowns that shunted China's economic growth. He added that up to three-quarters of Chinese people infected in the most recent rise were not infected in the initial wave. Nonetheless, the resurgence in cases, Dr. Zhang noted “should not have a huge impact overall on economic activity and life." Also Read | Mysterious! Venice canal stuns locals as patch takes on fluorescent green hue Chinese officials appear to be attempting to get rid of the strict limitations that by the end of last year had worn out the public's tolerance, reported New York Times. The administration has turned its attention to boosting economic growth and job creation since dropping its stringent restrictions on travel. Politics may view the 20 per cent unemployment rate among urban teenagers as more urgent than the growing Covid figures. Dali Yang, a political science professor at the University of Chicago said, “After most people had caught the last wave, the intensity was gone." The professor has been writing a book on how China tackled the pandemic. Also Read | India secures approval for second hydropower project in Nepal, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation He continued by noting that China now considered Covid to be a "Class B" illness, which is not the most urgent classification, and that officials there, while keeping an eye on the most recent spike in cases, "have also been trying to reassure the public, saying that the symptoms are relatively mild." 65 million Covid cases a week by late June Since April, more instances of Covid have been recorded in China, particularly from more recent subvariants that are circulating globally. Last Monday, Dr. Zhong Nanshan, a well-known physician who was among the first to publicly acknowledge in early 2020 that the coronavirus might spread quickly among people, said that by late June, up to 65 million people a week may get sick with it throughout China. That would be an increase from the 40 million infections each week he predicted in late May. China no longer regularly releases official national infection estimates, reported the media portal. Watch | Turkey Elections 2023: Erdogan back for another five years × “People have become used to infections, and they see this as normal in the post-Covid era,” the 36-year-old Lin Zixian from a Beijing tech company told NYTimes. Chinese President Xi Jinping still wears Covid protection mask when he meets people indoors. But Lin said that he and his other family members had stopped wearing masks in most of the public spaces. He also added that even many people in China have stopped masking up in public spaces. “Many of my friends got infected last year and got infected again this year,” Lin said. “Personally, I’m pretty calm about the virus and pandemic.” China's zero Covid policy and lockdowns China had implemented a stringent "zero Covid" policy aimed at containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus within its borders. This policy involved strict lockdowns, mass testing, contact tracing, and quarantine measures to prevent local transmission and minimise the importation of cases from abroad. China experienced a significant rebound in economic growth after easing its lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first quarter of 2020, China's economy contracted by 6.8% compared to the previous year, marking its first quarterly contraction in decades. In December last year, the country lifted restrictions and resumed economic activities. 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 resurgence hits but China not to return to lockdown approach: Report

UK: Boris Johnson's Covid breach inquiry threatens legal action | World News | WION

UK govt says its supplying all relevant material on Boris Johnson's Covid breach inquiry

China is facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections that could see as many as 65 million cases per week by the end of June. The latest omicron variant, XBB, has been fueling a resurgence in cases across China since late April. Watch this video to know more.

China prepares for new Covid variant with up to 65 million weekly cases

<p>China will probably witness a peak in a new COVID-19 wave towards the end of June, as it may mark around 65 million infections in a week, Bloomberg reported citing a senior health adviser.</p>

<p>According to the report, government authorities are rushing to increase their vaccine arsenal to fight against the latest omicron variants.</p>

<p>Since late April, coronavirus variant XBB has been fueling an increase in cases across the country and is likely to result in 40 million infections per week by May-end before it is expected to peak at 65 million a month later, reported local media outlet The Paper on Monday. It cited a presentation given by respiratory disease specialist Zhong Nanshan during a biotech conference held in the southern city of Guangzhou.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The estimate given by Zhong has provided a rare insight into how the new wave is likely to play out in a country of 1.4 billion residents where people's immunity is waning almost six months after Covid Zero curbs were suddenly removed by the government. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>With the idea that people need to live with the virus, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has not been updating its weekly statistics earlier this month, which has resulted in question on Covid’s impact.</p>

<p>The estimate of coronavirus cases rising to 65 million indicates that the resurgence is likely to be more muted in comparison to the previous waves which had hit the country late last year and into January.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Authorities prepare&nbsp;to roll out new vaccines</strong></h2>

<p>In the earlier wave, 37 million people were infected by a different omicron sublineage probably every day, which sent residents scrambling for limited supplies of overwhelming hospitals, fever medicine and crematoriums.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese authorities are also preparing to roll out new vaccines which will target XBB.</p>

<p>The drug regulator of the country has already given preliminary approval to two and another three or four “will be cleared soon”, said Zhong. “We can lead the pack internationally in developing more effective vaccines," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;China prepares for new Covid variant with up to 65 million weekly cases</strong></p>

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<p>The batch of new XBB-specific vaccines will further add to an increasing number of homegrown immunisations which has been signed off by Beijing throughout the pandemic. It is in accordance with a recommendation provided by the World Health Organization's expert panel last week to move away from bringing into use the original Wuhan strain in future jabs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WestVac Biopharma, which is a vaccine developer from the western Chinese city of Chengdu, was also given the go-ahead to start its XBB-based shots' testing on humans last week.&nbsp;</p>

<main>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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China will probably witness a peak in a new COVID-19 wave towards the end of June, as it may mark around 65 million infections in a week, Bloomberg reported citing a senior health adviser.

China will probably witness a peak in a new COVID-19 wave towards the end of June, as it may mark around 65 million infections in a week, Bloomberg reported citing a senior health adviser. According to the report, government authorities are rushing to increase their vaccine arsenal to fight against the latest omicron variants. Since late April, coronavirus variant XBB has been fueling an increase in cases across the country and is likely to result in 40 million infections per week by May-end before it is expected to peak at 65 million a month later, reported local media outlet The Paper on Monday. It cited a presentation given by respiratory disease specialist Zhong Nanshan during a biotech conference held in the southern city of Guangzhou. The estimate given by Zhong has provided a rare insight into how the new wave is likely to play out in a country of 1.4 billion residents where people's immunity is waning almost six months after Covid Zero curbs were suddenly removed by the government. ALSO READ | China claims COVID-19 has 'basically' ended. Has it really? With the idea that people need to live with the virus, the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has not been updating its weekly statistics earlier this month, which has resulted in question on Covid’s impact. The estimate of coronavirus cases rising to 65 million indicates that the resurgence is likely to be more muted in comparison to the previous waves which had hit the country late last year and into January. Authorities prepare to roll out new vaccines In the earlier wave, 37 million people were infected by a different omicron sublineage probably every day, which sent residents scrambling for limited supplies of overwhelming hospitals, fever medicine and crematoriums. The Chinese authorities are also preparing to roll out new vaccines which will target XBB. The drug regulator of the country has already given preliminary approval to two and another three or four “will be cleared soon”, said Zhong. “We can lead the pack internationally in developing more effective vaccines," he added. WATCH | China prepares for new Covid variant with up to 65 million weekly cases The batch of new XBB-specific vaccines will further add to an increasing number of homegrown immunisations which has been signed off by Beijing throughout the pandemic. It is in accordance with a recommendation provided by the World Health Organization's expert panel last week to move away from bringing into use the original Wuhan strain in future jabs. WestVac Biopharma, which is a vaccine developer from the western Chinese city of Chengdu, was also given the go-ahead to start its XBB-based shots' testing on humans last week. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China hit by new Covid wave, cases likely to surge to 65 million in a week: Report

<p>The Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) has developed the first indigenous testing kit to detect three infections—Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2.&nbsp;Known as a multiplex single tube real-time RT-PCR test, is a single kit which will detect three infections, namely Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2. The test is a highly accurate, nucleic acid-based diagnostic tool to evaluate specimens from patients who are in the acute phase of infection.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Easy, time-saving and efficient test-kit&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Varsha Potdar, head of NIV Pune’s influenza division in a statement to the Hindustan Times stated that “the kit will be an easy, time saving and efficient way of detecting three infections through a single test. A single tube essentially means that using a person’s single sample, we will be able to diagnose multiple infections. Technicians will not have to test the sample separately.”</p>

<h2><strong>The kit’s usefulness&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Dr Potdar explained the usefulness of the kit by adding that the symptoms of Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2 tend to overlap, making this kit particularly useful, especially during the flu season.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-likely-was-a-result-of-lab-leak-us-energy-departments-report-says-566200">COVID-19 virus likely was a result of lab leak, US energy department’s report says</a></strong></p>

<p>The test kit which will use nasal and throat swabs of a patient, similar to the Covid-19 testing kits, will be able to use the sample for multiple disease detection.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The commercialisation of the technology</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the media, Dr Potdar said that the National Institute of Virology, Pune, which is a constituent of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), on May 15, had invited expressions of interest (EoI) from companies to manufacture the kits in bulk. The institute is now ready to hand over the technology to licensees or manufacturers which will then commercialise the technology for vast usage across the country and the globe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India's new COVID-19 cases jump 30% to 10,158</strong></p>

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<p>“We have set June 14 as the last date for companies to submit their interest. Based on the applications we receive; we will evaluate the best candidate,” said Dr Potdar. &nbsp;<br />
India’s indigenous technological development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Multiple testing via a single test kit basically comprises a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that simultaneously detects multiple pathogens in a single reaction with the use of a single sample.</p>

<p>While such technology is in different stages of development in various countries across the world, the multiplex single-tube real-time RT-PCR test is the first indigenously developed kit in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>

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The Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) has developed the first indigenous testing kit to detect three infections—Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2. Known as a multiplex single tube real-time RT-PCR test, is a single kit which will detect three infections, namely Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2.

The Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) has developed the first indigenous testing kit to detect three infections—Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2. Known as a multiplex single tube real-time RT-PCR test, is a single kit which will detect three infections, namely Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2. The test is a highly accurate, nucleic acid-based diagnostic tool to evaluate specimens from patients who are in the acute phase of infection. Easy, time-saving and efficient test-kit Dr Varsha Potdar, head of NIV Pune’s influenza division in a statement to the Hindustan Times stated that “the kit will be an easy, time saving and efficient way of detecting three infections through a single test. A single tube essentially means that using a person’s single sample, we will be able to diagnose multiple infections. Technicians will not have to test the sample separately.” The kit’s usefulness Dr Potdar explained the usefulness of the kit by adding that the symptoms of Influenza A, B and SARS-CoV-2 tend to overlap, making this kit particularly useful, especially during the flu season. ALSO READ | COVID-19 virus likely was a result of lab leak, US energy department’s report says The test kit which will use nasal and throat swabs of a patient, similar to the Covid-19 testing kits, will be able to use the sample for multiple disease detection. The commercialisation of the technology Speaking to the media, Dr Potdar said that the National Institute of Virology, Pune, which is a constituent of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), on May 15, had invited expressions of interest (EoI) from companies to manufacture the kits in bulk. The institute is now ready to hand over the technology to licensees or manufacturers which will then commercialise the technology for vast usage across the country and the globe. WATCH | India's new COVID-19 cases jump 30% to 10,158 × “We have set June 14 as the last date for companies to submit their interest. Based on the applications we receive; we will evaluate the best candidate,” said Dr Potdar. India’s indigenous technological development. Multiple testing via a single test kit basically comprises a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that simultaneously detects multiple pathogens in a single reaction with the use of a single sample. While such technology is in different stages of development in various countries across the world, the multiplex single-tube real-time RT-PCR test is the first indigenously developed kit in India. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India's indigenous test kit to detect Influenza A, B and COVID-19 in a single swab

<p>The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday called for reforms by individual countries in preparation for the next pandemic. The WHO head also asked member nations to honour a previous commitment to boost annual financing for the global health agency.</p>

<p>The development comes weeks after the WHO ended global emergency status for the Covid pandemic which killed millions worldwide during its course of over two years and left a trail of devastating economic consequences globally.</p>

<h2><strong>Preventing the next pandemic: What it means?</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking at the WHO's annual health assembly, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was time to advance negotiations on preventing the next pandemic.</p>

<p>"We cannot kick this can down the road," the WHO Director-General said in a major address to the agency's member states, warning that the next pandemic was bound to "come knocking".</p>

<p>"If we do not make the changes that must be made, then who will? And if we do not make them now, then when?" he said.</p>

<h2><strong>World Health Assembly in Geneva</strong></h2>

<p>The 10-day annual World Health Assembly in Geneva coincides with WHO's 75th anniversary. It aims to address global health challenges, including future pandemics.</p>

<p>The WHO's 194 member states are currently negotiating reforms to the binding rules that fix their obligations in the event of an international health threat. The member states are also reportedly drafting a broader pandemic treaty. This treaty will be&nbsp;up for ratification next year.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;WHO declares Covid-19 pandemic is over; restrictions lifted globally</strong></p>

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<p>"A commitment from this generation (to a pandemic accord) is important because it is this generation that experienced how awful a small virus could be," Tedros was quoted as saying by Reuters.</p>

<p>Countries are also set to consider later on Monday the WHO's 2024-2025 budget.</p>

<h2><strong>Calls for a global pandemic prevention fund</strong></h2>

<p>The WHO is facing calls for reform after an independent panel recently described it as "underpowered" when the Covid pandemic first struck. It found that the global health body had&nbsp;limited powers to investigate outbreaks and coordinate containment measures, reflecting WHO's widely criticised track record of failing to timely investigate the origin of the pandemic in China's Wuhan city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Washington-led effort to build a global pandemic prevention fund hosted by the World Bank is among initiatives that could determine the future of the 74-year-old body.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday called for reforms by individual countries in preparation for the next pandemic. The WHO head also asked member nations to honour a previous commitment to boost annual financing for the global health agency.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday called for reforms by individual countries in preparation for the next pandemic. The WHO head also asked member nations to honour a previous commitment to boost annual financing for the global health agency. The development comes weeks after the WHO ended global emergency status for the Covid pandemic which killed millions worldwide during its course of over two years and left a trail of devastating economic consequences globally. Preventing the next pandemic: What it means? Speaking at the WHO's annual health assembly, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was time to advance negotiations on preventing the next pandemic. "We cannot kick this can down the road," the WHO Director-General said in a major address to the agency's member states, warning that the next pandemic was bound to "come knocking". "If we do not make the changes that must be made, then who will? And if we do not make them now, then when?" he said. World Health Assembly in Geneva The 10-day annual World Health Assembly in Geneva coincides with WHO's 75th anniversary. It aims to address global health challenges, including future pandemics. The WHO's 194 member states are currently negotiating reforms to the binding rules that fix their obligations in the event of an international health threat. The member states are also reportedly drafting a broader pandemic treaty. This treaty will be up for ratification next year. ALSO WATCH | WHO declares Covid-19 pandemic is over; restrictions lifted globally × "A commitment from this generation (to a pandemic accord) is important because it is this generation that experienced how awful a small virus could be," Tedros was quoted as saying by Reuters. Countries are also set to consider later on Monday the WHO's 2024-2025 budget. Calls for a global pandemic prevention fund The WHO is facing calls for reform after an independent panel recently described it as "underpowered" when the Covid pandemic first struck. It found that the global health body had limited powers to investigate outbreaks and coordinate containment measures, reflecting WHO's widely criticised track record of failing to timely investigate the origin of the pandemic in China's Wuhan city. A Washington-led effort to build a global pandemic prevention fund hosted by the World Bank is among initiatives that could determine the future of the 74-year-old body. (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.

Next pandemic is bound to 'come knocking', so better prepare, warns WHO

<p>Not that long ago, facemasks were the norm during the Covid pandemic. Everywhere you go there were signs reminding you how important these pesky but crucial face coverings are. But with time, not only masks but also these signs have disappeared from almost everywhere. Many doctors' offices still have these reminders posted. Are doctors just lazy and haven't gotten around to removing the notice or are they a vital reminder?</p>

<p>As per a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it's the latter.</p>

<p>The study shows that wearing masks in medical settings, such as doctor's offices, can still provide some protection against COVID-19.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-the-hell-gen-z-more-likely-to-believe-in-damnation-after-death-finds-study-594238">What the 'hell'? Gen Z more likely to believe in damnation after death, finds study</a></strong></p>

<p>It says that despite the expiration of the US public health emergency declaration and a decrease in pandemic precautions, masks remain effective in reducing the risk of catching the virus in community settings where close interactions between doctors and patients occur.</p>

<p>The study reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the protective qualities of different types of masks, including surgical masks, N95 respirators, and cloth masks. Researchers found that there was no&nbsp;significant difference in the protection offered by&nbsp;surgical masks and N95 respirators in healthcare settings. While N95 respirators may offer slightly more benefits, the evidence was not conclusive.</p>

<p>Researchers analysed three randomised trials and 21 observational studies from around the world to reach these conclusions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, as per the researchers, some of the trials they used had limitations, particularly when comparing surgical masks to cloth masks or examining the impact of consistent mask use.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/stanford-researchers-develop-e-skin-that-can-help-amputees-experience-touch-594797">Stanford researchers develop 'e-skin' that can help amputees experience touch</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite these limitations, the researchers behind this study — Dr Tara Palmore of George Washington University School of Medicine and Dr David Henderson of the National Institutes of Health, emphasise that masks should still be considered a good safety measure for patients and healthcare personnel, especially in the absence of definitive evidence regarding their effectiveness.</p>

<p>Previously too, laboratory studies have shown that surgical masks and respirators are effective in limiting the spread of aerosols and droplets from individuals infected with the flu, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although they are not 100 per cent&nbsp;effective, these masks significantly reduce the amount of virus expelled when someone talks or coughs.</p>

<p>While transmission can still occur from patients to staff or vice versa, when both parties are wearing masks, such instances are rare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The authors in an accompanying editorial remark said that individuals working in healthcare settings are "notorious for coming to work while ill."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, they say mask use can help prevent unnecessary exposure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Exposing patients unnecessarily to infections that are preventable by masking seems directly contrary to the principles of patient safety," they said, adding, "For all of these reasons, we advocate remaining masked during patient interactions."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Not that long ago, facemasks were the norm during the Covid pandemic. Everywhere you go there were signs reminding you how important these pesky but crucial face coverings are.

Not that long ago, facemasks were the norm during the Covid pandemic. Everywhere you go there were signs reminding you how important these pesky but crucial face coverings are. But with time, not only masks but also these signs have disappeared from almost everywhere. Many doctors' offices still have these reminders posted. Are doctors just lazy and haven't gotten around to removing the notice or are they a vital reminder? As per a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it's the latter. The study shows that wearing masks in medical settings, such as doctor's offices, can still provide some protection against COVID-19. Also read | What the 'hell'? Gen Z more likely to believe in damnation after death, finds study It says that despite the expiration of the US public health emergency declaration and a decrease in pandemic precautions, masks remain effective in reducing the risk of catching the virus in community settings where close interactions between doctors and patients occur. The study reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the protective qualities of different types of masks, including surgical masks, N95 respirators, and cloth masks. Researchers found that there was no significant difference in the protection offered by surgical masks and N95 respirators in healthcare settings. While N95 respirators may offer slightly more benefits, the evidence was not conclusive. Researchers analysed three randomised trials and 21 observational studies from around the world to reach these conclusions. However, as per the researchers, some of the trials they used had limitations, particularly when comparing surgical masks to cloth masks or examining the impact of consistent mask use. Also read | Stanford researchers develop 'e-skin' that can help amputees experience touch Despite these limitations, the researchers behind this study — Dr Tara Palmore of George Washington University School of Medicine and Dr David Henderson of the National Institutes of Health, emphasise that masks should still be considered a good safety measure for patients and healthcare personnel, especially in the absence of definitive evidence regarding their effectiveness. Previously too, laboratory studies have shown that surgical masks and respirators are effective in limiting the spread of aerosols and droplets from individuals infected with the flu, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses. Although they are not 100 per cent effective, these masks significantly reduce the amount of virus expelled when someone talks or coughs. While transmission can still occur from patients to staff or vice versa, when both parties are wearing masks, such instances are rare. The authors in an accompanying editorial remark said that individuals working in healthcare settings are "notorious for coming to work while ill." Therefore, they say mask use can help prevent unnecessary exposure. "Exposing patients unnecessarily to infections that are preventable by masking seems directly contrary to the principles of patient safety," they said, adding, "For all of these reasons, we advocate remaining masked during patient interactions." (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.

Study reveals the one place where you should NEVER go without a face mask

<p>Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning. He contracted the virus for the very first time since the pandemic began in the year 2020.</p>

<p>He took to his official Facebook account and shared a post saying that he is generally feeling okay and that his doctors have advised him to self-isolate.</p>

<p>“I tested positive for COVID-19 for the first time this morning,” Lee said on Facebook, where he posted a photo of a positive antigen rapid test. “I am generally feeling ok, but my doctors have advised me to self-isolate until I am asymptomatic.”</p>

<p>He further informed that he contracted the virus after his recent work trips and that the doctors had prescribed the Paxlovid antiviral medication because of his age.</p>

<p>"This comes after my recent work trips. Doctors have also prescribed me Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, because of my age," he said.</p>

<p>Lee was on an official visit to South Africa from May 14 to 16, and Kenya from May 17 to 19. He also attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia from May 10 to 11.</p>

<p>The 71-year-old added that his last COVID-19 vaccine booster dose inoculation was in November. He urged the citizens of his country to keep their vaccinations up to date in order to reduce the risk of severe illness.</p>

<p>"My most recent COVID-19 vaccine booster was in November. Please keep your vaccinations up-to-date, as it reduces the risk of severe illness. As COVID-19 remains endemic in Singapore, we must continue to keep ourselves safe and healthy," he wrote.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>WHO announces end of Covid as global health emergency, says crisis phase over</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, the World Health Organisation announced that Covid is no longer a global health emergency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yesterday, the Emergency Committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I've accepted that advice. It's therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus while speaking to reporters, as he estimated that the pandemic had killed "at least 20 million" people, which is threefold the official estimate.</p>

<p>The announcement was made after the independent emergency committee of WHO held its 15th meeting on the Covid crisis during which they agreed that the crisis did not merit the highest level of alert of the organisation any longer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Tedros warned that the announcement did not mean the threat was over, as he cautioned people about the chances of reinstating the emergency status if the situation changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, that does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global health threat," Ghebreyesus said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The worst thing any country could do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that Covid-19 is nothing to worry about," he stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning. He contracted the virus for the very first time since the pandemic began in the year 2020.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning. He contracted the virus for the very first time since the pandemic began in the year 2020. He took to his official Facebook account and shared a post saying that he is generally feeling okay and that his doctors have advised him to self-isolate. “I tested positive for COVID-19 for the first time this morning,” Lee said on Facebook, where he posted a photo of a positive antigen rapid test. “I am generally feeling ok, but my doctors have advised me to self-isolate until I am asymptomatic.” He further informed that he contracted the virus after his recent work trips and that the doctors had prescribed the Paxlovid antiviral medication because of his age. "This comes after my recent work trips. Doctors have also prescribed me Paxlovid, an antiviral medication, because of my age," he said. Lee was on an official visit to South Africa from May 14 to 16, and Kenya from May 17 to 19. He also attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia from May 10 to 11. The 71-year-old added that his last COVID-19 vaccine booster dose inoculation was in November. He urged the citizens of his country to keep their vaccinations up to date in order to reduce the risk of severe illness. "My most recent COVID-19 vaccine booster was in November. Please keep your vaccinations up-to-date, as it reduces the risk of severe illness. As COVID-19 remains endemic in Singapore, we must continue to keep ourselves safe and healthy," he wrote. WHO announces end of Covid as global health emergency, says crisis phase over Earlier this month, the World Health Organisation announced that Covid is no longer a global health emergency. "Yesterday, the Emergency Committee met for the 15th time and recommended to me that I declare an end to the public health emergency of international concern. I've accepted that advice. It's therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus while speaking to reporters, as he estimated that the pandemic had killed "at least 20 million" people, which is threefold the official estimate. The announcement was made after the independent emergency committee of WHO held its 15th meeting on the Covid crisis during which they agreed that the crisis did not merit the highest level of alert of the organisation any longer. However, Tedros warned that the announcement did not mean the threat was over, as he cautioned people about the chances of reinstating the emergency status if the situation changes. "However, that does not mean COVID-19 is over as a global health threat," Ghebreyesus said. "The worst thing any country could do now is to use this news as a reason to let down its guard, to dismantle the systems it has built, or to send the message to its people that Covid-19 is nothing to worry about," he stated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong tests positive for COVID-19 for the first time since its inception

The young residents of US are dying at an alarming rate, the rates have seen a significant rise since 2020 but surprisingly Covid-19 is not the reason behind this, rather the social disruption caused by the lockdowns has more to do with this.

US: Young people dying in US at alarming rates, death rates high-ever since pandemic

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