Shanghai has shut schools and other venues to control the jump in Covid cases ahead of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China. Several schools have been suspended in-person. Classes have been suspended as well.

China: Shanghai witnesses three-month jump in Covid-19 cases

Taiwan is welcoming back visitors after ending its mandatory Covid-19 quarantine rules. Dozens of excited tourists from Thailand were the very first to return to Taiwan. They were welcomed by officials with teddy bears as they stepped off the plane.

Taiwan: Thai tourists first to return after the country ends Covid quarantine

In pics | Taiwan welcomes tourists for the first time after Covid hiatus

Holiday spending during China's Golden Week has plunged to its lowest level in seven years, as broad Covid curbs discouraged people from travelling or spending.

World  Business Watch: China's holiday spending plunges to seven-year low

Tens of thousands of people are under lockdown in Shanghai. China closes off neighborhoods in the financial capital again. Priyanka Sharma tells you more

WION Fineprint | New COVID lockdowns in Shanghai amidst a rise in cases

A new Covid-19 wave appears to be looming over Europe and as winter is arriving public health experts are warning about potential vaccine shortages. Experts also say that there is also confusion over types of vaccines available.

WION Fineprint: Covid hospitalisations in UK jump to 45%

Europe's fresh Covid wave; booster campaign makes a slow start

<p>In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m).&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations. Major airlines are battling, nevertheless, to restore their flying schedules to levels before the outbreak.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
British airline Virgin Atlantic said on Wednesday that it will cease operations in Hong Kong due to problems associated with the conflict in Ukraine.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, "The airport authority will finalise the arrangement with airline companies. Once the government announces it will remove all Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, we'll roll out the advertising campaigns for the free air tickets."&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The complimentary tickets, which were purchased to help Hong Kong Airlines during the epidemic, would be given out to inbound and outbound travellers by the city's airport authority the following year, Cheng stated.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
After 30 years in the Asian aviation hub, Virgin Atlantic said it will shut down its Hong Kong headquarters and stop operating flights between the city and London Heathrow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-indias-supreme-court-legalises-abortion-regardless-of-marital-status-522735">&nbsp;Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status</a><br />
&nbsp;<br />
Due to its adherence to China's zero Covid regulations, Hong Kong had some of the strictest laws in the whole world until recently. The Hong Kong government said last month that it will no longer require visitors to the city to undergo hotel quarantine or to demonstrate a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Now, travellers must check themselves for potential infections three days after arrival. Flights to and from Hong Kong were in high demand when the news broke.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m). In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations.

In an effort to revive its Covid-hit tourist sector, Hong Kong says it would give away 500,000 plane tickets worth HK$2bn ($254.8m). In recent weeks, the city relaxed a number of its coronavirus regulations. Major airlines are battling, nevertheless, to restore their flying schedules to levels before the outbreak. British airline Virgin Atlantic said on Wednesday that it will cease operations in Hong Kong due to problems associated with the conflict in Ukraine. Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, "The airport authority will finalise the arrangement with airline companies. Once the government announces it will remove all Covid-19 restrictions for inbound travellers, we'll roll out the advertising campaigns for the free air tickets." The complimentary tickets, which were purchased to help Hong Kong Airlines during the epidemic, would be given out to inbound and outbound travellers by the city's airport authority the following year, Cheng stated. After 30 years in the Asian aviation hub, Virgin Atlantic said it will shut down its Hong Kong headquarters and stop operating flights between the city and London Heathrow. Also Read: Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status Due to its adherence to China's zero Covid regulations, Hong Kong had some of the strictest laws in the whole world until recently. The Hong Kong government said last month that it will no longer require visitors to the city to undergo hotel quarantine or to demonstrate a negative Covid test before boarding flights to Hong Kong. Now, travellers must check themselves for potential infections three days after arrival. Flights to and from Hong Kong were in high demand when the news broke. (with inputs from agencies)

Hong Kong to give away 500,000 complementary air tickets in an attempt to lure tourists

<p>Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the pandemic, interest has surged, and some well-known organisations are now concentrating their attention on persons who are sleep deprived.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 900-square-foot room at Park Hyatt New York was introduced during the past 12 months dubbed the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, while Rosewood Hotels &amp; Resorts has unveiled a line of getaways called the Alchemy of Sleep that is intended to "promote rest."</p>

<p>The world's first Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel, was constructed in the Portuguese city of Coimbra a year after Zedwell, London's first sleep-centric hotel, which offers rooms with cutting-edge soundproofing, opened its doors in early 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This appears to have been significantly influenced by the worldwide epidemic. 40% of the more than 2,500 people who participated in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine said that their sleep quality has declined since the pandemic's beginning.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russian-missile-destroys-apartment-block-in-zaporizhzhia-kills-one-woman-523005">Ukraine: Russian missile destroys apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, kills one woman</a></p>

<p>If a reputable medical or scientific expert is involved in some way to help determine whether there may be something else at play, Dr Robbins claims that travel experiences focused on "healthy sleep strategies" that aim to give visitors the tools they need to improve their sleep can be incredibly beneficial.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Robbins emphasises that there are a plethora of unexplored possibilities when it comes to travel and the science of sleep and that she is interested in watching "who really continues to pioneer and think creatively about this space" as sleep tourism develops.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world.

Going on vacation may seem like a strange method to try to change your sleeping patterns. But during the past several years, sleep tourism has become increasingly popular, with more sleep-focused stays appearing in hotels and resorts all over the world. Since the pandemic, interest has surged, and some well-known organisations are now concentrating their attention on persons who are sleep deprived. A 900-square-foot room at Park Hyatt New York was introduced during the past 12 months dubbed the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite, while Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a line of getaways called the Alchemy of Sleep that is intended to "promote rest." The world's first Hästens Sleep Spa Hotel, a 15-room boutique hotel, was constructed in the Portuguese city of Coimbra a year after Zedwell, London's first sleep-centric hotel, which offers rooms with cutting-edge soundproofing, opened its doors in early 2020. This appears to have been significantly influenced by the worldwide epidemic. 40% of the more than 2,500 people who participated in the study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine said that their sleep quality has declined since the pandemic's beginning. Also Read: Ukraine: Russian missile destroys apartment block in Zaporizhzhia, kills one woman If a reputable medical or scientific expert is involved in some way to help determine whether there may be something else at play, Dr Robbins claims that travel experiences focused on "healthy sleep strategies" that aim to give visitors the tools they need to improve their sleep can be incredibly beneficial. Dr Robbins emphasises that there are a plethora of unexplored possibilities when it comes to travel and the science of sleep and that she is interested in watching "who really continues to pioneer and think creatively about this space" as sleep tourism develops. (with inputs from agencies)

Why sleep tourism is growing in popularity post-pandemic

<p>The absence of Roger Federer and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-legend-serena-williams-the-most-tweeted-about-female-athlete-ever-513054">Serena Williams</a> from the Australian Open in January will mark the beginning of a new era for tennis, but it is looking more and more likely that nine-time winner Novak Djokovic will play on his beloved Melbourne Park hardcourts.</p>

<p>The former world No. 1 Djokovic has a lingering doubt about whether he can visit Australia again after a tennis season in which he won Wimbledon but missed two of the majors, the Australian and US Opens, for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>After the Australian authorities determined that Djokovic might have hampered the country's ability to respond to the pandemic and disrupted civil order, he was deported the day before the Australian Open, as reported by The Age</p>

<p>Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, noted that conditions in Australia nine months ago, when Djokovic was suspended, were remarkably different. He said they were prepared to conduct a competition akin to those held before the outbreak.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-australia-england-or-pakistan-aussie-great-picks-his-favourites-for-t20-world-cup-522712">India, Australia, England or Pakistan? Aussie great picks his favourites for T20 World Cup</a></p>

<p>“We are on track to have all the top players back,” said Tiley, when quizzed at a Melbourne Victory “Victory In Business” luncheon on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Djokovic was denied entry to Australia as a result of decisions taken by the former Coalition government and then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Djokovic had won the prior three Australian Opens before Rafael Nadal won the competition in the Serbian's absence.</p>

<p>The next Minister of Immigration is Labor MP Andrew Giles, who also oversees Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.</p>

<p><a href="Novak Djokovic cruises ahead in Astana; Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev enter quarters">Djokovic</a> was unable to defend his Australian Open championship in January after the Federal Court upheld the federal government's decision to deport him less than 24 hours before the tournament began. The issue was high-profile and protracted, garnering international headlines.</p>

<p>Due to the risk that he would aggravate anti-vaccination sentiment, the entire court bench unanimously decided that he should be deported.</p>

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The absence of Roger Federer and Serena Williams from the Australian Open in January will mark the beginning of a new era for tennis, but it is looking more and more likely that nine-time winner Novak Djokovic will play on his beloved Melbourne Park hardcourts.

The absence of Roger Federer and Serena Williams from the Australian Open in January will mark the beginning of a new era for tennis, but it is looking more and more likely that nine-time winner Novak Djokovic will play on his beloved Melbourne Park hardcourts. The former world No. 1 Djokovic has a lingering doubt about whether he can visit Australia again after a tennis season in which he won Wimbledon but missed two of the majors, the Australian and US Opens, for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. After the Australian authorities determined that Djokovic might have hampered the country's ability to respond to the pandemic and disrupted civil order, he was deported the day before the Australian Open, as reported by The Age Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, noted that conditions in Australia nine months ago, when Djokovic was suspended, were remarkably different. He said they were prepared to conduct a competition akin to those held before the outbreak. Also read | India, Australia, England or Pakistan? Aussie great picks his favourites for T20 World Cup “We are on track to have all the top players back,” said Tiley, when quizzed at a Melbourne Victory “Victory In Business” luncheon on Wednesday. Djokovic was denied entry to Australia as a result of decisions taken by the former Coalition government and then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Djokovic had won the prior three Australian Opens before Rafael Nadal won the competition in the Serbian's absence. The next Minister of Immigration is Labor MP Andrew Giles, who also oversees Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open championship in January after the Federal Court upheld the federal government's decision to deport him less than 24 hours before the tournament began. The issue was high-profile and protracted, garnering international headlines. Due to the risk that he would aggravate anti-vaccination sentiment, the entire court bench unanimously decided that he should be deported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Top players to return for Australian Open. Will Djokovic be included?

<p>In a meeting held last month, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had emphasised not lowering guard against COVID due to upcoming festivals even as it decided to do away with wearing face masks after September 30.</p>

<p>According to the minutes of the meeting held on September 22, and accessed by PTI, a notification revoking the Rs 500 fine on not wearing masks is expected to be issued by the health department on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The decision to revoke the mask mandate was anything but unanimous and differences abound, as per the minutes of the meeting issued by Sushil Singh, special CEO, disaster management.</p>

<p>Chief Secretary of Delhi Naresh Kumar had in the meeting said that the current situation was comfortable but the guard against Coronavirus could not be lowered as the variants keep coming up.</p>

<p>The health ministry has advised caution in view of multiple festivals from September 26 to December 31 and likely mass gatherings across the country.</p>

<p>Niti Aayog member Dr V K Paul had in the meeting emphasised that surveillance was still needed as the virus is still present and its mutations and variants have emerged from time to time.</p>

<p>Dr Rajendra Singh, member NDMA, came up with a suggestion that wearing of masks be continued up to November 15 in view of coming festivals.</p>

<p>Delhi Police Commissioner sought clarity and complete set of instructions on the enforcement of mask mandate.</p>

<p>The Chief Secretary suggested that a 'self discipline mode'&nbsp;may be tried now as the public is well aware of its responsibilities and what constitutes a COVID-appropriate behaviour.</p>

<p>Revenue minister Kailash Gahlot in the same meeting reiterated that there were "practical difficulties" in the enforcement of the mask mandate, and stressed the need to relax the rule.</p>

<p>Kunal Satyarthi, joint secretary NDMA, agreed with him saying that wearing of masks may not be advisable in the present circumstances, the minutes said.</p>

<p>The meeting chaired by LG V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in attendance, summarily agreed that though wearing of masks was useful in maintaining a Covid -appropriate behaviour, the order of compulsory wearing of masks under the Epidemic Act may not be extended beyond September 30.</p>

<p>The DDMA also agreed that the fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks in public places will stand withdrawn after September 30, it added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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In a meeting held last month, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had emphasised not lowering guard against COVID due to upcoming festivals even as it decided to do away with wearing face masks after September 30.

In a meeting held last month, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had emphasised not lowering guard against COVID due to upcoming festivals even as it decided to do away with wearing face masks after September 30. According to the minutes of the meeting held on September 22, and accessed by PTI, a notification revoking the Rs 500 fine on not wearing masks is expected to be issued by the health department on Wednesday. The decision to revoke the mask mandate was anything but unanimous and differences abound, as per the minutes of the meeting issued by Sushil Singh, special CEO, disaster management. Chief Secretary of Delhi Naresh Kumar had in the meeting said that the current situation was comfortable but the guard against Coronavirus could not be lowered as the variants keep coming up. The health ministry has advised caution in view of multiple festivals from September 26 to December 31 and likely mass gatherings across the country. Niti Aayog member Dr V K Paul had in the meeting emphasised that surveillance was still needed as the virus is still present and its mutations and variants have emerged from time to time. Dr Rajendra Singh, member NDMA, came up with a suggestion that wearing of masks be continued up to November 15 in view of coming festivals. Delhi Police Commissioner sought clarity and complete set of instructions on the enforcement of mask mandate. The Chief Secretary suggested that a 'self discipline mode' may be tried now as the public is well aware of its responsibilities and what constitutes a COVID-appropriate behaviour. Revenue minister Kailash Gahlot in the same meeting reiterated that there were "practical difficulties" in the enforcement of the mask mandate, and stressed the need to relax the rule. Kunal Satyarthi, joint secretary NDMA, agreed with him saying that wearing of masks may not be advisable in the present circumstances, the minutes said. The meeting chaired by LG V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in attendance, summarily agreed that though wearing of masks was useful in maintaining a Covid -appropriate behaviour, the order of compulsory wearing of masks under the Epidemic Act may not be extended beyond September 30. The DDMA also agreed that the fine of Rs 500 for not wearing masks in public places will stand withdrawn after September 30, it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Officials not on same page on revocation of mask mandate in Delhi, reveals document

With the prospective buyers hit by Covid curbs and high interest rates, property transactions in Hong Kong are expected to fall to historic low this year.

Hong Kong: Property sales to be at 27-year low

<p>According to a top French health authority, as winter approaches, France has reached the eighth wave of the Covid virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Brigitte Autran, a participant in the vaccination strategic board of the government, confirmed that "yes, we are in this eighth wave."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Autran said, "All the indicators are on the up."</p>

<p>The latest reported figure of 45,631 for the seven-day moving average of daily new cases in France, according to Covid statistics released on Monday, was the highest level since August 2.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-german-chancellor-angela-merkel-wins-un-refugee-prize-522361">Former German chancellor Angela Merkel wins UN refugee prize</a></p>

<p>The number of Covid patients in hospital critical care units (ICU), at 843, and the overall number of Covid hospitalizations in France were both at their highest levels since the end of August.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the World Health Organization, there have been about 151,500 Covid fatalities in France to date.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>


According to a top French health authority, as winter approaches, France has reached the eighth wave of the Covid virus. Brigitte Autran, a participant in the vaccination strategic board of the government, confirmed that "yes, we are in this eighth wave.

According to a top French health authority, as winter approaches, France has reached the eighth wave of the Covid virus. Brigitte Autran, a participant in the vaccination strategic board of the government, confirmed that "yes, we are in this eighth wave." Autran said, "All the indicators are on the up." The latest reported figure of 45,631 for the seven-day moving average of daily new cases in France, according to Covid statistics released on Monday, was the highest level since August 2. Also Read: Former German chancellor Angela Merkel wins UN refugee prize The number of Covid patients in hospital critical care units (ICU), at 843, and the overall number of Covid hospitalizations in France were both at their highest levels since the end of August. According to the World Health Organization, there have been about 151,500 Covid fatalities in France to date. (with inputs from agencies)

8th Covid wave gaining intensity in France, new cases highest since August

Countries are now opening their borders and removing the stringent Covid-19 restrictions for tourists. Australia has also decided to follow suit and remove its last remaining restriction.

Australia: Covid-19 isolation mandates will end, doctors warn of risk to public

<p>The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday.</p>

<p>"All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation."</p>

<p>The patriarch was absent from a grand Kremlin ceremony later on Friday in which Russia announces the annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Patriarch Kirill is a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin's policies.</p>

<p>After Putin announced a mobilisation last week, triggering protests and an exodus of men, the patriarch suggested that Russian soldiers dying in Ukraine would go to heaven.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-putin-set-to-officially-annex-occupied-ukrainian-regions-at-official-event-today-521193">LIVE | Putin claims four new regions of Russia, calls out West for 'hypocrisy'</a></p>

<p>"It someone, driven by a sense of duty and the need to fulfil an oath, remains true to his calling and dies in the line of military duty then he undoubtedly commits an act of tantamount sacrifice," he said at a sermon last Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We believe this sacrifice washes away all the sins that a person has committed."</p>

<p>The UK and Canada have placed sanctions on Patriarch Kirill for his backing of the what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.</p>

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The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday. "All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation.

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, 75-year-old Patriarch Kirill, has Covid and will self isolate, his church said in a statement Friday. "All planned meetings and trips in the coming days of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill are cancelled," it said, adding that he needed "bed rest and isolation." The patriarch was absent from a grand Kremlin ceremony later on Friday in which Russia announces the annexation of four occupied Ukrainian regions. A leader of the Russian Orthodox Church since 2009, Patriarch Kirill is a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin's policies. After Putin announced a mobilisation last week, triggering protests and an exodus of men, the patriarch suggested that Russian soldiers dying in Ukraine would go to heaven. Also Read: LIVE | Putin claims four new regions of Russia, calls out West for 'hypocrisy' "It someone, driven by a sense of duty and the need to fulfil an oath, remains true to his calling and dies in the line of military duty then he undoubtedly commits an act of tantamount sacrifice," he said at a sermon last Sunday. "We believe this sacrifice washes away all the sins that a person has committed." The UK and Canada have placed sanctions on Patriarch Kirill for his backing of the what the Kremlin calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Patriarch Kirill, head of Russia's Orthodox Church, down with severe Covid symptoms

Taiwan is all set to end its mandatory Covid-19 quarantine rules for arrivals.The curbs will be lifted on the 13th of October. The Taiwanese government said that it will welcome the tourists back as a part of its plan to reopen the island to the outside world.

Taiwan to lift quarantine rules for arrivals, only rapid testing mandatory

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{235}" paraid="1876126719" >Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{238}" paraid="1169166512" >The decision to let COVID-infected Australians decide whether they need to isolate or not removes one of country's last remaining restrictions from the pandemic era, and comes about a month after the quarantine period was cut to five days from seven.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{244}" paraid="559206138" >"We want a policy that promotes resilience and capacity-building and reduces a reliance on government intervention," Albanese told reporters after a meeting of the national cabinet.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{244}" paraid="559206138" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-remains-uncertain-as-hurricane-ian-causes-devastation-in-florida-521070" hreflang="en">At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{247}" paraid="862057837" >The pandemic leave payments for casual workers will also stop when isolation rules end, as Albanese said "it isn't sustainable for government to pay people's wages forever."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{79359119-3282-4034-8f9d-b62873791b28}{250}" paraid="97445492" >A champion of COVID-suppression strategy, Australia shifted away from its fortress-style controls and began living with the virus from&nbsp;early this year&nbsp;through a staggered easing of curbs amid higher vaccination rates.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{13}" paraid="1487563850" >"The crucial point is that the emergency response phase is probably finished at this point in the pandemic," Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said. "This virus will be around for many years but it's time to consider ... different ways of dealing with it."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{16}" paraid="1278443828" >But Australian doctors warned that ending the mandatory quarantine rules puts the public at risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{19}" paraid="743163195" >Professor Brendan Crabb, a microbiologist and chief executive of the Burnet Institute, told ABC: "It's disappointing, pretty dark day actually. You know, it's illogical and uninformed, for me I find it distressing."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{19}" paraid="743163195" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-sco-summit-521098">Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{25}" paraid="484372787" >Australian Medical Association President, Steve Robson, concurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{28}" paraid="914604856" >"I think people who are pushing for the isolation periods to be cut are not scientifically literate," Robson told ABC television ahead of the government decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{31}" paraid="1658104637" >Australia, one of the most heavily vaccinated countries against COVID-19, has given two doses to 96.5% of those older than 16, although just under 72% have had the booster shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8bcd2ad9-881f-493b-9bf7-f020df90a8cc}{34}" paraid="189112651" >People admitted to hospitals from the virus and the number of infected have been trending lower after a&nbsp;major Omicron outbreak&nbsp;during the winter. The country's tally of about 10.2 million infections and 15,153 deaths is lower than many developed economies.&nbsp;</p>


Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk.

Australia will end the mandatory five-day home quarantine for COVID-infected people on Oct. 14, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday, even as some doctors warned the move would put the public at risk. The decision to let COVID-infected Australians decide whether they need to isolate or not removes one of country's last remaining restrictions from the pandemic era, and comes about a month after the quarantine period was cut to five days from seven. "We want a policy that promotes resilience and capacity-building and reduces a reliance on government intervention," Albanese told reporters after a meeting of the national cabinet. Also read | At least 17 dead as Hurricane Ian causes massive devastation in Florida The pandemic leave payments for casual workers will also stop when isolation rules end, as Albanese said "it isn't sustainable for government to pay people's wages forever." A champion of COVID-suppression strategy, Australia shifted away from its fortress-style controls and began living with the virus from early this year through a staggered easing of curbs amid higher vaccination rates. "The crucial point is that the emergency response phase is probably finished at this point in the pandemic," Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said. "This virus will be around for many years but it's time to consider ... different ways of dealing with it." But Australian doctors warned that ending the mandatory quarantine rules puts the public at risk. Professor Brendan Crabb, a microbiologist and chief executive of the Burnet Institute, told ABC: "It's disappointing, pretty dark day actually. You know, it's illogical and uninformed, for me I find it distressing." Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public again, attends wreath laying to mark Martyrs' Day Australian Medical Association President, Steve Robson, concurred. "I think people who are pushing for the isolation periods to be cut are not scientifically literate," Robson told ABC television ahead of the government decision. Australia, one of the most heavily vaccinated countries against COVID-19, has given two doses to 96.5% of those older than 16, although just under 72% have had the booster shot. People admitted to hospitals from the virus and the number of infected have been trending lower after a major Omicron outbreak during the winter. The country's tally of about 10.2 million infections and 15,153 deaths is lower than many developed economies.

Australia ends mandatory Covid isolation period as it moves beyond 'emergency phase'

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{203}" paraid="1844243702" >Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{206}" paraid="1234782602" >Taiwan had kept some of its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia relaxed or lifted them completely, although in June it cut the number of days required in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{212}" paraid="1006179140" >Taiwan has reported 6.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. With more than 99% of those showing no or only mild symptoms, the government has relaxed restrictions in its "new Taiwan model".&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{215}" paraid="1184837134" >Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters that with a well vaccinated population and the pandemic under control at home, the time had come to re-open borders.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{215}" paraid="1184837134" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-maps-accession-of-occupied-regions-of-ukraine-to-the-russian-federation-520752" hreflang="en">In maps: Accession of occupied regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{233}" paraid="369532731" >Arrivals will still need to monitor their health for a seven day period and take rapid tests, but tourists will be allowed to return, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{236}" paraid="1209002825" >The government had previously said it was aiming for an Oct. 13 re-opening.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{239}" paraid="304022930" >A series of other measures came into force on Thursday, including ending PCR tests for arrivals and resuming visa-free entry for citizens of all countries that previously had that status.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{245}" paraid="1859511390" >Throughout the pandemic Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents have not been prohibited from leaving and then re-entering but have had to quarantine at home or in hotels for up to two weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1edebf4b-0491-48f2-b15f-f0fd021ea1b0}{149}" paraid="333255198" >&nbsp;</p>


Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world.

Taiwan will end its mandatory COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals from Oct. 13 and welcome tourists back, the government said on Thursday, completing a major step on its plan to re-open to the outside world. Taiwan had kept some of its entry and quarantine rules in place as large parts of the rest of Asia relaxed or lifted them completely, although in June it cut the number of days required in isolation for arrivals to three from seven previously. Taiwan has reported 6.3 million domestic cases since the beginning of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant. With more than 99% of those showing no or only mild symptoms, the government has relaxed restrictions in its "new Taiwan model". Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng told reporters that with a well vaccinated population and the pandemic under control at home, the time had come to re-open borders. Also read | In maps: Accession of occupied regions of Ukraine to the Russian Federation Arrivals will still need to monitor their health for a seven day period and take rapid tests, but tourists will be allowed to return, he added. The government had previously said it was aiming for an Oct. 13 re-opening. A series of other measures came into force on Thursday, including ending PCR tests for arrivals and resuming visa-free entry for citizens of all countries that previously had that status. Throughout the pandemic Taiwanese citizens and foreign residents have not been prohibited from leaving and then re-entering but have had to quarantine at home or in hotels for up to two weeks.

Taiwan to end COVID-19 quarantine for arrivals, welcome back tourists

<p>A research published in the journal Plos One has pointed out that Covid might have had such an impact on people that it altered their personalities. The losses endured during the pandemic or simply the long grind of social isolation appears to have led to the issue. “Younger adults became moodier and more prone to stress, less cooperative and trusting, and less restrained and responsible,” according to the authors of the study, led by Prof Angelina Sutin of Florida State University College of Medicine.</p>

<p>Personality assessments of over 7,000 people, aged 18 to 109, were done at various times before and during the pandemic. Participants were given a widely used personality test that measures five traits – neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-protest-in-chinese-city-after-authorities-impose-lockdown-520321">Rare protest in Chinese city Shenzen after authorities impose snap lockdown over 10 Covid cases</a></p>

<p>During the first phase of the pandemic (March to December 2020), personality of the participants was found to be relatively stable. Only a small decline was seen in neuroticism compared with pre-pandemic. Covid induced feelings of anxiety and made it less likely for people to blame their own disposition, the authors suggested.</p>

<p>The reduction was found to have disappeared by the second half of the pandemic (2021-2022) and was replaced by declines in extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Younger adults showed the biggest changes and the oldest group of adults had no significant changes in traits.</p>

<p>“Although the pandemic was stressful for everyone, it disrupted the normative tasks of younger adulthood, such as school and the transition into the workforce and being sociable and developing relationships,” said Sutin.</p>

<p>The researchers will continue to study whether the changes are temporary or last for a longer time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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A research published in the journal Plos One has pointed out that Covid might have had such an impact on people that it altered their personalities. The losses endured during the pandemic or simply the long grind of social isolation appears to have led to the issue.

A research published in the journal Plos One has pointed out that Covid might have had such an impact on people that it altered their personalities. The losses endured during the pandemic or simply the long grind of social isolation appears to have led to the issue. “Younger adults became moodier and more prone to stress, less cooperative and trusting, and less restrained and responsible,” according to the authors of the study, led by Prof Angelina Sutin of Florida State University College of Medicine. Personality assessments of over 7,000 people, aged 18 to 109, were done at various times before and during the pandemic. Participants were given a widely used personality test that measures five traits – neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness. Also Read | Rare protest in Chinese city Shenzen after authorities impose snap lockdown over 10 Covid cases During the first phase of the pandemic (March to December 2020), personality of the participants was found to be relatively stable. Only a small decline was seen in neuroticism compared with pre-pandemic. Covid induced feelings of anxiety and made it less likely for people to blame their own disposition, the authors suggested. The reduction was found to have disappeared by the second half of the pandemic (2021-2022) and was replaced by declines in extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Younger adults showed the biggest changes and the oldest group of adults had no significant changes in traits. “Although the pandemic was stressful for everyone, it disrupted the normative tasks of younger adulthood, such as school and the transition into the workforce and being sociable and developing relationships,” said Sutin. The researchers will continue to study whether the changes are temporary or last for a longer time. (With inputs from agencies)

Losses, social isolation during Covid might have altered people's personalities, says study

Covid restrictions have been lifted in several parts of the world and people are ready to travel again but if you want to visit the US, it looks like you might have to wait till 2024. As the waiting time for US visa appointment in New Delhi is 833 days, that is almost a two-year-long wait.

Indians fume as US visa has 800-days waiting period

China's covid-19 driven economic slowdown is proving to be a boon for companies dealing in second-hand luxury goods. Some of the companies are even scouting for shop space to expand their businesses.

WION Business News | China's second-hand luxury market to touch $30 billion in 2025

<p>A rare protest broke out in the Chinese city of Shenzhen as authorities sought to impose a snap lockdown after 10 Covid infections were found. There are more than 18 million people in Shenzen.</p>

<p>Shenzhen, a sprawling tech hub that neighbours Hong Kong, had just emerged from strict Covid restrictions that saw schools and entertainment venues closed for weeks in early September.</p>

<p>Officials in the city are under pressure to eliminate outbreaks quickly in the run-up to a key meeting in Beijing next month.</p>

<p>Videos are circulating on social media showing people clashing with police officials clad in medical protective gear.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: A protest breaks out in Shenzhen, China against confinement in several areas of the city after the discovery of a few cases of covid-19 🚨<br />
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🔊sound 🧐 <a href="https://t.co/KYP3168oWV">pic.twitter.com/KYP3168oWV</a></p>
— Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) <a href="https://twitter.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1574871352338960385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In one clip a woman shouts: "Police are hitting people."</p>

<p>The protest took place in Shawei, a neighbourhood in Futian district where the city government is based, AFP reported.</p>

<p>Shawei's subway station was shut down from 10 pm (1400 GMT) on Monday until further notice "as part of pandemic prevention and control", the city's metro operator said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 14 "high-risk areas" across three districts -- Futian, Luohu and Longgang -- were under lockdown on Tuesday, with residents forced to stay in their homes, health officials said without offering details on the number of people affected.</p>

<p>Another 15 neighbourhoods are marked as medium risk, with residents only allowed to walk inside their housing compounds.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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A rare protest broke out in the Chinese city of Shenzhen as authorities sought to impose a snap lockdown after 10 Covid infections were found. There are more than 18 million people in Shenzen.

A rare protest broke out in the Chinese city of Shenzhen as authorities sought to impose a snap lockdown after 10 Covid infections were found. There are more than 18 million people in Shenzen. Shenzhen, a sprawling tech hub that neighbours Hong Kong, had just emerged from strict Covid restrictions that saw schools and entertainment venues closed for weeks in early September. Officials in the city are under pressure to eliminate outbreaks quickly in the run-up to a key meeting in Beijing next month. Videos are circulating on social media showing people clashing with police officials clad in medical protective gear. BREAKING: A protest breaks out in Shenzhen, China against confinement in several areas of the city after the discovery of a few cases of covid-19 🚨 🔊sound 🧐 pic.twitter.com/KYP3168oWV — Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) September 27, 2022 × A protest breaks out in Shenzhen, China against confinement in several areas of the city after the discovery of a few cases of covid-19.#China #COVID #Shenzhen pic.twitter.com/SVMPG22HE5 — We Are Protestors (@WeAreProtestors) September 28, 2022 × In one clip a woman shouts: "Police are hitting people." The protest took place in Shawei, a neighbourhood in Futian district where the city government is based, AFP reported. Shawei's subway station was shut down from 10 pm (1400 GMT) on Monday until further notice "as part of pandemic prevention and control", the city's metro operator said in a statement. At least 14 "high-risk areas" across three districts -- Futian, Luohu and Longgang -- were under lockdown on Tuesday, with residents forced to stay in their homes, health officials said without offering details on the number of people affected. Another 15 neighbourhoods are marked as medium risk, with residents only allowed to walk inside their housing compounds. (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 ×

Rare protest in Chinese city Shenzen after authorities impose snap lockdown over 10 Covid cases

<p>Constant COVID-19 testing has become a norm in China as the government continues to move forward with their plan to completely eradicate the pandemic. While the citizens are regularly tested, artist Siyuan Zhuji has found a unique way to documents the process of Covid tests.</p>

<p>Siyuan, who hails from Nanjing, placed a micro camera inside his mouth and continued to film his Covid tests. It provided a different look into the process and also at the people conducting the tests.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-why-state-funeral-of-ex-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-has-resulted-in-protests-519677" hreflang="en">IN PICS | Why state funeral of ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe has resulted in protests</a></p>

<p>“People are getting accustomed to testing and they think that this is something that we need to keep doing. I came up with this idea as I often need to get tested,” Siyuan told BBC.</p>

<p>“Visually, you could feel a sense of repulsion or invasion,” he added in the video interview.</p>

<p>Siyuan is known for his unconventional art projects and this one has caught the attention of a number of people due to the approach and technique used by him.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CceJ4Rljt4v/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by 司原逐冀 (@siyuanzhuji)</a></p>
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<p>“My art usually focuses on social and controversial issues. I believe that the pandemic will come to an end in the next few years. But it has had a devastating effect on the world and society as a whole. I want to document what is happening in this era through my artworks. I will continue to do so till the pandemic is completely over,” Siyuan explained when asked about the motive behind the art.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has confirmed that the fourth vaccine shot is a “necessity” for all citizens. The CDC said that the second booster dose can be the answer for China to ensure a “safe, long-term exit from the pandemic”.</p>


Constant COVID-19 testing has become a norm in China as the government continues to move forward with their plan to completely eradicate the pandemic. While the citizens are regularly tested, artist Siyuan Zhuji has found a unique way to documents the process of Covid tests.

Constant COVID-19 testing has become a norm in China as the government continues to move forward with their plan to completely eradicate the pandemic. While the citizens are regularly tested, artist Siyuan Zhuji has found a unique way to documents the process of Covid tests. Siyuan, who hails from Nanjing, placed a micro camera inside his mouth and continued to film his Covid tests. It provided a different look into the process and also at the people conducting the tests. Also read | IN PICS | Why state funeral of ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe has resulted in protests “People are getting accustomed to testing and they think that this is something that we need to keep doing. I came up with this idea as I often need to get tested,” Siyuan told BBC. “Visually, you could feel a sense of repulsion or invasion,” he added in the video interview. Siyuan is known for his unconventional art projects and this one has caught the attention of a number of people due to the approach and technique used by him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 司原逐冀 (@siyuanzhuji) “My art usually focuses on social and controversial issues. I believe that the pandemic will come to an end in the next few years. But it has had a devastating effect on the world and society as a whole. I want to document what is happening in this era through my artworks. I will continue to do so till the pandemic is completely over,” Siyuan explained when asked about the motive behind the art. Meanwhile, the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has confirmed that the fourth vaccine shot is a “necessity” for all citizens. The CDC said that the second booster dose can be the answer for China to ensure a “safe, long-term exit from the pandemic”.

Chinese artist records COVID-19 tests from inside his mouth - WATCH

After a two-year break, a botanical garden in the Colombian capital has reopened one of it's iconic orchid exhibition. The exhibition will show more than 1,500 specimens of the plant.

Colombia reopens orchid exhibition after pandemic break

Comic Con returned to Africa after a two-year gap due to Covid. It is the continent's largest pop culture fantasy and gaming festival that will take place for over two days in Johannesburg.

Comic Con returns to Africa after two-year hiatus due to Covid

Hong Kong will scrap its controversial COVID-19 hotel quarantine policy for all arrivals from early October, more than 2-1/2 years after it was first adopted.

Covid-19 news update: Hong Kong to scrap hotel quarantine policy

Taiwan is aiming to end its mandatory covid-19 quarantine for arrivals, the island is looking forward to ease other restrictions from next week.

Taiwan to end covid-19 quarantine, will ease other restrictions from next week

<p>A significant business lobby said on Wednesday that China's "inflexible" and "inconsistent" zero-Covid policy is harming European companies' operations in the nation and that their presence "can no longer be taken for granted".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China is the most recent indication from the international business community that Beijing's strict anti-virus restrictions are hurting the second-largest economy in the world and isolating it on the global scene.</p>

<p>China is the last significant economy committed to a strategy of stopping virus outbreaks as they start, using a combination of immediate lockdowns, extensive testing, and brief quarantines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Xi Jinping has deemed the strategy China's most "economic and effective" path forward, despite causing business closures and upsetting global supply lines. Officials have not yet suggested when the limits will be relaxed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a position paper, the European Chamber, a collection of more than 1,800 European businesses operating in China, said that zero-Covid and its "massive uncertainty" had a "negative&nbsp;impact" on 75 per cent&nbsp;of the operations of its members.</p>

<p>The organisation warned that ideology appeared to be "trumping the economy" and described Xi's hallmark programme as "inflexible and inconsistently implemented." It said that China's economic environment would remain unpredictable as long as the possibility of lockdowns persisted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The circumstance, it was claimed, had led to the biggest proportion of businesses in the past 10 years thinking about moving current or planned investments out of China.</p>

<p>Despite China's substantial development potential, the research stated that "the extent of European firms' engagement can no longer be taken for granted." China shortened the statutory quarantine period for foreign visitors in June from 21 to 10 days, but there are still many obstacles to travel, including a dearth of planes and exorbitant ticket rates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-new-island-formed-in-pacific-ocean-as-home-reef-erupts-eight-times-in-48-hours-518359">Watch: New island formed in Pacific ocean as Home reef erupts eight times in 48 hours</a></p>

<p>According to the paper, the nearly complete closure of the nation's borders since 2020 has sped up an "exodus" of European citizens and made those who remain more alone than before. "The business environment will continue to become more challenging," it added if Beijing sticks with the approach.</p>

<p>The report's prologue was written by Joerg Wuttke, the president of the European Chamber of Commerce, who stated that "the rest of the world has largely resumed pre-pandemic levels of "normality," but China remains reluctant&nbsp;to open its doors." European companies "need China to fulfil its huge economic potential", he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only 0.4% of China's GDP grew in the second quarter as supply chains were disrupted and businesses shut down due to viral restrictions in large portions of the country. According to analysts, the nation is likely to fall far short of its 5.5 per cent annual growth goal.</p>

<p><em>(with inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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A significant business lobby said on Wednesday that China's "inflexible" and "inconsistent" zero-Covid policy is harming European companies' operations in the nation and that their presence "can no longer be taken for granted".

A significant business lobby said on Wednesday that China's "inflexible" and "inconsistent" zero-Covid policy is harming European companies' operations in the nation and that their presence "can no longer be taken for granted". The report from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China is the most recent indication from the international business community that Beijing's strict anti-virus restrictions are hurting the second-largest economy in the world and isolating it on the global scene. China is the last significant economy committed to a strategy of stopping virus outbreaks as they start, using a combination of immediate lockdowns, extensive testing, and brief quarantines. President Xi Jinping has deemed the strategy China's most "economic and effective" path forward, despite causing business closures and upsetting global supply lines. Officials have not yet suggested when the limits will be relaxed. In a position paper, the European Chamber, a collection of more than 1,800 European businesses operating in China, said that zero-Covid and its "massive uncertainty" had a "negative impact" on 75 per cent of the operations of its members. The organisation warned that ideology appeared to be "trumping the economy" and described Xi's hallmark programme as "inflexible and inconsistently implemented." It said that China's economic environment would remain unpredictable as long as the possibility of lockdowns persisted. The circumstance, it was claimed, had led to the biggest proportion of businesses in the past 10 years thinking about moving current or planned investments out of China. Despite China's substantial development potential, the research stated that "the extent of European firms' engagement can no longer be taken for granted." China shortened the statutory quarantine period for foreign visitors in June from 21 to 10 days, but there are still many obstacles to travel, including a dearth of planes and exorbitant ticket rates. Also Read: Watch: New island formed in Pacific ocean as Home reef erupts eight times in 48 hours According to the paper, the nearly complete closure of the nation's borders since 2020 has sped up an "exodus" of European citizens and made those who remain more alone than before. "The business environment will continue to become more challenging," it added if Beijing sticks with the approach. The report's prologue was written by Joerg Wuttke, the president of the European Chamber of Commerce, who stated that "the rest of the world has largely resumed pre-pandemic levels of "normality," but China remains reluctant to open its doors." European companies "need China to fulfil its huge economic potential", he added. Only 0.4% of China's GDP grew in the second quarter as supply chains were disrupted and businesses shut down due to viral restrictions in large portions of the country. According to analysts, the nation is likely to fall far short of its 5.5 per cent annual growth goal. (with inputs from agencies)

China's 'Zero-Covid' policy crippling European businesses in the country: Report

<p>Hong Kong is on a losing spree. It has just lost the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships to Bangkok. This year’s Hong Kong Open badminton is also gone and a junior world fencing championship has given the city a miss. Two other major events, the local marathon and Oxfam trail walk, also have been cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SuperReturn Asia, an annual gathering of private equity and venture capital industry members has been shifted to Singapore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All this is linked to Quixotic Covid policies of the Hong Kong government which is forcing visitors from going to the city. Visitors to the city had to undergo 21 days of isolation in a hotel room initially. That period was reduced over the last two years, but even now the arrivals have to stay in a hotel for three days and at home for four days.</p>

<p>Despite pleas from sports organisers, business groups and even pro-Beijing lawmakers to ease quarantine measures, Hong Kong government is dilly-dallying about it.</p>

<p>At a time when the rest of the world is opening up its borders and easing restrictions like mandatory face masks, Hong Kong seems to be stuck in the past. Its policies are fashioned more to reflect the severe quarantine rules on mainland China rather than science or available data.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Hong Kong likely to remove pre-flight PCR test mandate, changes could come before late October</strong></p>

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<p>This is quite a fall for Hong Kong as it was known for its no-nonsense approach when it comes to health policies and it was the experts in the city who alerted the world about the outbreak of Sars in China in 2003 even when the authorities in China kept others in the dark.</p>

<p>When the Covid pandemic started in Wuhan, again it was repeated. The vibrant media in the city was quick to report on the events there and top microbiologists in Hong Kong warned of the impending dangers even when the mainland authorities initially tried to pretend it was a limited outbreak.</p>

<p>All that has changed after Beijing started its crackdown in the city after the 2019 protests and enacted the draconian National Security Law in 2020, which meant criticism of the government policies could invite non-bailable arrest warrants.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-top-dragon-boat-competition-ditches-hong-kong-over-covid-restrictions-517147">World's top dragon boat competition ditches Hong Kong over Covid restrictions</a></strong></p>

<p>When a Bloomberg report indicated a split among top officials about the current quarantine policies, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau blasted the media over its “unprofessionalism” and warned such reports “may also affect the government’s fight against the pandemic”. Many health experts now skirt around key issues and there is no political opposition to raise concerns as almost all leaders are in jail. Most of the independent media also has shut down.</p>

<p>The combination of senseless Covid policies and drastic curtailing of freedoms is changing the city fundamentally and professionals from almost every sector like health, accounting and media are deserting the city. Popular eateries are closing down as Covid restrictions hit their revenue while hotel owners say thousands of workers will be out of jobs if the borders are not opened soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Schools are seeing a steady exodus of students and teachers and the population of Hong Kong has recorded the sharpest annual drop as both local and expatriate families leave the city in droves.</p>

<p>Critics of Beijing say the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has only one tool – hammer – to deal with every trouble and so they see every problem as a nail. CCP certainly has been using the same tool of lockdowns to deal with Covid-19 for almost three years though the virus has mutated into several forms and the disease patterns have changed.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/message-to-beijing-hong-kongers-come-out-in-large-numbers-for-queen-elizabeth-516456">Message to Beijing? Hong Kongers come out in large numbers for Queen Elizabeth</a></strong><br />
<br />
In Hong Kong, authorities seem to be using the hammer along with a sickle to slash down every imaginable form of dissent. A host of trade unions and activist forums have ceased to exist as they fear falling foul of the new security law. Even buskers singing songs that were popular during the 2019 protests face the ire of police and people coming out to place flowers to mark dates of key political protests are prevented from doing so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was against this backdrop that thousands lined up outside the British consulate to pay respects when Queen Elizabeth died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When mourning the queen, we are mourning the lost Hong Kong,” said Cathleen Cheung, 30, a social worker who was among those who queued up to pay respect.</p>

<p>The fall of Hong Kong, from being a global financial hub to an also-ran Chinese city, is relentless. The former British colony was in a tight race with Singapore for the tag as the global city of Asia for decades. Despite the squeaky clean image of Singapore, many professionals chose Hong Kong as their base as free-wheeling atmosphere of the city proved to be a magnet.</p>

<p>But now that race has virtually ended. Singapore is surging ahead as it attracts finance conferences and big-ticket events like concert of Guns N' Roses while getting ready to welcome back the F1 race. It has removed almost every Covid restriction and the Changi Airport is buzzing with activity. The Singapore airport was recently billed as the top in Asia for passenger volume while Hong Kong didn’t even make it to the top ten.</p>

<p>“With Hong Kong increasingly linked to mainland China both economically and policy-wise, Singapore is able to further differentiate itself as a controller of its own destiny and as a hub for major international events,” said Curtis Chin, a former US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank.</p>

<p>Local media now speculates that Hong Kong could do away with compulsory hotel stay soon and ask visitors to stay home for a week with restrictions on visiting crowded public places. Whether it will save the city is a moot point as many other countries in the region have completely done away with Covid restrictions and competing to lure back the visitors.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>

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Hong Kong is on a losing spree. It has just lost the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships to Bangkok. This year’s Hong Kong Open badminton is also gone and a junior world fencing championship has given the city a miss.

Hong Kong is on a losing spree. It has just lost the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships to Bangkok. This year’s Hong Kong Open badminton is also gone and a junior world fencing championship has given the city a miss. Two other major events, the local marathon and Oxfam trail walk, also have been cancelled. SuperReturn Asia, an annual gathering of private equity and venture capital industry members has been shifted to Singapore. All this is linked to Quixotic Covid policies of the Hong Kong government which is forcing visitors from going to the city. Visitors to the city had to undergo 21 days of isolation in a hotel room initially. That period was reduced over the last two years, but even now the arrivals have to stay in a hotel for three days and at home for four days. Despite pleas from sports organisers, business groups and even pro-Beijing lawmakers to ease quarantine measures, Hong Kong government is dilly-dallying about it. At a time when the rest of the world is opening up its borders and easing restrictions like mandatory face masks, Hong Kong seems to be stuck in the past. Its policies are fashioned more to reflect the severe quarantine rules on mainland China rather than science or available data. Watch | Hong Kong likely to remove pre-flight PCR test mandate, changes could come before late October × This is quite a fall for Hong Kong as it was known for its no-nonsense approach when it comes to health policies and it was the experts in the city who alerted the world about the outbreak of Sars in China in 2003 even when the authorities in China kept others in the dark. When the Covid pandemic started in Wuhan, again it was repeated. The vibrant media in the city was quick to report on the events there and top microbiologists in Hong Kong warned of the impending dangers even when the mainland authorities initially tried to pretend it was a limited outbreak. All that has changed after Beijing started its crackdown in the city after the 2019 protests and enacted the draconian National Security Law in 2020, which meant criticism of the government policies could invite non-bailable arrest warrants. Also Read | World's top dragon boat competition ditches Hong Kong over Covid restrictions When a Bloomberg report indicated a split among top officials about the current quarantine policies, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau blasted the media over its “unprofessionalism” and warned such reports “may also affect the government’s fight against the pandemic”. Many health experts now skirt around key issues and there is no political opposition to raise concerns as almost all leaders are in jail. Most of the independent media also has shut down. The combination of senseless Covid policies and drastic curtailing of freedoms is changing the city fundamentally and professionals from almost every sector like health, accounting and media are deserting the city. Popular eateries are closing down as Covid restrictions hit their revenue while hotel owners say thousands of workers will be out of jobs if the borders are not opened soon. Schools are seeing a steady exodus of students and teachers and the population of Hong Kong has recorded the sharpest annual drop as both local and expatriate families leave the city in droves. Critics of Beijing say the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has only one tool – hammer – to deal with every trouble and so they see every problem as a nail. CCP certainly has been using the same tool of lockdowns to deal with Covid-19 for almost three years though the virus has mutated into several forms and the disease patterns have changed. Also Read | Message to Beijing? Hong Kongers come out in large numbers for Queen Elizabeth In Hong Kong, authorities seem to be using the hammer along with a sickle to slash down every imaginable form of dissent. A host of trade unions and activist forums have ceased to exist as they fear falling foul of the new security law. Even buskers singing songs that were popular during the 2019 protests face the ire of police and people coming out to place flowers to mark dates of key political protests are prevented from doing so. It was against this backdrop that thousands lined up outside the British consulate to pay respects when Queen Elizabeth died. “When mourning the queen, we are mourning the lost Hong Kong,” said Cathleen Cheung, 30, a social worker who was among those who queued up to pay respect. The fall of Hong Kong, from being a global financial hub to an also-ran Chinese city, is relentless. The former British colony was in a tight race with Singapore for the tag as the global city of Asia for decades. Despite the squeaky clean image of Singapore, many professionals chose Hong Kong as their base as free-wheeling atmosphere of the city proved to be a magnet. But now that race has virtually ended. Singapore is surging ahead as it attracts finance conferences and big-ticket events like concert of Guns N' Roses while getting ready to welcome back the F1 race. It has removed almost every Covid restriction and the Changi Airport is buzzing with activity. The Singapore airport was recently billed as the top in Asia for passenger volume while Hong Kong didn’t even make it to the top ten. “With Hong Kong increasingly linked to mainland China both economically and policy-wise, Singapore is able to further differentiate itself as a controller of its own destiny and as a hub for major international events,” said Curtis Chin, a former US ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. Local media now speculates that Hong Kong could do away with compulsory hotel stay soon and ask visitors to stay home for a week with restrictions on visiting crowded public places. Whether it will save the city is a moot point as many other countries in the region have completely done away with Covid restrictions and competing to lure back the visitors. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) Click here to watch WION Live 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 ×

The hammer and sickle effect in Hong Kong

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4b747be9-ffce-4562-a72d-f44139198b49}{29}" paraid="67764549" >A bus carrying people to a COVID-19 quarantine facility crashed in the Chinese province of Guizhou resulting in 27 deaths on Sunday. This has come as a major shock for&nbsp;Guizhou&nbsp;which has lost two lives in the entire COVID-19 pandemic and users on social media were quick to criticise their government. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a648d73c-8343-4de9-a78f-1bfee3631313}{93}" paraid="524270523" >The Chinese authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 2:40 AM local time and the bus was “transporting people linked to the epidemic to quarantine” from the provincial capital of Guiyang.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{a648d73c-8343-4de9-a78f-1bfee3631313}{93}" paraid="524270523" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-warned-of-investor-fallout-by-joe-biden-if-china-backs-russias-war-517490" hreflang="en">Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{023096d6-aa26-4d5c-af40-4c7585f6e290}{33}" paraid="2116213346" >“At present, on-site rescue work is basically completed, the treatment of the injured and aftercare of the deceased are being carried out in an orderly manner, and the cause of the accident is under investigation,” the local government said on social media according to The Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c357d0e-b311-4f6c-8a39-4d07a9678428}{112}" paraid="2073121518" >The governor of Guizhou and the local Communist party chief both visited the site of the accident, according to the local government, and they also expressed their condolences to the victims. &nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8c357d0e-b311-4f6c-8a39-4d07a9678428}{112}" paraid="2073121518" >Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-let-up-in-taking-back-ukrainian-towns-volodymyr-zelensky-517507">No let-up in taking back Ukrainian towns from Russian forces, says Zelensky</a></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4321d6b9-539c-40e0-9ed6-79c1d2020090}{55}" paraid="1324840500" >“It is necessary to draw a lesson from the accident, examine the quarantine and transportation of epidemic-linked personnel and hidden dangers in traffic safety ... [and] resolutely curb the occurrence of major accidents,” the official statement from the local government read according to Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4321d6b9-539c-40e0-9ed6-79c1d2020090}{49}" paraid="471210560" >However, the authorities did not confirm if the people on the bus were already infected or came in close contact with any patient. The province of Guizhou recorded 712 new cases on Saturday which accounted for around 70 per cent of all cases in the country – a huge jump from last month.&nbsp;</p>

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A bus carrying people to a COVID-19 quarantine facility crashed in the Chinese province of Guizhou resulting in 27 deaths on Sunday. This has come as a major shock for Guizhou which has lost two lives in the entire COVID-19 pandemic and users on social media were quick to criticise their government.

A bus carrying people to a COVID-19 quarantine facility crashed in the Chinese province of Guizhou resulting in 27 deaths on Sunday. This has come as a major shock for Guizhou which has lost two lives in the entire COVID-19 pandemic and users on social media were quick to criticise their government. The Chinese authorities confirmed that the accident occurred around 2:40 AM local time and the bus was “transporting people linked to the epidemic to quarantine” from the provincial capital of Guiyang. Also read | Biden warns Jinping, says US forces would help defend Taiwan against China “At present, on-site rescue work is basically completed, the treatment of the injured and aftercare of the deceased are being carried out in an orderly manner, and the cause of the accident is under investigation,” the local government said on social media according to The Guardian. The governor of Guizhou and the local Communist party chief both visited the site of the accident, according to the local government, and they also expressed their condolences to the victims. Also read | No let-up in taking back Ukrainian towns from Russian forces, says Zelensky “It is necessary to draw a lesson from the accident, examine the quarantine and transportation of epidemic-linked personnel and hidden dangers in traffic safety ... [and] resolutely curb the occurrence of major accidents,” the official statement from the local government read according to Reuters. However, the authorities did not confirm if the people on the bus were already infected or came in close contact with any patient. The province of Guizhou recorded 712 new cases on Saturday which accounted for around 70 per cent of all cases in the country – a huge jump from last month.

27 dead in China after bus taking people to COVID-19 quarantine facility crashes

After more than three years, 6 million deaths and over 600 million infections on record, the end of the pandemic is now in sight. World Health Organisation Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated, "We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic."

'We have never been in a better position to end pandemic,' says WHO Chief

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