An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator.

“The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement.

Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merck-seeks-us-fdas-authorisation-for-covid-19-pill-420024">Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill</a>

It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA).

Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-americans-should-get-vaccinated-even-if-mercks-covid-pill-cuts-deaths-418016">Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths&nbsp;</a>

Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body.

It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in&nbsp;the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days.

The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India.

An Indian pharmaceutical company will be soon launching Merck Sharp Dohme and Ridgrback’s molnupiravir pill, the first oral antiviral Covid treatment, under the brand name ‘Molxvir’ in India. The regulator, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), is currently reviewing clinical data of anti-Covid pill for the treatment among adults. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries on Thursday said that they are waiting for the approval from the drug regulator. “The recent authorisation of molnupiravir, licensed from MSD and Ridgeback, by the UK regulator is a positive step. In line with our consistent efforts to accelerate access to new drugs for COVID-19 treatment, we are gearing up to make Molxvir available to patients and healthcare providers across India at an economical price post-approval by DCGI,” Sun Pharma India Business CEO Kirti Ganorkar said in a statement. Molnupiravir has already been approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID -19 infection among adults. Also read | Merck seeks US FDA's authorisation for COVID-19 pill It is under review by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA). Earlier this year, Sun Pharma had signed a non-exclusive voluntary licensing agreement with MSD to manufacture and supply molnupiravir in India and to over 100 low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Also read | Fauci says Americans should get vaccinated even if Merck’s Covid pill cuts deaths Molnupiravir, which is administered orally, reduces the ability of SARS CoV 2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) to multiply in the body. It does this by increasing the number of alterations (mutations) in the virus’s genetic material (known as RNA), in a way that impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to multiply. Meanwhile, India recorded 12,516 new coronavirus infections, taking the country's total tally of Covid cases to 3,44,14,186, while the active cases declined to 1,37,416, the lowest in 267 days. The number of deaths climbed to 4,62,690 with 501 fresh fatalities, according to the data. (With inputs from agencies)

First anti-Covid pill to be launched soon in India, drug regulator reviewing data

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”.

The company first informed the federal regulatory agency about the defect in some lots in October.

On Wednesday, the FDA said it had identified additional lots that have been affected by the manufacturing defect.

The defective test kits were manufactured by Ellume between February 24, 2021 and Aug. 11, 2021. So far, 35 false positives from these tests have been reported to the FDA.

Incorrect results could lead a person to wrongly receive COVID-19 treatments or isolate when they don’t need to and might even lead to people avoid vaccination, the FDA said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-cases-among-children-peaked-in-september-shows-data-421035">US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data</a>

The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is an antigen test that detects proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal sample in people two years of age or older.

In&nbsp;a statement posted on the company’s website, founder and CEO Sean Parsons apologised to those who had received a false positive.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-booster-policy-is-in-flux-as-studies-add-to-dissent-413520">US booster policy is in flux as studies add to dissent</a>

“We understand that trust is central to fulfilling our purpose as a company, and we recognize that this incident may have shaken the confidence of some of those who trusted Ellume to help them manage their health and to take back a bit of control of their lives during this pandemic,” Parsons said.

Ellume says it has corrected the manufacturing problem even as the FDA says they are monitoring the company’s efforts moving forward.

“The FDA is continuing to work with Ellume to assess the company's corrective actions, such as additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps, to address the reason for the manufacturing issue, and to help ensure that it is resolved and will not recur,” the regulatory agency said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Australian-based biotech company, Ellume, to recall its 2 million at-home COVID-19 test kits, saying that the products were found to be defective and may result in “false positives”. The company first informed the federal regulatory agency about the defect in some lots in October. On Wednesday, the FDA said it had identified additional lots that have been affected by the manufacturing defect. The defective test kits were manufactured by Ellume between February 24, 2021 and Aug. 11, 2021. So far, 35 false positives from these tests have been reported to the FDA. Incorrect results could lead a person to wrongly receive COVID-19 treatments or isolate when they don’t need to and might even lead to people avoid vaccination, the FDA said. Also read | US: COVID-19 cases among children peaked in September, shows data The Ellume COVID-19 Home Test is an antigen test that detects proteins from the SARS-CoV-2 virus from a nasal sample in people two years of age or older. In a statement posted on the company’s website, founder and CEO Sean Parsons apologised to those who had received a false positive. Also read | US booster policy is in flux as studies add to dissent “We understand that trust is central to fulfilling our purpose as a company, and we recognize that this incident may have shaken the confidence of some of those who trusted Ellume to help them manage their health and to take back a bit of control of their lives during this pandemic,” Parsons said. Ellume says it has corrected the manufacturing problem even as the FDA says they are monitoring the company’s efforts moving forward. “The FDA is continuing to work with Ellume to assess the company's corrective actions, such as additional manufacturing checks and other corrective steps, to address the reason for the manufacturing issue, and to help ensure that it is resolved and will not recur,” the regulatory agency said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Firm recalls 2 million at-home Covid test kits after reports of ‘false positives’ in US

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. &nbsp;

The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arderns-popularity-plummets-as-new-zealand-struggles-to-check-delta-outbreak-428443" hreflang="en">Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak</a>

Around 60 per cent of the people belonging to South Asian heritage carry the higher-risk version of the gene compared to 15 per cent in white people and only two per cent of people from&nbsp;African or Afro-Caribbean heritage. &nbsp;

This gene is also very active in the layer of cells lining the airways and lungs. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-syringe-shortage-can-hit-world-in-2022-warns-who-report-428480" hreflang="en">Massive syringe shortage can hit world in 2022, warns WHO report</a>

The high-risk variant of the gene reduces the ability of cells in the lungs to repair damaged tissue and replace lost cells, which may be needed to overcome severe disease, showed the study. &nbsp;

This variant also makes cells that have more copies of the two proteins, which are called ACE2 and TMPRSS2, that allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter cells and infect them. It means is that people who carry this high-risk gene variant, are likely to end up having more cells infected, less ability to heal and as a result, have a severe infection. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20.

In a new study, the researchers seem to have identified the gene linked to severe Covid infection. The study was published in Nature Genetics. The researchers from the University of Oxford found that it is LZTFL1 that is involved in higher severity disease and not SLC6A20. Also Read: Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak Around 60 per cent of the people belonging to South Asian heritage carry the higher-risk version of the gene compared to 15 per cent in white people and only two per cent of people from African or Afro-Caribbean heritage. This gene is also very active in the layer of cells lining the airways and lungs. Also Read: Massive syringe shortage can hit world in 2022, warns WHO report The high-risk variant of the gene reduces the ability of cells in the lungs to repair damaged tissue and replace lost cells, which may be needed to overcome severe disease, showed the study. This variant also makes cells that have more copies of the two proteins, which are called ACE2 and TMPRSS2, that allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter cells and infect them. It means is that people who carry this high-risk gene variant, are likely to end up having more cells infected, less ability to heal and as a result, have a severe infection. (With inputs from agencies)

New study finds gene linked to severe Covid infection

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts.

Six new cases were found in Beijing's central districts of Chaoyang and Haidian on Thursday morning, local media reported.

According to reports, the six cases were close contacts of people infected recently in northeastern Jilin province.

Raffles City mall in Dongcheng in the capital was sealed off on Wednesday evening after a close contact of a person infected with COVID-19 was found to have visited the mall, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Videos shared on social media platform Weibo showed crowds of shoppers in masks, lining up to be tested inside the shopping centre.

The Chinese authorities have been pursuing a zero-Covid policy, aiming to suppress cases whenever they arise with tough measures including limitations on movement. Notably, Beijing will also host the Winter Olympics&nbsp;in February.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-covid-19-outbreak-in-china-authorities-shut-down-lanzhou-city-of-4-million-people-424081">New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people</a>

The latest spike occurred amid high-level meeting of top Communist Party leaders in Beijing.

Beijing health officials said at a briefing that over 280 close contacts have been identified, with almost 12,000 people screened for the virus in both Chaoyang and Haidian districts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-ahead-of-communist-party-conclave-chinas-covid-cases-hit-three-month-high-426394">Just ahead of Communist Party conclave, China's Covid cases hit three-month high</a>

“This cluster outbreak was sudden with many places covering a large area. It involves many people, and prevention and control is very difficult,” said city government spokesman Xu Hejian.

“Today is a crucial day... and it is necessary to trace the source of the outbreak as soon as possible.”

Five residential communities, a primary school and two office compounds were placed under snap lockdowns early on Thursday, with tens of thousands of residents barred from leaving and made to undergo mass testing.

As of November 10, mainland China had reported 98,001 COVID-19 cases with confirmed symptoms, including locally transmitted cases and those who arrived from abroad, and 4,636 deaths in total.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts.

Authorities in Beijing closed a mall and locked down several residential compounds after a spurt of Covid cases were reported from Chinese capital’s central districts. Six new cases were found in Beijing's central districts of Chaoyang and Haidian on Thursday morning, local media reported. According to reports, the six cases were close contacts of people infected recently in northeastern Jilin province. Raffles City mall in Dongcheng in the capital was sealed off on Wednesday evening after a close contact of a person infected with COVID-19 was found to have visited the mall, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. Videos shared on social media platform Weibo showed crowds of shoppers in masks, lining up to be tested inside the shopping centre. The Chinese authorities have been pursuing a zero-Covid policy, aiming to suppress cases whenever they arise with tough measures including limitations on movement. Notably, Beijing will also host the Winter Olympics in February. Also read | New COVID-19 outbreak in China: Authorities shut down Lanzhou, city of 4 million people The latest spike occurred amid high-level meeting of top Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Beijing health officials said at a briefing that over 280 close contacts have been identified, with almost 12,000 people screened for the virus in both Chaoyang and Haidian districts. Also read | Just ahead of Communist Party conclave, China's Covid cases hit three-month high “This cluster outbreak was sudden with many places covering a large area. It involves many people, and prevention and control is very difficult,” said city government spokesman Xu Hejian. “Today is a crucial day... and it is necessary to trace the source of the outbreak as soon as possible.” Five residential communities, a primary school and two office compounds were placed under snap lockdowns early on Thursday, with tens of thousands of residents barred from leaving and made to undergo mass testing. As of November 10, mainland China had reported 98,001 COVID-19 cases with confirmed symptoms, including locally transmitted cases and those who arrived from abroad, and 4,636 deaths in total. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing closes down mall, several housing compounds amid fresh Covid flare-up

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus.

Kashmir division has reported 147 cases, while Jammu had 18 new cases.&nbsp;Notably, this is the highest number of infections that have been recorded in the last six weeks.

Srinagar is emerging as one of the hotspots for the Covid spread, as about 554 out of 968 active cases (that is 57 per cent) have been reported so far.

“We have taken a lot of containment measures. We have created micro containment zones. There are five wards which&nbsp;are under corona curfew, these are: Lal Bazaar, Hyderpora, Chanapora, and Bemina. We have&nbsp;also mobilised our health staff for screen testing. We have also upped the speed of the vaccination drive in the region,” said Ajaz Asad, District Collector, Srinagar.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/booster-dose-to-be-taken-6-months-after-covaxins-2nd-dose-bharat-biotech-cmd-428449">Booster dose to be taken 6 months after Covaxin's 2nd dose: Bharat Biotech CMD</a>

The medical staff fear that a further spike in the COVID cases could be expected as a huge influx of tourists is being witnessed in the state. They say that the current scale of testing capacity needs to be upgraded to test more tourists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/96-countries-accept-indias-covid-vaccination-certificates-says-health-minister-428210">96 countries accept India’s Covid vaccination certificates, says health minister</a>

“'There is a standard protocol for any tourist visiting the valley. At the airport, either you require an RT-PCR test or on the spot the Rapid Antigen Test. I feel there is a good influx of tourists at the moment as all the hotels are booked, that’s why we want to control the Covid cases at the beginning. We are taking all the measures to curb the spread&nbsp;of infection. We overcame the first and second wave with the support of people, and we can again if people adhere to the Covid protocols,” Asad said.&nbsp;

The Jammu Kashmir Administration is currently doing more than 50,000 tests across the Union Territory daily.

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus.

Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing a sharp rise in the COVID-19 cases as 165 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, while three succumbed to the deadly virus. Kashmir division has reported 147 cases, while Jammu had 18 new cases. Notably, this is the highest number of infections that have been recorded in the last six weeks. Srinagar is emerging as one of the hotspots for the Covid spread, as about 554 out of 968 active cases (that is 57 per cent) have been reported so far. “We have taken a lot of containment measures. We have created micro containment zones. There are five wards which are under corona curfew, these are: Lal Bazaar, Hyderpora, Chanapora, and Bemina. We have also mobilised our health staff for screen testing. We have also upped the speed of the vaccination drive in the region,” said Ajaz Asad, District Collector, Srinagar. Also read | Booster dose to be taken 6 months after Covaxin's 2nd dose: Bharat Biotech CMD The medical staff fear that a further spike in the COVID cases could be expected as a huge influx of tourists is being witnessed in the state. They say that the current scale of testing capacity needs to be upgraded to test more tourists. Also read | 96 countries accept India’s Covid vaccination certificates, says health minister “'There is a standard protocol for any tourist visiting the valley. At the airport, either you require an RT-PCR test or on the spot the Rapid Antigen Test. I feel there is a good influx of tourists at the moment as all the hotels are booked, that’s why we want to control the Covid cases at the beginning. We are taking all the measures to curb the spread of infection. We overcame the first and second wave with the support of people, and we can again if people adhere to the Covid protocols,” Asad said. The Jammu Kashmir Administration is currently doing more than 50,000 tests across the Union Territory daily.

Covid cases rise in India's Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar emerges as hotspot

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent.

NIH Director Dr Francis Collins told Reuters news agency that&nbsp;NIH scientists&nbsp;had contributed immensely in making the vaccine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-joins-india-led-international-solar-alliance-becomes-101st-country-to-do-so-428309" hreflang="en">USA joins India-led International Solar Alliance, becomes 101st country to do so</a>

In its application filed in July, Moderna excluded three NIH scientists as co-inventors of a central patent for the company's multibillion-dollar COVID-19 vaccine, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. &nbsp;

In a statement emailed to Reuters, Moderna acknowledged that scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) played a "substantial role" in developing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine of the company, but it disagreed with the agency's patent claims. &nbsp;

Earlier, Japan had put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-scs-gun-case-could-affect-california-428361" hreflang="en">How the SC’s gun case could affect California</a>

According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. &nbsp;

The development had come less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. &nbsp;

More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch was put on hold. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent.

Asserting that it had played "a major role" in developing Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, US National Institutes of Health is going to court over co-ownership of its patent. NIH Director Dr Francis Collins told Reuters news agency that NIH scientists had contributed immensely in making the vaccine. Also Read: USA joins India-led International Solar Alliance, becomes 101st country to do so In its application filed in July, Moderna excluded three NIH scientists as co-inventors of a central patent for the company's multibillion-dollar COVID-19 vaccine, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. In a statement emailed to Reuters, Moderna acknowledged that scientists at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) played a "substantial role" in developing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine of the company, but it disagreed with the agency's patent claims. Earlier, Japan had put on hold a batch of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine after a pharmacist saw what he claims to be black particles in one vial of the vaccine. Also Read: How the SC’s gun case could affect California According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. The development had come less than a week after Japan suspended the use of about 1.63 million Moderna doses due to contamination. More than 3,000 people had already received shots from the batch. The rest of the batch was put on hold. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim

As New Zealand struggles to contain Covid variant Delta’s outbreak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s popularity has nosedived in two new polls. The country is transitioning into a new era of endemic Covid. &nbsp;

Over the past months, the Ardern-led Labour party has dropped five points to 41%, as per the Talbot Mills Research poll published by the New Zealand Herald on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-emergency-top-german-virologist-warns-of-100000-covid-deaths-as-cases-continue-to-surge-428381" hreflang="en">'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge</a>

Although the poll represents Labour’s worst polling result in over a year, it still places the party firmly ahead of the opposition National party. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It was also echoed by Curia polling, which was commissioned by lobby group, the Taxpayer’s Union. It showed Labour support has dropped six points to 39% and National party goes up by four points to 26%. &nbsp;

In the preferred prime minister stakes, Ardern was far ahead of her opponents. But still her rating has dropped to 47% from 65% earlier in the midst of the early pandemic lockdowns. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modernas-covid-jab-patent-row-deepens-as-us-nih-looks-to-defend-co-owner-claim-428421" hreflang="en">Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim</a>&nbsp;

Curia’s polling has put Ardern’s personal popularity even lower, at 34%, which is down 13 points from last month in the preferred PM stakes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Opposition leader Judith Collins was at 6% while libertarian-right-wing act party leader David Seymour was at 10.5% after he enjoyed a recent surge in support. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As New Zealand struggles to contain Covid variant Delta’s outbreak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s popularity has nosedived in two new polls. The country is transitioning into a new era of endemic Covid.

As New Zealand struggles to contain Covid variant Delta’s outbreak, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s popularity has nosedived in two new polls. The country is transitioning into a new era of endemic Covid. Over the past months, the Ardern-led Labour party has dropped five points to 41%, as per the Talbot Mills Research poll published by the New Zealand Herald on Thursday. Also Read | 'Real emergency': Top German virologist warns of 100,000 Covid deaths as cases continue to surge Although the poll represents Labour’s worst polling result in over a year, it still places the party firmly ahead of the opposition National party. It was also echoed by Curia polling, which was commissioned by lobby group, the Taxpayer’s Union. It showed Labour support has dropped six points to 39% and National party goes up by four points to 26%. In the preferred prime minister stakes, Ardern was far ahead of her opponents. But still her rating has dropped to 47% from 65% earlier in the midst of the early pandemic lockdowns. Also Read: Moderna's Covid jab patent row deepens as US NIH looks to defend co-owner claim Curia’s polling has put Ardern’s personal popularity even lower, at 34%, which is down 13 points from last month in the preferred PM stakes. Opposition leader Judith Collins was at 6% while libertarian-right-wing act party leader David Seymour was at 10.5% after he enjoyed a recent surge in support. (With inputs from agencies)

Ardern’s popularity plummets as New Zealand struggles to check Delta outbreak

Americans everywhere remain concerned about getting past what feels like a never-ending litany of Covid-19-induced economic problems, from out-of-stock products to inflation and continued fears of exposure to illness when going out. When will it finally end?

Professional economic forecasters are struggling to answer this question.

Many are turning to previous recessions as a guide to how things will go. But one of the most important things to understand is that while the pandemic created a collapse — and for some even an economic disaster — it really wasn’t a recession in the normal sense.

That sounds strange. Indeed, the arbiter of these things, the National Bureau of Economic Research, declared that the United States had a two-month recession in March and April 2020.

But past business cycles look nothing like what the United States has gone through in the pandemic, so they are the wrong place to find lessons for where things are going now.

The causes of recessions vary, but they follow a basic pattern: The hardest-hit industries are the cyclically sensitive sectors where demand dries up. Those sectors include sales of big-ticket items like furniture, construction materials, appliances and cars, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and others have documented. These are purchases that can be delayed when times are bad. Recoveries begin when demand returns to these cyclical industries, when prices fall enough or interest rates get cut enough or pent-up needs build sufficiently for demand to return.

Recessions have much smaller impacts on noncyclical industries like hospitals, nursing care, gas and electric utilities, and the like. Demand there is steady regardless of the cycle. Some service sector industries, like education, see demand rise in recessions.

None of these familiar patterns held during the pandemic economic collapse. Spending on consumer durables went up. Indeed, sales of TVs with screens larger than 65 inches rose 77 percent from April to June 2020, compared to the year before, as the bottom dropped out of the economy. Watching TV was one of the few things people could still do during lockdown. Demand for other cyclical industry goods like housing and construction materials boomed too.

During the pandemic downturn, Americans also reversed a decades-long trend toward spending on services rather than goods. For 75 years, consumers in the United States have been spending less and less of their money on physical goods (from 60 percent of spending in the 1940s to 31 percent in 2019). Counter to this trend (and contrasting with previous recessions), the share of consumer spending on physical goods actually jumped during the pandemic to the highest level in 17 years and among the biggest jumps ever recorded.

In other words, this was a recession like no other in recent memory. The pandemic downturn was driven by all those industries that are supposed to be recession-proof — trips to the dentist, electricity usage in offices and malls, and so on. And the normally countercyclical education sector had big enrollment drops despite the bad economy.

Of course, this was because of the coronavirus. But it means that the recovery from past recessions doesn’t really say much about how the recovery will go now. Everyone is trying to predict when there will be a rebound in service sector industries that normally don’t decline, like health care, child care and education. That’s really more of a question about how quickly we can control the spread of the virus than it is about recession fundamentals.

At the same time, the unusually large demand for physical goods in the United States and other rich countries has exceeded supply, driving up inflation and leading to shortages.

So the most important thing to watch if you want to understand the economy is, as has been the case for a year and half now, the progress made against the virus. Related, and also worth watching, is how much Americans spend on goods relative to services. (It was 31 percent in 2019 and has risen to 35 percent now.)

While economic growth in the United States was disappointing in the third quarter of 2021, it could easily turn around if coronavirus case numbers improve. The U.S. employment numbers released on Friday were encouraging. New Covid-19 cases are down significantly and millions of children are now eligible for vaccination, which could reduce infection rates even further.

Looking beyond the coming months, though, the most interesting questions aren’t really about recession and recovery. They center on whether any of the pandemic changes will last. Some companies, for example, are now trying to hold more inventory and keep their supply chains local to avoid disruption. Many people are working partly from home and some have moved to the exurbs. But how long before they rediscover why we ended up with lean manufacturing and a global supply chain in the first place? And Americans are already moving back to cities.

My view is that reversals of longstanding economic trends are not likely to become permanent. Once the economic memory of the pandemic has faded, the old lessons from the regular business cycle will probably become relevant once more. Until that happens, though, best to get in line for a vaccine booster and keep your eye on the case numbers.

Americans everywhere remain concerned about getting past what feels like a never-ending litany of Covid-19-induced economic problems, from out-of-stock products to inflation and continued fears of exposure to illness when going out.

Americans everywhere remain concerned about getting past what feels like a never-ending litany of Covid-19-induced economic problems, from out-of-stock products to inflation and continued fears of exposure to illness when going out. When will it finally end? Professional economic forecasters are struggling to answer this question. Many are turning to previous recessions as a guide to how things will go. But one of the most important things to understand is that while the pandemic created a collapse — and for some even an economic disaster — it really wasn’t a recession in the normal sense. That sounds strange. Indeed, the arbiter of these things, the National Bureau of Economic Research, declared that the United States had a two-month recession in March and April 2020. But past business cycles look nothing like what the United States has gone through in the pandemic, so they are the wrong place to find lessons for where things are going now. The causes of recessions vary, but they follow a basic pattern: The hardest-hit industries are the cyclically sensitive sectors where demand dries up. Those sectors include sales of big-ticket items like furniture, construction materials, appliances and cars, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and others have documented. These are purchases that can be delayed when times are bad. Recoveries begin when demand returns to these cyclical industries, when prices fall enough or interest rates get cut enough or pent-up needs build sufficiently for demand to return. Recessions have much smaller impacts on noncyclical industries like hospitals, nursing care, gas and electric utilities, and the like. Demand there is steady regardless of the cycle. Some service sector industries, like education, see demand rise in recessions. None of these familiar patterns held during the pandemic economic collapse. Spending on consumer durables went up. Indeed, sales of TVs with screens larger than 65 inches rose 77 percent from April to June 2020, compared to the year before, as the bottom dropped out of the economy. Watching TV was one of the few things people could still do during lockdown. Demand for other cyclical industry goods like housing and construction materials boomed too. During the pandemic downturn, Americans also reversed a decades-long trend toward spending on services rather than goods. For 75 years, consumers in the United States have been spending less and less of their money on physical goods (from 60 percent of spending in the 1940s to 31 percent in 2019). Counter to this trend (and contrasting with previous recessions), the share of consumer spending on physical goods actually jumped during the pandemic to the highest level in 17 years and among the biggest jumps ever recorded. In other words, this was a recession like no other in recent memory. The pandemic downturn was driven by all those industries that are supposed to be recession-proof — trips to the dentist, electricity usage in offices and malls, and so on. And the normally countercyclical education sector had big enrollment drops despite the bad economy. Of course, this was because of the coronavirus. But it means that the recovery from past recessions doesn’t really say much about how the recovery will go now. Everyone is trying to predict when there will be a rebound in service sector industries that normally don’t decline, like health care, child care and education. That’s really more of a question about how quickly we can control the spread of the virus than it is about recession fundamentals. At the same time, the unusually large demand for physical goods in the United States and other rich countries has exceeded supply, driving up inflation and leading to shortages. So the most important thing to watch if you want to understand the economy is, as has been the case for a year and half now, the progress made against the virus. Related, and also worth watching, is how much Americans spend on goods relative to services. (It was 31 percent in 2019 and has risen to 35 percent now.) While economic growth in the United States was disappointing in the third quarter of 2021, it could easily turn around if coronavirus case numbers improve. The U.S. employment numbers released on Friday were encouraging. New Covid-19 cases are down significantly and millions of children are now eligible for vaccination, which could reduce infection rates even further. Looking beyond the coming months, though, the most interesting questions aren’t really about recession and recovery. They center on whether any of the pandemic changes will last. Some companies, for example, are now trying to hold more inventory and keep their supply chains local to avoid disruption. Many people are working partly from home and some have moved to the exurbs. But how long before they rediscover why we ended up with lean manufacturing and a global supply chain in the first place? And Americans are already moving back to cities. My view is that reversals of longstanding economic trends are not likely to become permanent. Once the economic memory of the pandemic has faded, the old lessons from the regular business cycle will probably become relevant once more. Until that happens, though, best to get in line for a vaccine booster and keep your eye on the case numbers.

How to think about the Covid recession

The UK government said on Tuesday that all frontline workers of National Health Service (NHS) in England would have to be fully vaccinated by April 1 failing which they would lose their jobs.

"Having considered the... advice of my officials and NHS leaders including the chief executive of the NHS, I have concluded that all those working in the NHS and social care will have to be vaccinated," UK Health Minister Sajid Javid told the parliament on Tuesday.

The government had already announced that all care home workers will need to have had both jabs from November 11, but were waiting on the findings of a consultation before extending it to all NHS frontline staff.

"Our six-week consultation received over 34,000 responses," said Javid.&nbsp;

"The scales clearly tip to one side. I'm mindful of not only our need to protect human life but the imperative to protect the NHS," he added.

"The weight of the data shows our vaccinations have kept people safe and they have saved lives and that this is especially true for vulnerable people in health and care settings."

The mandate from the UK government has come at a time when publicly funded NHS faces huge&nbsp;waiting list due to a dramatic reduction in appointments during the pandemic.

NHS is funded from general taxation and National Insurance contributions. It is Europe's biggest employer and one of the biggest in the world, with about 1.3 million staff.

Around 90 percent of NHS staff have received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, although the figure is closer to 80 percent in some areas, said Javid.

This means there are around 80,000 to 100,000 NHS workers in England who are unvaccinated, raising fears about how the service will cope if they lose their jobs.

"The NHS is under the most intense pressure this winter already, we know the waiting lists are at close to 6 million," said Labour's health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth.

"There will be anxiety... that a policy, however laudable in principle, could exacerbate some of these chronic understaffing problems.&nbsp;

"We simply cannot afford to lose thousands of NHS staff overnight," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The UK government said on Tuesday that all frontline workers of National Health Service (NHS) in England would have to be fully vaccinated by April 1 failing which they would lose their jobs.

The UK government said on Tuesday that all frontline workers of National Health Service (NHS) in England would have to be fully vaccinated by April 1 failing which they would lose their jobs. "Having considered the... advice of my officials and NHS leaders including the chief executive of the NHS, I have concluded that all those working in the NHS and social care will have to be vaccinated," UK Health Minister Sajid Javid told the parliament on Tuesday. The government had already announced that all care home workers will need to have had both jabs from November 11, but were waiting on the findings of a consultation before extending it to all NHS frontline staff. "Our six-week consultation received over 34,000 responses," said Javid. "The scales clearly tip to one side. I'm mindful of not only our need to protect human life but the imperative to protect the NHS," he added. "The weight of the data shows our vaccinations have kept people safe and they have saved lives and that this is especially true for vulnerable people in health and care settings." The mandate from the UK government has come at a time when publicly funded NHS faces huge waiting list due to a dramatic reduction in appointments during the pandemic. NHS is funded from general taxation and National Insurance contributions. It is Europe's biggest employer and one of the biggest in the world, with about 1.3 million staff. Around 90 percent of NHS staff have received at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, although the figure is closer to 80 percent in some areas, said Javid. This means there are around 80,000 to 100,000 NHS workers in England who are unvaccinated, raising fears about how the service will cope if they lose their jobs. "The NHS is under the most intense pressure this winter already, we know the waiting lists are at close to 6 million," said Labour's health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth. "There will be anxiety... that a policy, however laudable in principle, could exacerbate some of these chronic understaffing problems. "We simply cannot afford to lose thousands of NHS staff overnight," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Unvaccinated NHS workers in England to lose jobs: Health minister

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw.

According to reports, a group of philanthropists and companies known as the Million Dollar Vax Alliance had allocated the money in order to push Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 virus.

Zhu, from Sydney, told Nine’s Today programme&nbsp;that the lottery’s organisers tried to get in touch with her&nbsp;while she was at work.

“Then I called them back and she said: "Oh, you won a million dollars! You're the only one in Australia."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-covid-patient-overdoses-on-ivermectin-admitted-to-sydney-hospital-410299">Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital</a>

Zhu said she plans to spend some of the money on reuniting with her family and invest the rest of the money.

“I want to fly my family out from China first class and put them up in a five star hotel for Chinese New Year if the borders are open. I will buy presents for my family and invest the rest of the money so I can make more money in the future and to help people if they need help,” she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-ends-covid-19-vaccine-trials-after-participants-develop-antibodies-for-hiv-349006">Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV</a>

The Million Dollar Vax Alliance campaign has been credited with helping Australia to fully-vaccinate 80% of those aged over 16.

The lottery also gave out 100 gift cards worth $1,000 each day in October which - along with the grand prize - made a total of $4.1m.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw.

An Australian woman won 1 million Australian dollars (US $744,900) cash just for receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Around three million Australians participated in the country’s vaccine lottery prize and among them, 25-year-old Joanne Zhu was named in the lucky draw. According to reports, a group of philanthropists and companies known as the Million Dollar Vax Alliance had allocated the money in order to push Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 virus. Zhu, from Sydney, told Nine’s Today programme that the lottery’s organisers tried to get in touch with her while she was at work. “Then I called them back and she said: "Oh, you won a million dollars! You're the only one in Australia." Also read | Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital Zhu said she plans to spend some of the money on reuniting with her family and invest the rest of the money. “I want to fly my family out from China first class and put them up in a five star hotel for Chinese New Year if the borders are open. I will buy presents for my family and invest the rest of the money so I can make more money in the future and to help people if they need help,” she said. Also read | Australia ends COVID-19 vaccine trials after participants develop antibodies for HIV The Million Dollar Vax Alliance campaign has been credited with helping Australia to fully-vaccinate 80% of those aged over 16. The lottery also gave out 100 gift cards worth $1,000 each day in October which - along with the grand prize - made a total of $4.1m. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid lottery: 25-year-old Australian woman wins $1mn for getting vaccinated

With 20 months of travel restrictions, the United States has reopened its land and air borders to foreign visitors who are fully vaccinated against covid-19.

US lifts Covid-19 restrictions, opens door to international travellers

For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’. The transmission seems to be taking place from humans to pets and not the other way round.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abandoned-dog-deng-deng-goes-under-hammer-fetches-25000-in-china-427150" hreflang="en">Abandoned dog Deng Deng goes under hammer, fetches $25,000 in China</a>

Dr Luca&nbsp;Ferasin, lead author, UK-based Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, while commenting on the research, said that the exercise has highlighted the growing risk of domestic animals getting infected with the virus.

“Our study reports the first cases of cats and dogs affected by the Alpha Covid variant. We also reported the atypical clinical manifestations&nbsp;characterised&nbsp;by severe heart abnormalities, which is a well-recognised&nbsp;complication in people affected by COVID-19, but has never been found in pets before,” Dr&nbsp;Ferasin&nbsp;added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-conservation-effort-3000-baby-river-turtles-released-in-peru-427163" hreflang="en">In a conservation effort, 3,000 baby river turtles released in Peru</a>

In addition to the above animals, two other cats and a dog displayed antibodies two to six weeks after developing signs of cardiac disease.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

These pets had an acute onset of cardiac disease, which includes severe myocarditis. It leads to the inflammation of the heart muscle.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test. The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’.

For the first time, cases of Alpha variant of Sars-CoV-2 or Covid virus have been detected in pets. Two cats and a dog have tested positive in a PCR test. The team, which conducted the study, also clarified Covid in pets remained ‘relatively rare’. The transmission seems to be taking place from humans to pets and not the other way round. Also Read: Abandoned dog Deng Deng goes under hammer, fetches $25,000 in China Dr Luca Ferasin, lead author, UK-based Ralph Veterinary Referral Centre, while commenting on the research, said that the exercise has highlighted the growing risk of domestic animals getting infected with the virus. “Our study reports the first cases of cats and dogs affected by the Alpha Covid variant. We also reported the atypical clinical manifestations characterised by severe heart abnormalities, which is a well-recognised complication in people affected by COVID-19, but has never been found in pets before,” Dr Ferasin added. Also Read: In a conservation effort, 3,000 baby river turtles released in Peru In addition to the above animals, two other cats and a dog displayed antibodies two to six weeks after developing signs of cardiac disease. These pets had an acute onset of cardiac disease, which includes severe myocarditis. It leads to the inflammation of the heart muscle. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Covid variant Alpha found in pets, says study    

The fire in the ICU of a hospital in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district is one more in a series of devastating blazes in the state, claiming lives of coronavirus patients.

Eleven Covid patients being treated in the ICU died in the blaze in the district hospital at Ahmednagar on Saturday. On April 23 this year, when the second wave of the pandemic was at its peak, 13 Covid patients died as fire engulfed the ICU of the Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Virar, around 60 km from Mumbai.&nbsp;

There were 90 patients in the hospital, 18 of them in the ICU, when the fire broke out after a blast in the AC unit. The dead included six women and eight men.&nbsp;

Ten coronavirus patients died in a fire at a hospital in the eastern suburb of Bhandup in Mumbai on March 26. The fire broke out in Dreams Mall, which housed a Covid-designated hospital. It raged for over 40 hours. The dead included those on ventilator support.&nbsp;

As many as 24 Covid patients on life support died at the civic hospital in Nashik on April 21 after a leak in the medical oxygen tank. The leakage from an oxygen tank caused disruption in oxygen supply for around 30 minutes, which led to the deaths of patients who were on oxygen support.&nbsp;

All the victims were on ventilators and in need of constant oxygen supply. Around 150 patients were either oxygen-dependent or on ventilators. The year began on a tragic note when 10 infants died in a fire at a special new-born care unit of the Bhandara district hospital on January 9.&nbsp;

Seventeen infants, aged one to three months, were in the ward at the time of the tragedy. A probe panel had suggested that trained engineers should be employed at government hospitals that mainly rely on the public works department (PWD) for maintenance work. The six-member committee, comprising health officials, electrical engineers and fire officials, found that the fire in the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) of the Bhandara district general hospital spread from a radiant warmer and electrical wiring system connected to it in the ?outborn section?.&nbsp;

On April 28, four patients were killed after a fire broke out at the private Prime Criticare Hospital at Kausa in Mumbra locality near Thane. The hospital had no Covid patients. In April this year, a major fire broke out in a building housing a private Covid care centre in Chandwad town in Nashik district. Around 22 patients admitted at the facility were shifted to the sub-district hospital in the town as a precaution.

The fire in the ICU of a hospital in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district is one more in a series of devastating blazes in the state, claiming lives of coronavirus patients.

The fire in the ICU of a hospital in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district is one more in a series of devastating blazes in the state, claiming lives of coronavirus patients. Eleven Covid patients being treated in the ICU died in the blaze in the district hospital at Ahmednagar on Saturday. On April 23 this year, when the second wave of the pandemic was at its peak, 13 Covid patients died as fire engulfed the ICU of the Vijay Vallabh Hospital in Virar, around 60 km from Mumbai. There were 90 patients in the hospital, 18 of them in the ICU, when the fire broke out after a blast in the AC unit. The dead included six women and eight men. Ten coronavirus patients died in a fire at a hospital in the eastern suburb of Bhandup in Mumbai on March 26. The fire broke out in Dreams Mall, which housed a Covid-designated hospital. It raged for over 40 hours. The dead included those on ventilator support. As many as 24 Covid patients on life support died at the civic hospital in Nashik on April 21 after a leak in the medical oxygen tank. The leakage from an oxygen tank caused disruption in oxygen supply for around 30 minutes, which led to the deaths of patients who were on oxygen support. All the victims were on ventilators and in need of constant oxygen supply. Around 150 patients were either oxygen-dependent or on ventilators. The year began on a tragic note when 10 infants died in a fire at a special new-born care unit of the Bhandara district hospital on January 9. Seventeen infants, aged one to three months, were in the ward at the time of the tragedy. A probe panel had suggested that trained engineers should be employed at government hospitals that mainly rely on the public works department (PWD) for maintenance work. The six-member committee, comprising health officials, electrical engineers and fire officials, found that the fire in the sick newborn care unit (SNCU) of the Bhandara district general hospital spread from a radiant warmer and electrical wiring system connected to it in the ?outborn section?. On April 28, four patients were killed after a fire broke out at the private Prime Criticare Hospital at Kausa in Mumbra locality near Thane. The hospital had no Covid patients. In April this year, a major fire broke out in a building housing a private Covid care centre in Chandwad town in Nashik district. Around 22 patients admitted at the facility were shifted to the sub-district hospital in the town as a precaution.

Maharashtra: One more blaze, same old woes as Covid patients die in hospitals

China has asked its people to stock up on household supplies without telling them why. Is China heading into a nationwide lockdown? Is it expecting tensions with Taiwan to blow up? Or is there something more serious that Beijing is hiding from its people and the world? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Panic buying in China

Was Pfizer's Wuhan Virus vaccine trial compromised? A whistleblower who worked for the company hired to run the trial spotted several lapses. She was allegedly fired after she sent a complaint to US FDA. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Was Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine trial "compromised"?

The global tourism industry is ground to a virtual standstill. in the immediate aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic countries that heavily relied on tourism as a major part of their economy, grappled with a loss of revenue, the island nation of Sri Lanka was particularly hard hit. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson, Sri Lanka tourism industry.

'People are traveling, we have now learnt to live with Covid,' says Kimarli Fernando

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19.

The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid.

They uncovered a “relatively unstudied gene called LZTFL1” which appears to stop cells in the airways and lungs from responding to the virus properly, potentially leading to respiratory failure and death.

They say that around 60% of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15% of people of European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene.

It is found in about 15% of those with European ancestry, while only 2% of people with Afro-Caribbean ancestry carry the gene.

Vaccines are key and help significantly reduce these risks, the researchers have asserted.

Professor James Davies, who led the study, said the discovery shows the “way in which the lung responds to the infection is critical”.

&nbsp;“The reason this has proved so difficult to work out is that the previously identified genetic signal affects the ‘dark matter’ of the genome,” he said.

“We found that the increased risk is not because of a difference in gene coding for a protein, but because of a difference in the DNA that makes a switch to turn a gene on,” he added.

The research was conducted by an artificial intelligence algorithm that had been trained by the team to analyse huge quantities of genetic data from hundreds of types of cells from all parts of the body.

The researchers hope that drugs and other therapies could target the mechanism that prevents the lung lining from responding as it should.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19. The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid.

Scientists at Oxford University have discovered a gene that can double the risk of lung failure and death in those who are contracted COVID-19. The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, seeks to find out why some communities in the UK and South Asia are at higher risk from Covid. They uncovered a “relatively unstudied gene called LZTFL1” which appears to stop cells in the airways and lungs from responding to the virus properly, potentially leading to respiratory failure and death. They say that around 60% of people from South Asian backgrounds and 15% of people of European ancestry carry the high-risk version of the gene. It is found in about 15% of those with European ancestry, while only 2% of people with Afro-Caribbean ancestry carry the gene. Vaccines are key and help significantly reduce these risks, the researchers have asserted. Professor James Davies, who led the study, said the discovery shows the “way in which the lung responds to the infection is critical”. “The reason this has proved so difficult to work out is that the previously identified genetic signal affects the ‘dark matter’ of the genome,” he said. “We found that the increased risk is not because of a difference in gene coding for a protein, but because of a difference in the DNA that makes a switch to turn a gene on,” he added. The research was conducted by an artificial intelligence algorithm that had been trained by the team to analyse huge quantities of genetic data from hundreds of types of cells from all parts of the body. The researchers hope that drugs and other therapies could target the mechanism that prevents the lung lining from responding as it should. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Fatal gene that doubles risk of lung failure from Covid mostly found in South Asians

In what may be perceived as a thaw in two powerful countries, US and China are steadily taking steps towards reopening consulates that were shut in 2020, reported Politico. Under former US President Donald Trump, relations between US and China were strained over COVID-19 pandemic. The spat had resulted in US telling China to shut its consulate in Houston while China retaliated by asking US to shut consulate in Chengdu.

Though US-China relations appear to be strained currently over Taiwan, the ties between the two countries have quietly improved in recent months.&nbsp;

The Chinese mood to men ties was reflected in Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin's words during the Friday briefing.

“Many incidents unilaterally provoked by the previous U.S. administration gravely undermined China-U.S. relations,” he said without naming Donald Trump.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-doesnt-want-deeper-us-india-relations-taking-actions-to-press-territorial-claims-with-neighbour-us-426795">China doesn’t want deeper US-India relations, taking 'actions’ to press territorial claims with neighbour: US</a>

However, unease about China is apparent within US military and government and military. On Wednesday, Pentagon warned that China was expanding nuclear weapons capabilities more rapidly than previously believed.

China recently tested hypersonic missiles successfully. US, however, found it difficult carry out similar successful tests short time afterward.

US's top military officer General Mike Milley termed Chinese tests as having been somewhat like a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-weapon-test-close-to-a-sputnik-moment-us-general-says-424565">'Sputnik moment' for the US</a>. This referred to Soviet Russia's lead over the US in sending first-ever artificial satellite in space during the height of the Cold War.

(With inputs from agencies)

In what may be perceived as a thaw in two powerful countries, US and China are steadily taking steps towards reopening consulates that were shut in 2020, reported Politico.

In what may be perceived as a thaw in two powerful countries, US and China are steadily taking steps towards reopening consulates that were shut in 2020, reported Politico. Under former US President Donald Trump, relations between US and China were strained over COVID-19 pandemic. The spat had resulted in US telling China to shut its consulate in Houston while China retaliated by asking US to shut consulate in Chengdu. Though US-China relations appear to be strained currently over Taiwan, the ties between the two countries have quietly improved in recent months. The Chinese mood to men ties was reflected in Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin's words during the Friday briefing. “Many incidents unilaterally provoked by the previous U.S. administration gravely undermined China-U.S. relations,” he said without naming Donald Trump. Also Read: China doesn’t want deeper US-India relations, taking 'actions’ to press territorial claims with neighbour: US However, unease about China is apparent within US military and government and military. On Wednesday, Pentagon warned that China was expanding nuclear weapons capabilities more rapidly than previously believed. China recently tested hypersonic missiles successfully. US, however, found it difficult carry out similar successful tests short time afterward. US's top military officer General Mike Milley termed Chinese tests as having been somewhat like a 'Sputnik moment' for the US. This referred to Soviet Russia's lead over the US in sending first-ever artificial satellite in space during the height of the Cold War. (With inputs from agencies)

US-China likely to reopen consulates shut in 2020, says report

United Kingdom on Thursday became the first country in the world to approve a pill treatment for Covid-19. Developed by Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics the antiviral is called "molnupiravir".

World's first pill to treat Covid gets approval in UK. Here's all you need to know

According to reports, India's Covaxin vaccine has been approved by the WHO for emergency use. The 'made-in-India' vaccine will now be recognized by other nations and Indians who received the jab need not self-quarantine or face covid-19 restrictions. WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal brings all the latest information.

India's Covaxin approved by WHO for emergency use

It's been more than a year since coronavirus pandemic hit the world and it is still battling with the virus and the variant. Here we bring you a round-up of all the covid pandemic-related news.

Here are all latest updates on COVID-19 pandemic

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11.&nbsp;

The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-vaccine-mandate-deadline-looms-new-york-city-braces-for-workers-shortage-425259" hreflang="en">As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage</a>

Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket.&nbsp;

During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects.&nbsp;

Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. 
 
Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/rise-in-covid-19-cases-among-children-in-israel-trigger-noticeable-jump-419987/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8."

Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination.

COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes.

However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5.

Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 injection received final approval from US health regulators on Tuesday, paving the way for a substantial extension of the country's vaccination campaign to include children as young as 5. The Food and Drug Administration has previously approved the injections for children aged 5 to 11. The dosages given to teenagers and adults are just a third of what is given to teens and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the other hand, makes explicit recommendations on who should receive FDA-approved vaccines. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, made the news just hours after an advisory council unanimously recommended that Pfizer's vaccines should be made available to the 28 million children in that age bracket. During a day of live-streamed deliberations, the CDC assembled a panel of independent experts to analyse the existing data on the state of the outbreak in children, the efficiency of Pfizer's vaccine, and its likely adverse effects. Since the FDA approval, "there hasn't been a moment that teams have not been picking, packing and shipping vaccines," Jeff Zients, the White House pandemic coordinator, said Monday. Watch | Rise in COVID-19 cases among children in Israel trigger noticeable jump "We are planning on some vaccinations towards the end of this week," he said, adding that the programme will be "really hitting full strength the week of November 8." Last week, FDA officials debated whether every young kid required vaccination. COVID-19-infected children are more likely to develop high-risk diseases, including obesity or diabetes. However, otherwise healthy youngsters can get critically ill, and the CDC's advisors eventually advised the injections for all of them, including those who had already recovered from a COVID-19 infection. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine for children: US gives final nod to Pfizer jabs for 5-11 age group

In 2020, more Indians died of suicide than the Wuhan Virus. Data shows family problems were the leading cause of suicide. Daily wage earners and housewives made up the largest share of total suicides. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: More Indians died of suicide than of Covid-19 in 2020

One person tested positive in Shanghai. In response, Chinese officials locked down the Shanghai Disneyland and tested 34,000 visitors. The tests came back negative. So, what did this stunt achieve? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: China locks down Shanghai Disneyland after one Covid case

G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The marches were led mainly by climate activists who carried colourful placards, played drums and danced as they demanded world leaders save the planet.

"We are holding this protest for environmental and social issues and against the G20, which continues undaunted on a path that has almost led us to social and ecological failure," said protester Edoardo Mentrasti.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a>

They marched alongside students and groups of workers in a city on high-security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order. Metro stations have been closed and bus routes diverted due to the G20 summit.

Italian police are particularly anxious about unrest after recent protests over the country's mandatory COVID health pass for workers turned violent when neo-fascist activists attacked the headquarters of the CGIL labour union in Rome.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-macron-merkel-johnson-discuss-iran-deal-on-sidelines-425373">G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines</a>

In Saturday's march, a large banner saying "stop patents, vaccines are a global right" was held by demonstrators parading along the banks of the Tiber river.

G20 leaders kicked off two days of talks on Saturday (October 30). The focus of the summit is expected to be on COVID, climate change and economy.

(With inputs from agencies)

G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines.

G20 Summit in Rome was no exception to the staging of protests that is common when a major global conference takes place anywhere in the world. On Saturday thousands of people marched on streets of Rome to call on G20 leaders to act against climate change and to ensure fair access to COVID-19 vaccines. The marches were led mainly by climate activists who carried colourful placards, played drums and danced as they demanded world leaders save the planet. "We are holding this protest for environmental and social issues and against the G20, which continues undaunted on a path that has almost led us to social and ecological failure," said protester Edoardo Mentrasti. Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy They marched alongside students and groups of workers in a city on high-security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order. Metro stations have been closed and bus routes diverted due to the G20 summit. Italian police are particularly anxious about unrest after recent protests over the country's mandatory COVID health pass for workers turned violent when neo-fascist activists attacked the headquarters of the CGIL labour union in Rome. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines In Saturday's march, a large banner saying "stop patents, vaccines are a global right" was held by demonstrators parading along the banks of the Tiber river. G20 leaders kicked off two days of talks on Saturday (October 30). The focus of the summit is expected to be on COVID, climate change and economy. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of protesters march on Rome streets as G20 Summit kicks off

Canada on Saturday pledged at the G20 summit to donate millions more Covid vaccine doses to poor countries worldwide.

"Canada will donate the equivalent of at least 200 million doses to the COVAX Facility by the end of 2022," Prime &nbsp;Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement, referring to the global vaccine-sharing alliance. Of this number, 10 million doses of Moderna&nbsp;vaccine will be delivered "quickly" to developing countries, he said.&nbsp;

Canada has also pledged $15 million to help increase vaccine production in South Africa, said Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland at a Rome briefing.

Those funds should contribute to the creation of a "technology transfer center" so that the region can produce messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-sending-millions-more-covid-19-doses-to-developing-nations-425299">Britain sending millions more COVID-19 doses to developing nations</a>

"We do not control production, but by 2022, we are certain that it will be possible to contribute at this level," Freeland said.&nbsp;

In August, the American company Moderna announced that it wanted to build a vaccine manufacturing plant in Canada, the first outside the United States.&nbsp;

According to the Canadian government, fewer than three million of the 40 million doses already promised by Canada had been received by the COVAX programme on Saturday, with additional deliveries planned in coming days.

Canada on Saturday pledged at the G20 summit to donate millions more Covid vaccine doses to poor countries worldwide. "Canada will donate the equivalent of at least 200 million doses to the COVAX Facility by the end of 2022," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement, referring to the global vaccine-sharing alliance.

Canada on Saturday pledged at the G20 summit to donate millions more Covid vaccine doses to poor countries worldwide. "Canada will donate the equivalent of at least 200 million doses to the COVAX Facility by the end of 2022," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement, referring to the global vaccine-sharing alliance. Of this number, 10 million doses of Moderna vaccine will be delivered "quickly" to developing countries, he said. Canada has also pledged $15 million to help increase vaccine production in South Africa, said Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland at a Rome briefing. Those funds should contribute to the creation of a "technology transfer center" so that the region can produce messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19 Also Read | Britain sending millions more COVID-19 doses to developing nations "We do not control production, but by 2022, we are certain that it will be possible to contribute at this level," Freeland said. In August, the American company Moderna announced that it wanted to build a vaccine manufacturing plant in Canada, the first outside the United States. According to the Canadian government, fewer than three million of the 40 million doses already promised by Canada had been received by the COVAX programme on Saturday, with additional deliveries planned in coming days.

Canada vows to donate 200 million Covid vaccine doses

Stressing on 'One Earth, One Health' vision of collaborative approach in dealing with Covid virus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is ready to produce over 5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses by the end of next year to help the world in the fight against the pandemic.

Speaking in his intervention at the session on “global economy and global health” at G20 Summit session in Rome on Saturday, Modi also flagged the issue of facilitating international travel and talked about the mechanism of mutual recognition of vaccine certification as a means of achieving this, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, briefing reporters on PM’s engagements.

PM Modi invited G20 countries to make India their partner in economic recovery and supply chain diversification. He also brought out the fact that despite challenges posed by the pandemic, India continued to be a trusted partner in the context of reliable supply chains, Shringla said.

Noting that the WHO approval for the emergency use authorisation for India's indigenous vaccine, Covaxin,&nbsp;is pending, Modi suggested that a nod for the jab will help India assist other countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-interacts-with-french-president-macron-on-the-sidelines-of-g20-425323">PM Modi interacts with French President Macron on the sidelines of G20</a>

A technical advisory group of the UN health agency will meet on November 3 to conduct a final "risk-benefit assessment" for Emergency Use Listing of Covaxin. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and AstraZeneca and Oxford University's Covishield are the two widely used vaccines in India.

Shringla said that Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction over the G20’s decision to come up with a 15 per minimum corporate tax to make the global financial architecture more “just and fair”.

The decision is aimed at ensuring that companies pay a certain amount of tax in the countries they are located in.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">Also read |&nbsp;G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a>

“It is pertinent to mention that it was in 2014 that the prime minister had first proposed the idea of a minimum corporate tax in order to prevent to some extent evasion of taxes,” he said.

Shringla said that Pope Francis accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India.

Speaking of the Vatican visit, Shringla said, “The last papal visit to India was in 1999 when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Pope Francis has accepted PM Modi's invitation. In his own words, he said: “You (PM Modi) have given me the greatest gift. I am looking forward to visiting India". Pope Francis has accepted the PM Modi invitation and looking forward to visit India.”

Also read |&nbsp; <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-leaders-agree-on-historic-corporate-tax-deal-425387">G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal</a>

The meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis which was scheduled for 20 minutes, lasted for around an hour.

Apart from Pope Francis, PM Modi on Saturday also invited French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India, Shringla said.

On the second day of the summit on Sunday, PM Modi is scheduled attend an event hosted by US President Joe Biden in Rome. Other bilateral meetings are scheduled as well.&nbsp;

Modi will attend an event hosted by US President Joe Biden on “Supply China Resilience” and hold other bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rome, said Shringla.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Stressing on 'One Earth, One Health' vision of collaborative approach in dealing with Covid virus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is ready to produce over 5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses by the end of next year to help the world in the fight against the pandemic.

Stressing on 'One Earth, One Health' vision of collaborative approach in dealing with Covid virus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is ready to produce over 5 billion coronavirus vaccine doses by the end of next year to help the world in the fight against the pandemic. Speaking in his intervention at the session on “global economy and global health” at G20 Summit session in Rome on Saturday, Modi also flagged the issue of facilitating international travel and talked about the mechanism of mutual recognition of vaccine certification as a means of achieving this, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, briefing reporters on PM’s engagements. PM Modi invited G20 countries to make India their partner in economic recovery and supply chain diversification. He also brought out the fact that despite challenges posed by the pandemic, India continued to be a trusted partner in the context of reliable supply chains, Shringla said. Noting that the WHO approval for the emergency use authorisation for India's indigenous vaccine, Covaxin, is pending, Modi suggested that a nod for the jab will help India assist other countries. Also read | PM Modi interacts with French President Macron on the sidelines of G20 A technical advisory group of the UN health agency will meet on November 3 to conduct a final "risk-benefit assessment" for Emergency Use Listing of Covaxin. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and AstraZeneca and Oxford University's Covishield are the two widely used vaccines in India. Shringla said that Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction over the G20’s decision to come up with a 15 per minimum corporate tax to make the global financial architecture more “just and fair”. The decision is aimed at ensuring that companies pay a certain amount of tax in the countries they are located in. Also read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy “It is pertinent to mention that it was in 2014 that the prime minister had first proposed the idea of a minimum corporate tax in order to prevent to some extent evasion of taxes,” he said. Shringla said that Pope Francis accepted PM Modi's invitation to visit India. Speaking of the Vatican visit, Shringla said, “The last papal visit to India was in 1999 when Pope John Paul II visited the country. Pope Francis has accepted PM Modi's invitation. In his own words, he said: “You (PM Modi) have given me the greatest gift. I am looking forward to visiting India". Pope Francis has accepted the PM Modi invitation and looking forward to visit India.” Also read | G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal The meeting between PM Modi and Pope Francis which was scheduled for 20 minutes, lasted for around an hour. Apart from Pope Francis, PM Modi on Saturday also invited French President Emmanuel Macron to visit India, Shringla said. On the second day of the summit on Sunday, PM Modi is scheduled attend an event hosted by US President Joe Biden in Rome. Other bilateral meetings are scheduled as well. Modi will attend an event hosted by US President Joe Biden on “Supply China Resilience” and hold other bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rome, said Shringla. (With inputs from agencies)

At Rome, Modi pitches ‘One Earth, One Health’ vision, says ready to produce 5 billion Covid vaccines

Around 12,000 members of US Air Force have defied the US Department of Defence's August order on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, making them liable to be dismissed&nbsp;from their services, the Washington Post has reported.

The US defence ministry had asked the troops to be fully vaccinated by Tuesday.&nbsp;

Those who fail to meet the order are likely to be dismissed or be charged by the military justice system, but the exact sanctions are unknown yet, according to Newsweek.

US Air Force has become the first military branch to face mass refusal to vaccinate since it became mandatory two months ago.

As of early October, roughly 60,000 members of the Air Force were unwilling to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, 97 per cent of all US servicemen have as of now received at least one shot, and 87 per cent have been fully vaccinated, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lapd-officials-file-lawsuit-against-compulsory-covid-vaccination-413004">LAPD officials file lawsuit against compulsory Covid vaccination</a>

As of the last month, 94 per cent of the Air Force have been vaccinated, but the rate has slowed down in recent weeks.

On 25 August, the head of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin ordered all military personnel to vaccinate against COVID-19 with at least one dose by November 2, excluding members of the National Guard and Reserve members who are required to provide vaccination certificates by December 2.

An exception was made only for those who go on leave with subsequent release to the reserve at the end of their service, and will no longer be physically present at their workplace in the Ministry of Defence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disney-makes-vaccination-mandatory-for-on-site-us-employees-401912">Disney makes vaccination mandatory for on-site US employees</a>

Mandatory vaccination, introduced in some companies and states across the US, has faced resistance, as some employees have refused to get the vaccine.

As far as 19 states in the US have filed legal cases against President Joe Biden’s mandatory vaccination order.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-makes-covid-19-jabs-mandatory-for-health-workers-398455">Hungary makes COVID-19 jabs mandatory for health workers</a>

On October 29, three separate legal cases were filed by 18 states to stop President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for federal contractors.

Furthermore, Texas filed the case individually to prevent the Biden administration vaccination rule for federal contractors, according to AP.

Florida had filed the case on Thursday, which brought the total number of states opposing the Biden mandatory COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine rule, making it the 19th state to do so.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 12,000 members of US Air Force have defied the US Department of Defence's August order on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, making them liable to be dismissed from their services, the Washington Post has reported.

Around 12,000 members of US Air Force have defied the US Department of Defence's August order on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination, making them liable to be dismissed from their services, the Washington Post has reported. The US defence ministry had asked the troops to be fully vaccinated by Tuesday. Those who fail to meet the order are likely to be dismissed or be charged by the military justice system, but the exact sanctions are unknown yet, according to Newsweek. US Air Force has become the first military branch to face mass refusal to vaccinate since it became mandatory two months ago. As of early October, roughly 60,000 members of the Air Force were unwilling to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, 97 per cent of all US servicemen have as of now received at least one shot, and 87 per cent have been fully vaccinated, according to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Also read | LAPD officials file lawsuit against compulsory Covid vaccination As of the last month, 94 per cent of the Air Force have been vaccinated, but the rate has slowed down in recent weeks. On 25 August, the head of the Pentagon Lloyd Austin ordered all military personnel to vaccinate against COVID-19 with at least one dose by November 2, excluding members of the National Guard and Reserve members who are required to provide vaccination certificates by December 2. An exception was made only for those who go on leave with subsequent release to the reserve at the end of their service, and will no longer be physically present at their workplace in the Ministry of Defence. Also read | Disney makes vaccination mandatory for on-site US employees Mandatory vaccination, introduced in some companies and states across the US, has faced resistance, as some employees have refused to get the vaccine. As far as 19 states in the US have filed legal cases against President Joe Biden’s mandatory vaccination order. Also read | Hungary makes COVID-19 jabs mandatory for health workers On October 29, three separate legal cases were filed by 18 states to stop President Joe Biden's COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for federal contractors. Furthermore, Texas filed the case individually to prevent the Biden administration vaccination rule for federal contractors, according to AP. Florida had filed the case on Thursday, which brought the total number of states opposing the Biden mandatory COVID-19 vaccine rule, making it the 19th state to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

12,000 US Air Force members defy mandatory vaccination order

World leaders have gathered in Rome to discuss sustainable global development. But almost two years into the coronavirus pandemic. One of the major themes of this summit turned out to be vaccine access.

Vaccine Access: One of major themes of summit G20 summit

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. &nbsp;

The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-vaccine-mandate-deadline-looms-new-york-city-braces-for-workers-shortage-425259" hreflang="en">As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage</a>

The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. &nbsp;

To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/closed-under-covid-lockdown-auckland-tops-lonely-planets-list-of-cities-to-visit-in-2022-425235" hreflang="en">Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022</a>

Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. &nbsp;

A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. &nbsp;

The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday.

In what is the first COVID-19 shot for young children in the United States, the health regulator of the country authorised the Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE coronavirus vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years on Friday. The move looks to make the vaccine available to 28 million children in the US. Several of them are back in school for in-person learning. Also Read: As vaccine mandate deadline looms, New York City braces for workers’ shortage The decision comes as a panel of advisers to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted overwhelmingly to recommend the authorisation on Tuesday. To consider recommendations on how the vaccine should be used in the age group, an advisory panel to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is scheduled to meet next week. The CDC director will have the final say. Also Read: Closed under Covid lockdown, Auckland tops Lonely Planet’s list of cities to visit in 2022 Till now, only a handful other countries, including China, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates, have cleared Covid vaccines for children in this age group. A 10-microgram dose of Pfizer's vaccine in young children, which is lower than the 30 micrograms in the usual vaccine for children above the age of 12 and older, has been authorised by the FDA. The vaccine showed 90.7% efficacy against coronavirus in a clinical trial of children aged 5 to 11, said Pfizer and BioNTech. (With inputs from agencies)

First Covid shot authorised by FDA in US for kids aged 5 to 11 years

Effective&nbsp;vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create&nbsp;patches&nbsp;that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine.

The technique could help save children's tears at doctors' offices, and help people who have a phobia of syringes.

Beyond that, skin&nbsp;patches&nbsp;could assist with distribution efforts, because they don't have cold-chain requirements -- and might even heighten&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;efficacy.

A new mouse study in the area, published in the journal Science Advances, showed promising results.

The Australian-US team used&nbsp;patches&nbsp;measuring one square centimeter that were dotted with more than 5,000 microscopic spikes, "so tiny you can't actually see them," David Muller, a virologist at the University of Queensland and co-author of the paper, told AFP.

These tips have been coated with an experimental&nbsp;vaccine, and the patch is clicked on with an applicator that resembles a hockey puck. "It's like you get a good flick on the skin," said Muller.

The researchers used a so-called "subunit"&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;that reproduces the spikes that dot the surface of the coronavirus.

Mice were injected either via the patch over the course of two minutes, or with a syringe.

The immune systems of those who got the patch produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies after two doses, including in their lungs, vital to stopping Covid, and the&nbsp;patches&nbsp;outperformed syringes.&nbsp;

The researchers also found that a sub-group of mice, who were given only one dose of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;containing an additional substance called an adjuvant used to spur immune response, "didn't get sick at all," said Muller.

<h2>Easy to apply&nbsp;</h2>

What makes them more effective?

Vaccines&nbsp;are normally injected into our muscles, but muscle tissue doesn't contain very many immune cells needed to react to the drug, explained Muller.

In addition, the tiny spikes cause localized skin death, which alerts the body to a problem and triggers a greater immune response.&nbsp;

For the scientist, the logistical advantages couldn't be clearer.&nbsp;

First, when dry-coated on a patch, the&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;is stable for at least 30 days at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and one week at 40C (104F), compared to a few hours at room temperature for the Moderna and Pfizer&nbsp;vaccines.

This offers a major advantage particularly for developing countries.

Second, "it's very simple to use," said Muller. "You don't necessarily need highly trained medical professionals to deliver it."

Burak Ozdoganlar, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in the US city of Pittsburgh, has also been working on the technology since 2007.

He sees yet another advantage: "Less amount of&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;delivered precisely to skin can activate an immune response similar to intramuscular injection," he told AFP. It's an important factor as the developing world struggles to procure enough Covid&nbsp;vaccine.

Ozdoganlar can produce around 300-400&nbsp;patches&nbsp;a day in his lab, but hasn't been able to test them out on mRNA&nbsp;vaccines, which have come to the fore during the pandemic, because he hasn't been authorized by Pfizer or Moderna.

<h2>&nbsp;'The future'&nbsp;</h2>

The patch used in the study published on Friday was made by Australian company Vaxxas, which is the furthest along. Human trials are planned from April.&nbsp;

Two other American companies are also part of the race: Micron Biomedical and Vaxess.

The latter, founded in 2013 and based in Massachusetts, is working on a slightly different type of patch, with microneedles that dissolve in the skin.

They say this approach has the benefit of requiring fewer spikes per patch -- just 121 -- made of a protein polymer that is biocompatible.

"We're working on a seasonal Covid and flu combination product that will be mailed directly to patients' homes, for self-administration," CEO Michael Schrader told AFP.

The Covid&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;they are using is produced by the company Medigen, already authorized in Taiwan.&nbsp;

Vaxess has just opened a factory near Boston, with funding from the US National Institutes for Health. They aim to produce enough&nbsp;patches&nbsp;to vaccinate 2,000 to 3,000 people in clinical trials, which are to be launched next summer.

The main challenge right now is production, with no manufacturers yet able to make enough&nbsp;patches&nbsp;en masse.

Effective vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create patches that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine.

Effective vaccines, without a needle: Since the start of the Covid pandemic, researchers have doubled down on efforts to create patches that deliver life-saving drugs painlessly to the skin, a development that could revolutionize medicine. The technique could help save children's tears at doctors' offices, and help people who have a phobia of syringes. Beyond that, skin patches could assist with distribution efforts, because they don't have cold-chain requirements -- and might even heighten vaccine efficacy. A new mouse study in the area, published in the journal Science Advances, showed promising results. The Australian-US team used patches measuring one square centimeter that were dotted with more than 5,000 microscopic spikes, "so tiny you can't actually see them," David Muller, a virologist at the University of Queensland and co-author of the paper, told AFP. These tips have been coated with an experimental vaccine, and the patch is clicked on with an applicator that resembles a hockey puck. "It's like you get a good flick on the skin," said Muller. The researchers used a so-called "subunit" vaccine that reproduces the spikes that dot the surface of the coronavirus. Mice were injected either via the patch over the course of two minutes, or with a syringe. The immune systems of those who got the patch produced high levels of neutralizing antibodies after two doses, including in their lungs, vital to stopping Covid, and the patches outperformed syringes. The researchers also found that a sub-group of mice, who were given only one dose of vaccine containing an additional substance called an adjuvant used to spur immune response, "didn't get sick at all," said Muller. Easy to apply What makes them more effective? Vaccines are normally injected into our muscles, but muscle tissue doesn't contain very many immune cells needed to react to the drug, explained Muller. In addition, the tiny spikes cause localized skin death, which alerts the body to a problem and triggers a greater immune response. For the scientist, the logistical advantages couldn't be clearer. First, when dry-coated on a patch, the vaccine is stable for at least 30 days at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and one week at 40C (104F), compared to a few hours at room temperature for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. This offers a major advantage particularly for developing countries. Second, "it's very simple to use," said Muller. "You don't necessarily need highly trained medical professionals to deliver it." Burak Ozdoganlar, a professor of engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in the US city of Pittsburgh, has also been working on the technology since 2007. He sees yet another advantage: "Less amount of vaccine delivered precisely to skin can activate an immune response similar to intramuscular injection," he told AFP. It's an important factor as the developing world struggles to procure enough Covid vaccine. Ozdoganlar can produce around 300-400 patches a day in his lab, but hasn't been able to test them out on mRNA vaccines, which have come to the fore during the pandemic, because he hasn't been authorized by Pfizer or Moderna. 'The future' The patch used in the study published on Friday was made by Australian company Vaxxas, which is the furthest along. Human trials are planned from April. Two other American companies are also part of the race: Micron Biomedical and Vaxess. The latter, founded in 2013 and based in Massachusetts, is working on a slightly different type of patch, with microneedles that dissolve in the skin. They say this approach has the benefit of requiring fewer spikes per patch -- just 121 -- made of a protein polymer that is biocompatible. "We're working on a seasonal Covid and flu combination product that will be mailed directly to patients' homes, for self-administration," CEO Michael Schrader told AFP. The Covid vaccine they are using is produced by the company Medigen, already authorized in Taiwan. Vaxess has just opened a factory near Boston, with funding from the US National Institutes for Health. They aim to produce enough patches to vaccinate 2,000 to 3,000 people in clinical trials, which are to be launched next summer. The main challenge right now is production, with no manufacturers yet able to make enough patches en masse.

Covid: Needle-free vaccine patches coming soon, say researchers and makers

covid

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