A 73-year-old man from Alabama, US, died due to cardiac arrest after he couldn’t secure an ICU bed in 43 hospitals across three states as they were already filled up by Covid patients.

Ray DeMonia, an antique dealer, died on September 1 in a Mississippi hospital, about 322 kilometres from his home because there were no cardiac ICU beds nearby, his daughter Raven DeMonia told The Washington Post.

DeMonia went to Cullman Regional Medical Center on August 23 because he was having heart problems, she said.

Raven said her mother got a call from the hospital staff about 12 hours after he was admitted, saying that the staff had called 43 hospitals and were unable to find a “specialized cardiac ICU bed.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Alabama has one of the highest rates of new cases, with 541 per 100,000 testing positive&nbsp;in the last week.

In DeMonia’s obituary, the family urged everyone to get vaccinated to prevent others from being denied facilities due to a lack of resources.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-us-states-nearly-out-of-icu-beds-as-fresh-surge-of-covid-19-cases-stretch-hospitals-409717">5 US states nearly out of ICU beds as fresh surge of COVID-19 cases stretch hospitals</a>

“In honour of Ray, please get vaccinated if you have not, in an effort to free up resources for non-Covid related emergencies,” the obituary read.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the ICU capacity in Alabama has been at maximum in recent weeks, with COVID-19 patients occupying about half of the intensive care beds.

Dr Scott Harris, the head of the Alabama Department of Public Health, last week said the state was continuing to experience “a real crisis” with ICU bed capacity.

“The numbers aren’t great. But the numbers at least have not continued to go up,” he was quoted as saying by local media.

(With inputs from agencies)

A 73-year-old man from Alabama, US, died due to cardiac arrest after he couldn’t secure an ICU bed in 43 hospitals across three states as they were already filled up by Covid patients.

A 73-year-old man from Alabama, US, died due to cardiac arrest after he couldn’t secure an ICU bed in 43 hospitals across three states as they were already filled up by Covid patients. Ray DeMonia, an antique dealer, died on September 1 in a Mississippi hospital, about 322 kilometres from his home because there were no cardiac ICU beds nearby, his daughter Raven DeMonia told The Washington Post. DeMonia went to Cullman Regional Medical Center on August 23 because he was having heart problems, she said. Raven said her mother got a call from the hospital staff about 12 hours after he was admitted, saying that the staff had called 43 hospitals and were unable to find a “specialized cardiac ICU bed.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Alabama has one of the highest rates of new cases, with 541 per 100,000 testing positive in the last week. In DeMonia’s obituary, the family urged everyone to get vaccinated to prevent others from being denied facilities due to a lack of resources. Also read | 5 US states nearly out of ICU beds as fresh surge of COVID-19 cases stretch hospitals “In honour of Ray, please get vaccinated if you have not, in an effort to free up resources for non-Covid related emergencies,” the obituary read. According to Johns Hopkins University, the ICU capacity in Alabama has been at maximum in recent weeks, with COVID-19 patients occupying about half of the intensive care beds. Dr Scott Harris, the head of the Alabama Department of Public Health, last week said the state was continuing to experience “a real crisis” with ICU bed capacity. “The numbers aren’t great. But the numbers at least have not continued to go up,” he was quoted as saying by local media. (With inputs from agencies)

Cardiac patient dies after failing to get ICU bed in 43 US hospitals occupied by COVID patients

Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave.

One in four hospitals now reports more than 95% of ICU beds occupied — up from 1 in 5 last month. Experts say it can become difficult to maintain standards of care for the sickest patients in hospitals where all or nearly all ICU beds are occupied.

In June, when COVID-19 cases were at their lowest level, less than 1 in 10 hospitals had dangerously high occupancy rates.

In Alabama, all ICU beds are currently occupied. In recent days, dozens of patients in the state have needed beds that were not available, according to data published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

“It means they’re in the waiting room, some are in the back of ambulances, things of that nature,” said Jeannie Gaines, a spokesperson for the Alabama Hospital Association.

In Texas, 169 hospitals have ICUs that are more than 95% full, up from 69 in June. There are only about 700 intensive care beds remaining across the entire state, according to recent data.

Hospitals in Houston constructed overflow tents last month to handle the influx of patients, and the rate of hospitalizations in the state is now 40% higher than when the tents were built.

Twenty-four hospitals in Florida reported having more ICU patients last week than available beds.

During past surges, hospitals have been forced to improvise by having staff care for more patients than usual or by setting up temporary intensive care beds in other wings of the hospital.

Patients with critical conditions besides COVID, like heart attacks or strokes, can also have worse health outcomes when most beds are full.

Unvaccinated Americans are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID than the vaccinated, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several of the states with the highest rates of ICU occupancy, including Alabama and Mississippi, are also among those with the lowest vaccination rates.

“Our biggest concerns are our low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s state health officer. “That’s the reason we’re in the situation that we’re in. Virtually all of our deaths are people who are unvaccinated.”

Hospitalizations among children under 18 are also higher than ever during this wave of the virus, driven largely by surges among children in the least vaccinated states.

Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave.

Hospitals in the southern United States are running dangerously low on space in intensive care units, as the delta variant has led to spikes in coronavirus cases not seen since last year’s deadly winter wave. One in four hospitals now reports more than 95% of ICU beds occupied — up from 1 in 5 last month. Experts say it can become difficult to maintain standards of care for the sickest patients in hospitals where all or nearly all ICU beds are occupied. In June, when COVID-19 cases were at their lowest level, less than 1 in 10 hospitals had dangerously high occupancy rates. In Alabama, all ICU beds are currently occupied. In recent days, dozens of patients in the state have needed beds that were not available, according to data published by the Department of Health and Human Services. “It means they’re in the waiting room, some are in the back of ambulances, things of that nature,” said Jeannie Gaines, a spokesperson for the Alabama Hospital Association. In Texas, 169 hospitals have ICUs that are more than 95% full, up from 69 in June. There are only about 700 intensive care beds remaining across the entire state, according to recent data. Hospitals in Houston constructed overflow tents last month to handle the influx of patients, and the rate of hospitalizations in the state is now 40% higher than when the tents were built. Twenty-four hospitals in Florida reported having more ICU patients last week than available beds. During past surges, hospitals have been forced to improvise by having staff care for more patients than usual or by setting up temporary intensive care beds in other wings of the hospital. Patients with critical conditions besides COVID, like heart attacks or strokes, can also have worse health outcomes when most beds are full. Unvaccinated Americans are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID than the vaccinated, according to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several of the states with the highest rates of ICU occupancy, including Alabama and Mississippi, are also among those with the lowest vaccination rates. “Our biggest concerns are our low vaccination rates,” said Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s state health officer. “That’s the reason we’re in the situation that we’re in. Virtually all of our deaths are people who are unvaccinated.” Hospitalizations among children under 18 are also higher than ever during this wave of the virus, driven largely by surges among children in the least vaccinated states.

Covid hospitalisation crisis reaches fever pitch in southern ICUs

Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit&nbsp;borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems.

Plans to introduce full controls in areas such as the import of food and animal products had been due from next month but would now start from January next year under a "pragmatic new timetable", the government said.

Britain will still introduce full customs declarations and controls on January 1, 2022, as planned.

Certification and physical checks on food and animal goods designed to protect against diseases, pests and contaminants — due to be introduced on January 1 — will now be introduced in July 2022.

Requirements for safety and security declarations will be also be pushed back to July.

"We want businesses to focus on their recovery from the pandemic rather than have to deal with new requirements at the border, which is why we've set out a pragmatic new timetable for introducing full border controls," said minister David Frost.

"Businesses will now have more time to prepare for these controls which will be phased in throughout 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shortage-of-lorry-drivers-covid-induced-supply-disruptions-driving-inflation-in-uk-410004">Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK</a>

"We remain on track to deliver new systems, infrastructure and resourcing needed for these controls," he added.

The pandemic and&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;have left Britain short of some 90,000 truck drivers, many of whom returned to eastern Europe, causing supply chain problems, particularly in the food and drink sector.

The UK has similarly postponed the full implementation of post-Brexit&nbsp;rules governing trade from mainland Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to Northern Ireland.

London is in talks with Brussels about how to put into practice the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the EU single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland.

But on Monday night, Frost warned ministers could unilaterally suspend the protocol unless progress is made, with opposition strong from pro-British parties in Northern Ireland.

That, however, could trigger countermeasures from the EU, which insists the protocol is not up for renegotiation.

<h2>Christmas pressure&nbsp;</h2>

Fears are growing that supply problems will hit Christmas. Fastfood outlets KFC and McDonald's have already reported shortages of some menu items, while the JD Wetherspoon chain of pubs, owned by&nbsp;Brexit-supporting Tim Martin, had run out of some beer brands

Trade Secretary Liz Truss said there was a need to be "as flexible as possible" given current problems.

"It's very important that we don't exacerbate disruptions by putting in extra controls at this stage," she told an online conference at the Policy Exchange think-tank.

"Now would be the wrong place to put those controls in," she added, blaming the pandemic rather than Britain's exit from the EU single market and customs union.

Employers group the CBI said the extra time would "relieve pressure in supply chains ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period for retailers".

But the industry body's Europe director, Sean McGuire, said progress was still needed to eradicate most checks, particularly for agri-foods.

"And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures," he added.

Britain is set for the strongest growth since official records began over 2021, with gross domestic product (GDP) set to expand by 7.1 percent, according to the British Chambers of Commerce.

But it said the acute driver shortage, global supply issues and recruitment troubles could hamper the recovery.

Recent data "point to a loss of momentum in the coming months as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures limit output from many sectors," said Suren Thiru, head of economics at the BCC.

London's mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday called for a time-limited "Covid recovery visa" to help recruit and train EU workers to alleviate labour shortages after&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;and the pandemic.

Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems.

Britain on Tuesday said it would push back its implementation of full post-Brexit borders checks on goods from the European Union, as the pandemic, red tape and new immigration rules fuel supply problems. Plans to introduce full controls in areas such as the import of food and animal products had been due from next month but would now start from January next year under a "pragmatic new timetable", the government said. Britain will still introduce full customs declarations and controls on January 1, 2022, as planned. Certification and physical checks on food and animal goods designed to protect against diseases, pests and contaminants — due to be introduced on January 1 — will now be introduced in July 2022. Requirements for safety and security declarations will be also be pushed back to July. "We want businesses to focus on their recovery from the pandemic rather than have to deal with new requirements at the border, which is why we've set out a pragmatic new timetable for introducing full border controls," said minister David Frost. "Businesses will now have more time to prepare for these controls which will be phased in throughout 2022. Also read | Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK "We remain on track to deliver new systems, infrastructure and resourcing needed for these controls," he added. The pandemic and Brexit have left Britain short of some 90,000 truck drivers, many of whom returned to eastern Europe, causing supply chain problems, particularly in the food and drink sector. The UK has similarly postponed the full implementation of post-Brexit rules governing trade from mainland Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) to Northern Ireland. London is in talks with Brussels about how to put into practice the Northern Ireland Protocol, which is designed to prevent unchecked goods heading into the EU single market via the UK's only land border with the EU to Ireland. But on Monday night, Frost warned ministers could unilaterally suspend the protocol unless progress is made, with opposition strong from pro-British parties in Northern Ireland. That, however, could trigger countermeasures from the EU, which insists the protocol is not up for renegotiation. Christmas pressure Fears are growing that supply problems will hit Christmas. Fastfood outlets KFC and McDonald's have already reported shortages of some menu items, while the JD Wetherspoon chain of pubs, owned by Brexit-supporting Tim Martin, had run out of some beer brands Trade Secretary Liz Truss said there was a need to be "as flexible as possible" given current problems. "It's very important that we don't exacerbate disruptions by putting in extra controls at this stage," she told an online conference at the Policy Exchange think-tank. "Now would be the wrong place to put those controls in," she added, blaming the pandemic rather than Britain's exit from the EU single market and customs union. Employers group the CBI said the extra time would "relieve pressure in supply chains ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period for retailers". But the industry body's Europe director, Sean McGuire, said progress was still needed to eradicate most checks, particularly for agri-foods. "And where supply bottlenecks are caused by labour shortages, the UK should use the immigration levers within its gift to alleviate short-term pressures," he added. Britain is set for the strongest growth since official records began over 2021, with gross domestic product (GDP) set to expand by 7.1 percent, according to the British Chambers of Commerce. But it said the acute driver shortage, global supply issues and recruitment troubles could hamper the recovery. Recent data "point to a loss of momentum in the coming months as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures limit output from many sectors," said Suren Thiru, head of economics at the BCC. London's mayor Sadiq Khan on Tuesday called for a time-limited "Covid recovery visa" to help recruit and train EU workers to alleviate labour shortages after Brexit and the pandemic.

UK delays full post-Brexit border checks from EU, citing COVID-19 impacts

In the fight against coronavirus, the UK government has announced that the booster jabs will be offered to people aged 50 and over, those in care homes, frontline health and social care workers and any vulnerable people over 16.&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), there is a preference for mRNA vaccines based on trial outcomes. The first choice for the booster is the Pfizer vaccine, or alternatively, a half-dose of a Moderna jab as it works well. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Over 2,000 participants enrolled for COVID vaccine trial in South Africa

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People, who are unable to have an mRNA vaccine, due to allergies, should go for an AstraZeneca vaccine booster shot.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The committee added, a third dose should not be given until six months after a person has received a second shot. &nbsp;

On Tuesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, "I can confirm I've accepted the JCVI's advice and the National Health Service (NHS) is preparing to offer booster doses from next week."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lapd-officials-file-lawsuit-against-compulsory-covid-vaccination-413004" hreflang="en">LAPD officials file lawsuit against compulsory Covid vaccination</a>&nbsp;

The health secretary said eligible people will be contacted by the NHS to come for their booster shots. &nbsp;

The boosters will take place at mass vaccination centres and GP surgeries, said England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a press conference, JCVI Chair Professor Wei Shen Lim said, "Getting a dose too early may mean they do not need it as they still have a high level of protection, and as we've seen with the gap between the first and second dose, you don't want to have it too early."&nbsp;

In the fight against coronavirus, the UK government has announced that the booster jabs will be offered to people aged 50 and over, those in care homes, frontline health and social care workers and any vulnerable people over 16.

In the fight against coronavirus, the UK government has announced that the booster jabs will be offered to people aged 50 and over, those in care homes, frontline health and social care workers and any vulnerable people over 16. According to the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), there is a preference for mRNA vaccines based on trial outcomes. The first choice for the booster is the Pfizer vaccine, or alternatively, a half-dose of a Moderna jab as it works well. Watch: Over 2,000 participants enrolled for COVID vaccine trial in South Africa × People, who are unable to have an mRNA vaccine, due to allergies, should go for an AstraZeneca vaccine booster shot. The committee added, a third dose should not be given until six months after a person has received a second shot. On Tuesday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said, "I can confirm I've accepted the JCVI's advice and the National Health Service (NHS) is preparing to offer booster doses from next week." Also Read: LAPD officials file lawsuit against compulsory Covid vaccination The health secretary said eligible people will be contacted by the NHS to come for their booster shots. The boosters will take place at mass vaccination centres and GP surgeries, said England's deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam. In a press conference, JCVI Chair Professor Wei Shen Lim said, "Getting a dose too early may mean they do not need it as they still have a high level of protection, and as we've seen with the gap between the first and second dose, you don't want to have it too early."

UK to offer booster Covid shots next week, says Health Secretary Sajid Javid

New local COVID-19 infections more than doubled in China`s southeastern province of Fujian, health authorities said on Tuesday, prompting officials to quickly roll out measures including travel restrictions to halt the spread of the virus.

The National Health Commission said 59 new locally transmitted cases were reported for Sept. 13, up from 22 infections a day earlier. All of them were in Fujian, a province bordered by Zhejiang to the north and Guangdong to the south.

In just four days, a total of 102 community infections have been reported in three Fujian cities, including Xiamen, a tourist and transport hub with a population of 5 million.

The infections come ahead of the week-long National Day holiday starting on Oct. 1, a major tourist season. The last domestic outbreak in late July to August disrupted travel, hitting the tourism, hospitality and transportion sectors.

China`s air passenger traffic plunged 51.5% in August from a year earlier, data released on Tuesday showed, highlighting the vulnerability of Chinese airlines to repeated outbreaks even though

COVID-19 is largely under control in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-faces-worst-covid-19-outbreak-since-wuhan-surge-of-delta-variant-in-15-cities-401972">China faces worst COVID-19 outbreak since Wuhan; surge of Delta variant in 15 cities</a>

Fujian`s outbreak began in Putian, a city of 3.2 million, with the first case reported on Sept. 10. Preliminary tests on samples from some Putian cases showed patients had contracted the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The outbreak has since spread south to Xiamen, which reported 32 new cases of community transmission for Sept. 13 compared with just one infection a day earlier.

"The Putian government is a big client of ours," said a staff at a Xiamen building survey firm, declining to be named.

"About half of our company went to Putian last week. They are now isolated at home, while the rest have gone to do their Covid tests."

<h3>Lockdown</h3>

Like Putian, Xiamen has locked down some areas of higher virus risk, cut offline classes at kindergartens, primary schools and high schools, closed public venues such as cinemas, gyms and bars, and told residents not to leave the city for non-essential reasons.

The first patient in the Xiamen cluster was a close contact of a case in Putian, Xiamen authorities said late on Monday.

Known for its mild weather and a laid-back lifestyle, Xiamen is a popular tourist destination domestically.

The Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is also a key transportation hub linking the Yangtze and Pearl River Delta. About 60% of flights to and from Xiamen were cancelled on Tuesday, according to aviation data provider Variflight.

Both Putian and Xiamen began city-wide testing for the coronavirus on Tuesday. The cities, however, are yet to announce tough city-wide lockdowns as seen in early 2020 in China.

Three new cases of community transmission were also reported in nearby Quanzhou city, versus six infections a day earlier. Variflight data showed 70% of Quanzhou`s flights were cancelled.

"One wave after another," said a bank manager in Xiamen. "It feels like the new normal now."

New local COVID-19 infections more than doubled in China`s southeastern province of Fujian, health authorities said on Tuesday, prompting officials to quickly roll out measures including travel restrictions to halt the spread of the virus.

New local COVID-19 infections more than doubled in China`s southeastern province of Fujian, health authorities said on Tuesday, prompting officials to quickly roll out measures including travel restrictions to halt the spread of the virus. The National Health Commission said 59 new locally transmitted cases were reported for Sept. 13, up from 22 infections a day earlier. All of them were in Fujian, a province bordered by Zhejiang to the north and Guangdong to the south. In just four days, a total of 102 community infections have been reported in three Fujian cities, including Xiamen, a tourist and transport hub with a population of 5 million. The infections come ahead of the week-long National Day holiday starting on Oct. 1, a major tourist season. The last domestic outbreak in late July to August disrupted travel, hitting the tourism, hospitality and transportion sectors. China`s air passenger traffic plunged 51.5% in August from a year earlier, data released on Tuesday showed, highlighting the vulnerability of Chinese airlines to repeated outbreaks even though COVID-19 is largely under control in the country. Also read | China faces worst COVID-19 outbreak since Wuhan; surge of Delta variant in 15 cities Fujian`s outbreak began in Putian, a city of 3.2 million, with the first case reported on Sept. 10. Preliminary tests on samples from some Putian cases showed patients had contracted the highly transmissible Delta variant. The outbreak has since spread south to Xiamen, which reported 32 new cases of community transmission for Sept. 13 compared with just one infection a day earlier. "The Putian government is a big client of ours," said a staff at a Xiamen building survey firm, declining to be named. "About half of our company went to Putian last week. They are now isolated at home, while the rest have gone to do their Covid tests." Lockdown Like Putian, Xiamen has locked down some areas of higher virus risk, cut offline classes at kindergartens, primary schools and high schools, closed public venues such as cinemas, gyms and bars, and told residents not to leave the city for non-essential reasons. The first patient in the Xiamen cluster was a close contact of a case in Putian, Xiamen authorities said late on Monday. Known for its mild weather and a laid-back lifestyle, Xiamen is a popular tourist destination domestically. The Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is also a key transportation hub linking the Yangtze and Pearl River Delta. About 60% of flights to and from Xiamen were cancelled on Tuesday, according to aviation data provider Variflight. Both Putian and Xiamen began city-wide testing for the coronavirus on Tuesday. The cities, however, are yet to announce tough city-wide lockdowns as seen in early 2020 in China. Three new cases of community transmission were also reported in nearby Quanzhou city, versus six infections a day earlier. Variflight data showed 70% of Quanzhou`s flights were cancelled. "One wave after another," said a bank manager in Xiamen. "It feels like the new normal now."

COVID-19 cases in southeast China more than double as Delta spreads

The&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move.

Restaurants, churches and beauty salons in the national capital region will open at lower capacities from Thursday to get tens of thousands more people back to work.

"We should strive for total health and this can only be realised by carefully balancing our COVID-19 response by considering both the health of our people and the economic health of the nation," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said.

Virus cases have surged to record levels — more than 140,000 cases in the past week — thanks to an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant.

The World Health Organization's representative in the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;on Tuesday warned against relaxing curbs.

While six of 10 adults in the capital are fully inoculated, "this is not adequate at this point to relax quarantine positions", the WHO's official in the&nbsp;Philippines, Rabindra Abeyasinghe, told government television.

"If there is a further increase in the current transmission levels, it could lead to an overwhelming of the hospital systems, that's why we need to be very careful in calibrating how we respond to the current situation," he said.

The metropolis of 13 million will be placed on the second-highest alert under a new classification system that replaces guidelines which left many residents and business owners confused about which activities were allowed.

Localised lockdowns targeting specific buildings, streets or neighbourhoods will be enforced to check the spread of the virus, replacing the current scheme that covers entire cities and regions.

Fully vaccinated customers in the capital region can now be served indoors in restaurants and beauty salons at up to 10 per cent capacity, and at outdoor venues at up to 30 per cent capacity regardless of vaccination status.

Churches will also be allowed to seat 10 per cent of their capacity for services but other indoor group activities, including those that lead to crowding, remain banned.

<h2>Cost of lockdown&nbsp;</h2>

A succession of shutdowns since the start of the pandemic has sidelined more than two million workers in the food and leisure sectors in the capital alone, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.&nbsp;

Millions of children started a second year of remote lessons this week in the&nbsp;Philippines, which has kept schools closed since the start of the pandemic.

Officials said Tuesday that when the alert level is reduced to the second lowest, classrooms may reopen alongside indoor entertainment and social events at up to 50 per cent capacity.

Duterte has previously said the country cannot afford more lockdowns.

But authorities have had few options to slow the spread of the virus as hospitals have filled up and the nationwide vaccination rate remains low at 22 per cent.

The president said in a pre-recorded television address aired Tuesday that vaccinations -- now limited to priority sectors -- could start for the general adult population next month "if there is a stable vaccine supply".

The coronavirus has infected more than 2.2 million people and killed more than 35,000 in the country.

The Philippines will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move.

The Philippines will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move. Restaurants, churches and beauty salons in the national capital region will open at lower capacities from Thursday to get tens of thousands more people back to work. "We should strive for total health and this can only be realised by carefully balancing our COVID-19 response by considering both the health of our people and the economic health of the nation," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said. Virus cases have surged to record levels — more than 140,000 cases in the past week — thanks to an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant. The World Health Organization's representative in the Philippines on Tuesday warned against relaxing curbs. While six of 10 adults in the capital are fully inoculated, "this is not adequate at this point to relax quarantine positions", the WHO's official in the Philippines, Rabindra Abeyasinghe, told government television. "If there is a further increase in the current transmission levels, it could lead to an overwhelming of the hospital systems, that's why we need to be very careful in calibrating how we respond to the current situation," he said. The metropolis of 13 million will be placed on the second-highest alert under a new classification system that replaces guidelines which left many residents and business owners confused about which activities were allowed. Localised lockdowns targeting specific buildings, streets or neighbourhoods will be enforced to check the spread of the virus, replacing the current scheme that covers entire cities and regions. Fully vaccinated customers in the capital region can now be served indoors in restaurants and beauty salons at up to 10 per cent capacity, and at outdoor venues at up to 30 per cent capacity regardless of vaccination status. Churches will also be allowed to seat 10 per cent of their capacity for services but other indoor group activities, including those that lead to crowding, remain banned. Cost of lockdown A succession of shutdowns since the start of the pandemic has sidelined more than two million workers in the food and leisure sectors in the capital alone, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. Millions of children started a second year of remote lessons this week in the Philippines, which has kept schools closed since the start of the pandemic. Officials said Tuesday that when the alert level is reduced to the second lowest, classrooms may reopen alongside indoor entertainment and social events at up to 50 per cent capacity. Duterte has previously said the country cannot afford more lockdowns. But authorities have had few options to slow the spread of the virus as hospitals have filled up and the nationwide vaccination rate remains low at 22 per cent. The president said in a pre-recorded television address aired Tuesday that vaccinations -- now limited to priority sectors -- could start for the general adult population next month "if there is a stable vaccine supply". The coronavirus has infected more than 2.2 million people and killed more than 35,000 in the country.

Philippines eases virus lockdown in capital to spur economy despite WHO warning

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) employees have sued over mandatory Covid vaccination directions. They have alleged that the department has created 'hostile work environment' for unvaccinated members of the staff. The employees also argued that the vaccine mandate violated their privacy and civil rights.

The lawsuit has thrown up an aggressive challenge to the vaccine mandate and some police unions across California have threatened mass resignations.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has taken a strong stance recently with respect to vaccination. It has been made mandatory for government workers to get vaccinated failing which even their jobs would be on the line.&nbsp;

The mandate however is attracting legal challenges.&nbsp;

"Have at it," a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers.

After months of seeking to boost vaccination rates through gentle persuasion and incentives, the Democratic president made it clear on Thursday that he was fed up as the Delta variant sends Covid cases surging across the country.

Biden directly addressed the estimated 80 million eligible Americans who have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left 650,000 people dead in the United States.

"We've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin," the 78-year-old president said. "And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing."

Biden's plan mandates vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees. Companies could face fines if they do not comply.

Most of the Americans who have not yet been vaccinated tend to be younger, less educated, and more likely to be Republican, according to studies.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said Friday that while he supports the vaccine, getting the shot should be the individual choice of every American.

"The federal government has no authority to force businesses in Texas and across the country to mandate their employees get vaccinated," Cruz said. "It is cruel and burdensome to impose this authoritarian mandate.

"While I support the vaccine and have received it, Americans have the right to exercise personal choice when it comes to their health."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) employees have sued over mandatory Covid vaccination directions. They have alleged that the department has created 'hostile work environment' for unvaccinated members of the staff.

Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) employees have sued over mandatory Covid vaccination directions. They have alleged that the department has created 'hostile work environment' for unvaccinated members of the staff. The employees also argued that the vaccine mandate violated their privacy and civil rights. The lawsuit has thrown up an aggressive challenge to the vaccine mandate and some police unions across California have threatened mass resignations. US President Joe Biden has taken a strong stance recently with respect to vaccination. It has been made mandatory for government workers to get vaccinated failing which even their jobs would be on the line. The mandate however is attracting legal challenges. "Have at it," a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers. After months of seeking to boost vaccination rates through gentle persuasion and incentives, the Democratic president made it clear on Thursday that he was fed up as the Delta variant sends Covid cases surging across the country. Biden directly addressed the estimated 80 million eligible Americans who have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left 650,000 people dead in the United States. "We've been patient, but our patience is wearing thin," the 78-year-old president said. "And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing." Biden's plan mandates vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees. Companies could face fines if they do not comply. Most of the Americans who have not yet been vaccinated tend to be younger, less educated, and more likely to be Republican, according to studies. Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said Friday that while he supports the vaccine, getting the shot should be the individual choice of every American. "The federal government has no authority to force businesses in Texas and across the country to mandate their employees get vaccinated," Cruz said. "It is cruel and burdensome to impose this authoritarian mandate. "While I support the vaccine and have received it, Americans have the right to exercise personal choice when it comes to their health." (With inputs from agencies)

LAPD officials file lawsuit against compulsory Covid vaccination

Talking for the first time in seven months, United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the investigations into the origins of COVID-19 during a 90-minute telephonic conversation, the White House said.

Thursday’s 90-minute call between the two leaders was the first since February, when both the leaders talked for two hours shortly after Biden took over from Donald Trump.

“They did discuss a range of transnational issues including COVID-19, and understanding its origins is, of course, a primary concern for this administration," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday.

&nbsp;“Yes, it was a topic raised, but I`m not going to go into further detail,” she added.

Psaki asserted that the call was "respectful and candid, not lecturing or condescending, intended at keeping channels of communication open between the countries".

Climate and human rights were among the topics&nbsp;and though economic matters were discussed they were “not a major part” of the call, she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-orders-us-intelligence-to-redouble-efforts-to-collect-information-on-covid-19-origin-387626">Businesses push US President Joe Biden to develop China trade policy</a>

A senior White House official told the BBC that the call came at the request of &nbsp;Biden, who had become “exasperated” by the unwillingness of lower-level Chinese officials to hold substantive talks with his administration.

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the phone call was "candid (and)&nbsp;in-depth", adding that it had covered "extensive strategic communication and... issues of mutual concern".

“Whether China and the US can properly handle their relations... is critical for the future and destiny of the world,” said Xi, according to the CCTV report.

Last month, Biden vowed to press China for answers over the origins of a pandemic&nbsp;that has now killed around 4.8 million people worldwide.&nbsp;The US intelligence agencies said they could conclusively prove whether the virus emerged from a Chinese research laboratory in Wuhan.

Beijing has repeatedly denied the US accusation that it has not cooperated with the pandemic source investigation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Talking for the first time in seven months, United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the investigations into the origins of COVID-19 during a 90-minute telephonic conversation, the White House said.

Talking for the first time in seven months, United States President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the investigations into the origins of COVID-19 during a 90-minute telephonic conversation, the White House said. Thursday’s 90-minute call between the two leaders was the first since February, when both the leaders talked for two hours shortly after Biden took over from Donald Trump. “They did discuss a range of transnational issues including COVID-19, and understanding its origins is, of course, a primary concern for this administration," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday. “Yes, it was a topic raised, but I`m not going to go into further detail,” she added. Psaki asserted that the call was "respectful and candid, not lecturing or condescending, intended at keeping channels of communication open between the countries". Climate and human rights were among the topics and though economic matters were discussed they were “not a major part” of the call, she said. Also read | Businesses push US President Joe Biden to develop China trade policy A senior White House official told the BBC that the call came at the request of Biden, who had become “exasperated” by the unwillingness of lower-level Chinese officials to hold substantive talks with his administration. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said the phone call was "candid (and) in-depth", adding that it had covered "extensive strategic communication and... issues of mutual concern". “Whether China and the US can properly handle their relations... is critical for the future and destiny of the world,” said Xi, according to the CCTV report. Last month, Biden vowed to press China for answers over the origins of a pandemic that has now killed around 4.8 million people worldwide. The US intelligence agencies said they could conclusively prove whether the virus emerged from a Chinese research laboratory in Wuhan. Beijing has repeatedly denied the US accusation that it has not cooperated with the pandemic source investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Xi hold first talks in 7 months, discuss COVID-19 origins

Tensions between Australia and China have further escalated after the former calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Australia-China tensions escalate after former pushes for COVID-19 probe

United States President Joe Biden’s latest aggressive push to inoculate more people, including those showing resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine, has sparked a backlash from the Republicans, who have threatened to approach the court against the move.

“Have at it,” a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers.

The US is in the midst of the Delta variant outbreak with cases surging across various states. As per reports, around 80 million eligible Americans have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left around 650,000 people dead in the United States.

Asserting that he was fed with rising Delta cases, the 78-year-old president said, “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-recorded-highest-new-covid-19-cases-worldwide-in-past-week-who-401286">US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO</a>

Biden’s plan mandates vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees. Companies could face fines if they do not adhere to the directive.

Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz said that while he supports the vaccine, people have the right of personal choice.

Watch&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-covid-19-cases-reach-6-months-high-404086/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The federal government has no authority to force businesses in Texas and across the country to mandate their employees get vaccinated," Cruz was quoted by news agency AFP as saying.

"It is cruel and burdensome to impose this authoritarian mandate. While I support the vaccine and have received it, Americans have the right to exercise personal choice when it comes to their health,” he added.

The Republican National Committee, governors of a number of Republican-ruled states and conservative private legal groups, announced plans to mount legal challenges to the vaccination mandates.

"See you in court," said Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota. "South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom."

The Texas Department of State Health Services on Thursday reported 23,700 new confirmed cases of the virus as well as 5,907 new probable cases. The state additionally reported 408 more fatalities attributed to the Delta variant-fuelled disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden’s latest aggressive push to inoculate more people, including those showing resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine, has sparked a backlash from the Republicans, who have threatened to approach the court against the move.

United States President Joe Biden’s latest aggressive push to inoculate more people, including those showing resistance to the COVID-19 vaccine, has sparked a backlash from the Republicans, who have threatened to approach the court against the move. “Have at it,” a defiant Biden told reporters on Friday when asked about legal challenges to the strict vaccination rules that would affect tens of millions of American workers. The US is in the midst of the Delta variant outbreak with cases surging across various states. As per reports, around 80 million eligible Americans have not yet gotten the shot against a disease that has left around 650,000 people dead in the United States. Asserting that he was fed with rising Delta cases, the 78-year-old president said, “We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin. And your refusal has cost all of us. So, please, do the right thing.” Also read | US recorded highest new COVID-19 cases worldwide in past week: WHO Biden’s plan mandates vaccinations for all federal employees and contractors and businesses with more than 100 employees. Companies could face fines if they do not adhere to the directive. Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz said that while he supports the vaccine, people have the right of personal choice. Watch "The federal government has no authority to force businesses in Texas and across the country to mandate their employees get vaccinated," Cruz was quoted by news agency AFP as saying. "It is cruel and burdensome to impose this authoritarian mandate. While I support the vaccine and have received it, Americans have the right to exercise personal choice when it comes to their health,” he added. The Republican National Committee, governors of a number of Republican-ruled states and conservative private legal groups, announced plans to mount legal challenges to the vaccination mandates. "See you in court," said Kristi Noem, the Republican governor of South Dakota. "South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom." The Texas Department of State Health Services on Thursday reported 23,700 new confirmed cases of the virus as well as 5,907 new probable cases. The state additionally reported 408 more fatalities attributed to the Delta variant-fuelled disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden’s aggressive vaccine mandate sparks backlash from Republicans

Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government.

In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.73 lakh doses, compared to 8.07 lakh in the United States, according to the report.

Gujarat's pace is faster than Mexico's, Karnataka's than Russia's, MP's than France's, and Haryana's than Canada's, according to the report.&nbsp;

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With the aim of vaccinating all eligible citizens by the end of 2021, India is leading the world with its high vaccination pace! 
 
You too can strengthen the country's endeavour in this fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> by getting vaccinated! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/7zuTFOK8tB">pic.twitter.com/7zuTFOK8tB</a>
— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mygovindia/status/1436287083245711362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the World Health Organization, India is now better prepared to prevent further Covid-19 epidemics from causing havoc on the country.

Between February and early May, the South Asian nation experienced a terrible second wave, during which daily infection cases and death rates increased at an alarming rate, putting the health-care system on the verge of collapse.

A third wave of illnesses is expected to hit India this year. However, many public health experts believe it will have a less severe impact than the previous two waves.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government. In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.

Five Indian states are delivering COVID-19 vaccines at a faster rate than international countries, according to a graph supplied by the government. In September, the single-day average in Uttar Pradesh was 11.73 lakh doses, compared to 8.07 lakh in the United States, according to the report. Gujarat's pace is faster than Mexico's, Karnataka's than Russia's, MP's than France's, and Haryana's than Canada's, according to the report. With the aim of vaccinating all eligible citizens by the end of 2021, India is leading the world with its high vaccination pace! You too can strengthen the country's endeavour in this fight against #COVID19 by getting vaccinated! #IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/7zuTFOK8tB — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) September 10, 2021 × According to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist at the World Health Organization, India is now better prepared to prevent further Covid-19 epidemics from causing havoc on the country. Between February and early May, the South Asian nation experienced a terrible second wave, during which daily infection cases and death rates increased at an alarming rate, putting the health-care system on the verge of collapse. A third wave of illnesses is expected to hit India this year. However, many public health experts believe it will have a less severe impact than the previous two waves. (With inputs from agencies)

Five Indian states administering COVID-19 vaccines at faster pace than foreign nations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a terrifying fact in July: Vaccinated people with the delta variant of the COVID virus carried roughly the same viral load in their noses and throats as unvaccinated people.

The news seemed to suggest that even the vaccinated were highly vulnerable to getting infected and passing the virus to others. Sure enough, stories about vaccinated people getting COVID — so-called breakthrough infections — were all around this summer: at a party in Provincetown, Massachusetts; among the Chicago Cubs; on Capitol Hill. Delta seemed as if it might be changing everything.

In recent weeks, however, more data has become available, and it suggests that the true picture is less alarming. Yes, delta has increased the chances of getting COVID for almost everyone. But if you’re vaccinated, a COVID infection is still uncommon, and those high viral loads are not as worrisome as they initially sounded.

How small are the chances of the average vaccinated American contracting COVID? Probably about 1 in 5,000 per day, and even lower for people who take precautions or live in a highly vaccinated community.

Or Maybe 1 in 10,000

The estimates here are based on statistics from three places that have reported detailed data on COVID infections by vaccination status: Utah; Virginia; and King County, which includes Seattle, in Washington state. All three are consistent with the idea that about 1 in 5,000 vaccinated Americans have tested positive for COVID each day in recent weeks.

The chances are surely higher in the places with the worst COVID outbreaks, like the Southeast. And in places with many fewer cases — like the Northeast, as well as the Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas — the chances are lower, probably less than 1 in 10,000. That’s what the Seattle data show, for example. (These numbers don’t include undiagnosed cases, which are often so mild that people do not notice them and do not pass the virus to anyone else.)

Here’s one way to think about a 1-in-10,000 daily chance: It would take more than three months for the combined risk to reach just 1%.

“There’s been a lot of miscommunication about what the risks really are to vaccinated people, and how vaccinated people should be thinking about their lives,” as Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University told my colleague Tara Parker-Pope.

For the unvaccinated, of course, the chances of infection are far higher, as Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, the top public-health official in Seattle, has noted. Those chances have also risen much more since delta began spreading.

Another way to understand the situation is to compare each state’s vaccination rate with its recent daily COVID infection rate. The infection rates in the least vaccinated states are about four times as high as in the most vaccinated states.

If the entire country had received shots at the same rate as the Northeast or California, the current delta wave would be a small fraction of its current size. Delta is a problem. Vaccine hesitancy is a bigger problem.

The Science, in Brief

These numbers help show why the talking point about viral loads was problematic. It was one of those statements that managed to be both true and misleading. Even when the size of the viral loads are similar, the virus behaves differently in the noses and throats of the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.

In an unvaccinated person, a viral load is akin to an enemy army facing little resistance. In a vaccinated person, the human immune system launches a powerful response and tends to prevail quickly — often before the host body gets sick or infects others. That the viral loads were initially similar in size can end up being irrelevant.

I will confess to one bit of hesitation about walking you through the data on breakthrough infections: It’s not clear how much we should be worrying about them. For the vaccinated, COVID resembles the flu and usually a mild one. Society does not grind to a halt over the flu.

In Britain, many people have become comfortable with the current COVID risks. The vaccines make serious illness rare in adults, and the risks to young children are so low that Britain may never recommend that most receive the vaccine. Letting the virus continue to dominate life, on the other hand, has large costs.

“There’s a feeling that finally we can breathe; we can start trying to get back what we’ve lost,” Devi Sridhar, the head of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh, told The Times.

I know that many Americans feel differently. Our level of COVID anxiety is higher, especially in communities that lean to the left politically. And there is no “correct” response to COVID. Different people respond to risk differently.

But at least one part of the American anxiety does seem to have become disconnected from the facts in recent weeks: the effectiveness of the vaccines. In a new ABC News/Washington Post poll, nearly half of adults judged their “risk of getting sick from the coronavirus” as either moderate or high — even though 75% of adults have received at least one shot.

In reality, the risks of getting any version of the virus remain small for the vaccinated, and the risks of getting badly sick remain minuscule.

In Seattle on an average recent day, about 1 out of every 1 million vaccinated residents have been admitted to a hospital with COVID symptoms. That risk is so close to zero that the human mind can’t easily process it. My best attempt is to say that the COVID risks for most vaccinated people are of the same order of magnitude as risks that people unthinkingly accept every day, like riding in a vehicle.

The Bottom Line

Delta really has changed the course of the pandemic. It is far more contagious than earlier versions of the virus and calls for precautions that were not necessary a couple of months ago, like wearing masks in some indoor situations.

But even with delta, the overall risks for the vaccinated remain extremely small. As Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote on Friday, “The messaging over the last month in the U.S. has basically served to terrify the vaccinated and make unvaccinated eligible adults doubt the effectiveness of the vaccines.” Neither of those views is warranted.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a terrifying fact in July: Vaccinated people with the delta variant of the COVID virus carried roughly the same viral load in their noses and throats as unvaccinated people.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a terrifying fact in July: Vaccinated people with the delta variant of the COVID virus carried roughly the same viral load in their noses and throats as unvaccinated people. The news seemed to suggest that even the vaccinated were highly vulnerable to getting infected and passing the virus to others. Sure enough, stories about vaccinated people getting COVID — so-called breakthrough infections — were all around this summer: at a party in Provincetown, Massachusetts; among the Chicago Cubs; on Capitol Hill. Delta seemed as if it might be changing everything. In recent weeks, however, more data has become available, and it suggests that the true picture is less alarming. Yes, delta has increased the chances of getting COVID for almost everyone. But if you’re vaccinated, a COVID infection is still uncommon, and those high viral loads are not as worrisome as they initially sounded. How small are the chances of the average vaccinated American contracting COVID? Probably about 1 in 5,000 per day, and even lower for people who take precautions or live in a highly vaccinated community. Or Maybe 1 in 10,000 The estimates here are based on statistics from three places that have reported detailed data on COVID infections by vaccination status: Utah; Virginia; and King County, which includes Seattle, in Washington state. All three are consistent with the idea that about 1 in 5,000 vaccinated Americans have tested positive for COVID each day in recent weeks. The chances are surely higher in the places with the worst COVID outbreaks, like the Southeast. And in places with many fewer cases — like the Northeast, as well as the Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas — the chances are lower, probably less than 1 in 10,000. That’s what the Seattle data show, for example. (These numbers don’t include undiagnosed cases, which are often so mild that people do not notice them and do not pass the virus to anyone else.) Here’s one way to think about a 1-in-10,000 daily chance: It would take more than three months for the combined risk to reach just 1%. “There’s been a lot of miscommunication about what the risks really are to vaccinated people, and how vaccinated people should be thinking about their lives,” as Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University told my colleague Tara Parker-Pope. For the unvaccinated, of course, the chances of infection are far higher, as Dr. Jeffrey Duchin, the top public-health official in Seattle, has noted. Those chances have also risen much more since delta began spreading. Another way to understand the situation is to compare each state’s vaccination rate with its recent daily COVID infection rate. The infection rates in the least vaccinated states are about four times as high as in the most vaccinated states. If the entire country had received shots at the same rate as the Northeast or California, the current delta wave would be a small fraction of its current size. Delta is a problem. Vaccine hesitancy is a bigger problem. The Science, in Brief These numbers help show why the talking point about viral loads was problematic. It was one of those statements that managed to be both true and misleading. Even when the size of the viral loads are similar, the virus behaves differently in the noses and throats of the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. In an unvaccinated person, a viral load is akin to an enemy army facing little resistance. In a vaccinated person, the human immune system launches a powerful response and tends to prevail quickly — often before the host body gets sick or infects others. That the viral loads were initially similar in size can end up being irrelevant. I will confess to one bit of hesitation about walking you through the data on breakthrough infections: It’s not clear how much we should be worrying about them. For the vaccinated, COVID resembles the flu and usually a mild one. Society does not grind to a halt over the flu. In Britain, many people have become comfortable with the current COVID risks. The vaccines make serious illness rare in adults, and the risks to young children are so low that Britain may never recommend that most receive the vaccine. Letting the virus continue to dominate life, on the other hand, has large costs. “There’s a feeling that finally we can breathe; we can start trying to get back what we’ve lost,” Devi Sridhar, the head of the global public health program at the University of Edinburgh, told The Times. I know that many Americans feel differently. Our level of COVID anxiety is higher, especially in communities that lean to the left politically. And there is no “correct” response to COVID. Different people respond to risk differently. But at least one part of the American anxiety does seem to have become disconnected from the facts in recent weeks: the effectiveness of the vaccines. In a new ABC News/Washington Post poll, nearly half of adults judged their “risk of getting sick from the coronavirus” as either moderate or high — even though 75% of adults have received at least one shot. In reality, the risks of getting any version of the virus remain small for the vaccinated, and the risks of getting badly sick remain minuscule. In Seattle on an average recent day, about 1 out of every 1 million vaccinated residents have been admitted to a hospital with COVID symptoms. That risk is so close to zero that the human mind can’t easily process it. My best attempt is to say that the COVID risks for most vaccinated people are of the same order of magnitude as risks that people unthinkingly accept every day, like riding in a vehicle. The Bottom Line Delta really has changed the course of the pandemic. It is far more contagious than earlier versions of the virus and calls for precautions that were not necessary a couple of months ago, like wearing masks in some indoor situations. But even with delta, the overall risks for the vaccinated remain extremely small. As Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious-disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, wrote on Friday, “The messaging over the last month in the U.S. has basically served to terrify the vaccinated and make unvaccinated eligible adults doubt the effectiveness of the vaccines.” Neither of those views is warranted.

One in 5,000: The real chances of a breakthrough infection

Japan’s economy grew faster than the initially estimated in the April-June quarter, although a resurgence in COVID-19 is undermining service-sector consumption and clouding the outlook.

Japan upgrades Q2 GDP, with help of solid expenditure

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown&nbsp;as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”.

Morrison said the criticism of his travel arrangements had been misguided, pointing out there were no restrictions stopping his return home to Sydney.&nbsp;

"I can understand people's frustration. But I do think there has been a lot of misinformation," Morrison told Sky News.

"I live in Sydney. I often have to be here (in Canberra) for work. There was no exemption required for me to return home."

However, critics alleged that the Australian PM’s action reeks of “double standards”, as millions of other residents had to live under lockdown due to Delta variant outbreaks in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne., with many state borders closed.

Labor opposition Bill Shorten accused Morrison of showing “appalling judgement”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-morrisons-approval-rating-slumps-on-slow-vaccine-rollout-398956">Australian PM Morrison's approval rating slumps on slow vaccine rollout</a>

“It’s not that he doesn't deserve to see his kids, but so does every other Australian. And I think when your people are doing it tough, you've got to do it tough too,” he said

“You can't have one rule for Morrison and another rule for everyone else,” he added.

The latest row comes as Australia reported 1,485 fresh local cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, increasing the overall infection tally to 63,154, while the death toll stood at 1,044.

Of the new cases, 1,220 were from New South Wales (NSW), the epicentre of the current outbreak, where the state health department also recorded eight deaths on Tuesday morning.

“There have been 139 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since June 16, 2021," said the statement from the NSW Health. 
 
Victoria, the second-most populous state, reported a further 246 new local cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”.

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”. Morrison said the criticism of his travel arrangements had been misguided, pointing out there were no restrictions stopping his return home to Sydney. "I can understand people's frustration. But I do think there has been a lot of misinformation," Morrison told Sky News. "I live in Sydney. I often have to be here (in Canberra) for work. There was no exemption required for me to return home." However, critics alleged that the Australian PM’s action reeks of “double standards”, as millions of other residents had to live under lockdown due to Delta variant outbreaks in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne., with many state borders closed. Labor opposition Bill Shorten accused Morrison of showing “appalling judgement”. Also read | Australian PM Morrison's approval rating slumps on slow vaccine rollout “It’s not that he doesn't deserve to see his kids, but so does every other Australian. And I think when your people are doing it tough, you've got to do it tough too,” he said “You can't have one rule for Morrison and another rule for everyone else,” he added. The latest row comes as Australia reported 1,485 fresh local cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, increasing the overall infection tally to 63,154, while the death toll stood at 1,044. Of the new cases, 1,220 were from New South Wales (NSW), the epicentre of the current outbreak, where the state health department also recorded eight deaths on Tuesday morning. “There have been 139 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since June 16, 2021," said the statement from the NSW Health. Victoria, the second-most populous state, reported a further 246 new local cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM brushes aside criticism for Father’s Day trip to Sydney amid lockdown

Since the beginning of pandemic, healthcare workers have been battling the COVID. The surge in Delta variant is creating new trauma for healthcare workers. PTSD is being increasingly witnessed in healthcare workers.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder witnessed in healthcare workers owing to Coronavirus pandemic

A Vietnamese man has been sentenced to five years in jail for spreading Covid-19 after he breached home quarantine rules.

Le Van Tri was convicted of "spreading dangerous infectious diseases to other people" after he travelled to his home province Ca Mau from coronavirus hotspot Ho Chi Minh City in July, according to a report on the website of the provincial People's Court.

The 28-year old was accused of breaching a 21-day home quarantine regulation in the southern province, which had a lower case rate than Ho Chi Minh City, and he tested positive for Covid-19 on July 7.

"Tri's breach of the home medical quarantine regulation led to many people becoming infected with Covid-19 and one person died on 7 August 2021," according to the court report.

State media said eight people became infected because of Tri.

After keeping case numbers low last year, Vietnam is now dealing with its most serious Covid-19 outbreak so far, with nearly 540,000 infections and more than 13,000 deaths recorded.

The vast majority of infections and deaths have been reported since the end of April, and Vietnam's capital Hanoi and commercial hub Ho Chi Minh city have been in strict lockdown for most of the past few months.

Several people have been sentenced for spreading Covid-19 to others in Vietnam.

A 32-year old man in Hai Duong was sentenced to 18 months in prison in July and a Vietnam Airlines flight attendant was handed a two-year suspended jail term in March for the same charge.

A Vietnamese man has been sentenced to five years in jail for spreading Covid-19 after he breached home quarantine rules. Le Van Tri was convicted of "spreading dangerous infectious diseases to other people" after he travelled to his home province Ca Mau from coronavirus hotspot Ho Chi Minh City in July, according to a report on the website of the provincial People's Court.

A Vietnamese man has been sentenced to five years in jail for spreading Covid-19 after he breached home quarantine rules. Le Van Tri was convicted of "spreading dangerous infectious diseases to other people" after he travelled to his home province Ca Mau from coronavirus hotspot Ho Chi Minh City in July, according to a report on the website of the provincial People's Court. The 28-year old was accused of breaching a 21-day home quarantine regulation in the southern province, which had a lower case rate than Ho Chi Minh City, and he tested positive for Covid-19 on July 7. "Tri's breach of the home medical quarantine regulation led to many people becoming infected with Covid-19 and one person died on 7 August 2021," according to the court report. State media said eight people became infected because of Tri. After keeping case numbers low last year, Vietnam is now dealing with its most serious Covid-19 outbreak so far, with nearly 540,000 infections and more than 13,000 deaths recorded. The vast majority of infections and deaths have been reported since the end of April, and Vietnam's capital Hanoi and commercial hub Ho Chi Minh city have been in strict lockdown for most of the past few months. Several people have been sentenced for spreading Covid-19 to others in Vietnam. A 32-year old man in Hai Duong was sentenced to 18 months in prison in July and a Vietnam Airlines flight attendant was handed a two-year suspended jail term in March for the same charge.

Vietnam jails man for five years for spreading Covid

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon.

<article>
The study, which was posted online, is small and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. But it provides real-world evidence for several important principles, demonstrating that the virus spreads from infected people into the air in a room; that the more virus they are carrying, the more virus builds up indoors; and that both natural and mechanical ventilation appear to reduce this environmental viral load.

“Ventilation is one of the most important mitigation strategies that we have at our disposal,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, who led the research and directs the Institute for Health in the Built Environment.

The researchers studied 35 University of Oregon students who tested positive for the coronavirus between January and May. All students subsequently moved into single rooms in a COVID isolation dormitory for a 10-day isolation period.

The scientists placed petri dishes in each room and used an active air sampler to trap aerosols floating around the air. Several times a day, they also swabbed various surfaces in the room as well as students’ noses and mouths.

Then they used PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, testing to determine whether the virus was present in each sample and, if so, at what levels.

The data confirmed that there was a clear link between the amount of virus that students were carrying and the environmental viral load. As the amount of virus in students’ noses and mouths decreased over their isolation period, so did the amount of airborne virus.

“There was a significant correlation between the nasal samples and the air samples in the room,” Van Den Wymelenberg said.

The researchers also calculated the mechanical ventilation rate for each room and asked students to report how often the windows were open. They found that viral loads were about twice as high, on average, in rooms that had the window closed more than half the time.

The study had several limitations, including the fact that it included only young adults and that symptoms and window data were self-reported.
</article>

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon.

Opening a window could reduce the amount of coronavirus in a room by half, according to a new observational study of infected college students in an isolation dormitory at the University of Oregon. The study, which was posted online, is small and has not yet been published in a scientific journal. But it provides real-world evidence for several important principles, demonstrating that the virus spreads from infected people into the air in a room; that the more virus they are carrying, the more virus builds up indoors; and that both natural and mechanical ventilation appear to reduce this environmental viral load. “Ventilation is one of the most important mitigation strategies that we have at our disposal,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, who led the research and directs the Institute for Health in the Built Environment. The researchers studied 35 University of Oregon students who tested positive for the coronavirus between January and May. All students subsequently moved into single rooms in a COVID isolation dormitory for a 10-day isolation period. The scientists placed petri dishes in each room and used an active air sampler to trap aerosols floating around the air. Several times a day, they also swabbed various surfaces in the room as well as students’ noses and mouths. Then they used PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, testing to determine whether the virus was present in each sample and, if so, at what levels. The data confirmed that there was a clear link between the amount of virus that students were carrying and the environmental viral load. As the amount of virus in students’ noses and mouths decreased over their isolation period, so did the amount of airborne virus. “There was a significant correlation between the nasal samples and the air samples in the room,” Van Den Wymelenberg said. The researchers also calculated the mechanical ventilation rate for each room and asked students to report how often the windows were open. They found that viral loads were about twice as high, on average, in rooms that had the window closed more than half the time. The study had several limitations, including the fact that it included only young adults and that symptoms and window data were self-reported.

Dorm rooms study shows how ventilation curbs virus levels

In pics | Spanish village holds first bull running fiesta since pandemic began

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether.

Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out. But in the coming days those benefits will end, forcing millions of jobless Americans, some of whom haven't worked for the entire pandemic&nbsp; to make hard choices about how they will get by in an economy newly menaced by the Delta variant.

"I have no idea how we would survive, just on my daughter's income," said Deborah Lee, an unemployed phlebotomist in Arizona who is recovering from a Covid outbreak that affected her daughter and two of her three granddaughters.

The government-funded programs that increased weekly payments and gave aid to the long-term unemployed and freelancers were credited with keeping the United States from an even worse economic collapse last year.

In recent months they have become controversial, with some states ending them early and arguing they encouraged people not to return to jobs that Covid-19 vaccines made safe, though studies have disputed that contention.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/auckland-knife-attacker-was-on-deportation-notice-reveals-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-410772">Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern</a>

From September 6 they will end nationwide, and while economists don't expect them to meaningfully dent the US economy's recovery from its 2020 debacle, they'll undoubtedly up the pressure on the unemployed.

"I think it's going to be an under appreciated event in the economy," said Andrew Stettner of progressive think tank The Century Foundation, predicting that 7.5 million people will be relying on the programs when they end.&nbsp;

"It'll be kind of a silent crisis."

'Screwed over'

The expansion of the unemployment safety net occurred in March 2020, when Congress rushed to blunt the emerging pandemic with $2.2 trillion in spending through the CARES Act rescue package.

While never meant to be permanent, the benefits were reauthorised twice, most recently in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan enacted by President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress last March.

While many in the Republican Party at first backed the programs, by this year their lawmakers were arguing against them, and 26 states, most with Republican governors, moved to end them early in whole or in part.

A study published last month by researchers from American and Canadian universities found only modest improvements in hiring and earnings in some of those states that ended the aid early, while spending fell 20 percent.&nbsp;

Meanwhile the economy is far from healed, with 5.3 million jobs lost to the pandemic yet to be restored and employers adding a mere 235,000 positions in August, according to government data released Friday.

In Delaware, Ohio, Karen Coldwell says she sends out about 10 job applications weekly but has yet to be hired. All other openings she sees are for low-wage work, the kind of jobs she held when she was younger.

At age 64 she is not yet ready to retire, but worries she'll have to start dipping into her retirement savings once the long-term unemployment program ends.

"There's just nothing out there. There's jobs, but the money's not there anymore," Coldwell said.

Others can't return to the workforce, even though they know the benefits that make up their only income are ending. Brooke Ganieany of The Dalles, Oregon, said she has no one to care for her toddler son if she were to find employment.

"I feel kind of screwed over," the 21-year-old told AFP. "I feel like they're doing this to make us have a plan and get back to reality, which is not exactly the slogan they should be using."

Unequal damage

Those eligible will continue to receive benefits under states' regular unemployment programs -- but the end of a $300 extra weekly supplement means their checks are about to shrink.

"It's going to affect it so much. I'm going to have to cut back on food," said 58-year-old Karen Williams, an unemployed graphic designer in Pennsylvania.

Gregory Daco of Oxford Economics predicted the cut off in benefits would lower household income by $4.2 billion per week in September, or about $210 billion annualised for the month.

"It's not going to be the type of shock that puts the US economy into reverse," he said in an interview, but predicted that "lower-income families and minorities are more likely to be negatively impacted."

Fearful of further coronavirus variants and with her daughter missing badly needed pay from the family's battle with Covid-19, Lee said she is waiting to hear whether the government will grant her disability aid for a hand injury, conceding her days of employment are likely behind her, at least for now.

"I don't even know what the answer is," she said.

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether. Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out.

Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether. Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out. But in the coming days those benefits will end, forcing millions of jobless Americans, some of whom haven't worked for the entire pandemic to make hard choices about how they will get by in an economy newly menaced by the Delta variant. "I have no idea how we would survive, just on my daughter's income," said Deborah Lee, an unemployed phlebotomist in Arizona who is recovering from a Covid outbreak that affected her daughter and two of her three granddaughters. The government-funded programs that increased weekly payments and gave aid to the long-term unemployed and freelancers were credited with keeping the United States from an even worse economic collapse last year. In recent months they have become controversial, with some states ending them early and arguing they encouraged people not to return to jobs that Covid-19 vaccines made safe, though studies have disputed that contention. Also read | Auckland knife attacker was on deportation notice, reveals New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern From September 6 they will end nationwide, and while economists don't expect them to meaningfully dent the US economy's recovery from its 2020 debacle, they'll undoubtedly up the pressure on the unemployed. "I think it's going to be an under appreciated event in the economy," said Andrew Stettner of progressive think tank The Century Foundation, predicting that 7.5 million people will be relying on the programs when they end. "It'll be kind of a silent crisis." 'Screwed over' The expansion of the unemployment safety net occurred in March 2020, when Congress rushed to blunt the emerging pandemic with $2.2 trillion in spending through the CARES Act rescue package. While never meant to be permanent, the benefits were reauthorised twice, most recently in the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan enacted by President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies in Congress last March. While many in the Republican Party at first backed the programs, by this year their lawmakers were arguing against them, and 26 states, most with Republican governors, moved to end them early in whole or in part. A study published last month by researchers from American and Canadian universities found only modest improvements in hiring and earnings in some of those states that ended the aid early, while spending fell 20 percent. Meanwhile the economy is far from healed, with 5.3 million jobs lost to the pandemic yet to be restored and employers adding a mere 235,000 positions in August, according to government data released Friday. In Delaware, Ohio, Karen Coldwell says she sends out about 10 job applications weekly but has yet to be hired. All other openings she sees are for low-wage work, the kind of jobs she held when she was younger. At age 64 she is not yet ready to retire, but worries she'll have to start dipping into her retirement savings once the long-term unemployment program ends. "There's just nothing out there. There's jobs, but the money's not there anymore," Coldwell said. Others can't return to the workforce, even though they know the benefits that make up their only income are ending. Brooke Ganieany of The Dalles, Oregon, said she has no one to care for her toddler son if she were to find employment. "I feel kind of screwed over," the 21-year-old told AFP. "I feel like they're doing this to make us have a plan and get back to reality, which is not exactly the slogan they should be using." Unequal damage Those eligible will continue to receive benefits under states' regular unemployment programs -- but the end of a $300 extra weekly supplement means their checks are about to shrink. "It's going to affect it so much. I'm going to have to cut back on food," said 58-year-old Karen Williams, an unemployed graphic designer in Pennsylvania. Gregory Daco of Oxford Economics predicted the cut off in benefits would lower household income by $4.2 billion per week in September, or about $210 billion annualised for the month. "It's not going to be the type of shock that puts the US economy into reverse," he said in an interview, but predicted that "lower-income families and minorities are more likely to be negatively impacted." Fearful of further coronavirus variants and with her daughter missing badly needed pay from the family's battle with Covid-19, Lee said she is waiting to hear whether the government will grant her disability aid for a hand injury, conceding her days of employment are likely behind her, at least for now. "I don't even know what the answer is," she said.

'Silent crisis' looms as US to end Covid aid for millions of jobless

In air heavy with monsoonal pressure and discontent, the riot police in Bangkok unleashed rubber bullets and tear gas. Tanat Thanakitamnuay, the scion of a real estate family, stood on a truck, where he had been excoriating Thailand’s leaders for their bungled response to the pandemic.

Then a hard object, perhaps a tear gas canister, struck his right eye, tearing his retina. Tanat, who once supported the 2014 coup that brought Prayuth Chan-ocha, now the prime minister, to power, said the injury August&nbsp;13 cost him his vision in the eye.

“I might be blinded, but now I’m stronger than ever; I see things clearer than ever,” he said. “People knew a long time ago how incompetent this government is. COVID is just more evidence and proof.”

Thailand, which not long ago was seen as a virus-containing wonder, has become yet another example of how authoritarian hubris and a lack of government accountability have fueled the pandemic. This year, more than 12,000 people in Thailand have died of COVID-19, compared to fewer than 100 last year. The economy has been ravaged, with tourism all but nonexistent and manufacturing slowed.

Anger is spreading, and not only in the streets. Opposition lawmakers in parliament tried to pass a vote of no confidence in Prayuth, accusing his government of squandering the monthslong head start Thailand had to fight the coronavirus. That effort failed Saturday, even though some members of the prime minister’s coalition had briefly fanned speculation that they might support his ouster.

This summer’s vaccine rollout, already late, was further hampered by manufacturing delays. A company with no experience making vaccines, whose dominant shareholder is Thailand’s king, was given the contract to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine domestically. The government’s failure to secure adequate imported supplies has made matters worse. Only about 15% of the population is fully vaccinated, and social inequalities have let the young rich leapfrog ahead of older, poorer people.

Anti-government protests, which now occur daily, are growing more desperate, and security crackdowns more aggressive. In August, at least 10 demonstrations were broken up with force. At one, a 15-year-old boy was shot and is now in intensive care. The police have denied firing live ammunition.

“Earlier, people said they were not coming out to protest because of COVID, but now the thinking has changed to, ‘You stay at home, and you will die anyway because of the government’s inability to take care of people,’” said Tosaporn Sererak, a doctor who was once a spokesperson for the government unseated by the 2014 coup.

More than a dozen civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a letter Wednesday urging authorities to show restraint.

“We are troubled by the disproportionate response of riot police to provocations by protesters,” read the letter, addressed to Prayuth. “We are also concerned by the arbitrary detention of protest leaders who have recently faced new criminal charges and have been denied bail.”

Prayuth, who led the coup seven years ago as army chief, has concentrated power in his own hands, arguing that enhanced executive powers are needed to fight the pandemic.

He has tried to quash public dissent by instituting a state of emergency and criminalizing certain criticism. Hundreds have been arrested in recent months for sedition, for so-called computer crimes and for criticizing King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, which is against the law.

A prominent politician was charged with insulting the monarch after he asked why Siam Bioscience, the king’s company, was given the contract to churn out vaccines for Southeast Asia when it had not manufactured them before.

At least a dozen leaders of protests that began last year, calling for Prayuth’s resignation and for reforms to the monarchy, are now locked up, awaiting trial. Some have contracted COVID-19 in prison. On Tuesday, a United Nations official expressed concern that jailed protesters were not receiving adequate medical care.

Sureerat Chiwarak, the mother of Parit Chiwarak, a protest leader, said her son had become infected in an overcrowded Bangkok prison. Parit told his mother that there were far more COVID cases in prison than the official numbers indicated.

“Some people say, ‘Why don’t you surrender? They have your child in their hands. They put him in prison,’” Sureerat said. “No. The kids are fighting for equality. Why do I have to surrender?”

With some of Bangkok’s COVID lockdown measures having been lifted September&nbsp;1, the protest movement is gathering momentum, even if the crowds have not matched the tens of thousands who turned out for rallies last year.

“When the government is authoritarian, they think they can censor the media, they think they can stop the people from protesting,” said Rangsiman Rome, an opposition lawmaker. “But people are still coming out to protest every day, demanding change.”

During last year’s protests, which were peaceful, the riot police largely showed restraint, despite their long history of shooting demonstrators.

Their response this summer has been harsher, with protests often quashed before they can coalesce. The police now regularly deploy rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons laced with burning chemicals. Protesters respond with their own arsenals, including flamethrowers and slingshots.

Opposition figures say the urge to confront the police during a pandemic is a sign of widespread desperation.

“People who supported the government have also gotten infected, and this makes them rethink and question why they have to suffer like this,” Rangsiman said.

On Aug. 29, two anti-government protests coalesced in Bangkok. The first was a gathering of hundreds of cars and motorcycles. After a period of intense honking, they dispersed.

The second rally, smaller and angrier, formed in a business district. Motorcyclists used paper to cover their license plates and helmets to obscure their faces. Other protesters hid behind balaclavas. No one wanted to speak openly about why they were there.

The tear gas began flowing before dusk, and the police fired streams of purple water, presumably to mark the demonstrators. Low booms reverberated, and smoke filled the air as protesters flung projectiles. As night descended, small fires burned. On Saturday, the riot police set up shipping containers to impede one rally, while a smaller protest erupted into violence.

Tanat, the protester who was partially blinded last month, is a beneficiary of the privilege that has split Thailand into a tiny group of haves and tens of millions of have-nots, a divide that has fed political unrest for years. He said some of his rich friends had also begun attending rallies, hopping on their chauffeurs’ motorcycles to get there rather than being driven in their usual Rolls-Royces or Maybachs.

But most protesters are from the struggling class that has been further impoverished by the pandemic. Nipapon Somnoi said her son, Warit Somnoi, 15, had offered to quit school to help the family, but she would not allow it.

The boy ended up at a protest in mid-August. Video footage, which she cannot bear to watch, shows the moment when a bullet hit his neck and, as a CT scan confirmed, lodged at his spine. The police reiterated that the security forces did not use live ammunition. Nipapon said she did not know what to believe.

Her son has been in a coma for more than two weeks. She worries that because her family is neither rich nor famous, his fate will be forgotten.

“Sometimes I think, one tear gas canister could buy six to eight doses of a good-quality vaccine,” Nipapon said. “The state keeps saying that we are a democracy, but they only listen to their own voice.”

Late last month, she sat at the hospital, caressing her son’s face, asking if he could hear her.

“There were moments when I called his name and saw his eyelids move,” she said. “There were tears seeping out. But I don’t know.”

In air heavy with monsoonal pressure and discontent, the riot police in Bangkok unleashed rubber bullets and tear gas. Tanat Thanakitamnuay, the scion of a real estate family, stood on a truck, where he had been excoriating Thailand’s leaders for their bungled response to the pandemic.

In air heavy with monsoonal pressure and discontent, the riot police in Bangkok unleashed rubber bullets and tear gas. Tanat Thanakitamnuay, the scion of a real estate family, stood on a truck, where he had been excoriating Thailand’s leaders for their bungled response to the pandemic. Then a hard object, perhaps a tear gas canister, struck his right eye, tearing his retina. Tanat, who once supported the 2014 coup that brought Prayuth Chan-ocha, now the prime minister, to power, said the injury August 13 cost him his vision in the eye. “I might be blinded, but now I’m stronger than ever; I see things clearer than ever,” he said. “People knew a long time ago how incompetent this government is. COVID is just more evidence and proof.” Thailand, which not long ago was seen as a virus-containing wonder, has become yet another example of how authoritarian hubris and a lack of government accountability have fueled the pandemic. This year, more than 12,000 people in Thailand have died of COVID-19, compared to fewer than 100 last year. The economy has been ravaged, with tourism all but nonexistent and manufacturing slowed. Anger is spreading, and not only in the streets. Opposition lawmakers in parliament tried to pass a vote of no confidence in Prayuth, accusing his government of squandering the monthslong head start Thailand had to fight the coronavirus. That effort failed Saturday, even though some members of the prime minister’s coalition had briefly fanned speculation that they might support his ouster. This summer’s vaccine rollout, already late, was further hampered by manufacturing delays. A company with no experience making vaccines, whose dominant shareholder is Thailand’s king, was given the contract to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine domestically. The government’s failure to secure adequate imported supplies has made matters worse. Only about 15% of the population is fully vaccinated, and social inequalities have let the young rich leapfrog ahead of older, poorer people. Anti-government protests, which now occur daily, are growing more desperate, and security crackdowns more aggressive. In August, at least 10 demonstrations were broken up with force. At one, a 15-year-old boy was shot and is now in intensive care. The police have denied firing live ammunition. “Earlier, people said they were not coming out to protest because of COVID, but now the thinking has changed to, ‘You stay at home, and you will die anyway because of the government’s inability to take care of people,’” said Tosaporn Sererak, a doctor who was once a spokesperson for the government unseated by the 2014 coup. More than a dozen civil society groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a letter Wednesday urging authorities to show restraint. “We are troubled by the disproportionate response of riot police to provocations by protesters,” read the letter, addressed to Prayuth. “We are also concerned by the arbitrary detention of protest leaders who have recently faced new criminal charges and have been denied bail.” Prayuth, who led the coup seven years ago as army chief, has concentrated power in his own hands, arguing that enhanced executive powers are needed to fight the pandemic. He has tried to quash public dissent by instituting a state of emergency and criminalizing certain criticism. Hundreds have been arrested in recent months for sedition, for so-called computer crimes and for criticizing King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, which is against the law. A prominent politician was charged with insulting the monarch after he asked why Siam Bioscience, the king’s company, was given the contract to churn out vaccines for Southeast Asia when it had not manufactured them before. At least a dozen leaders of protests that began last year, calling for Prayuth’s resignation and for reforms to the monarchy, are now locked up, awaiting trial. Some have contracted COVID-19 in prison. On Tuesday, a United Nations official expressed concern that jailed protesters were not receiving adequate medical care. Sureerat Chiwarak, the mother of Parit Chiwarak, a protest leader, said her son had become infected in an overcrowded Bangkok prison. Parit told his mother that there were far more COVID cases in prison than the official numbers indicated. “Some people say, ‘Why don’t you surrender? They have your child in their hands. They put him in prison,’” Sureerat said. “No. The kids are fighting for equality. Why do I have to surrender?” With some of Bangkok’s COVID lockdown measures having been lifted September 1, the protest movement is gathering momentum, even if the crowds have not matched the tens of thousands who turned out for rallies last year. “When the government is authoritarian, they think they can censor the media, they think they can stop the people from protesting,” said Rangsiman Rome, an opposition lawmaker. “But people are still coming out to protest every day, demanding change.” During last year’s protests, which were peaceful, the riot police largely showed restraint, despite their long history of shooting demonstrators. Their response this summer has been harsher, with protests often quashed before they can coalesce. The police now regularly deploy rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons laced with burning chemicals. Protesters respond with their own arsenals, including flamethrowers and slingshots. Opposition figures say the urge to confront the police during a pandemic is a sign of widespread desperation. “People who supported the government have also gotten infected, and this makes them rethink and question why they have to suffer like this,” Rangsiman said. On Aug. 29, two anti-government protests coalesced in Bangkok. The first was a gathering of hundreds of cars and motorcycles. After a period of intense honking, they dispersed. The second rally, smaller and angrier, formed in a business district. Motorcyclists used paper to cover their license plates and helmets to obscure their faces. Other protesters hid behind balaclavas. No one wanted to speak openly about why they were there. The tear gas began flowing before dusk, and the police fired streams of purple water, presumably to mark the demonstrators. Low booms reverberated, and smoke filled the air as protesters flung projectiles. As night descended, small fires burned. On Saturday, the riot police set up shipping containers to impede one rally, while a smaller protest erupted into violence. Tanat, the protester who was partially blinded last month, is a beneficiary of the privilege that has split Thailand into a tiny group of haves and tens of millions of have-nots, a divide that has fed political unrest for years. He said some of his rich friends had also begun attending rallies, hopping on their chauffeurs’ motorcycles to get there rather than being driven in their usual Rolls-Royces or Maybachs. But most protesters are from the struggling class that has been further impoverished by the pandemic. Nipapon Somnoi said her son, Warit Somnoi, 15, had offered to quit school to help the family, but she would not allow it. The boy ended up at a protest in mid-August. Video footage, which she cannot bear to watch, shows the moment when a bullet hit his neck and, as a CT scan confirmed, lodged at his spine. The police reiterated that the security forces did not use live ammunition. Nipapon said she did not know what to believe. Her son has been in a coma for more than two weeks. She worries that because her family is neither rich nor famous, his fate will be forgotten. “Sometimes I think, one tear gas canister could buy six to eight doses of a good-quality vaccine,” Nipapon said. “The state keeps saying that we are a democracy, but they only listen to their own voice.” Late last month, she sat at the hospital, caressing her son’s face, asking if he could hear her. “There were moments when I called his name and saw his eyelids move,” she said. “There were tears seeping out. But I don’t know.”

Thai protesters are back, and angrier, as government fumbles on COVID

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began.

Israel government’s tourism department said groups of between five and 30 people from countries on it’s green, yellow and orange lists would be allowed to enter provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Under the new plan, there will be no restrictions on the number of tour groups that Israel will let in, the ministry said, but the groups from countries on Israel’s red list—which comprises Bulgaria, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey—will not be eligible, news agency Reuters reports.

Individual tourists, who have not been allowed to visit Israel since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic there in March 2020 unless they are visiting family members, will still not be allowed to enter outside of a tour group, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-normal-israels-health-expert-says-fourth-shot-of-covid-vaccine-needed-410904">New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed</a>

The government said foreign tourists would be asked to show proof to show that they are vaccinated within the last six months or a booster shot in order to qualify for entry.

Apart from that, the tourists will also have to provide a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival at Tel Aviv airport.

In May, Israel had allowed small tour groups as cases started to ebb. More than 2,000 visitors arrived, mainly from the United States and Europe. But the government put the plan on hiatus in August as the Delta variant started fuelling a surge in cases despite a brisk vaccination rollout.

Israel reported nearly 5,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday.&nbsp;According to local media reports, 5.5 million out of 9.3 million population have received a second shot and another 2.5 million have received a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began.

Israel on Sunday said it would reopen it’s borders for foreign tourists from selective countries from September 19, in a bid to kickstart the tourism industry that has been massively hit since the COVID-19 began. Israel government’s tourism department said groups of between five and 30 people from countries on it’s green, yellow and orange lists would be allowed to enter provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Under the new plan, there will be no restrictions on the number of tour groups that Israel will let in, the ministry said, but the groups from countries on Israel’s red list—which comprises Bulgaria, Brazil, Mexico and Turkey—will not be eligible, news agency Reuters reports. Individual tourists, who have not been allowed to visit Israel since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic there in March 2020 unless they are visiting family members, will still not be allowed to enter outside of a tour group, it said. Also read | New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed The government said foreign tourists would be asked to show proof to show that they are vaccinated within the last six months or a booster shot in order to qualify for entry. Apart from that, the tourists will also have to provide a negative PCR test, taken up to 72 hours before arrival at Tel Aviv airport. In May, Israel had allowed small tour groups as cases started to ebb. More than 2,000 visitors arrived, mainly from the United States and Europe. But the government put the plan on hiatus in August as the Delta variant started fuelling a surge in cases despite a brisk vaccination rollout. Israel reported nearly 5,000 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday. According to local media reports, 5.5 million out of 9.3 million population have received a second shot and another 2.5 million have received a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to reopen borders for tourists from Sept 19 for selected countries

New Zealand recorded its first Covid-related death in six months Saturday, but health authorities said there were signs the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant was coming under control.

A woman in her 90s, who had underlying health conditions and could not receive a ventilator or intensive care support, died in an Auckland hospital on Friday night.

She is the 27th person to die with Covid-19 in New Zealand and the first recorded since February 16 this year.

Authorities said the woman was a household contact of a person who had already tested positive for the virus in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city with a population of around 1.7 million.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cuba-starts-vaccinating-children-in-order-to-re-open-schools-amid-covid-surge-410580">Also read |&nbsp;Cuba starts vaccinating children in order to re-open schools amid Covid surge</a>

New Zealand has been battling a coronavirus outbreak since the first locally transmitted case in six months was detected in mid-August, thrusting the country of five million into lockdown.

Since then, 782 cases have been recorded, primarily in Auckland, which remains at its highest level of restrictions while the rest of the country has eased back restrictions.

The death was "a deeply sad reminder of why the measures we are undertaking right now are so important," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

"Our older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues are by far the most at risk from the virus, and one of the reasons lockdowns are such an important tool to stop its spread."

Only 20 new positive cases were reported Saturday, down from a peak in the latest outbreak of 84 last weekend.

Caroline McEnlay, the director of public health, has described the declining numbers over the past week as "encouraging" and said, "we are being successful in breaking the chain of transmission."&nbsp;

New Zealand recorded its first Covid-related death in six months Saturday, but health authorities said there were signs the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant was coming under control.

New Zealand recorded its first Covid-related death in six months Saturday, but health authorities said there were signs the outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant was coming under control. A woman in her 90s, who had underlying health conditions and could not receive a ventilator or intensive care support, died in an Auckland hospital on Friday night. She is the 27th person to die with Covid-19 in New Zealand and the first recorded since February 16 this year. Authorities said the woman was a household contact of a person who had already tested positive for the virus in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city with a population of around 1.7 million. Also read | Cuba starts vaccinating children in order to re-open schools amid Covid surge New Zealand has been battling a coronavirus outbreak since the first locally transmitted case in six months was detected in mid-August, thrusting the country of five million into lockdown. Since then, 782 cases have been recorded, primarily in Auckland, which remains at its highest level of restrictions while the rest of the country has eased back restrictions. The death was "a deeply sad reminder of why the measures we are undertaking right now are so important," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. "Our older New Zealanders and those with underlying health issues are by far the most at risk from the virus, and one of the reasons lockdowns are such an important tool to stop its spread." Only 20 new positive cases were reported Saturday, down from a peak in the latest outbreak of 84 last weekend. Caroline McEnlay, the director of public health, has described the declining numbers over the past week as "encouraging" and said, "we are being successful in breaking the chain of transmission."

New Zealand: Covid outbreak claims first death in six months

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same.

A recent surge in Covid hospitalisations of children in the US sent waves of worry all around the world. Parents and experts raised alarm over the increased paediatric hospitalisations.

However, a recent study has brought back a sigh of relief for the worried parents. A paper released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that children are not in grave danger of catching coronavirus and the Delta variant would not cause severe childhood <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid</a>.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-are-not-drivers-of-covid-infections-in-uk-experts-410228" hreflang="en">Schools are not 'drivers' of Covid infections in UK: Experts</a>

The researchers collected and studied data of hospital records around the country between March 01, 2020 and August 14, 2021. This data covered nearly 10 per cent of the US population.

This study also stated that between June 20 and July 31, 2021, children who have not been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> were at 10 times greater risk of getting hospitalised, in comparison to the ones who have been fully vaccinated.

During the time of the data collection, weekly hospitalisations of children upto the age of 17 was at the lowest i.e. 0.3 per 100,000. It then rose to 1.4 per 100,000 till August 14. The hospitalisations hit its peak of 1.5 per 100,000 in the week of January 09, which was when the US was struggling with the Alpha variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-long-covid-be-linked-to-dementia-410574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Scientists studied data of nearly 3,116 hospitals and found that the results of the recent study are consistent with the initial research which concluded that the percentage of children developing severe Covid in childhood remains same as the initial research.

The researchers also observed that the Covid hospitalisations and visits in the emergency rooms were nearly 3.7 times and 3.4 times higher respectively in the states where the vaccination rate has been staggering. Experts conclude that to protect children under the age of 12, it is important for adults to get vaccinated to stop community spread of the deadly coronavirus.

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same.

When the coronavirus took over the world in December 2019, experts believed it would not severely affect children. A recent study goes on to prove just the same. A recent surge in Covid hospitalisations of children in the US sent waves of worry all around the world. Parents and experts raised alarm over the increased paediatric hospitalisations. However, a recent study has brought back a sigh of relief for the worried parents. A paper released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that children are not in grave danger of catching coronavirus and the Delta variant would not cause severe childhood Covid. Also read | Schools are not 'drivers' of Covid infections in UK: Experts The researchers collected and studied data of hospital records around the country between March 01, 2020 and August 14, 2021. This data covered nearly 10 per cent of the US population. This study also stated that between June 20 and July 31, 2021, children who have not been vaccinated were at 10 times greater risk of getting hospitalised, in comparison to the ones who have been fully vaccinated. During the time of the data collection, weekly hospitalisations of children upto the age of 17 was at the lowest i.e. 0.3 per 100,000. It then rose to 1.4 per 100,000 till August 14. The hospitalisations hit its peak of 1.5 per 100,000 in the week of January 09, which was when the US was struggling with the Alpha variant. WATCH | Scientists studied data of nearly 3,116 hospitals and found that the results of the recent study are consistent with the initial research which concluded that the percentage of children developing severe Covid in childhood remains same as the initial research. The researchers also observed that the Covid hospitalisations and visits in the emergency rooms were nearly 3.7 times and 3.4 times higher respectively in the states where the vaccination rate has been staggering. Experts conclude that to protect children under the age of 12, it is important for adults to get vaccinated to stop community spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Delta variant will not increase risk of developing severe childhood Covid: Study

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday.

Addressing a meeting, which was attended by trade and economic ministers of BRICS countries on Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stressed on finding a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the public stockholding programmes for food security purposes.

He also asked for adoption of emerging new technologies in a swiftly changing world while finding solutions to the challenges of data protection and cyber security; and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The minister "emphasized, amongst other things, on the need for a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the Public Stock Holding programmes for food security purposes; early outcome of the TRIPS Waiver proposal for vaccines," the release said.

In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted the first proposal, suggesting a waiver for all WTO (World Trade Organisation) members on the implementation of certain provisions of the

TRIPs Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of COVID-19.

In May this year, a revised proposal was submitted by 62 co-sponsors, including India, South Africa, and Indonesia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-trips-waiver-proposal-at-wto-gets-a-boost-secures-support-of-57-nations-366238">India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations</a>

The agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights or TRIPs came into effect in January 1995. It is a multilateral agreement on intellectual property (IP) rights such as copyright, industrial designs, patents and protection of undisclosed information or trade secrets.

Further the minister has said that the BRICS countries should work together for strengthening the multilateral system, stating that there is a need for a balanced and inclusive outcome in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference.

The BRICS countries have endorsed the Framework for Cooperation in Trade in Professional Services with the objectives of enhancing domestic capacity and global competitiveness, promoting participation in intra-BRICS mobility of professionals and enhancing trade in professional services.

All BRICS members could for the first time reach a consensus for jointly working towards protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, it added.

"In this era of exponential jump in the use of e-commerce and online electronic transactions, the convergence to draw a common Action plan amongst BRICS countries will help to promote exploring practical options for ensuring consumer protection," it said.&nbsp;

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday.

India has pitched for an early outcome of the TRIPS waiver proposal for COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), an official release said on Saturday. Addressing a meeting, which was attended by trade and economic ministers of BRICS countries on Friday, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stressed on finding a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the public stockholding programmes for food security purposes. He also asked for adoption of emerging new technologies in a swiftly changing world while finding solutions to the challenges of data protection and cyber security; and ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The minister "emphasized, amongst other things, on the need for a permanent, adequate and equitable solution to the Public Stock Holding programmes for food security purposes; early outcome of the TRIPS Waiver proposal for vaccines," the release said. In October 2020, India and South Africa had submitted the first proposal, suggesting a waiver for all WTO (World Trade Organisation) members on the implementation of certain provisions of the TRIPs Agreement in relation to the prevention, containment or treatment of COVID-19. In May this year, a revised proposal was submitted by 62 co-sponsors, including India, South Africa, and Indonesia. Also read | India's TRIPS waiver proposal at WTO gets a boost, secures support of 57 nations The agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights or TRIPs came into effect in January 1995. It is a multilateral agreement on intellectual property (IP) rights such as copyright, industrial designs, patents and protection of undisclosed information or trade secrets. Further the minister has said that the BRICS countries should work together for strengthening the multilateral system, stating that there is a need for a balanced and inclusive outcome in the forthcoming WTO Ministerial Conference. The BRICS countries have endorsed the Framework for Cooperation in Trade in Professional Services with the objectives of enhancing domestic capacity and global competitiveness, promoting participation in intra-BRICS mobility of professionals and enhancing trade in professional services. All BRICS members could for the first time reach a consensus for jointly working towards protection of genetic resources, traditional knowledge, it added. "In this era of exponential jump in the use of e-commerce and online electronic transactions, the convergence to draw a common Action plan amongst BRICS countries will help to promote exploring practical options for ensuring consumer protection," it said.

India for early outcome of TRIPS waiver for COVID vax, diagnotics

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley.&nbsp;

The notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration said, ‘smart lockdown’, will be enforced, which allows local administrations to impose restrictions in different areas depending upon the severity of the COVID-19 situation.

“Educational institutions cannot resume with the physical presence of the students but however if schools authorities wish to &nbsp;open then proper Covid protocol and smart lockdown provisions needs to be followed,” said the statement.&nbsp;

The district administration said, if school authorities choose to reopen they can do so in coordination with the district COVID-19 crisis management centre.&nbsp;

As per the new orders, all businesses and industries will be allowed to operate in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols.&nbsp;

People are still not allowed to attend large gatherings, conference meetings, protests, festivities or parties.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the National Examination Board (NEB) has decided to conduct Grade XII examination from September 15 to 24.&nbsp;

Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur administration offices have announced that some COVID-19 related restrictions will remain until September 16.

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley.

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 has continued to fall in Nepal, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) has decided to lift prohibitory orders imposed in Kathmandu Valley. The notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration said, ‘smart lockdown’, will be enforced, which allows local administrations to impose restrictions in different areas depending upon the severity of the COVID-19 situation. “Educational institutions cannot resume with the physical presence of the students but however if schools authorities wish to open then proper Covid protocol and smart lockdown provisions needs to be followed,” said the statement. The district administration said, if school authorities choose to reopen they can do so in coordination with the district COVID-19 crisis management centre. As per the new orders, all businesses and industries will be allowed to operate in strict compliance with the health and safety protocols. People are still not allowed to attend large gatherings, conference meetings, protests, festivities or parties. Meanwhile, the National Examination Board (NEB) has decided to conduct Grade XII examination from September 15 to 24. Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur administration offices have announced that some COVID-19 related restrictions will remain until September 16.

Nepal: Prohibitory orders lifted in Kathmandu Valley as Covid cases drop 

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing&nbsp;likelihood of long Covid.

When a person is infected by Covid. He generally recovers in four weeks. But in some cases, Covid symptoms persist for months. This is called long Covid.

Researchers at King's College, London have found out that vaccines reduce likelihood of long Covid if the vaccinated person gets infected by coronavirus.

For this study, the researchers analysed data from Zoe Covid study app. The researchers found that just 0.2 per cent of the people got infected by Covid even after receiving two doses of Covid vaccine.

Just 5 per cent of the people who had got both the doses suffered from long Covid. At the same time, the percentage of people who suffered from long Covid among the unvaccinated was 11 per cent.

The study has been published in journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing likelihood of long Covid.

Coronavirus vaccines have been the key tool in the hands of humanity in its fight against the deadly pandemic. The vaccines have saved countless lives. A new study has found that vaccines are also decreasing likelihood of long Covid. When a person is infected by Covid. He generally recovers in four weeks. But in some cases, Covid symptoms persist for months. This is called long Covid. Researchers at King's College, London have found out that vaccines reduce likelihood of long Covid if the vaccinated person gets infected by coronavirus. For this study, the researchers analysed data from Zoe Covid study app. The researchers found that just 0.2 per cent of the people got infected by Covid even after receiving two doses of Covid vaccine. Just 5 per cent of the people who had got both the doses suffered from long Covid. At the same time, the percentage of people who suffered from long Covid among the unvaccinated was 11 per cent. The study has been published in journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccines are cutting risk of long Covid, says study

A Covid patient was admitted to Sydney's Westmead hospital after overdosing on ivermectin and other drugs in order to treat Covid infection. The patient was suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. The patient had ordered the drug online.

The Guradian quoted hospital's toxicologist who said that increasing number of people were being brought to hospitals after taking unproven medicines to treat Covid infection.

“There’s no evidence to support the use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19. Don’t look for magic cures online, and don’t rely on what’s being peddled on the internet, because none of them work,” said the toxicologist.

Australia's chief medical officer Paul Kelly has strongly requested the public not to take unproven medicines to treat Covid infection.&nbsp;

“The reality is, there are many trials that have been done into ivermectin, not a single one of them have shown to be effective,” he said as quoted by The Guardian.

Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication. In Australia, it is approved for treatment of round worm infection, river-blindness and scabies.

A Covid patient was admitted to Sydney's Westmead hospital after overdosing on ivermectin and other drugs in order to treat Covid infection. The patient was suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.

A Covid patient was admitted to Sydney's Westmead hospital after overdosing on ivermectin and other drugs in order to treat Covid infection. The patient was suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. The patient had ordered the drug online. The Guradian quoted hospital's toxicologist who said that increasing number of people were being brought to hospitals after taking unproven medicines to treat Covid infection. “There’s no evidence to support the use of ivermectin to treat Covid-19. Don’t look for magic cures online, and don’t rely on what’s being peddled on the internet, because none of them work,” said the toxicologist. Australia's chief medical officer Paul Kelly has strongly requested the public not to take unproven medicines to treat Covid infection. “The reality is, there are many trials that have been done into ivermectin, not a single one of them have shown to be effective,” he said as quoted by The Guardian. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic medication. In Australia, it is approved for treatment of round worm infection, river-blindness and scabies.

Australia: Covid patient overdoses on ivermectin, admitted to Sydney hospital

When New Zealand, for the first time in months, reported a case of community spread of the coronavirus Aug. 17, residents sprang into action. They stripped supermarket shelves of pasta and toilet paper, dug socked-away masks out of drawers and fled to vacation homes in the mountains or at the beach.

Hours later came the expected announcement: The country, after that single case of the delta variant, would plunge into a highly restrictive three-day lockdown. New Zealand, one of the last countries to still pursue “Covid zero,” would aim to eliminate the virus once again, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a news conference that day.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-will-not-follow-uks-live-with-covid-policy-jacinda-ardern-396563">New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern</a>

“While we know that delta is a more dangerous enemy to combat,” she said, “the same actions that overcame the virus last year can be applied to beat it.”

Two weeks later, New Zealand is still in lockdown, one that will last at least another 14 days. One case has become nearly 700, with almost three dozen requiring hospitalization. And the familiar playbook that has made New Zealand an envied model throughout the pandemic is struggling to contain a much more contagious variant of the virus.

“The challenge is eliminating delta,” said Rodney Jones, an adviser to the New Zealand government on the pandemic. “No country has eliminated delta.”

For now, New Zealand appears nearly unified behind the effort to try, with lockdown compliance high and faith in public health officials strong. But Ardern and other leaders have begun to acknowledge that New Zealand may eventually have to change course as the virus continues to spread — 75 new cases were reported Wednesday, up from around 50 each of the two previous days — and its vaccination campaign lags. That would mean tolerating some spread of the virus to keep society more open, a strategy pursued to varying degrees in almost every developed country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-brazilian-viper-venom-may-become-tool-in-fight-against-covid-19-409851">Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19</a>&nbsp;

While China has signaled a long-term commitment to a Covid-zero approach, the delta variant has already felled such virus elimination blueprints in Singapore, Hong Kong and several other places in the Asia-Pacific region. New Zealand’s leaders are most intently watching neighboring Australia, where, after almost two months of lockdown, the state of New South Wales is now reporting more than 1,000 cases a day.

Until July, Australia had not recorded a single COVID death in 2021, and it had snuffed out every small flare-up in infections. Now, its prime minister, Scott Morrison, has disavowed the virus elimination approach altogether.

“Any state and territory that thinks that somehow they can protect themselves from COVID with the delta strain forever, that’s just absurd,” he said last week. “New Zealand can’t do that. They were following an elimination strategy. They’re in lockdown.”

Australia is seeking to vaccinate its way to relative safety, focusing on areas hit hard by the delta variant. That option is unavailable to New Zealand, which has administered the fewest doses per capita of any developed nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-person-rally-against-covid-lockdown-in-new-zealand-408812">One-person rally against Covid lockdown in New Zealand</a>

&nbsp;The country did not place its first vaccine order until the end of January, when it purchased 65,520 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, the only inoculation it is using. By that point, the United States had administered about 50 million vaccine doses.

New Zealand, a country of nearly 5 million people, has given first shots to about 45 per cent of the population, and fewer than 25 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated. The country has increased vaccine distribution since the new outbreak began, but Ardern warned this week that the effort might have to be slowed once again without more supplies from Pfizer.

The government has said it did not have to rush the vaccine approval and procurement process because of its success in containing the virus. With a combination of closed borders and quick lockdowns, it has kept the total caseload to fewer than 3,500 and the death toll to 26. And for most of the past 18 months, residents have lived with few restrictions.

But members of the political opposition argued that the government had left the population vulnerable as the delta variant started to circulate around the world. New Zealand had been at risk of an outbreak for some time, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278">delta </a>making up a majority of cases in its border-hotel quarantine facilities for months. The current outbreak has been linked to a New Zealander who flew from Sydney, Australia, and was put in isolation after testing positive for the variant.

“We have been sitting ducks for delta,” said Christopher Bishop, a lawmaker for the National Party who speaks for the opposition on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> policy. “We knew it was going to turn up here and it would cause havoc when it eventually made its way into the community, and that’s exactly what’s happened.”

Still, critical voices like Bishop’s remain a minority in New Zealand. Ardern’s Labour government is among the most popular ever in New Zealand, winning a huge majority in the country’s general election last year. And New Zealand’s top health official, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, has attained rock star status and has been widely credited with keeping “the team of 5 million” safe.

Despite the high costs of the lockdown, which has closed most businesses and confined all but essential workers to their homes, it is worthwhile to push for elimination of the virus for as long as possible, said professor Michael Baker, an epidemiologist at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

“I’m very confident we will stamp out this outbreak and return to elimination status,” said Baker, who encouraged the government early on to adopt the Covid-zero approach.

Debate on the next steps can come later, he added.

“I’ve often framed it as New Zealand keeping its options open,” he said.

Not among those options, Ardern vowed, is lurching in and out of lockdown in perpetuity.

“Delta has changed the rules of the game, and that’s why we changed our game plan,” she said at a news conference last week. “No one wants to use lockdowns forever. And I can tell you now, that is not our intention.”

When New Zealand, for the first time in months, reported a case of community spread of the coronavirus Aug. 17, residents sprang into action. They stripped supermarket shelves of pasta and toilet paper, dug socked-away masks out of drawers and fled to vacation homes in the mountains or at the beach.

When New Zealand, for the first time in months, reported a case of community spread of the coronavirus Aug. 17, residents sprang into action. They stripped supermarket shelves of pasta and toilet paper, dug socked-away masks out of drawers and fled to vacation homes in the mountains or at the beach. Hours later came the expected announcement: The country, after that single case of the delta variant, would plunge into a highly restrictive three-day lockdown. New Zealand, one of the last countries to still pursue “Covid zero,” would aim to eliminate the virus once again, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a news conference that day. Also read | New Zealand will not follow UK's 'live with Covid' policy: Jacinda Ardern “While we know that delta is a more dangerous enemy to combat,” she said, “the same actions that overcame the virus last year can be applied to beat it.” Two weeks later, New Zealand is still in lockdown, one that will last at least another 14 days. One case has become nearly 700, with almost three dozen requiring hospitalization. And the familiar playbook that has made New Zealand an envied model throughout the pandemic is struggling to contain a much more contagious variant of the virus. “The challenge is eliminating delta,” said Rodney Jones, an adviser to the New Zealand government on the pandemic. “No country has eliminated delta.” For now, New Zealand appears nearly unified behind the effort to try, with lockdown compliance high and faith in public health officials strong. But Ardern and other leaders have begun to acknowledge that New Zealand may eventually have to change course as the virus continues to spread — 75 new cases were reported Wednesday, up from around 50 each of the two previous days — and its vaccination campaign lags. That would mean tolerating some spread of the virus to keep society more open, a strategy pursued to varying degrees in almost every developed country. Also read | Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19 While China has signaled a long-term commitment to a Covid-zero approach, the delta variant has already felled such virus elimination blueprints in Singapore, Hong Kong and several other places in the Asia-Pacific region. New Zealand’s leaders are most intently watching neighboring Australia, where, after almost two months of lockdown, the state of New South Wales is now reporting more than 1,000 cases a day. Until July, Australia had not recorded a single COVID death in 2021, and it had snuffed out every small flare-up in infections. Now, its prime minister, Scott Morrison, has disavowed the virus elimination approach altogether. “Any state and territory that thinks that somehow they can protect themselves from COVID with the delta strain forever, that’s just absurd,” he said last week. “New Zealand can’t do that. They were following an elimination strategy. They’re in lockdown.” Australia is seeking to vaccinate its way to relative safety, focusing on areas hit hard by the delta variant. That option is unavailable to New Zealand, which has administered the fewest doses per capita of any developed nation. Also read | One-person rally against Covid lockdown in New Zealand The country did not place its first vaccine order until the end of January, when it purchased 65,520 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech shot, the only inoculation it is using. By that point, the United States had administered about 50 million vaccine doses. New Zealand, a country of nearly 5 million people, has given first shots to about 45 per cent of the population, and fewer than 25 per cent of residents are fully vaccinated. The country has increased vaccine distribution since the new outbreak began, but Ardern warned this week that the effort might have to be slowed once again without more supplies from Pfizer. The government has said it did not have to rush the vaccine approval and procurement process because of its success in containing the virus. With a combination of closed borders and quick lockdowns, it has kept the total caseload to fewer than 3,500 and the death toll to 26. And for most of the past 18 months, residents have lived with few restrictions. But members of the political opposition argued that the government had left the population vulnerable as the delta variant started to circulate around the world. New Zealand had been at risk of an outbreak for some time, with delta making up a majority of cases in its border-hotel quarantine facilities for months. The current outbreak has been linked to a New Zealander who flew from Sydney, Australia, and was put in isolation after testing positive for the variant. “We have been sitting ducks for delta,” said Christopher Bishop, a lawmaker for the National Party who speaks for the opposition on COVID-19 policy. “We knew it was going to turn up here and it would cause havoc when it eventually made its way into the community, and that’s exactly what’s happened.” Still, critical voices like Bishop’s remain a minority in New Zealand. Ardern’s Labour government is among the most popular ever in New Zealand, winning a huge majority in the country’s general election last year. And New Zealand’s top health official, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, has attained rock star status and has been widely credited with keeping “the team of 5 million” safe. Despite the high costs of the lockdown, which has closed most businesses and confined all but essential workers to their homes, it is worthwhile to push for elimination of the virus for as long as possible, said professor Michael Baker, an epidemiologist at the University of Otago in New Zealand. “I’m very confident we will stamp out this outbreak and return to elimination status,” said Baker, who encouraged the government early on to adopt the Covid-zero approach. Debate on the next steps can come later, he added. “I’ve often framed it as New Zealand keeping its options open,” he said. Not among those options, Ardern vowed, is lurching in and out of lockdown in perpetuity. “Delta has changed the rules of the game, and that’s why we changed our game plan,” she said at a news conference last week. “No one wants to use lockdowns forever. And I can tell you now, that is not our intention.”

An impossible task? New Zealand tries to eliminate Delta.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, doctors have found that people who become very ill with COVID-19 often experience kidney problems, not just the lung impairments that are the hallmark of the illness.

Now, a large study suggests that kidney issues can last for months after patients recover from the initial infection and may lead to a serious lifelong reduction of kidney function in some patients.

The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, found that the sicker Covid patients were initially, the more likely they were to experience lingering kidney damage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-brazilian-viper-venom-may-become-tool-in-fight-against-covid-19-409851">Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19</a>

But even people with less severe initial infections could be vulnerable.

“You see really, across the board, a higher risk of a bunch of important kidney-associated events,” said Dr F. Perry Wilson, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine at Yale, who was not involved in the study. “And what was particularly striking to me was that these persisted.”

Kidneys play a vital role in the body, clearing toxins and excess fluid from the blood, helping maintain a healthy blood pressure, and keeping a balance of electrolytes and other important substances. When the kidneys are not working properly or efficiently, fluids build up, leading to swelling, high blood pressure, weakened bones and other problems.

The heart, lungs, central nervous system and immune system can become impaired. In end-stage kidney disease, dialysis or an organ transplant may become necessary. The condition can be fatal.

The new study, based on records of patients in the Department of Veterans Affairs health system, analyzed data from 89,216 people who tested positive for the coronavirus between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021, as well as data from 1,637,467 people who were not Covid patients.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/drinking-coffee-reduces-risk-of-contracting-coronavirus-study-397490">Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study</a>

Between one and six months after becoming infected, Covid survivors were about 35 per cent&nbsp;more likely than non-Covid patients to have kidney damage or substantial declines in kidney function, said Dr Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of the research and development service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System and senior author of the study.

“People who have survived the first 30 days of Covid are at risk of developing kidney disease,” Al-Aly, a nephrologist, said.

Because many people with reduced kidney function do not experience pain or other symptoms, “what’s really important is that people realize that the risk is there and that physicians caring for post-Covid patients really pay attention to kidney function and disease,” he said.

The two sets of patients in the study differed, in that members of one group had all been infected with Covid and members of the other group may have had a variety of other health conditions. Experts cautioned that there were limitations to the comparisons.

The researchers tried to minimize the differences with detailed analyses that adjusted for a long list of demographic characteristics, preexisting health conditions, medication usage and whether people were in nursing homes.

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Another limitation is that patients in the VA study were largely male and white, with a median age of 68, so it is unclear how generalizable the results are.

One strength of the research, experts said, is that it involves over 1.7 million patients with detailed electronic medical records, making it the largest study so far on Covid-related kidney problems.

While the results most likely would not apply to all Covid patients, they show that for those in the study, “there’s a pretty notable impact on kidney health in survivors of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> over the long term, particularly those who were very sick during their acute illness,” said Dr C. John Sperati, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, who was not involved in the study.

Other researchers have found similar patterns, “so this is not the only study suggesting that these events are transpiring after COVID-19 infection,” he added.

He and other experts said that if even a small percentage of the millions of Covid survivors in the United States developed lasting kidney problems, the impact on health care would be great.

To assess kidney function, the research team evaluated levels of creatinine, a waste product that kidneys are supposed to clear from the body, as well as a measure of how well the kidneys filter the blood called the estimated glomerular filtration rate.

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Healthy adults gradually lose kidney function over time, about 1 per cent&nbsp;or less a year, starting in their 30s or 40s, Wilson said. Serious illnesses and infections can cause more profound or permanent loss of function that may lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease.

The new study found that 4,757 COVID survivors had lost at least 30 per cent&nbsp;of kidney function in the year after their infection, Al-Aly said.

That is equivalent to roughly “30 years of kidney function decline,” Wilson said.

Covid patients were 25 per cent&nbsp;more likely to reach that level of decline than people who had not had the illness, the study found.

Smaller numbers of Covid survivors had steeper declines. But Covid patients were 44 per cent more likely than non-Covid patients to lose at least 40 per cent of kidney function and 62 per cent&nbsp;more likely to lose at least 50 per cent.

End-stage kidney disease, which occurs when at least 85 per cent of kidney function is lost, was detected in 220 Covid patients, Al-Aly said. Covid survivors were nearly three times as likely to receive the diagnosis as patients without Covid, the study found.

Al-Aly and his colleagues also looked at a type of sudden renal failure called acute kidney injury, which other studies have found in up to half of the hospitalised Covid patients. The condition can heal without causing long-term loss of kidney function.

But the VA study found that months after their infection, 2,812 Covid survivors suffered acute kidney injury, nearly twice the rate in non-covid patients, Al-Aly said.

Wilson said the new data supported results of a study of 1,612 patients that he and colleagues conducted that found that Covid patients with acute kidney injury had significantly worse kidney function in the months after leaving the hospital than people with acute kidney injuries from other medical conditions.

In the new study, researchers did not directly compare Covid survivors with people infected with other viruses, like the flu, making it hard to know “are you really any sicker than if you just had another bad infection,” Sperati said.

Doctors are unsure why COVID can cause kidney damage. Kidneys might be especially sensitive to surges of inflammation or immune system activation, or blood-clotting problems often seen in COVID patients may disturb kidney function, experts said.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, doctors have found that people who become very ill with COVID-19 often experience kidney problems, not just the lung impairments that are the hallmark of the illness.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, doctors have found that people who become very ill with COVID-19 often experience kidney problems, not just the lung impairments that are the hallmark of the illness. Now, a large study suggests that kidney issues can last for months after patients recover from the initial infection and may lead to a serious lifelong reduction of kidney function in some patients. The study, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, found that the sicker Covid patients were initially, the more likely they were to experience lingering kidney damage. Also read | Study shows Brazilian viper venom may become tool in fight against COVID-19 But even people with less severe initial infections could be vulnerable. “You see really, across the board, a higher risk of a bunch of important kidney-associated events,” said Dr F. Perry Wilson, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine at Yale, who was not involved in the study. “And what was particularly striking to me was that these persisted.” Kidneys play a vital role in the body, clearing toxins and excess fluid from the blood, helping maintain a healthy blood pressure, and keeping a balance of electrolytes and other important substances. When the kidneys are not working properly or efficiently, fluids build up, leading to swelling, high blood pressure, weakened bones and other problems. The heart, lungs, central nervous system and immune system can become impaired. In end-stage kidney disease, dialysis or an organ transplant may become necessary. The condition can be fatal. The new study, based on records of patients in the Department of Veterans Affairs health system, analyzed data from 89,216 people who tested positive for the coronavirus between March 1, 2020, and March 15, 2021, as well as data from 1,637,467 people who were not Covid patients. Also read | Drinking coffee reduces risk of contracting coronavirus: Study Between one and six months after becoming infected, Covid survivors were about 35 per cent more likely than non-Covid patients to have kidney damage or substantial declines in kidney function, said Dr Ziyad Al-Aly, chief of the research and development service at the VA St. Louis Health Care System and senior author of the study. “People who have survived the first 30 days of Covid are at risk of developing kidney disease,” Al-Aly, a nephrologist, said. Because many people with reduced kidney function do not experience pain or other symptoms, “what’s really important is that people realize that the risk is there and that physicians caring for post-Covid patients really pay attention to kidney function and disease,” he said. The two sets of patients in the study differed, in that members of one group had all been infected with Covid and members of the other group may have had a variety of other health conditions. Experts cautioned that there were limitations to the comparisons. The researchers tried to minimize the differences with detailed analyses that adjusted for a long list of demographic characteristics, preexisting health conditions, medication usage and whether people were in nursing homes. Also read | WHO warns against a new Covid variant that may be resistant to vaccines Another limitation is that patients in the VA study were largely male and white, with a median age of 68, so it is unclear how generalizable the results are. One strength of the research, experts said, is that it involves over 1.7 million patients with detailed electronic medical records, making it the largest study so far on Covid-related kidney problems. While the results most likely would not apply to all Covid patients, they show that for those in the study, “there’s a pretty notable impact on kidney health in survivors of COVID-19 over the long term, particularly those who were very sick during their acute illness,” said Dr C. John Sperati, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins, who was not involved in the study. Other researchers have found similar patterns, “so this is not the only study suggesting that these events are transpiring after COVID-19 infection,” he added. He and other experts said that if even a small percentage of the millions of Covid survivors in the United States developed lasting kidney problems, the impact on health care would be great. To assess kidney function, the research team evaluated levels of creatinine, a waste product that kidneys are supposed to clear from the body, as well as a measure of how well the kidneys filter the blood called the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Healthy adults gradually lose kidney function over time, about 1 per cent or less a year, starting in their 30s or 40s, Wilson said. Serious illnesses and infections can cause more profound or permanent loss of function that may lead to chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease. The new study found that 4,757 COVID survivors had lost at least 30 per cent of kidney function in the year after their infection, Al-Aly said. That is equivalent to roughly “30 years of kidney function decline,” Wilson said. Covid patients were 25 per cent more likely to reach that level of decline than people who had not had the illness, the study found. Smaller numbers of Covid survivors had steeper declines. But Covid patients were 44 per cent more likely than non-Covid patients to lose at least 40 per cent of kidney function and 62 per cent more likely to lose at least 50 per cent. End-stage kidney disease, which occurs when at least 85 per cent of kidney function is lost, was detected in 220 Covid patients, Al-Aly said. Covid survivors were nearly three times as likely to receive the diagnosis as patients without Covid, the study found. Al-Aly and his colleagues also looked at a type of sudden renal failure called acute kidney injury, which other studies have found in up to half of the hospitalised Covid patients. The condition can heal without causing long-term loss of kidney function. But the VA study found that months after their infection, 2,812 Covid survivors suffered acute kidney injury, nearly twice the rate in non-covid patients, Al-Aly said. Wilson said the new data supported results of a study of 1,612 patients that he and colleagues conducted that found that Covid patients with acute kidney injury had significantly worse kidney function in the months after leaving the hospital than people with acute kidney injuries from other medical conditions. In the new study, researchers did not directly compare Covid survivors with people infected with other viruses, like the flu, making it hard to know “are you really any sicker than if you just had another bad infection,” Sperati said. Doctors are unsure why COVID can cause kidney damage. Kidneys might be especially sensitive to surges of inflammation or immune system activation, or blood-clotting problems often seen in COVID patients may disturb kidney function, experts said.

Another hidden Covid risk: Lingering kidney problems

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

According to the Guardian, the costs of Brexit-induced red tape is also fuelling inflation as household budgets start to feel the sting.

The latest figures from the BRC reveal a 0.4 per cent month-on-month rise in August, driven by a 0.6 per cent rise in non-food prices, which includes a sharp spike in the cost of electrical goods caused by shortages of micro-chips and shipping problems.

“There are some modest indications that rising costs are starting to filter through into product prices,” Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, which represents hundreds of retail businesses, told the Guardian.

“Food retailers are fighting to keep their prices down as far as possible. But mounting pressures – from rising commodity and shipping costs as well as Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not be sustainable for much longer, and food price rises are likely in the coming months,” he added.

Watch |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bid-to-fight-medical-staff-shortage-in-uk-404558">&nbsp;Bid to fight medical staff shortage in UK</a>

The BRC’s warning comes after the toy retailer The Entertainer said prices could rise by 10 per cent over 18 months because of supply chain disruption, labour shortages and higher transport costs.

The indications of rising prices surface&nbsp;in the UK as inflation across the eurozone surged to its highest level in a decade with mounting costs of energy, goods and services hitting household spending.

The statistics body Eurostat has estimated that euro area annual inflation is expected to be 3 per cent in August, up from 2.2 per cent in July.

(With inputs from agencies)

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Retail prices in Britain have shot up owing to a national shortage of lorry drivers and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the Covid pandemic, according to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). According to the Guardian, the costs of Brexit-induced red tape is also fuelling inflation as household budgets start to feel the sting. The latest figures from the BRC reveal a 0.4 per cent month-on-month rise in August, driven by a 0.6 per cent rise in non-food prices, which includes a sharp spike in the cost of electrical goods caused by shortages of micro-chips and shipping problems. “There are some modest indications that rising costs are starting to filter through into product prices,” Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, which represents hundreds of retail businesses, told the Guardian. “Food retailers are fighting to keep their prices down as far as possible. But mounting pressures – from rising commodity and shipping costs as well as Brexit-related red tape, mean this will not be sustainable for much longer, and food price rises are likely in the coming months,” he added. Watch | Bid to fight medical staff shortage in UK The BRC’s warning comes after the toy retailer The Entertainer said prices could rise by 10 per cent over 18 months because of supply chain disruption, labour shortages and higher transport costs. The indications of rising prices surface in the UK as inflation across the eurozone surged to its highest level in a decade with mounting costs of energy, goods and services hitting household spending. The statistics body Eurostat has estimated that euro area annual inflation is expected to be 3 per cent in August, up from 2.2 per cent in July. (With inputs from agencies)

Shortage of lorry drivers, Covid-induced supply disruptions driving inflation in UK

Japan has 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.

According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

It comes 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 has now been put on hold.

Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-pauses-use-of-moderna-vaccine-batch-over-allergic-reactions-357470">California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions</a>

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials.

Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue.

It added that it was conducting an investigation.

Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games.

Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan has 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. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan has 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. According to officials, the pharmacist found the black particles while checking for foreign substances before the vaccine’s use in Kanagawa Prefecture. It comes 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 has now been put on hold. Local media reports say there has been no evidence so far of any health hazards caused by the potentially contaminated vaccine. Also read | California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions Takeda Pharmaceutical, which sells and distributes the vaccine in Japan, had just last week put three batches of the vaccine on hold after "foreign materials" were found in some doses of a batch of roughly 560,000 vials. Spanish pharmaceutical firm Rovi, which bottles the vaccine, said in a statement that a manufacturing line in Spain could be the cause of the issue. It added that it was conducting an investigation. Japan is battling a surge in Covid cases while it hosts the Paralympic Games. Local media reports say that Japan’s vaccination roll-out has been relatively slow, with just over 40% of Japanese people fully vaccinated and around 50% having received one dose. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan finds "black substance" in Moderna vaccine, put holds on shots

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