<p>As pressure mounts against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson not only from the opposition, but also from own Conservative Party members over the ‘partygate’ saga, several local media reports have claimed that his Indian-origin Chancellor Rishi Sunak may likely replace him.</p>

<p>The 57-year-old embattled PM has been facing the wrath of the public ever since he acknowledged hosting and attending a ‘bring your booze’ party at 10 Downing Street when a lockdown was imposed across the UK in view of the Covid virus in 2020.</p>

<p>There have been growing calls for Johnson to resign immediately. Several Tory MPs have publicly expressed the inability of Johnson to handle the crisis and called for his resignation.</p>

<p>The MPs are currently waiting for the senior civil servant Sue Gray to finish the probe report before deciding on Johnson’s fate.</p>

<p>The Tory MP&nbsp;Tobias Ellwood, a former foreign office minister, said that Johnson had to demonstrate within days that he could end the chaos for good and demonstrate a new kind of leadership.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-trouble-for-boris-johnson-as-downing-street-staff-held-wine-time-fridays-during-covid-lockdown-444911">More trouble for Boris Johnson as Downing Street staff held 'wine-time Fridays' during Covid lockdown</a></p>

<p>“But if he tries to spin his way out of a critical report, he will lose my support,” he told the Guardian.</p>

<p>Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, wrote on Twitter, “I have regretfully come to the conclusion that Boris Johnson’s position is now untenable, that his resignation is the only way to bring this whole unfortunate episode to an end, and I am working with colleagues to impress that view on No 10.”</p>

<p>The name of Rishi Sunak has been doing the rounds ever since the ‘partygate’ saga came to the fore.</p>

<p>A major bookmaker in the UK — Betfair — has slashed its odds against Johnson, in favour of finance minister Sunak to step in at 10 Downing Street.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bring-your-own-booze-party-row-johnson-says-sorry-as-oppn-tears-into-his-worthless-apology-444158">‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology</a></strong></p>

<p>“In terms of a replacement, long term favourite Rishi Sunak still heads the betting at 15/8, with (Foreign Secretary) Liz Truss at 11/4 and (Cabinet Minister) Michael Gove at 6/1 the next two most likely alternatives should the PM vacate Number 10,” Betfair’s Sam Rosbottom told ‘Wales Online’.</p>

<p>Moreover, his conspicuous absence from the House of Commons chamber on Wednesday when Johnson issued his apology, was perceived by many as reflective of his own leadership ambitions.</p>

<p>Sunak, who was away on a business visit, tweeted much later in the evening to say that “the PM was right to apologise and I support his request for patience while Sue Gray carries out her enquiry”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Tories want Rishi Sunak to be UK'S next Prime Minister</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tories-want-rishi-sunak-to-be-uks-next-prime-minister-443735/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Some British newspapers have interpreted the timing and content of Sunak’s message of support as lukewarm backing for his boss and neighbour in Downing Street, the BBC reported.</p>

<p><strong>Who is Rishi Sunak?</strong></p>

<p>UK-born Sunak is the son of a pharmacist mother and a National Health Service (NHS)&nbsp;general practitioner (GP) father. He is an Oxford University and Stanford graduate.</p>

<p>He is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, and the couple has two young daughters Krishna and Anoushka.</p>

<p>The MP for Richmond in Yorkshire first entered the UK Parliament in 2015 and has quickly risen up the Tory party ranks as a staunch Brexiteer, who had backed Johnson’s strategy to leave the European Union (EU).</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


As pressure mounts against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson not only from the opposition, but also from own Conservative Party members over the ‘partygate’ saga, several local media reports have claimed that his Indian-origin Chancellor Rishi Sunak may likely replace him.

As pressure mounts against UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson not only from the opposition, but also from own Conservative Party members over the ‘partygate’ saga, several local media reports have claimed that his Indian-origin Chancellor Rishi Sunak may likely replace him. The 57-year-old embattled PM has been facing the wrath of the public ever since he acknowledged hosting and attending a ‘bring your booze’ party at 10 Downing Street when a lockdown was imposed across the UK in view of the Covid virus in 2020. There have been growing calls for Johnson to resign immediately. Several Tory MPs have publicly expressed the inability of Johnson to handle the crisis and called for his resignation. The MPs are currently waiting for the senior civil servant Sue Gray to finish the probe report before deciding on Johnson’s fate. The Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, a former foreign office minister, said that Johnson had to demonstrate within days that he could end the chaos for good and demonstrate a new kind of leadership. Also read | More trouble for Boris Johnson as Downing Street staff held 'wine-time Fridays' during Covid lockdown “But if he tries to spin his way out of a critical report, he will lose my support,” he told the Guardian. Tim Loughton, Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, wrote on Twitter, “I have regretfully come to the conclusion that Boris Johnson’s position is now untenable, that his resignation is the only way to bring this whole unfortunate episode to an end, and I am working with colleagues to impress that view on No 10.” The name of Rishi Sunak has been doing the rounds ever since the ‘partygate’ saga came to the fore. A major bookmaker in the UK — Betfair — has slashed its odds against Johnson, in favour of finance minister Sunak to step in at 10 Downing Street. Also read | ‘Bring your own booze party’ row: Johnson says sorry as oppn tears into his ‘worthless’ apology “In terms of a replacement, long term favourite Rishi Sunak still heads the betting at 15/8, with (Foreign Secretary) Liz Truss at 11/4 and (Cabinet Minister) Michael Gove at 6/1 the next two most likely alternatives should the PM vacate Number 10,” Betfair’s Sam Rosbottom told ‘Wales Online’. Moreover, his conspicuous absence from the House of Commons chamber on Wednesday when Johnson issued his apology, was perceived by many as reflective of his own leadership ambitions. Sunak, who was away on a business visit, tweeted much later in the evening to say that “the PM was right to apologise and I support his request for patience while Sue Gray carries out her enquiry”. Watch | Gravitas: Tories want Rishi Sunak to be UK'S next Prime Minister Some British newspapers have interpreted the timing and content of Sunak’s message of support as lukewarm backing for his boss and neighbour in Downing Street, the BBC reported. Who is Rishi Sunak? UK-born Sunak is the son of a pharmacist mother and a National Health Service (NHS) general practitioner (GP) father. He is an Oxford University and Stanford graduate. He is married to Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, and the couple has two young daughters Krishna and Anoushka. The MP for Richmond in Yorkshire first entered the UK Parliament in 2015 and has quickly risen up the Tory party ranks as a staunch Brexiteer, who had backed Johnson’s strategy to leave the European Union (EU). (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin Rishi Sunak tipped to replace Johnson as PM: Report

<p>South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-is-not-the-last-covid-variant-scientists-warn-445185" hreflang="en">Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn</a></strong></p>

<p>The South African government has decided to take a more pragmatic approach. It will also keep an eye on severe Covid cases and whether health systems are under threat or not, said a report by PTI. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 9, the medical experts of the country had said that restrictions enforced on the economy, livelihoods and other aspects of society due to coronavirus have indirect but severe effects. &nbsp;</p>

<p>They recommended that the government should not blindly go for such restrictions imposed across the world as they are not possible locally and yield only nominal benefits. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/when-will-the-pandemic-end-this-is-what-experts-believe-445027" hreflang="en">When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe</a></strong></p>

<p>At this time, the country is witnessing the fourth wave of the pandemic. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new approach of the government is in stark contrast to the worldwide practice of imposing restrictions to curtail the rise in the number of Covid cases. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron.

South Africa seems to be ready to live with the Covid pandemic as it does not plan to impose lockdown or any rules for quarantine. This comes as the country has witnessed an unprecedented surge in the number of coronavirus cases fuelled by the emergence and spread of new variant Omicron. Also Read: Omicron is not the last Covid variant, scientists warn The South African government has decided to take a more pragmatic approach. It will also keep an eye on severe Covid cases and whether health systems are under threat or not, said a report by PTI. On January 9, the medical experts of the country had said that restrictions enforced on the economy, livelihoods and other aspects of society due to coronavirus have indirect but severe effects. They recommended that the government should not blindly go for such restrictions imposed across the world as they are not possible locally and yield only nominal benefits. Also Read: When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe At this time, the country is witnessing the fourth wave of the pandemic. The new approach of the government is in stark contrast to the worldwide practice of imposing restrictions to curtail the rise in the number of Covid cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Can live with Covid? South Africa to not impose lockdown or quarantine rules

<p>Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor recently revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot.<br />
<br />
Taking to his Instagram Stories, the 69-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose. He also added the song `Love You Zindagi` from Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer `Dear Zindagi` in the background.<br />
<br />
The actor later shared videos of him jamming on `Chand Chhupa Badal Mein` on guitar, while sitting with his friends. For the unversed, Kapoor has become the latest celebrity to receive the COVID-19 booster shot. Earlier, veteran actor Dharmendra also received the jab.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYvGmJoJCX3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYvGmJoJCX3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CYvGmJoJCX3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<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/reel/CYvGmJoJCX3/?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 Shakti Kapoor (@shaktikapoor)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps improve the protection people have from their first two doses of the vaccination.<br />
<br />
Health and frontline workers and people above 60 years old with comorbidities are currently eligible to take the jab. The drive began as the whole world battles a spike in COVID-19 cases fuelled by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.</p>


Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor recently revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot. Taking to his Instagram Stories, the 69-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose.

Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor recently revealed that he has received his COVID-19 booster shot, an additional dose of a vaccine given after the original shot. Taking to his Instagram Stories, the 69-year-old actor shared a video of himself getting the booster dose. He also added the song `Love You Zindagi` from Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khan-starrer `Dear Zindagi` in the background. The actor later shared videos of him jamming on `Chand Chhupa Badal Mein` on guitar, while sitting with his friends. For the unversed, Kapoor has become the latest celebrity to receive the COVID-19 booster shot. Earlier, veteran actor Dharmendra also received the jab. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shakti Kapoor (@shaktikapoor) × A booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine helps improve the protection people have from their first two doses of the vaccination. Health and frontline workers and people above 60 years old with comorbidities are currently eligible to take the jab. The drive began as the whole world battles a spike in COVID-19 cases fuelled by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor gets Covid-19 booster shot

In a bid to contain the spread of the latest COVID-19 variant, Omicron China has tightened curbs across the country.

China tightens curbs amid a surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

Another day and reports of yet another lockdown party have emerged. This too was held in 10 downing street, the residence of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Trouble for British Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues with reports of two more parties emerge

<p>The&nbsp;European&nbsp;Union’s&nbsp;(EU) drug watchdog is looking to warn general public about a ‘very rare’ possibility of leading to spinal cord inflammation after getting vaccinated with coronavirus vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For this, the European Medicines Agency is also considering to place warning labels on these Covid jabs. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It also said that there was a “reasonable possibility” that they may have resulted in a spinal inflammation on rare occasions. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-benefit-face-masks-help-people-look-good-says-uk-study-444609" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic benefit? Face masks help people look good, says UK study</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) after holding three days of meetings and discussions said that it wants to include a warning for “very rare cases of transverse myelitis (TM) reported following vaccination” with Vaxzevria and Janssen jabs. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The panel also added that the condition was an “adverse reaction of unknown frequency” to the vaccine profile. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It comes as PRAC reviewed information on reported cases in the world and scientific literature. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unvaccinated-women-with-covid-are-more-likely-to-lose-fetuses-and-infants-scottish-data-shows-444707" hreflang="en">Unvaccinated women with Covid are more likely to lose fetuses and infants, Scottish data shows</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the EMA, TM is a rare neurological condition, which is characterised by an “inflammation of one or both sides of the spinal cord.” It can cause weakness in arms or legs, numbness, tingling, pain or loss of pain sensation and problems with bowel and bladder function. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It concluded that “a causal relationship between these two vaccines and transverse myelitis is at least a reasonable possibility.” However, it said the “benefit-risk profile of both vaccines remains unchanged.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The European Union’s (EU) drug watchdog is looking to warn general public about a ‘very rare’ possibility of leading to spinal cord inflammation after getting vaccinated with coronavirus vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

The European Union’s (EU) drug watchdog is looking to warn general public about a ‘very rare’ possibility of leading to spinal cord inflammation after getting vaccinated with coronavirus vaccines manufactured by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. For this, the European Medicines Agency is also considering to place warning labels on these Covid jabs. It also said that there was a “reasonable possibility” that they may have resulted in a spinal inflammation on rare occasions. Also Read: Covid pandemic benefit? Face masks help people look good, says UK study On Friday, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) after holding three days of meetings and discussions said that it wants to include a warning for “very rare cases of transverse myelitis (TM) reported following vaccination” with Vaxzevria and Janssen jabs. The panel also added that the condition was an “adverse reaction of unknown frequency” to the vaccine profile. It comes as PRAC reviewed information on reported cases in the world and scientific literature. Also Read: Unvaccinated women with Covid are more likely to lose fetuses and infants, Scottish data shows According to the EMA, TM is a rare neurological condition, which is characterised by an “inflammation of one or both sides of the spinal cord.” It can cause weakness in arms or legs, numbness, tingling, pain or loss of pain sensation and problems with bowel and bladder function. It concluded that “a causal relationship between these two vaccines and transverse myelitis is at least a reasonable possibility.” However, it said the “benefit-risk profile of both vaccines remains unchanged.” (With inputs from agencies)

Covid jabs may lead to ‘very rare’ spinal cord inflammation, says EU’s drug watchdog

<p>The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide. As the uncertainty continues, stress and anxiety have been taking a toll on people leaving them with just one question - When will the pandemic end?&nbsp;</p>

<p>While few governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu, many experts are weighing the probability where Omicron might be the end of this pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the variant spreading like wildfire all across the globe, some experts have said that the widespread infection from Omicron could actually push Covid out of the pandemic phase. The theory behind this is that the mild infection which is caused by the Omicron variant may lead to widespread immunity, thus deeming it as a "natural vaccine."</p>

<p>Professor Ian Jones, who happens to be a virologist at the University of Reading in England has backed this theory as he believes that just like the flu, Omicron does not pose any major threat.</p>

<p>He further claimed that the Omicron variant could boost immunity without becoming a cause for serious illness.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-we-ready-to-treat-covid-like-the-flu-some-nations-are-increasingly-thinking-so-444834"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so</strong></a></p>

<p>However, another theory is where the experts believe that the Covid pandemic has now become endemic. This phenomenon occurs when a specific virus is found regularly in a particular area or among people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an endemic like situation, the virus is more manageable and people somehow learn to cope up with it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu.</p>

<p>As of now, the WHO has warned against such a conclusion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Spain recently became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Several other European nations are also looking forward to relaxing Covid restrictions even after a spike in cases.</p>

<p>It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread.&nbsp;</p>


The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has brought the world to a standstill, once again - putting a pause to normal life, hampering daily routines with restrictions being imposed worldwide. As the uncertainty continues, stress and anxiety have been taking a toll on people leaving them with just one question - When will the pandemic end? While few governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu, many experts are weighing the probability where Omicron might be the end of this pandemic. With the variant spreading like wildfire all across the globe, some experts have said that the widespread infection from Omicron could actually push Covid out of the pandemic phase. The theory behind this is that the mild infection which is caused by the Omicron variant may lead to widespread immunity, thus deeming it as a "natural vaccine." Professor Ian Jones, who happens to be a virologist at the University of Reading in England has backed this theory as he believes that just like the flu, Omicron does not pose any major threat. He further claimed that the Omicron variant could boost immunity without becoming a cause for serious illness. Also read | Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so However, another theory is where the experts believe that the Covid pandemic has now become endemic. This phenomenon occurs when a specific virus is found regularly in a particular area or among people. In an endemic like situation, the virus is more manageable and people somehow learn to cope up with it. Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu. As of now, the WHO has warned against such a conclusion. Meanwhile, Spain recently became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Several other European nations are also looking forward to relaxing Covid restrictions even after a spike in cases. It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread.

When will the pandemic end? This is what experts believe

China is trying to crush the Omicron variant with an iron fist. Its aggressive measures have triggered 'rare criticism' on Chinese social Media. Palki Sharma gets you 5 videos of China's crackdown.

Gravitas: 5 Videos of lockdown horror from China

<p>Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said.</p>

<p>The new policy has been implemented as cases in the US continue to surge. Recently, a health official said that the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the US will be infected.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To make it convenient for their employees, Google provides free at-home and in-person testing options.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Google said that it was delaying its return-to-office plan globally from January as cases soared.</p>

<p>Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-a-natural-disaster-most-americans-will-get-covid-19-us-health-officials-444528"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the authorities in the US have said that they are hoping that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US.</p>

<p>According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said.

Google has announced that it will be mandating weekly Covid tests for all its employees and people entering its offices in the US. "To help prevent the further spread of COVID-19 during this period of heightened risk, we’re implementing new temporary health and safety measures for anyone accessing our sites in the US," a Google spokesperson said. The new policy has been implemented as cases in the US continue to surge. Recently, a health official said that the Omicron variant is so contagious that most people in the US will be infected. To make it convenient for their employees, Google provides free at-home and in-person testing options. Earlier, Google said that it was delaying its return-to-office plan globally from January as cases soared. Google has also been very strict about its vaccination policy. The tech giant had told its employees that they would lose pay and eventually be fired if they do not follow its vaccination rules. Also read | Omicron a natural disaster, most Americans will get COVID-19: US health officials Meanwhile, the authorities in the US have said that they are hoping that the surge will lessen rapidly, even as Omicron sets new records for new cases, and that the US should focus on ensuring that healthcare systems do not collapse as a result of the surge. The Omicron variant, which has numerous key mutations, has spread swiftly over the world and shattered records for new daily cases in the US. According to the CDC, the variant is currently responsible for more than 98 per cent of Covid cases in the US as it has now replaced the Delta variant in less than a month. (With inputs from agencies)

Google mandates Covid testing for people entering its US offices

India is currently witnessing a record surge in COVID-19 infections fueled by the fast-spreading omicron variant. With an upward move in cases every day, the country is under the grip of an aggressive third wave.

India reports over 200,000 cases for 3 consecutive days due to the Omicron variant

India reports 268,833 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

Amidst concerns that the relaxation of virus rules can once again spark a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections, Hong Kong has now decided to again tighten its virus rules to prevent further transmission of the virus.

Hong Kong: New COVID-19 curbs ahead of lunar New Year to prevent further transmission of the virus

India reports 264,202 new COVID-19 cases amid a surge due to the Omicron variant

<p>Has coronavirus only brought misery to the world? Well, the right answer would be no. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although Covid pandemic has led to several deaths, restrictions, hospitalisations, economic hardships, but it has also done some good in the world. &nbsp;</p>

<p>One of them is that it has helped people look more attractive due to the extensive use of face masks, as per British academics. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnsons-staff-accused-of-hosting-covid-rule-breaking-parties-on-the-eve-of-prince-philips-funeral-444602" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral</a></strong></p>

<p>Both men and women alike looked better with a face mask, which covers lower half of the face, found the researchers at Cardiff University in the UK.</p>

<p>Dr Michael Lewis, reader, Cardiff University’s school of psychology and an expert in faces, said that a research, which was conducted before the pandemic, had found that medical face masks reduced attractiveness as they were associated with disease or illness. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rich-nations-near-expired-donation-jabs-saw-100-million-vaccine-shots-rejected-in-december-un-444559" hreflang="en">Rich nation's near-expired 'donation' jabs saw 100 million vaccine shots rejected in December: UN</a></strong></p>

<p>“We wanted to test whether this had changed since face coverings became ubiquitous and understand whether the type of mask had any effect,” Lewis said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our study suggests faces are considered most attractive when covered by medical face masks. This may be because we’re used to healthcare workers wearing blue masks and now, we associate these with people in caring or medical professions. At a time when we feel vulnerable, we may find the wearing of medical masks reassuring and so feel more positive towards the wearer,” Lewis added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Has coronavirus only brought misery to the world? Well, the right answer would be no. Although Covid pandemic has led to several deaths, restrictions, hospitalisations, economic hardships, but it has also done some good in the world.

Has coronavirus only brought misery to the world? Well, the right answer would be no. Although Covid pandemic has led to several deaths, restrictions, hospitalisations, economic hardships, but it has also done some good in the world. One of them is that it has helped people look more attractive due to the extensive use of face masks, as per British academics. Also Read: Boris Johnson's staff accused of hosting Covid rule-breaking parties on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral Both men and women alike looked better with a face mask, which covers lower half of the face, found the researchers at Cardiff University in the UK. Dr Michael Lewis, reader, Cardiff University’s school of psychology and an expert in faces, said that a research, which was conducted before the pandemic, had found that medical face masks reduced attractiveness as they were associated with disease or illness. Also Read: Rich nation's near-expired 'donation' jabs saw 100 million vaccine shots rejected in December: UN “We wanted to test whether this had changed since face coverings became ubiquitous and understand whether the type of mask had any effect,” Lewis said. “Our study suggests faces are considered most attractive when covered by medical face masks. This may be because we’re used to healthcare workers wearing blue masks and now, we associate these with people in caring or medical professions. At a time when we feel vulnerable, we may find the wearing of medical masks reassuring and so feel more positive towards the wearer,” Lewis added. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid pandemic benefit? Face masks help people look good, says UK study

In order to save the nation from a logistical nightmare, Canada has now said that it will allow unvaccinated truckers to cross in from the United States.

Canada will allow unvaccinated truckers to cross in from the United States

<p>Slowly but surely several governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and asking people to live with it.&nbsp;While WHO is warning against such a conclusion, Spain became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu.</p>

<p>It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread. This much was expressed by Israel's prime minister whose country was among the few who vaccinated most of its adult population, rolled out the third, and is even mulling a fourth dose.</p>

<p>Switzerland’s interior minister Alain Berset has said that the transition from pandemic to a stage like the flu may be considered. While speaking at a media conference, he said, “We may be on the eve of a watershed, the transition from a pandemic phase to an endemic phase."</p>

<p>Britain’s Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, told the BBC that the UK is “on a path towards transitioning from pandemic to endemic."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-economy-reaches-back-above-pre-covid-level-for-first-time-444788"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;British economy reaches back above pre-COVID level for first time</strong></a></p>

<p>This comes in after the UK economy was seen returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 per cent in November, compared to 0.1 per cent in October. The holiday season made a significant contribution to the economy's rebound.</p>

<p>Travel restrictions may also be eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days.</p>

<p>Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-spawned-20-new-pandemic-billionaires-in-asia-says-oxfam-report-444734"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Covid spawned 20 new ‘pandemic billionaires’ in Asia, says Oxfam report</strong></a></p>

<p>Norway, also, is looking forward to relaxing some Covid restrictions. The Scandinavian country will partly reverse a ban on serving alcohol in bars and restaurants, reports Reuters. Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Stoere, while speaking at a news conference said, "We can ease some restrictions, but not all."</p>

<p>Restrictions in the Netherlands will also be eased starting from Saturday. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms will now be allowed to reopen. However, only a limited number of customers will be permitted.</p>

<p>Students will also be allowed to attend their colleges and universities. Bars, restaurants,&nbsp;museums and other public places will remain closed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Slowly but surely several governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and asking people to live with it. While WHO is warning against such a conclusion, Spain became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates.

Slowly but surely several governments are coming around to the idea that Covid may be endemic like the flu and asking people to live with it. While WHO is warning against such a conclusion, Spain became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Experts in the US say that most of the population will be infected with the Omicron variant, and WHO itself said more than half of Europe will have the virus in coming days, both pointing towards it becoming as common as the flu. It may still be early days but admittedly, neither lockdowns nor vaccinations are completely preventing the spread. This much was expressed by Israel's prime minister whose country was among the few who vaccinated most of its adult population, rolled out the third, and is even mulling a fourth dose. Switzerland’s interior minister Alain Berset has said that the transition from pandemic to a stage like the flu may be considered. While speaking at a media conference, he said, “We may be on the eve of a watershed, the transition from a pandemic phase to an endemic phase." Britain’s Education Secretary, Nadhim Zahawi, told the BBC that the UK is “on a path towards transitioning from pandemic to endemic." Also read | British economy reaches back above pre-COVID level for first time This comes in after the UK economy was seen returning to pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.9 per cent in November, compared to 0.1 per cent in October. The holiday season made a significant contribution to the economy's rebound. Travel restrictions may also be eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days. Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days. Also read | Covid spawned 20 new ‘pandemic billionaires’ in Asia, says Oxfam report Norway, also, is looking forward to relaxing some Covid restrictions. The Scandinavian country will partly reverse a ban on serving alcohol in bars and restaurants, reports Reuters. Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Stoere, while speaking at a news conference said, "We can ease some restrictions, but not all." Restrictions in the Netherlands will also be eased starting from Saturday. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms will now be allowed to reopen. However, only a limited number of customers will be permitted. Students will also be allowed to attend their colleges and universities. Bars, restaurants, museums and other public places will remain closed. (With inputs from agencies)

Are we ready to treat Covid like the flu? Some nations are increasingly thinking so

US Supreme Court has delivered a blow to President Biden's COVID strategy, blocking his mandate that all unvaccinated employees of large businesses provide weekly negative tests.

US Supreme Court blocks President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership.

UK PM Boris Johnson admits hosting parties in lockdown & offers apology over it

Here we bring you all the Covid-19 updates specifically on the Omicron variant. Our correspondent Kalden Ongmu spoke to Dr Angelique Coetzee, the national chair of South Africa's medical association, she is the first doctor in South Africa who alerted authorities and the world about the omicron variant.

Dr Angelique Coetzee exclusive on Omicron variant and South Africa's third covid wave

<p>Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic.</p>

<p>The risk of losing a baby through stillbirth or the first month of life was highest among women who delivered their babies within four weeks of the onset of a COVID-19 infection: 22.6 deaths for every 1,000 births, four times the rate in Scotland of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births.</p>

<p>All of those deaths occurred in pregnancies among unvaccinated women, the researchers found. “Quite strikingly, no baby deaths occurred in women who had SARS-CoV-2 and were vaccinated,” said the paper’s first author, Dr. Sarah J. Stock, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Edinburgh Usher Institute in Exeter.</p>

<p>The study also found a higher rate of preterm birth among women diagnosed with COVID-19, a rate that spiked if the baby was born within a month of the mother falling ill. More than 16% of these women gave birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, compared with 8% among other women.</p>

<p>In Scotland, as in the United States, vaccination rates of pregnant women are low. Only one-third of pregnant women are vaccinated against the coronavirus, despite the protections afforded by immunization. Early research has found no evidence that the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines pose serious risks during pregnancy.</p>

<p>Indeed, the Scottish study found that the vast majority of infections among pregnant women were in those who were completely unvaccinated or were only partially vaccinated. Only 11% of the total infections were reported among fully vaccinated pregnant women.</p>

<p>Pregnant women who were unvaccinated were also four times as likely to be hospitalized, compared with vaccinated pregnant women.</p>

<p>Stock and her colleagues analyzed data collected by the COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland study, a national cohort of all women who were pregnant or became pregnant after March 1, 2020, through the end of October 2021. The team tracked 144,546 pregnancies in 130,875 women during this period.</p>

<p>One weakness of the study is that the authors did not adjust for confounding factors, like maternal age or preexisting medical conditions, which could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes regardless of coronavirus infection or COVID-19 diagnosis (they also did not know whether women who were hospitalized were admitted because of COVID-19 disease or were just incidentally found to test positive at admission).</p>

<p>Vaccination rates are low among pregnant women across the board but are particularly low among younger women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the study noted. Future analyses will take these demographic factors and other confounding factors into account, the authors said.</p>

<p>Still, the discrepancies in hospitalization, premature birth and infant loss rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women are so marked that those adjustments are unlikely to alter the conclusions, Stock and her colleagues said.</p>

<p>They urged pregnant women to get vaccinated, echoing the pleas of health officials in the United States.</p>

<p>“The key take home we’d love to get across is that really the best way to protect mother and baby is vaccination at the earliest opportunity, and that can be done at any stage of pregnancy,” said Aziz Sheikh, a population health researcher at the University of Edinburgh and another of the paper’s authors.</p>

<p>“We have enough information to bring the really strong message around promoting vaccination in pregnancy now,” said Rachael Wood, a consultant in public health medicine in Public Health Scotland and a member of the study team.</p>


Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic.

Researchers in Scotland reported Thursday that pregnant women with COVID-19 were not only at greater risk of developing severe disease, but also more likely to lose their fetuses and babies in the womb or shortly after birth, compared with other women who gave birth during the pandemic. The risk of losing a baby through stillbirth or the first month of life was highest among women who delivered their babies within four weeks of the onset of a COVID-19 infection: 22.6 deaths for every 1,000 births, four times the rate in Scotland of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births. All of those deaths occurred in pregnancies among unvaccinated women, the researchers found. “Quite strikingly, no baby deaths occurred in women who had SARS-CoV-2 and were vaccinated,” said the paper’s first author, Dr. Sarah J. Stock, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of Edinburgh Usher Institute in Exeter. The study also found a higher rate of preterm birth among women diagnosed with COVID-19, a rate that spiked if the baby was born within a month of the mother falling ill. More than 16% of these women gave birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy, compared with 8% among other women. In Scotland, as in the United States, vaccination rates of pregnant women are low. Only one-third of pregnant women are vaccinated against the coronavirus, despite the protections afforded by immunization. Early research has found no evidence that the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines pose serious risks during pregnancy. Indeed, the Scottish study found that the vast majority of infections among pregnant women were in those who were completely unvaccinated or were only partially vaccinated. Only 11% of the total infections were reported among fully vaccinated pregnant women. Pregnant women who were unvaccinated were also four times as likely to be hospitalized, compared with vaccinated pregnant women. Stock and her colleagues analyzed data collected by the COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland study, a national cohort of all women who were pregnant or became pregnant after March 1, 2020, through the end of October 2021. The team tracked 144,546 pregnancies in 130,875 women during this period. One weakness of the study is that the authors did not adjust for confounding factors, like maternal age or preexisting medical conditions, which could lead to poor pregnancy outcomes regardless of coronavirus infection or COVID-19 diagnosis (they also did not know whether women who were hospitalized were admitted because of COVID-19 disease or were just incidentally found to test positive at admission). Vaccination rates are low among pregnant women across the board but are particularly low among younger women and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, the study noted. Future analyses will take these demographic factors and other confounding factors into account, the authors said. Still, the discrepancies in hospitalization, premature birth and infant loss rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated women are so marked that those adjustments are unlikely to alter the conclusions, Stock and her colleagues said. They urged pregnant women to get vaccinated, echoing the pleas of health officials in the United States. “The key take home we’d love to get across is that really the best way to protect mother and baby is vaccination at the earliest opportunity, and that can be done at any stage of pregnancy,” said Aziz Sheikh, a population health researcher at the University of Edinburgh and another of the paper’s authors. “We have enough information to bring the really strong message around promoting vaccination in pregnancy now,” said Rachael Wood, a consultant in public health medicine in Public Health Scotland and a member of the study team.

Unvaccinated women with Covid are more likely to lose fetuses and infants, Scottish data shows

After a series of allegations of multiple lockdown breaching parties and weeks of denials of rule-breaking, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has now apologized for attending one gathering and has been plunged into a major crisis around his leadership. Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight with at least 30 people attending.

Anger at Johnson, UK govt mounts as reports claim that parties continued well after midnight

<p>European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>A fourth dose of Pfizer-BioNTech shot is already being administered to people over the age of 60 in Israel. Doses are also being given to immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers to protect them against Omicron surge.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/booster-shots-not-a-viable-longterm-plan-claims-who-444152/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>But speaking at a news conference the EMA's Head of Vaccines Strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said a second booster could be a contingency measure, particularly in the most vulnerable, but that repeated, frequent vaccination was not viable in the long-term.</p>

<p>"We will end up potentially having problems with immune response, and immune response may end up not being as good as we would like it to be," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-says-over-50-of-europeans-on-track-to-contract-omicron-variant-of-coronavirus-443861">WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>"Secondly, of course, there is the risk of fatiguing the population with the continuous administration of boosters," he told a news conference.</p>

<p>Fourth dose of Covid vaccine is being given to "the most vulnerable citizens" in Denmark as well.</p>

<p>Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the move marked a "new chapter" in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.</p>

<p>Health authorities said those concerned would be contacted by early next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heunicke also announced the re-opening of cultural institutions, closed since December 19 in a country where 3,433 people have died since the start of the pandemic, according to latest official data published Wednesday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic.

European Medicines Agency (EMA) the European Union's drug regulator said on Tuesday (January 11) that the strategy of administering repeated booster doses at short intervals was not viable as a long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic. A fourth dose of Pfizer-BioNTech shot is already being administered to people over the age of 60 in Israel. Doses are also being given to immunocompromised patients and healthcare workers to protect them against Omicron surge. × But speaking at a news conference the EMA's Head of Vaccines Strategy, Marco Cavaleri, said a second booster could be a contingency measure, particularly in the most vulnerable, but that repeated, frequent vaccination was not viable in the long-term. "We will end up potentially having problems with immune response, and immune response may end up not being as good as we would like it to be," he said. Also Read | WHO says over 50% of Europeans on track to contract Omicron variant of coronavirus "Secondly, of course, there is the risk of fatiguing the population with the continuous administration of boosters," he told a news conference. Fourth dose of Covid vaccine is being given to "the most vulnerable citizens" in Denmark as well. Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said the move marked a "new chapter" in the fight against the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Health authorities said those concerned would be contacted by early next week. Heunicke also announced the re-opening of cultural institutions, closed since December 19 in a country where 3,433 people have died since the start of the pandemic, according to latest official data published Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

EU says repeated boosters against Covid not a viable strategy

<p>France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools. They demanded better protection for pupils and staff against infection</p>

<p>"Stop your contempt," and "We're fed up with tests" teachers proclaimed on banners in rallies across France, calling for the government to provide them with FFP2 face-masks and to stop changing the rules so often.</p>

<p>Covid rules for schools have seen too many changes in France enraging teachers, parents and school directors</p>

<p>New testing requirements announced a day before schools restarted after the Christmas holidays and changed twice since increased the anger.</p>

<p>"We had reached such a level of exasperation, tiredness, and anger that we didn't have any other option but to organise a strike to send a strong message to the government," said union leader Elisabeth Allain-Moreno.</p>

<p>Many at the rallies called for the resignation of Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. A government source said he was unlikely to lose his job so close to April's presidential election.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Jean Castex will, however, meet teachers' representatives later on Thursday, his office said, in a sign the government was keen to try and quell their anger.</p>

<p>The government has so far stood by its policy to keep classes open and requiring all pupils in contact with an infected person to get tested three times. Some degree of complication is the price to pay to keep schools open, it said.</p>

<p>"I know it's tough, but a strike does not solve problems. One does not strike against a virus," Blanquer told BFM TV earlier this week.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools.

France faced biggest strike of teachers as tens of thousands of educators walked off the job on Thursday and marched on streets protesting the government's Covid strategy for schools. They demanded better protection for pupils and staff against infection "Stop your contempt," and "We're fed up with tests" teachers proclaimed on banners in rallies across France, calling for the government to provide them with FFP2 face-masks and to stop changing the rules so often. Covid rules for schools have seen too many changes in France enraging teachers, parents and school directors New testing requirements announced a day before schools restarted after the Christmas holidays and changed twice since increased the anger. "We had reached such a level of exasperation, tiredness, and anger that we didn't have any other option but to organise a strike to send a strong message to the government," said union leader Elisabeth Allain-Moreno. Many at the rallies called for the resignation of Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer. A government source said he was unlikely to lose his job so close to April's presidential election. Prime Minister Jean Castex will, however, meet teachers' representatives later on Thursday, his office said, in a sign the government was keen to try and quell their anger. The government has so far stood by its policy to keep classes open and requiring all pupils in contact with an infected person to get tested three times. Some degree of complication is the price to pay to keep schools open, it said. "I know it's tough, but a strike does not solve problems. One does not strike against a virus," Blanquer told BFM TV earlier this week. (With inputs from agencies)

France: Teachers walk off jobs, protest Covid strategy

<p>In a first, sewage samples taken from the Indian city, Chandigarh have tested positive for Covid. The ongoing pandemic has taken over the entire world by great shock. After humans, Covid cases have also been detected in various animals. However, sewage samples testing positive for Covid comes as another shocking development.</p>

<p>Sewage samples are processed differently from the human samples.</p>

<p>A report by Tribune India states that the samples were being tested as a mandate of the WHO-ICMR Centre for “environment surveillance for Covid-19”.</p>

<p>They were tested by Department of Virology, PGI. The testing of samples from wastewater treatment plants began in Indian cities Chandigarh and Amritsar during the month of December.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cannabis-help-in-preventing-covid-viral-study-offers-no-evidence-report-444531"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Cannabis help in preventing Covid? Viral study offers no evidence: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Earlier, similar technique has been used for the surveillance of polio as this virus is also excreted in the human faeces, just like coronavirus. This method&nbsp;is used as a prominent tool in determining virus transmission. Accordingly, measures can be taken to prevent the virus from spreading in that area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One litre of sewage sample is concentrated for two to three days to 2-3 ml in order to improve the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Then, nucleic acid is extracted and purified. This way the virus is isolated from the sewage mixture. The sample is then tested on the RT-PCR machine to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. WHO states that finding RNA in wastewater implies that one or more person in the community have excreted virus through faeces.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a first, sewage samples taken from the Indian city, Chandigarh have tested positive for Covid. The ongoing pandemic has taken over the entire world by great shock.

In a first, sewage samples taken from the Indian city, Chandigarh have tested positive for Covid. The ongoing pandemic has taken over the entire world by great shock. After humans, Covid cases have also been detected in various animals. However, sewage samples testing positive for Covid comes as another shocking development. Sewage samples are processed differently from the human samples. A report by Tribune India states that the samples were being tested as a mandate of the WHO-ICMR Centre for “environment surveillance for Covid-19”. They were tested by Department of Virology, PGI. The testing of samples from wastewater treatment plants began in Indian cities Chandigarh and Amritsar during the month of December. Also read | Cannabis help in preventing Covid? Viral study offers no evidence: Report Earlier, similar technique has been used for the surveillance of polio as this virus is also excreted in the human faeces, just like coronavirus. This method is used as a prominent tool in determining virus transmission. Accordingly, measures can be taken to prevent the virus from spreading in that area. One litre of sewage sample is concentrated for two to three days to 2-3 ml in order to improve the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Then, nucleic acid is extracted and purified. This way the virus is isolated from the sewage mixture. The sample is then tested on the RT-PCR machine to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. WHO states that finding RNA in wastewater implies that one or more person in the community have excreted virus through faeces. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, sewage samples test positive for Covid in Indian city

<p><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A recent study which stated that cannabis compounds offer prevention from the virus that causes Covid immediately went viral. The study mentioned how researchers from Oregon State University identified two compounds namely, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These compounds could help in blocking the virus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the study was published, it garnered tons of attention. There were also instances where people jumped to conclusions suggesting that weed could help in fighting the pandemic, something which the authors of the study did not claim.</p>

<p>However, a recent report published by Forbes talks about how the findings need to be confirmed and there is no concrete evidence so far. Dr Mikael Sodergren, from Imperial College London’s medical cannabis research group, while speaking to Forbes said that<em>&nbsp;</em>it is “not unconventional” to identify drug candidates.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-deploys-military-medical-teams-to-hospitals-in-six-states-444522"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Biden deploys military medical teams to hospitals in six states</strong></a></p>

<p>He deemed the results as interesting and warned that the findings need confirmation in animal models and testings on humans in clinical trials. As per Dr Mikael, the data provided by the study did not prove that cannabis compounds can prevent Covid infection in humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was quoted by Forbes as saying that it provides “no evidence to support the smoking or ingestion of cannabis products to do the same.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A recent study which stated that cannabis compounds offer prevention from the virus that causes Covid immediately went viral. The study mentioned how researchers from Oregon State University identified two compounds namely, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).

A recent study which stated that cannabis compounds offer prevention from the virus that causes Covid immediately went viral. The study mentioned how researchers from Oregon State University identified two compounds namely, cannabigerolic acid (CBGA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). These compounds could help in blocking the virus. As soon as the study was published, it garnered tons of attention. There were also instances where people jumped to conclusions suggesting that weed could help in fighting the pandemic, something which the authors of the study did not claim. However, a recent report published by Forbes talks about how the findings need to be confirmed and there is no concrete evidence so far. Dr Mikael Sodergren, from Imperial College London’s medical cannabis research group, while speaking to Forbes said that it is “not unconventional” to identify drug candidates. Also read | Biden deploys military medical teams to hospitals in six states He deemed the results as interesting and warned that the findings need confirmation in animal models and testings on humans in clinical trials. As per Dr Mikael, the data provided by the study did not prove that cannabis compounds can prevent Covid infection in humans. He was quoted by Forbes as saying that it provides “no evidence to support the smoking or ingestion of cannabis products to do the same.” (With inputs from agencies)

Cannabis help in preventing Covid? Viral study offers no evidence: Report

Under fire for organising and attending parties when the UK was under strict lockdown, PM Boris Johnson apologises in the British parliament.

Under fire for lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson grilled in the British Parliament

The pandemic has disrupted education worldwide. Online classes continue. However, some high-end tech institutions in India seem undeterred. Despite the new normal, IIT Madras in the Southern Indian city of Chennai is witnessing the highest ever job offers.

IIT Madras in the South Indian city of Chennai is witnessing the highest ever job placement offers

Hospitalizations in the United States due to COVID have increased by 33 percent from a week earlier. This is according to the US centers for disease control and prevention.

Hospitalizations in the US due to COVID have increased by 33%, deaths up by 40%

As the world grapples with the omicron variant and rushes to provide booster doses to their vulnerable population, the world health organization has warned that the omicron variant is dangerous especially for those who have not been vaccinated.

WHO: Omicron variant is dangerous for those who have not been vaccinated yet

UK PM Boris Johnson apologises in British parliament for lockdown party

<p>Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose. The higher immune response was also seen against Beta, Delta, Alpha and Gamma variants of coronavirus.</p>

<p>The increased immune response was seen in blood samples of people who were already vaccinated with either Vaxzevria or an mRNA vaccine. AstraZeneca said that it would submit this data to regulators worldwide given the urgent need.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-happens-to-covid-within-20-minutes-of-being-airborne-study-reveals-444381/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>AstraZeneca has developed the vaccine with researchers from the University of Oxford, and lab studies conducted by the university last month already found a three-dose course of Vaxzevria boosted antibody levels in the blood against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant.</p>

<p>The brief statement on Thursday, which did not include specific data, was the first by AstraZeneca on the protective potential of Vaxzevria as a booster shot following a two shot-course of either an mRNA based vaccine or Vaxzevria. Vaccines base on mRNA technology are made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinese-covid-19-patients-forced-to-live-in-metal-boxes-444421">Watch: Chinese COVID-19 patients forced to live in metal boxes</a></strong></p>

<p>The company said the findings "add to the growing body of evidence supporting Vaxzevria as a third dose booster irrespective of the primary vaccination schedules tested".</p>

<p>The data on Vaxzevria's potential as a booster came from a comparative analysis in a trial testing a redesigned vaccine which uses the vector technology behind Vaxzevria but targeting the now-superseded Beta variant. AstraZeneca is trying to show the Beta-specific vaccine has potential also against other variants and more trial data is expected during the first half of the year.</p>

<p>Separately, Oxford University and AstraZeneca last month started work on a vaccine specifically targeting Omicron though Astra - as well as other vaccine makers in similar development projects - have said it was not yet clear whether such an upgrade was needed.</p>

<p>A major British trial in December found that AstraZeneca's shot increased antibodies when given as a booster after initial vaccination with its own shot or Pfizer's, but that was before the explosive spread of the Omicron variant.</p>

<p>However, the study at the time concluded that mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna gave a biggest boost to antibodies when given as a third dose.</p>

<p>AstraZeneca and its contract manufacturing partners have supplied over 2.5 billion doses globally of its vaccine, even though it is not approved in the United States, while BioNTech-Pfizer have shipped about 2.6 billion doses.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose.

Pharma giant AstraZeneca said on Thursday that preliminary data from a trial of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria showed high antibody response against Omicron variant when given a third booster dose. The higher immune response was also seen against Beta, Delta, Alpha and Gamma variants of coronavirus. The increased immune response was seen in blood samples of people who were already vaccinated with either Vaxzevria or an mRNA vaccine. AstraZeneca said that it would submit this data to regulators worldwide given the urgent need. × AstraZeneca has developed the vaccine with researchers from the University of Oxford, and lab studies conducted by the university last month already found a three-dose course of Vaxzevria boosted antibody levels in the blood against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant. The brief statement on Thursday, which did not include specific data, was the first by AstraZeneca on the protective potential of Vaxzevria as a booster shot following a two shot-course of either an mRNA based vaccine or Vaxzevria. Vaccines base on mRNA technology are made by BioNTech-Pfizer and Moderna. Also Read | Watch: Chinese COVID-19 patients forced to live in metal boxes The company said the findings "add to the growing body of evidence supporting Vaxzevria as a third dose booster irrespective of the primary vaccination schedules tested". The data on Vaxzevria's potential as a booster came from a comparative analysis in a trial testing a redesigned vaccine which uses the vector technology behind Vaxzevria but targeting the now-superseded Beta variant. AstraZeneca is trying to show the Beta-specific vaccine has potential also against other variants and more trial data is expected during the first half of the year. Separately, Oxford University and AstraZeneca last month started work on a vaccine specifically targeting Omicron though Astra - as well as other vaccine makers in similar development projects - have said it was not yet clear whether such an upgrade was needed. A major British trial in December found that AstraZeneca's shot increased antibodies when given as a booster after initial vaccination with its own shot or Pfizer's, but that was before the explosive spread of the Omicron variant. However, the study at the time concluded that mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer and Moderna gave a biggest boost to antibodies when given as a third dose. AstraZeneca and its contract manufacturing partners have supplied over 2.5 billion doses globally of its vaccine, even though it is not approved in the United States, while BioNTech-Pfizer have shipped about 2.6 billion doses. (With inputs from agencies)

AstraZeneca trials show its Vaxzevria vaccine causes high immune response against Omicron

covid

Covid, News on Covid, stories on Covid, articles on Covid, Covid stories at Wion, Covid news, Covid latest news