A report by Lancet has highlighted the failures in covid-19 response and expert group has criticised WHO for acting too slowly. What lessons can be learned in case we face another outbreak?

Lancet report highlights failures in covid-19 response; concerns remain over new variants

The most prestigious dragon boat race in the world will go to Thailand instead of Hong Kong the following year, according to the competition's organisers, who made the announcement on Saturday.&nbsp;

While continuing to adhere to a loose interpretation of China's zero-Covid strategy, which suppresses outbreaks via travel restrictions and quarantines, Hong Kong is attempting to revive its pandemic-devastated sports sector.&nbsp;

According to the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are the newest international sporting event to leave the Chinese metropolis.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's current quarantine and isolation arrangements for visitors are still more stringent than that of other countries," the group wrote on Facebook.

The International Dragon Boat Federation has stated that the event that was originally set for next August will now take place in Pattaya, Thailand.&nbsp;

The announcement comes a day after separate cancellation announcements from the Oxfam Trailwalker and the Hong Kong Marathon.&nbsp;

With only two months until the race, the marathon organisers claimed there was not enough time for preparations because they had not yet secured government sanction.&nbsp;

No foreign runners competed in the marathon last year, which was conducted in October after a months-long delay; in contrast, the government cancelled the marathon in 2020 with two weeks' notice.

The Oxfam Trailwalker organisers also stated that their event could not go on as planned, despite their commitment to cap registration at 1,600 people.&nbsp;

Organizers posted on Facebook that "the government believes that there are still a significant number of persons involved in the event."&nbsp;

The government requested that foreign players be kept in an isolation bubble, which led to the cancellation of Hong Kong's main badminton competition earlier this month.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-anti-monarchy-protests-in-britain-citizens-say-not-my-king-ask-who-elected-him-517125">IN PICS| Anti-monarchy protests in Britain: Citizens say 'Not my King', ask 'who elected him?'</a>

Using the upcoming Hong Kong Masters snooker competition and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens in November as examples, Hong Kong officials claim that some overseas athletes have consented to coronavirus limitations.

The administration of those events will follow a "closed loop" Beijing Olympics-style model, in which foreign athletes are segregated from the general public and confined to hotels and sporting venues.&nbsp;

The normally boisterous Rugby Sevens attendees will be permitted to drink but not to eat in the stands, according to Hong Kong's sports commissioner.&nbsp;

The annual cross-harbour swimming event was given the go-ahead by Hong Kong officials on Friday, but only 1,500 people will be able to take part.

(with inputs from agencies) 
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The most prestigious dragon boat race in the world will go to Thailand instead of Hong Kong the following year, according to the competition's organisers, who made the announcement on Saturday.

The most prestigious dragon boat race in the world will go to Thailand instead of Hong Kong the following year, according to the competition's organisers, who made the announcement on Saturday. While continuing to adhere to a loose interpretation of China's zero-Covid strategy, which suppresses outbreaks via travel restrictions and quarantines, Hong Kong is attempting to revive its pandemic-devastated sports sector. According to the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association, the 2023 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships are the newest international sporting event to leave the Chinese metropolis. "Hong Kong's current quarantine and isolation arrangements for visitors are still more stringent than that of other countries," the group wrote on Facebook. The International Dragon Boat Federation has stated that the event that was originally set for next August will now take place in Pattaya, Thailand. The announcement comes a day after separate cancellation announcements from the Oxfam Trailwalker and the Hong Kong Marathon. With only two months until the race, the marathon organisers claimed there was not enough time for preparations because they had not yet secured government sanction. No foreign runners competed in the marathon last year, which was conducted in October after a months-long delay; in contrast, the government cancelled the marathon in 2020 with two weeks' notice. The Oxfam Trailwalker organisers also stated that their event could not go on as planned, despite their commitment to cap registration at 1,600 people. Organizers posted on Facebook that "the government believes that there are still a significant number of persons involved in the event." The government requested that foreign players be kept in an isolation bubble, which led to the cancellation of Hong Kong's main badminton competition earlier this month. Also Read: IN PICS| Anti-monarchy protests in Britain: Citizens say 'Not my King', ask 'who elected him?' Using the upcoming Hong Kong Masters snooker competition and the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens in November as examples, Hong Kong officials claim that some overseas athletes have consented to coronavirus limitations. The administration of those events will follow a "closed loop" Beijing Olympics-style model, in which foreign athletes are segregated from the general public and confined to hotels and sporting venues. The normally boisterous Rugby Sevens attendees will be permitted to drink but not to eat in the stands, according to Hong Kong's sports commissioner. The annual cross-harbour swimming event was given the go-ahead by Hong Kong officials on Friday, but only 1,500 people will be able to take part. (with inputs from agencies)

World's top dragon boat competition ditches Hong Kong over Covid restrictions

Tesla is re-evaluating the way it sells cars in China. The auto company is now considering closing some showrooms in major Chinese cities where demand has dropped because of Covid restrictions.

Tesla considers shifting focus in suburban Chinese cities

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom signaled that the pandemic could be nearing its end, but warned countries to not ease up at the final hurdle. As the world prepares to put Covid-19 behind it, could long Covid emerge as the new health crisis? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: WHO chief says coronavirus pandemic's end in sight

Nepal's most important festival season has kicked off in grand fashion after two years of Covid hiatus. The Indra Jatra is celebrated by Nepal's Hindus and Buddhists with chariot processions around Kathmandu. What is the legend behind this festival?

South Asia Diary | Nepal's Indra Jatra festival back after Covid-19 break

Global banking giant Goldman Sachs is embarking on its biggest job cuts since the start of the pandemic. Without any layoffs, the number of employees in the company has grown to 47,000 globally, which is 15% increase from last year.

WION Business News: Goldman Sachs plans to lay off hundreds of employees

After the Hong Kong government lifted quarantine rules for the passengers, Cathay Pacific airlines will now increase the flying capacity in coming months. The airlines' capacity was at 12.4% pre Covid in the month of July and now they will try to reach 25% by the end of the year.

WION Business News: Cathay Pacific to increase flying capacity after quarantine rules lifted

Do you like your boss? Does he understands your needs? Is he emotionally intelligent? It's high-time we start asking these questions to ourselves. Young people leaving the workforce has become a norm now. How has this feeling been sparked in people after Covid? Watch the video to know more about it.

WION Business News: Do you like your boss? Is he emotionally intelligent?

A new study has drawn links between long Covid and suicides. If you are stressed or anxious before catching the virus, you are more likely to suffer long-term symptoms. Molly Gambhir decodes this worrying link.

Gravitas: Long Covid linked to suicides?

Chinese city Chengdu has extended its lockdown again in the majority of districts on Thursday, in an effort to stop the spread of the Covid-19 cases in the 21 million populous capital.

Chinese city Chengdu extends Covid lockdown again

Scientists have developed a new mobile app that can detect if a person has COVID-19 infection by analysing people's voices with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

The researchers at the Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands, have claimed that the app is more accurate than other antigen tests and is comparatively cheap, quick and easy to use.

They said that this app can be useful in low-income countries where RT-PCR tests are expensive and difficult to access. The AI model has 89 per cent accuracy.

The app was around 89 per cent accurate in identifying Covid positive cases, while it was 83 per cent accurate in identifying the Covid negative cases, researchers said.

Their research was presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday.

The promising results suggest that simple voice recordings and fine-tuned AI algorithms can potentially achieve high precision in determining which patients have Covid-19 infection," said Wafaa Aljbawi, a researcher at the Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.

"Moreover, they enable remote, virtual testing and have a turnaround time of less than a minute. They could be used, for example, at the entry points for large gatherings, enabling rapid screening of the population," she said at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

The scientists used Mel-spectrogram analysis to assess 893 audio samples from 4,352 healthy and ill participants, of which 308 had tested Covid positive.

The analysis measured voice features such as loudness, power and variation over time.

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Scientists have developed a new mobile app that can detect if a person has COVID-19 infection by analysing people's voices with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

Scientists have developed a new mobile app that can detect if a person has COVID-19 infection by analysing people's voices with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The researchers at the Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands, have claimed that the app is more accurate than other antigen tests and is comparatively cheap, quick and easy to use. They said that this app can be useful in low-income countries where RT-PCR tests are expensive and difficult to access. The AI model has 89 per cent accuracy. The app was around 89 per cent accurate in identifying Covid positive cases, while it was 83 per cent accurate in identifying the Covid negative cases, researchers said. Their research was presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday. The promising results suggest that simple voice recordings and fine-tuned AI algorithms can potentially achieve high precision in determining which patients have Covid-19 infection," said Wafaa Aljbawi, a researcher at the Institute of Data Science, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. "Moreover, they enable remote, virtual testing and have a turnaround time of less than a minute. They could be used, for example, at the entry points for large gatherings, enabling rapid screening of the population," she said at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The scientists used Mel-spectrogram analysis to assess 893 audio samples from 4,352 healthy and ill participants, of which 308 had tested Covid positive. The analysis measured voice features such as loudness, power and variation over time. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Scientists create app that can detect Covid using people’s voices

US health officials said on Tuesday that Covid boosters are likely to be recommended annually just like influenza vaccines. The announcement has come after Food and Drug Administration authorised last week, authorised updated bivalent shots against both the original strain of the coronavirus and the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant.

"We likely are moving towards a path with a vaccination cadence similar to that of the annual influenza vaccine, with annual updated Covid-19 shots matched to the currently circulating strains," President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci told reporters.&nbsp;

The elderly and immunocompromised patients may require more shots in greater frequency.

Ashish Jha, the White House Covid coordinator, added the message was "simple" -- if you are 12 or older, and have been previously vaccinated, now is the time to get boosted. &nbsp;

If you were recently infected or vaccinated, "it's reasonable to wait a few months," he added.&nbsp;

He said that people can get Covid booster at the same time they take flu boosters

"I really believe this is why God gave us two arms, one for the flu shot and the other one for the Covid shot." he said.

Officials expect millions of people to receive their bivalent boosters

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US health officials said on Tuesday that Covid boosters are likely to be recommended annually just like influenza vaccines. The announcement has come after Food and Drug Administration authorised last week, authorised updated bivalent shots against both the original strain of the coronavirus and the BA.

US health officials said on Tuesday that Covid boosters are likely to be recommended annually just like influenza vaccines. The announcement has come after Food and Drug Administration authorised last week, authorised updated bivalent shots against both the original strain of the coronavirus and the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant. "We likely are moving towards a path with a vaccination cadence similar to that of the annual influenza vaccine, with annual updated Covid-19 shots matched to the currently circulating strains," President Joe Biden's chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci told reporters. The elderly and immunocompromised patients may require more shots in greater frequency. Ashish Jha, the White House Covid coordinator, added the message was "simple" -- if you are 12 or older, and have been previously vaccinated, now is the time to get boosted.  If you were recently infected or vaccinated, "it's reasonable to wait a few months," he added. He said that people can get Covid booster at the same time they take flu boosters "I really believe this is why God gave us two arms, one for the flu shot and the other one for the Covid shot." he said. Officials expect millions of people to receive their bivalent boosters 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 ×

US plans annual Covid vaccines, just like flu

The first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine is here and China became the first country to approve it. The vaccine, created by Tianjin-based CanSino Biologics, needs to be inhaled and it is expected to&nbsp;quickly become a favourite among a number of people who are not comfortable with needles and syringes.&nbsp;

According to a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the vaccine called CanSino’s Ad5-nCoV has received approval from the China’s National Medical Products Administration. The news produced an instant movement in the market as the share prices of the company went up by around 14.5 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-at-least-10-killed-in-mass-stabbings-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-incident-513012">Canada: 10 killed in mass stabbings. All you need to know about the incident</a>

The company came up with their one-shot Covid drug which were used in China, Pakistan, Hungary, Mexico and Malaysia after completing human testing in March 2020. This new drug is the updated version developed by the company to boost protection against the COVID-19 virus.&nbsp;

According to Bloomberg, the vaccine can be self-administered and that makes it quite lucrative for the healthcare sector as it will significantly reduce the personnel needed for the activity. It also starts working quickly as it directly stimulates antibodies in “nasal and airway tissues” to defend against Covid.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-claims-ukraine-takes-three-settlements-in-south-and-east-in-counter-offensive-512978">Ukraine takes three settlements in south and east in counter-offensive</a>

Right now, the one-shot vaccine was found to be 66 per cent effective when it comes to Covid prevention and around 91 per cent effective when it comes to other severe diseases. &nbsp;

This is not the first Covid vaccine that can be inhaled as similar products were also developed by AstraZeneca&nbsp;and&nbsp;Johnson &amp; Johnson but this was the first one to get approved.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine is here and China became the first country to approve it. The vaccine, created by Tianjin-based CanSino Biologics, needs to be inhaled and it is expected to quickly become a favourite among a number of people who are not comfortable with needles and syringes.

The first needle-free COVID-19 vaccine is here and China became the first country to approve it. The vaccine, created by Tianjin-based CanSino Biologics, needs to be inhaled and it is expected to quickly become a favourite among a number of people who are not comfortable with needles and syringes. According to a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the vaccine called CanSino’s Ad5-nCoV has received approval from the China’s National Medical Products Administration. The news produced an instant movement in the market as the share prices of the company went up by around 14.5 per cent. Also read | Canada: 10 killed in mass stabbings. All you need to know about the incident The company came up with their one-shot Covid drug which were used in China, Pakistan, Hungary, Mexico and Malaysia after completing human testing in March 2020. This new drug is the updated version developed by the company to boost protection against the COVID-19 virus. According to Bloomberg, the vaccine can be self-administered and that makes it quite lucrative for the healthcare sector as it will significantly reduce the personnel needed for the activity. It also starts working quickly as it directly stimulates antibodies in “nasal and airway tissues” to defend against Covid. Also read | Ukraine takes three settlements in south and east in counter-offensive Right now, the one-shot vaccine was found to be 66 per cent effective when it comes to Covid prevention and around 91 per cent effective when it comes to other severe diseases. This is not the first Covid vaccine that can be inhaled as similar products were also developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson but this was the first one to get approved. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

China approves world's first inhaled COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use

China's Shenzhen will now adopt tiered Covid measures starting from this week to curb the rising Coronavirus cases in the region. Shenzhen went into a weekend lockdown and the authorities stated that based on the results of the testing, the region will classify its areas in three categories - low, medium and high risk zones.

China's Shenzhen adopts tiered anti-virus restriction system as Covid battle continues

The authorities in the city of Chengdu extended the lockdown to more areas as it has been witnessing a spike in the number of Covid cases. The lockdown restrictions range from mandatory work-from-homes to mass testing.

China extends lockdown in Chengdu as city witnesses rise in Covid cases

Staying on with its zero-Covid policy, China has yet again placed millions of people under lockdown as the country is seeing a rise in Covid cases. Employees in Chengdu have been asked to work from home and residents are urged to not leave the city unless needed.

China's Chengdu under lockdown amid Covid spike

China's Shenzhen has shut down its transport services and public activities for 2 days in a bid to curb the rise of Covid cases in the region. Only factories with proper precautionary measures can operate with their workforce.

China's Shenzhen shuts down most public transport; restrictions imposed

A mysterious respiratory illness has reportedly gripped Argentina due to which nine people have died and six are hospitalised. Authorities said the disease is reminiscent of pneumonia, with some drawing parallels to Covid outbreak.

The health ministry has spotted this ailment in northwest Tucumán rural area, wherein people have been infected by the mysterious respiratory illness, including eight medical staff at the same clinic, according to The Times.

According to reports, since Monday, three people have died, while a 70-year-old woman was admitted for a surgical procedure at the clinic.

The province’s health minister, Luis Medina Ruiz, has ruled out Covid, flu and influenza type A and B.

“What these patients have in common is the severe respiratory condition with bilateral pneumonia and compromise in [X-ray] images very similar to COVID, but that is ruled out,” Ruiz was quoted as saying.

Authorities have sent the samples of the unknown virus to the Malbran Institute in Buenos Aires and Argentina’s National Administration of Health Laboratories and Institutes.

They are also examining the water and air conditioning units in the area to test for possible poisoning.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the European Centre for Disease Control’s epidemic intelligence team said that it has been monitoring the cases, whereas scientists at the World Health Organisation have also begun tracking the situation.

Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global health at Edinburgh University and author of “Preventable: How a Pandemic Changed The World &amp; How to Stop the Next One,” told&nbsp;the Telegraph, “It’s obviously concerning but we still need key information on transmission and hopefully [on the] underlying cause.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A mysterious respiratory illness has reportedly gripped Argentina due to which nine people have died and six are hospitalised. Authorities said the disease is reminiscent of pneumonia, with some drawing parallels to Covid outbreak.

A mysterious respiratory illness has reportedly gripped Argentina due to which nine people have died and six are hospitalised. Authorities said the disease is reminiscent of pneumonia, with some drawing parallels to Covid outbreak. The health ministry has spotted this ailment in northwest Tucumán rural area, wherein people have been infected by the mysterious respiratory illness, including eight medical staff at the same clinic, according to The Times. According to reports, since Monday, three people have died, while a 70-year-old woman was admitted for a surgical procedure at the clinic. The province’s health minister, Luis Medina Ruiz, has ruled out Covid, flu and influenza type A and B. “What these patients have in common is the severe respiratory condition with bilateral pneumonia and compromise in [X-ray] images very similar to COVID, but that is ruled out,” Ruiz was quoted as saying. Authorities have sent the samples of the unknown virus to the Malbran Institute in Buenos Aires and Argentina’s National Administration of Health Laboratories and Institutes. They are also examining the water and air conditioning units in the area to test for possible poisoning. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the European Centre for Disease Control’s epidemic intelligence team said that it has been monitoring the cases, whereas scientists at the World Health Organisation have also begun tracking the situation. Professor Devi Sridhar, chair of global health at Edinburgh University and author of “Preventable: How a Pandemic Changed The World & How to Stop the Next One,” told the Telegraph, “It’s obviously concerning but we still need key information on transmission and hopefully [on the] underlying cause.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Mysterious respiratory illness grips Argentina; 9 dead, six infected

A group of anti-vaxxers in Australia has been ordered to pay up USD 214,023 after the case in which they sued state and federal governments. The case was thrown out of the court, as per reports in Australian media. The anti-vaxxers had opposed the vaccine and mask mandates citing

The group has nine applicants who had approached Australia's federal court. The group claimed that vaccine and mask mandates were “being implemented or undertaken in the context of a new world order” and “constituted a breach of the Nuremberg Code”.

'New world order' is a conspiracy propogated by far-right group QAnon which claims that the world is witnessing emergence of a totalitarian world government.

The anti-vaxxer group had demanded that the then Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison “together with each of the Premiers and Chief Ministers of the States and Territories of Australia” &nbsp;meet at the entrance to the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canberra and deliver an apology.

Vaccination has repeatedly seen to be and scientifically proven to be humanity's shield against various dieases including Covid. However, large number of people, including in developed countries think that vaccines are dangerous and cause ailements and conditions like autism. These claims do not have scientific basis.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A group of anti-vaxxers in Australia has been ordered to pay up USD 214,023 after the case in which they sued state and federal governments. The case was thrown out of the court, as per reports in Australian media.

A group of anti-vaxxers in Australia has been ordered to pay up USD 214,023 after the case in which they sued state and federal governments. The case was thrown out of the court, as per reports in Australian media. The anti-vaxxers had opposed the vaccine and mask mandates citing The group has nine applicants who had approached Australia's federal court. The group claimed that vaccine and mask mandates were “being implemented or undertaken in the context of a new world order” and “constituted a breach of the Nuremberg Code”. 'New world order' is a conspiracy propogated by far-right group QAnon which claims that the world is witnessing emergence of a totalitarian world government. The anti-vaxxer group had demanded that the then Prime Minister of Australia Scott Morrison “together with each of the Premiers and Chief Ministers of the States and Territories of Australia” meet at the entrance to the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Canberra and deliver an apology. Vaccination has repeatedly seen to be and scientifically proven to be humanity's shield against various dieases including Covid. However, large number of people, including in developed countries think that vaccines are dangerous and cause ailements and conditions like autism. These claims do not have scientific basis. 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 ×

Australia: Anti-vaxxers forced to pay $214,023 in legal costs 

From Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan arriving to appear before anti-Terrorism Court to COVID outbreak in Chengdu, China, here are some impactful images from around the world on 1 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Imran Khan appears before Anti-Terrorism Court; COVID outbreak in Chengdu, China

China has decided to go back to its strict policy on COVID-19 as fresh cases prompted the authorities to put millions of people under lockdown across the country. While the measures varied in severity in different provinces, a number of restrictions remained the same for the whole country.

In the Shenzhen district, the authorities ordered entertainment venues and markets to stay closed and people were asked not to attend any large events in the coming days. On the other hand, a more severe lockdown was implemented for the densely populated northern port city of Dalian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-soviet-president-mikhail-gorbachev-who-ended-cold-war-dies-aged-92-511620" hreflang="en">Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91</a>

The western metropolis of Chengdu to Shijiazhuang in central Hebei province were also affected.

The cases were going down in the past few months and that resulted in relaxation of most COVID-19 restrictions that China had in place for a considerable amount of period. However, the renewed lockdowns have made life difficult for the citizens and has also impacted the country’s economy.

According to Reuters, the purchasing managers’ index (an indicator of manufacturing activity) has fallen constantly below the 50-point mark in the last three months. As a result, the authorities have confirmed that the economy has been shrinking considerably due to the pandemic and other factors.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unesco-supports-ukraines-bid-to-put-threatened-port-of-odesa-on-world-heritage-list-511607" hreflang="en">UNESCO supports Ukraine's bid to put threatened port of Odesa on World Heritage list</a>

“Markets could once again be hit in the next couple of weeks, likely triggering another round of cuts by economists on the street,” the national bureau of statistics said in their statement.

The other sector that has been severely impacted by the lockdown is the travel industry. China was looking to resume flights and even hand out visas to foreign students and business. However, if cases continue to rise, the authorities will be forced to put a halt to their steps as of now.

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China has decided to go back to its strict policy on COVID-19 as fresh cases prompted the authorities to put millions of people under lockdown across the country.

China has decided to go back to its strict policy on COVID-19 as fresh cases prompted the authorities to put millions of people under lockdown across the country. While the measures varied in severity in different provinces, a number of restrictions remained the same for the whole country. In the Shenzhen district, the authorities ordered entertainment venues and markets to stay closed and people were asked not to attend any large events in the coming days. On the other hand, a more severe lockdown was implemented for the densely populated northern port city of Dalian. Also read | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 The western metropolis of Chengdu to Shijiazhuang in central Hebei province were also affected. The cases were going down in the past few months and that resulted in relaxation of most COVID-19 restrictions that China had in place for a considerable amount of period. However, the renewed lockdowns have made life difficult for the citizens and has also impacted the country’s economy. According to Reuters, the purchasing managers’ index (an indicator of manufacturing activity) has fallen constantly below the 50-point mark in the last three months. As a result, the authorities have confirmed that the economy has been shrinking considerably due to the pandemic and other factors. Also read | UNESCO supports Ukraine's bid to put threatened port of Odesa on World Heritage list “Markets could once again be hit in the next couple of weeks, likely triggering another round of cuts by economists on the street,” the national bureau of statistics said in their statement. The other sector that has been severely impacted by the lockdown is the travel industry. China was looking to resume flights and even hand out visas to foreign students and business. However, if cases continue to rise, the authorities will be forced to put a halt to their steps as of now. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Parts of China placed under COVID-19 lockdown after recent surge in cases

A silent protest is underway in Beijing. Chinese citizens are demanding an end to Zero Covid. A mass testing booth was recently defaced with the message: "give me liberty or give me death". Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese citizens demand "liberty"

Gravitas: Chinese citizens demand "liberty" from Zero Covid

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century.

Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-boosters-set-to-launch-before-human-testing-is-complete-511085">Also read |&nbsp;New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete</a>

The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021.

The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid.

According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-tragic-milestone-one-million-people-died-of-covid-19-in-2022-who-510466">Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022</a>

Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide.

Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017.

The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths.

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

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Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996.

Preliminary government data released on Wednesday stated COVID-19 deaths caused life expectancy in the US to decline for the second consecutive year in 2021, reaching its lowest since 1996. The data further revealed, that drug overdoses and heart disease also played a significant factor in the overall drop in life expectancy. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that the decrease in life expectancy at birth by nearly one year, from 2020 to 76.1 years, was marked the biggest two-year reduction in nearly a whole century. Men are now anticipated to live for 73.2 years, which is about six years less than women, while the life expectancy gap between both sexes increased last year to its widest in more than 20 years. Also read | New COVID-19 boosters set to launch before human testing is complete The CDC reported COVID-19 was responsible for over 46,000 deaths caused in the US in 2021. The worst annual loss in life expectancy the United States recorded after World War II was in 2020 due to Covid. According to Robert Anderson, CDC head said, “Mortality's been a little better in 2022 than it was in 2020, so I think it's likely that we would see maybe a slight increase in life expectancy,” Reuters reported. He further added that due to the fact that deaths normally increase in the winter, life expectancy is unlikely to recover to pre-pandemic levels. Also read | 'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022 Another factor that accounts for life expectancy other than Covid is suicide. Despite a decline in suicide deaths in 2020, they still account for the fifth-largest share of the overall decline in life expectancy in 2017. The third largest factor in the fall in men’s life expectancy is suicide-related deaths. (With inputs from agencies)

Life expectancy in US down for second consecutive year due to Covid-19, lowest since 1996: CDC

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the Chinese authorities on Monday announced the closing of the world's largest electronics market of Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen. The closure follows President Xi Jinping's highly criticised 'zero-Covid tolerance' policy.

Amid rising coronavirus cases, the Chinese authorities on Monday announced the closing of the world's largest electronics market of Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen. The closure follows President Xi Jinping's highly criticised 'zero-Covid tolerance' policy. Reportedly, the market was closed after authorities observed nine symptomatic and two asymptomatic cases from testing conducted the previous day. Accordingly, the market will remain closed till Thursday and workers are expected to work from home and get routinely tested. Moreover, big tech companies such as Huawei, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp and Foxconn Technology Group have been advised by the authorities to restrict the movement of their employees. Read more: Chinese are selling their Rolex watches & Hermes bags to raise quick cash as economy tumbles The effect of the closure of cities The Covid cases have been spiralling out of control in China despite the majority of the populace being inoculated. Government estimates stated that the cases could touch the peak of 20,000 next month. As reported extensively by WION, China's 'zero-Covid tolerance' strategy has been one of the primary reasons why it has lagged in economic recovery. For months, the tough lockdown measures imposed by the Communist Party of China (CCP) led to a dip in manufacturing as factories and offices remain closed for prolonged periods. The direct consequence of the closure has been on the economy which only grew by a tiny 0.4 per cent in the quarter gone by. Such has been the condition that Politburo has given up on the 5.5 per cent economic growth rate forecast by the year-end. Shenzhen and its history It is pertinent to note that Shenzhen was one of the first four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to be established in China. It is also the birthplace of global mobile giant Huawei. The Huaqiangbei district invites the attention of tourists and technology aficionados who flock to the numerous stalls in the area to procure electronic goods. Read More: China's economic growth drops to 0.4 per cent amid draconian lockdown measures and severe heatwave Historically, Shenzhen was a fishing market. However, after Chinese President Deng Xiaoping took the centre stage, the fortunes of the city changed. The establishment of Huawei in 1987 by rem Zhengfei was the turning point and since then, the city has grown immensely, referred to as the 'Shenzhen speed'. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Amid a spike in Covid cases, China closes world's largest electronic market in Shenzhen

Private hospitals in Hong Kong are currently under the microscope for refusing to admit non-Covid patients, transferred from the public hospitals. According to a SCMP report, if the trend continues, the authorities in the country might punish such private hospitals with drastic measures.

Private hospitals in Hong Kong are currently under the microscope for refusing to admit non-Covid patients, transferred from the public hospitals. According to a SCMP report, if the trend continues, the authorities in the country might punish such private hospitals with drastic measures. “If the private hospitals remain uncooperative, the government could impose harsh conditions related to the ‘land grants’, even though this is considered as one of the last resorts,” secretary for health Lo Chung-mau was quoted as saying by the publication. Read more: Hong Kong passes law that can censor even past films, to safeguard 'national security' Reportedly, only 20 to 30 out of 100 public hospital patients referred to private hospitals were being admitted on a daily basis, forcing authorities to turn up the dial. "Despite 13 private hospitals pledging 364 beds for public hospital patients, only five facilities had reached 60 per cent of their targets and three had taken in none so far,” said an official quoting the numbers. This reluctance by the private hospitals appears rather quizzical when the government is granting a subsidy of nearly $510 on the transfer of some of the non-Covid patients. Read more: Under Beijing's national security law, four Hong Kong locals arrested for sedition In some cases, the private hospitals were extremely picky and chose only those patients that could yield the most profitable returns during treatment. Meanwhile, in other cases, the private hospitals argued that the government needed to refine its referral process. According to data available, the total number of Covid cases has crossed the 1.5 million mark in the former British colony. Moreover, with four more deaths reported on Saturday, the total death tally has reached 9,441. The situation across mainland China and outside it in terms of Covid is not a pretty one. Akin to China, Hong Kong has also imposed hard quarantine rules, forcing the country's economy to take a beating. As reported by WION, Hong Kong's economy shrank by 1.4 per cent in the second quarter of 2022, compared to the same period last year. Moreover, 113,200 residents left the country, leading to a third consecutive year where the country's population shrank. Read more: Hong Kong's population declines for a third consecutive year; Chinese influence to be blamed (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Private hospitals in Hong Kong could be punished for refusing non-Covid patients

The US said on Thursday (August 26) that it will suspend 26 flights to China, operated by Chinese carriers. The measure has been taken in response to China's decision to suspend some US carriers over COVID-19 cases. The US decision will see suspension of flights by Xiamen, Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. The suspension will be in effect from September 5 through September 28.

The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) cited the recent cancellation of 26 American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines flights over COVID-19 cases.

The suspensions include 19 flights from Los Angeles and 7 China Eastern flights from New York.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

USDOT said as of Aug. 7 Chinese authorities revised their policies so if the number of passengers testing positive for COVID-19 reached 4% of the total number of passengers on a flight to China, one flight would be suspended and two flights if it reached 8%.

USDOT said the U.S. government has repeatedly raised objections with the government of China saying the rules place "undue culpability on carriers" when travelers test negative before boarding their flight from the United States only to "test positive for COVID-19 after their arrival in China."

China and the US have been at loggerheads over air services. In August 2021, US put limitation on four flights from &nbsp;Chinese carriers to 40% passenger capacity for four weeks. The step was taken after China imposed similar limits on four American carriers.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The US said on Thursday (August 26) that it will suspend 26 flights to China, operated by Chinese carriers. The measure has been taken in response to China's decision to suspend some US carriers over COVID-19 cases.

The US said on Thursday (August 26) that it will suspend 26 flights to China, operated by Chinese carriers. The measure has been taken in response to China's decision to suspend some US carriers over COVID-19 cases. The US decision will see suspension of flights by Xiamen, Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. The suspension will be in effect from September 5 through September 28. The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) cited the recent cancellation of 26 American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines flights over COVID-19 cases. The suspensions include 19 flights from Los Angeles and 7 China Eastern flights from New York. There was no immediate comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington. USDOT said as of Aug. 7 Chinese authorities revised their policies so if the number of passengers testing positive for COVID-19 reached 4% of the total number of passengers on a flight to China, one flight would be suspended and two flights if it reached 8%. USDOT said the U.S. government has repeatedly raised objections with the government of China saying the rules place "undue culpability on carriers" when travelers test negative before boarding their flight from the United States only to "test positive for COVID-19 after their arrival in China." China and the US have been at loggerheads over air services. In August 2021, US put limitation on four flights from Chinese carriers to 40% passenger capacity for four weeks. The step was taken after China imposed similar limits on four American carriers. (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 ×

US suspends 26 Chinese flights in tit-for-tat move over Covid cases action

Just two weeks after North Korea declared its victory over COVID-19 and lifted the majority of its restrictions, the country reported four new fever instances on Thursday, stating that they were suspected of being part of the 'malignant pandemic', the state media reported.

The isolated country, which has enforced a strict watch since the coronavirus outbreak, confirmed an omicron outbreak in Pyongyang in May. The virus also sickened North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year.

However, the official KCNA said that the four fever instances had been discovered in the bordering Chinese province of Ryanggang, AFP reported.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-rejects-south-koreas-economic-assistance-plan-will-not-give-up-nukes-508260">&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's sister rejects South Korea's economic assistance plan; will not give up nukes</a>

KCNA said that the authorities immediately sealed the areas and sent organised anti-epidemic teams and treatment teams to check on the situation.

Additionally, the state media stated that the government is also taking measures to investigate the origin of these fevers. The country is currently referring to the four instances as "fever patients" and not "Covid patients," which implies that reports are lacking proper testing as of now.

According to state media, 74 people died out of nearly 4.8 million "fever cases," at&nbsp;an official fatality rate of 0.002 per cent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-lifts-mask-mandate-after-victory-over-covid-19-506451">North Korea lifts mask mandate after 'victory' over COVID-19</a>

Since the time the country declared its victory over COVID-19 on July 29, there have been no additional cases reported so far.

Experts are trying to figure out the origin of these fever cases. The experts&nbsp;also claim that North Korea has one of the worst healthcare systems in the world, with underfunded hospitals, few care units, and no Covid treatments drugs.

According to a Seoul-based website, despite receiving vaccines from China, it is not believed to have vaccinated any of its 25 million population.

Pyongyang blames South Korea for the outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Just two weeks after North Korea declared its victory over COVID-19 and lifted the majority of its restrictions, the country reported four new fever instances on Thursday, stating that they were suspected of being part of the 'malignant pandemic', the state media reported.

Just two weeks after North Korea declared its victory over COVID-19 and lifted the majority of its restrictions, the country reported four new fever instances on Thursday, stating that they were suspected of being part of the 'malignant pandemic', the state media reported. The isolated country, which has enforced a strict watch since the coronavirus outbreak, confirmed an omicron outbreak in Pyongyang in May. The virus also sickened North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this year. However, the official KCNA said that the four fever instances had been discovered in the bordering Chinese province of Ryanggang, AFP reported. Also read | Kim Jong Un's sister rejects South Korea's economic assistance plan; will not give up nukes KCNA said that the authorities immediately sealed the areas and sent organised anti-epidemic teams and treatment teams to check on the situation. Additionally, the state media stated that the government is also taking measures to investigate the origin of these fevers. The country is currently referring to the four instances as "fever patients" and not "Covid patients," which implies that reports are lacking proper testing as of now. According to state media, 74 people died out of nearly 4.8 million "fever cases," at an official fatality rate of 0.002 per cent. Also read | North Korea lifts mask mandate after 'victory' over COVID-19 Since the time the country declared its victory over COVID-19 on July 29, there have been no additional cases reported so far. Experts are trying to figure out the origin of these fever cases. The experts also claim that North Korea has one of the worst healthcare systems in the world, with underfunded hospitals, few care units, and no Covid treatments drugs. According to a Seoul-based website, despite receiving vaccines from China, it is not believed to have vaccinated any of its 25 million population. Pyongyang blames South Korea for the outbreak. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea reports four 'fever' cases after declaring victory over Covid, blames South Korea

Qantas Australian airline is buying back over 276 million dollar worth of shares after lifting of Covid-19 curbs. It has spurred a strong rebound in travel demand across the globe specifically in Asia pacific region.

Qantas shares soar on surprise buyback after lifting of Covid-19 curbs

Since 2018, only 2 Northern white Rhinos are left in the world. A report read At least 2,707 rhinos were poached in Africa between 2018 and 2021, including critically endangered black rhino and near threatened white rhino.

South African Rhino poaching drops during Covid-19 pandemic

As per reports, UK has registered 95% more covid deaths compared to 2021. While Wales and England have recorded biggest increase in deaths, only north-west UK witnessed decrease in covid deaths.

UK registers 95% more covid deaths compared to 2021

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