The World Health Organisation is singing a new tune. WHO Chief Dr Tedros says it was premature to rule out the possibility of a lab leak and wants China to be more transparent on the origins of the Wuhan virus.

Gravitas: WHO wants "more transparency from China", won't rule out lab leak

The world's pandemic control brochure is bizarre & unscientific. In India, courts criticise pilgrimages but give a free pass to protests. In South Korea, gym music is enemy number one. Palki Sharma tells you how virus control measures have been politicised and trivialised.

Gravitas: COVID control measures: Bizarre to unscientific

<p>Hungary is ordering mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for all health workers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, following similar moves by France and a few other European countries.</p>

<p>"We are not in favour of coercion, with the exception of one area, where we have made a decision that vaccination will be mandatory for healthcare workers," said Orban in his weekly radio interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He did not say when the requirement would take effect.</p>

<p>France on Monday announced mandatory vaccinations for healthcare staff, retirement home workers and others working with vulnerable people from September in line with similar moves in Greece, Italy and Britain.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/plans-for-a-chinese-university-spark-outrage-in-hungary-397614"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Plans for a Chinese university spark&nbsp;outrage in&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>In Hungary, more than 30,000 people infected with coronavirus have died, making the 9.8-million population central European country one of the hardest-hit EU member states, according to AFP data.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the EU member carried out one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the 27-member bloc in part thanks to its use of the Chinese Sinopharm and Russian Sputnik V jabs.</p>

<p>The infection case numbers have dropped quickly since May while all coronavirus restrictions including mandatory mask-wearing indoors were lifted in early July.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since June however the vaccination tempo has slowed. Orban said Friday that elderly people who have not taken the vaccine will be visited in person to offer them a jab.</p>

<p>A third shot will be made available to people four months past their second Covid jab from August 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vaccinations will also be made available to those aged 12 and over in schools during the two days ahead of the start of the school year on September 1.</p>


Hungary is ordering mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for all health workers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, following similar moves by France and a few other European countries.

Hungary is ordering mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for all health workers, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Friday, following similar moves by France and a few other European countries. "We are not in favour of coercion, with the exception of one area, where we have made a decision that vaccination will be mandatory for healthcare workers," said Orban in his weekly radio interview. He did not say when the requirement would take effect. France on Monday announced mandatory vaccinations for healthcare staff, retirement home workers and others working with vulnerable people from September in line with similar moves in Greece, Italy and Britain. Also read | Plans for a Chinese university spark outrage in Hungary In Hungary, more than 30,000 people infected with coronavirus have died, making the 9.8-million population central European country one of the hardest-hit EU member states, according to AFP data. But the EU member carried out one of the fastest vaccine rollouts in the 27-member bloc in part thanks to its use of the Chinese Sinopharm and Russian Sputnik V jabs. The infection case numbers have dropped quickly since May while all coronavirus restrictions including mandatory mask-wearing indoors were lifted in early July. Since June however the vaccination tempo has slowed. Orban said Friday that elderly people who have not taken the vaccine will be visited in person to offer them a jab. A third shot will be made available to people four months past their second Covid jab from August 1. Vaccinations will also be made available to those aged 12 and over in schools during the two days ahead of the start of the school year on September 1.

Hungary makes COVID-19 jabs mandatory for health workers

<p>In what comes as a shock, Catt Sadler, former E! Host, has contracted the Delta variant of COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about the severity of the new variant of coronavirus, Catt warned her Instagram followers in a post and wrote, “I’m telling you this so that you understand that the pandemic is very much NOT over”, along with a photo of herself in bed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Delta is relentless and highly contagious and grabbed ahold of me even after getting vaccinated,” she wrote.</p>

<p>Catt explained that she contracted the Delta variant of the virus while caring for an unvaccinated person who was sick with it, despite wearing a mask while in their presence.</p>

<p>She wrote, “I assumed I would be fine. Well I’m not. I’m one of many breakthrough cases that we are seeing more of each and every day. Two days of a fever now. Head throbbing. Extreme congestion. Even some weird puss coming out of my eye. Serious fatigue; no energy to even leave the bed.”</p>

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<p>“I’m no MD but I’m here to remind you that the vaccine isn’t full proof. **Vaccines lessen the likelihood of hospitalization and death but you can still catch this thing,” she wrote. “So continue to protect yourselves.”</p>


In what comes as a shock, Catt Sadler, former E! Host, has contracted the Delta variant of COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. Talking about the severity of the new variant of coronavirus, Catt warned her Instagram followers in a post and wrote, “I’m telling you this so that you understand that the pandemic is very much NOT over”, along with a photo of herself in bed.

In what comes as a shock, Catt Sadler, former E! Host, has contracted the Delta variant of COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated. Talking about the severity of the new variant of coronavirus, Catt warned her Instagram followers in a post and wrote, “I’m telling you this so that you understand that the pandemic is very much NOT over”, along with a photo of herself in bed. “Delta is relentless and highly contagious and grabbed ahold of me even after getting vaccinated,” she wrote. Catt explained that she contracted the Delta variant of the virus while caring for an unvaccinated person who was sick with it, despite wearing a mask while in their presence. She wrote, “I assumed I would be fine. Well I’m not. I’m one of many breakthrough cases that we are seeing more of each and every day. Two days of a fever now. Head throbbing. Extreme congestion. Even some weird puss coming out of my eye. Serious fatigue; no energy to even leave the bed.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by CATT SADLER (@iamcattsadler) × “I’m no MD but I’m here to remind you that the vaccine isn’t full proof. **Vaccines lessen the likelihood of hospitalization and death but you can still catch this thing,” she wrote. “So continue to protect yourselves.”

TV host Catt Sadler infected with Covid Delta variant after getting fully vaccinated; read her post here

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5b552777-4f52-47e1-bb16-638cbffaf215}{61}" paraid="267352060" >Although several&nbsp;gymgoers love&nbsp;good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in&nbsp;South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The&nbsp;options of music have&nbsp;been&nbsp;reduced&nbsp;drastically by the measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{686831bb-5254-42cb-9c55-701bd796f4a0}{247}" paraid="413229981" >With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed,&nbsp;South Korea has placed some&nbsp;standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these,&nbsp;the country&nbsp;has&nbsp;also&nbsp;added an additional&nbsp;requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises,&nbsp;such as aerobics, etc.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{17671bf1-efe8-430e-a952-f543928bd00c}{18}" paraid="2112858401" >According to the health officials, the&nbsp;measure intends to prevent&nbsp;fast&nbsp;breathing or splashing&nbsp;of&nbsp;sweat on other people. The authorities are&nbsp;avoiding&nbsp;the possibility of&nbsp;closing&nbsp;such businesses entirely&nbsp;as&nbsp;was the&nbsp;case&nbsp;during previous waves of infection, a report in The&nbsp;Guardian newspaper said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{37e21f59-96ac-426e-a7e4-93056a3a949d}{199}" paraid="879386313" >Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have&nbsp;ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or&nbsp;barely effective or unrealistic to maintain.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{cc722283-28e8-41df-8a67-8e369746b255}{245}" paraid="439922022" >Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures.

Although several gymgoers love good tunes to help them get through intense workouts, it seems to be a no-go zone in South Korea as per the new Covid-19 rules. The options of music have been reduced drastically by the measures. With the aim to ensure coronavirus spread can be curtailed, South Korea has placed some standard restrictions such as social distancing and travel curbs. Uniquely, along with these, the country has also added an additional requirement that gyms do not play music with higher than 120 beats per minute (bpm) during group exercises, such as aerobics, etc. According to the health officials, the measure intends to prevent fast breathing or splashing of sweat on other people. The authorities are avoiding the possibility of closing such businesses entirely as was the case during previous waves of infection, a report in The Guardian newspaper said. Some opposition lawmakers and gym owners have ridiculed the rule as ‘nonsense' or barely effective or unrealistic to maintain. Kang Hyun-ku, an owner of a gym in Seoul, said, “Playing bright tracks is to cheer up our members and the overall mood, but my biggest question is whether playing classical music or BTS songs has proven to have any impact on spreading the virus.”

Slower music in South Korean gyms, all thanks to Covid rules

PM Modi on Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review the augmentation and availability of medical oxygen across the country.

PM Modi's chairs high-level meeting on oxygen before third wave of Coronavirus

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage in Kerala, state Health Minister Veena George on Thursday (July 8) said that Zika virus cases have been detected in the state. A 24-year-old pregnant woman has been diagnosed with the mosquito-transmitted disease. Zika virus can create complications for pregnant women.

Amid COVID-19, Kerala reports first case of Zika virus

<p>Sri Lankan team's data analyst G T Niroshan has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the limited-overs series against India, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday, a day after its batting coach Grant Flower was infected to COVID.&nbsp;</p>

<p>G T Niroshan is as of now being treated according to the clinical protocols; "The Data Analyst of the Sri Lanka National Team, G. T. Niroshan, has tested positive for Covid 19," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/sri-lankan-batting-coach-grant-flower-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ahead-of-india-series-396813" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of India series</a></p>

<p>"He was found to be positive, following a PCR Test carried out among the National Players, Coaches, and Support Staff yesterday, following the identification of Grant Flower as Covid Positive. Niroshan is now undergoing due medical protocols."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Sri Lanka's batting coach Flower tested positive for COVID-19, 48 hours after the squad's arrival from England and less than a week before the home series against India.</p>

<p>The wide range of various players who are isolating have likewise been tested.&nbsp;<br />
Prior to testing negative, Sri Lanka's crew had to wait for the results of their PCR tests on getting back, following a COVID-19 outbreak in the England squad after the last match of their visit in Bristol on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sri Lanka are set to take on India in a six-match limited-over series beginning July 13. Grant Flower had been isolated from the remainder of the squad which is going through hard isolation on arrival.</p>

<p>Effectively, three Sri Lankan players are confronting n inquiry for penetrating the COVID-19 protocols in the UK.</p>

<p>England's whole ODI squad and support staff were constrained into self-isolation after various COVID positive cases, driving England and Wales Cricket Board to name a completely new 18-man squad ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan on Thursday.</p>


Sri Lankan team's data analyst G T Niroshan has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the limited-overs series against India, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday, a day after its batting coach Grant Flower was infected to COVID.

Sri Lankan team's data analyst G T Niroshan has tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of the limited-overs series against India, the Sri Lankan cricket board said on Friday, a day after its batting coach Grant Flower was infected to COVID. G T Niroshan is as of now being treated according to the clinical protocols; "The Data Analyst of the Sri Lanka National Team, G. T. Niroshan, has tested positive for Covid 19," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement. ALSO READ: Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower tests positive for COVID-19 ahead of India series "He was found to be positive, following a PCR Test carried out among the National Players, Coaches, and Support Staff yesterday, following the identification of Grant Flower as Covid Positive. Niroshan is now undergoing due medical protocols." On Thursday, Sri Lanka's batting coach Flower tested positive for COVID-19, 48 hours after the squad's arrival from England and less than a week before the home series against India. The wide range of various players who are isolating have likewise been tested. Prior to testing negative, Sri Lanka's crew had to wait for the results of their PCR tests on getting back, following a COVID-19 outbreak in the England squad after the last match of their visit in Bristol on Sunday. Sri Lanka are set to take on India in a six-match limited-over series beginning July 13. Grant Flower had been isolated from the remainder of the squad which is going through hard isolation on arrival. Effectively, three Sri Lankan players are confronting n inquiry for penetrating the COVID-19 protocols in the UK. England's whole ODI squad and support staff were constrained into self-isolation after various COVID positive cases, driving England and Wales Cricket Board to name a completely new 18-man squad ahead of the first ODI against Pakistan on Thursday.

Cricket: After batting coach Grant Flower, another staff member tests COVID positive

<p>Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday.</p>

<p>"We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting.</p>

<p>Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds.</p>

<p>The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating.</p>

<p>"This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew.</p>

<p>Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month.</p>

<p>The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August.</p>

<p>Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>


Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases.

Thai health ministry on Thursday said that it had proposed new travel curbs alongwith tighter restrictions in high-risk areas in order to contain COVID-19 cases. The country reported a daily record of 75 deaths from coronavirus. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to consider the new restrictions in a meeting on Friday. "We may need to impose tougher restriction to limit travel, stop group activities, close more facilities and take other measures that are necessary," Prayuth said, adding a decision would be announced after the COVID-19 task force meeting. Health ministry has proposed measures to limit people's travel from their home and curb on inter-provincial travel. The ministry has also proposed closing non-essential venues and areas that attract crowds. The rules would be in place for 14 days and would cover the Bangkok metropolitan area and "buffer zones", Kiatiphum said, without elaborating. "This has similar intensity as April 2020," he said referring to lockdown measures last year that included a nationwide curfew. Currently, Thailand has in place measures in "high-risk zones", including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, to close malls early and prohibit dining in at restaurants, but they have not been able to halt an acceleration of infections in the past month. The health ministry has also been expanding hospital capacity in Bangkok including a plan to convert the newly built terminal at Suvarnabhumi International Airport into a field hospital with 5,000 beds by August. Thailand's COVID-19 task force on Thursday reported 7,058 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the country to 308,230. The country has recorded 2,462 fatalities since the pandemic started last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Thailand mulls tighter restrictions as Covid deaths climb

<p>France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious.</p>

<p>Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return.</p>

<p>But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal.</p>

<p>"For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries."</p>

<p>Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation.</p>

<p>"We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures."</p>

<p>Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal</p>

<p>Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant.

France warned its nationals on Thursday not to travel to Spain or Portugal on holiday. The warning has been given in view of a spike in Covid cases caused by Delta variant. The variant is highly contagious. Right now, France allows people to travel to all other European Union member states if they are fully vaccinated or presently negative PCR or antigen test on their return. But Europe Minister Clement Beaune pointedly advised the French against crossing the Pyrenees mountains to Spain or Portugal. "For those who have not yet booked their holidays, avoid Spain and Portugal as a destination," he told France 2 television. "It's better to remain in France or go to other countries." Beaune added that France, which fears being hit by a fourth wave of coronavirus infections this summer, was weighing restrictions on travel in Europe over the spread of the highly infectious Delta mutation. "We have to be careful... the pandemic is not over," he said. "We will decide in the coming days, but we could put in place reinforced measures." Germany has already put a ban on travellers from Portugal. Delta variant has become dominant in Portugal Portugal's Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva acknowledged that the health situation in his country had "worsened" and said France's concerns were "understandable." (With inputs from agencies)

Delta variant: France warns citizens against travel to Spain, Portugal

<p>A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions.</p>

<p>However, now, as the cases started declining, people seem to have forgotten the importance of following Covid protocols with several flocking to hill stations for 'vacation'.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CQ-GklZHwmG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dharamshala Triund Mcleodganj™ (@dharamshalalocal)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dextrodiwas-indias-pm-modi-tweets-birthday-wishes-for-a-citizen-396245" hreflang="en">DextroDiwas: India's PM Modi tweets birthday wishes for a citizen</a></strong></p>

<p>In one such incident, a small child in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharmshala was spotted asking tourists to wear masks.</p>

<p>In a short, cute video posted on ‘dharamshalalocal’ Instagram page, a little kid dressed in an off-white shirt can be seen standing in a tight street outside shops. With a plastic stick in hand, he questions people ‘where is your mask?’.</p>

<p>The video highlights the rising issue of India’s population not adhering to the Covid protocols set up by the medical experts. The Government of India has strictly instructed people to not step outdoors unless important, follow social distancing and at all times wear masks when stepping outdoors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-mangoes-black-rice-bottle-gourd-from-varanasi-make-it-to-global-markets-despite-covid-19-396189" hreflang="en">In a first, mangoes, black rice, bottle gourd from Varanasi make it to global markets despite COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>However, locals have been visiting hill stations for vacations and have often been spotted ignoring social distancing rules and without face masks.</p>

<p>Social media users have called this a "slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off," a Twitter user said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off</p>
— Abhilash Mahajan (@MahajanAbhilash) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahajanAbhilash/status/1412390117256286212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Thanking the kid for her social service, many users commented ‘God bless this kid’ and laughed about calling him to their own cities to spread this awareness.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">God bless this kid! Again proved that doing right requires the wisdom, age doesnt matter as so many elderly fools can be seen around.</p>
— Amit Dave (@amittheway) <a href="https://twitter.com/amittheway/status/1412323612061683714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is small, poor family that may not afford send him to school. He is far more conscious in telling educated people wear mask. Instead of appreciation some seen ignoring or neglecting him for a begger. Wish this boy could be helped?<a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaykunduIPS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sanjaykunduIPS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jairamthakurbjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairamthakurbjp</a></p>
— 🇮🇳 BN Sharma, IG (Retd) (@BholaNath_BSF) <a href="https://twitter.com/BholaNath_BSF/status/1412379641659019267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This child is so good<br />
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I wish he is taken care for education</p>
— Sandeep (@IndiaUnleashed_) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUnleashed_/status/1412335892027510787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bless the little one... such amazing sense of responsibility and leadership quality at such a young age ❤<br />
<br />
If only all adults follow...</p>
— Meghna Girish 🇮🇳 (@megirish2001) <a href="https://twitter.com/megirish2001/status/1412391786127839236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions.

A few months ago, India was battling a deadly second wave of coronavirus and locals were struggling to get access to oxygen. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, then, urged his ‘little friends’ to request the grown-ups to follow Covid restrictions. However, now, as the cases started declining, people seem to have forgotten the importance of following Covid protocols with several flocking to hill stations for 'vacation'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dharamshala Triund Mcleodganj™ (@dharamshalalocal) × Also read | DextroDiwas: India's PM Modi tweets birthday wishes for a citizen In one such incident, a small child in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharmshala was spotted asking tourists to wear masks. In a short, cute video posted on ‘dharamshalalocal’ Instagram page, a little kid dressed in an off-white shirt can be seen standing in a tight street outside shops. With a plastic stick in hand, he questions people ‘where is your mask?’. The video highlights the rising issue of India’s population not adhering to the Covid protocols set up by the medical experts. The Government of India has strictly instructed people to not step outdoors unless important, follow social distancing and at all times wear masks when stepping outdoors. Also read | In a first, mangoes, black rice, bottle gourd from Varanasi make it to global markets despite COVID-19 However, locals have been visiting hill stations for vacations and have often been spotted ignoring social distancing rules and without face masks. Social media users have called this a "slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off," a Twitter user said. A slap on all of us who relate awareness to those who are well-off — Abhilash Mahajan (@MahajanAbhilash) July 6, 2021 × Thanking the kid for her social service, many users commented ‘God bless this kid’ and laughed about calling him to their own cities to spread this awareness. God bless this kid! Again proved that doing right requires the wisdom, age doesnt matter as so many elderly fools can be seen around. — Amit Dave (@amittheway) July 6, 2021 × He is small, poor family that may not afford send him to school. He is far more conscious in telling educated people wear mask. Instead of appreciation some seen ignoring or neglecting him for a begger. Wish this boy could be helped?@sanjaykunduIPS @jairamthakurbjp — 🇮🇳 BN Sharma, IG (Retd) (@BholaNath_BSF) July 6, 2021 × This child is so good I wish he is taken care for education — Sandeep (@IndiaUnleashed_) July 6, 2021 × Bless the little one... such amazing sense of responsibility and leadership quality at such a young age ❤ If only all adults follow... — Meghna Girish 🇮🇳 (@megirish2001) July 6, 2021 ×

'Where's your mask?': Small kid urges people to follow Covid protocol in India

<p>Italian prosecutors are now examining evidence that suggests coronavirus was spreading in the country weeks before the first case of local transmission was officially detected.</p>

<p>Lawyers who are are representing the families of COVID-19 victims say that the medical records of a man in his 50s who was admitted to a hospital with bilateral pneumonia at the end of January 2020 in Bergamo, “could change the timeline of the pandemic in Italy”.</p>

<p>Consuelo Locati, representing families in two legal cases, was quoted by The Guardian, saying, "The impact of this possible negligence is that many deaths could have been avoided. And if this was a choice that came from high up, like a political choice, it would mean people were killed by politics more so than the virus".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-school-kids-among-nine-hong-kongers-arrested-for-bomb-plot-396124"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Six school kids among nine Hong Kongers arrested for ‘bomb plot’</strong></a></p>

<p>As per the medical records, the patient was discharged on 17 February. This is four days before Italy’s first locally transmitted infection was confirmed in Codogno, a Lombardy town south of Milan.</p>

<p>Before this case, two Chinese tourists from Wuhan, who arrived in Milan on January 23 before being hospitalised in Rome a week later, had been the only confirmed COVID-19 patients in Italy.</p>

<p>During the diagnosis in Codogno, COVID-19 testing was only for those who had travelled to China within the 14 days before initial symptoms. However, according to guidelines published by the health ministry on January 22, 2020, testing was also supposed to be done on those “with an unusual and unexpected clinical course, especially if followed by an abrupt deterioration despite adequate treatments, irrespective of their place of residence or travel history”.</p>

<p>Locati said she is convinced the evidence gathered so far represents “solid proof of systemic negligence”.<br />
She added, "And [the medical records] show how coronavirus might have spread undetected for at least one month in Italy due to a lack of compliance with the guidelines on epidemiological surveillance".&nbsp;</p>


Italian prosecutors are now examining evidence that suggests coronavirus was spreading in the country weeks before the first case of local transmission was officially detected.

Italian prosecutors are now examining evidence that suggests coronavirus was spreading in the country weeks before the first case of local transmission was officially detected. Lawyers who are are representing the families of COVID-19 victims say that the medical records of a man in his 50s who was admitted to a hospital with bilateral pneumonia at the end of January 2020 in Bergamo, “could change the timeline of the pandemic in Italy”. Consuelo Locati, representing families in two legal cases, was quoted by The Guardian, saying, "The impact of this possible negligence is that many deaths could have been avoided. And if this was a choice that came from high up, like a political choice, it would mean people were killed by politics more so than the virus". Also read | Six school kids among nine Hong Kongers arrested for ‘bomb plot’ As per the medical records, the patient was discharged on 17 February. This is four days before Italy’s first locally transmitted infection was confirmed in Codogno, a Lombardy town south of Milan. Before this case, two Chinese tourists from Wuhan, who arrived in Milan on January 23 before being hospitalised in Rome a week later, had been the only confirmed COVID-19 patients in Italy. During the diagnosis in Codogno, COVID-19 testing was only for those who had travelled to China within the 14 days before initial symptoms. However, according to guidelines published by the health ministry on January 22, 2020, testing was also supposed to be done on those “with an unusual and unexpected clinical course, especially if followed by an abrupt deterioration despite adequate treatments, irrespective of their place of residence or travel history”. Locati said she is convinced the evidence gathered so far represents “solid proof of systemic negligence”. She added, "And [the medical records] show how coronavirus might have spread undetected for at least one month in Italy due to a lack of compliance with the guidelines on epidemiological surveillance".

Italian prosecutors examine evidence suggesting COVID-19 spread before official confirmation

<p>Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The honour has only been bestowed collectively twice before, and only once by the queen.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the award was a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-get-me-wrong-covid-19-has-not-been-vanquished-us-president-joe-biden-395818https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-get-me-wrong-covid-19-has-not-been-vanquished-us-president-joe-biden-395818"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>“NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand,” Johnson, who was treated by the NHS in intensive care with COVID-19 last year, said.</p>

<p>“I know the whole of the UK is behind me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS has done for us, not only in the last year, but since its inception.”</p>

<p>The NHS was established in 1948 as the centrepiece of social reforms following World War Two, with a mission to provide state-funded comprehensive universal healthcare.</p>

<p>NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said the honour recognised the skill, compassion and fortitude of staff right across the service in responding to the worst pandemic in a century.</p>

<p>“Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional,” he said.</p>

<p>“In the face of adversity we have seen extraordinary team work, not just across the NHS but involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers, millions of carers, key workers and the British public who have played an indispensable role in helping the health service to look after many hundreds of thousands of seriously ill patients with coronavirus.”</p>

<p>The George Cross was first bestowed collectively to the people of Malta in 1942 by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the queen in 1999.</p>


Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The honour has only been bestowed collectively twice before, and only once by the queen. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the award was a symbol of the nation’s gratitude. Also read | Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden “NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand,” Johnson, who was treated by the NHS in intensive care with COVID-19 last year, said. “I know the whole of the UK is behind me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS has done for us, not only in the last year, but since its inception.” The NHS was established in 1948 as the centrepiece of social reforms following World War Two, with a mission to provide state-funded comprehensive universal healthcare. NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said the honour recognised the skill, compassion and fortitude of staff right across the service in responding to the worst pandemic in a century. “Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional,” he said. “In the face of adversity we have seen extraordinary team work, not just across the NHS but involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers, millions of carers, key workers and the British public who have played an indispensable role in helping the health service to look after many hundreds of thousands of seriously ill patients with coronavirus.” The George Cross was first bestowed collectively to the people of Malta in 1942 by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the queen in 1999.

Queen Elizabeth honours Britain's health service for pandemic work

<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be part of this interaction as well. Leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (CPN-Maoist) will also participate.</p>

<p>“Over 500 leaders of political parties and political organizations from more than 160 countries and over 10,000 representatives of political parties will attend the Summit, which is themed on 'For the People’s Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties,” said Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zhaoming said the CPC and World Political Parties Summit would be held on July 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China has been holding discussions with leaders and heads of government of neighboring countries and its allies&nbsp;on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spokesperson of the international committee of the party said that the conference will allow the CPC and political parties from around the world to jointly cope with challenges brought by the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Summit will allow the CPC and political parties from all over the world to strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration, jointly cope with challenges brought by the changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen the ability and ideal to seek happiness for the people, promote world peace and development,” the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in May, the Nepali political leaders in a virtual meeting with CPC leaders appreciated the Chinese Government for their continuous support to Nepal in fighting the pandemic and stressed on Nepal-China relation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nepal and China are trusted friends and good neighbors. The deep-rooted historical friendly relation goes back to thousands of years. China’s support is highly significant for improving living condition of Nepali people. We greatly value the development and humanitarian support from China,” CPN-Maoist Centre chairperson 'Prachanda' had said during the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Nepal decided to procure four million doses of Vero Cell vaccines from China under a non-disclosure agreement signed between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>


Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to hold virtual conference with political leaders of 160 countries on 100th anniversary of founding of the Chinese Communist Party. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will be part of this interaction as well. Leaders like Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' (CPN-Maoist) will also participate. “Over 500 leaders of political parties and political organizations from more than 160 countries and over 10,000 representatives of political parties will attend the Summit, which is themed on 'For the People’s Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties,” said Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC) in a statement. Zhaoming said the CPC and World Political Parties Summit would be held on July 6. China has been holding discussions with leaders and heads of government of neighboring countries and its allies on the occasion of the 100th anniversary. Spokesperson of the international committee of the party said that the conference will allow the CPC and political parties from around the world to jointly cope with challenges brought by the Covid pandemic. “The Summit will allow the CPC and political parties from all over the world to strengthen exchange of experience in state governance and administration, jointly cope with challenges brought by the changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen the ability and ideal to seek happiness for the people, promote world peace and development,” the statement added. Earlier in May, the Nepali political leaders in a virtual meeting with CPC leaders appreciated the Chinese Government for their continuous support to Nepal in fighting the pandemic and stressed on Nepal-China relation. “Nepal and China are trusted friends and good neighbors. The deep-rooted historical friendly relation goes back to thousands of years. China’s support is highly significant for improving living condition of Nepali people. We greatly value the development and humanitarian support from China,” CPN-Maoist Centre chairperson 'Prachanda' had said during the meeting. Recently, Nepal decided to procure four million doses of Vero Cell vaccines from China under a non-disclosure agreement signed between the two nations.

Chinese President to hold talks with Nepal PM Oli, other leaders

<p>Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.</p>

<p>Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use.</p>

<p>After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India.</p>

<p>Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO.</p>

<p>India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29.</p>

<p>On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases.</p>

<p>With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration.

Moderna's mRNA Covid vaccine is likely to reach India this week said news agency ANI citing sources on Monday. As per reports, the vaccine may reach India by July 15 for administration. Mumbai-based Cipla has been recently granted permission to import Moderna vaccine for restricted emergency use. After Covaxin, Covishield and Sputnik, Moderna vaccine will be fourth Covid-19 jab available in India. Moderna's vaccine is being widely used in several regions including in Europe and the USA. The vaccine requires cold storage. × Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on June 1 decided to waive off batch testing for foreign manufactured vaccines that have been approved by drug regulators such as UK MHRA, US FDA or the WHO. India`s cumulative active tally of COVID-19 cases surged to 4,82,071 on Monday with 39,796 new infections reported in the last 24 hours, informed the Union Health Ministry.The country continues to witness a gradual decline in COVID-19 cases as it has registered less than 40,000 cases again since June 29. On June 29, India registered 37,566 new COVID-19 cases and 907 deaths.As per the health bulletin issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today, the national recovery rate now stands at 97.11 per cent and this is the ninth consecutive day when the country recorded less than 50,000 daily coronavirus cases. With 42,352 recoveries in the last 24 hours, daily recoveries continued to outnumber the daily new cases for the 53rd consecutive day, it said.The weekly positivity rate is currently at 2.40 per cent, while the daily positivity rate is at 2.61 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Moderna vaccine may reach India this week: Report

<p>President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished."</p>

<p>Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus.</p>

<p>"Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring&nbsp;our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers.</p>

<p>"We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant."</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hit-ship-thinking-its-owned-by-israeli-who-had-already-sold-stake-395914"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake</strong></a></p>

<p>But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together."</p>

<p>"Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "We are about to see our brightest future."</p>

<p><strong>Partying like pre-Covid</strong></p>

<p>Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror.</p>

<p>During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations.</p>

<p>Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated.</p>

<p>The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed.</p>

<p>And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses.</p>

<p>That lag comes as the highly contagious&nbsp;Delta variant continues to spread.</p>

<p>Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Summer agenda</strong></p>

<p>The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer.</p>

<p>Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his speech on the South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world."</p>

<p><strong>American Dream</strong></p>

<p>The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration.</p>

<p>And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence.&nbsp;Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;and ABC News give&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic.</p>

<p>Images of&nbsp;a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows.</p>

<p>On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream."</p>

<p>"The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished.

President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished." Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn, Biden drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus. "Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers. "We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant." Biden paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000. Also read | Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together." "Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days," Biden said. "We are about to see our brightest future." Partying like pre-Covid Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror. During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations. Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the Biden administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated. The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed. And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses. That lag comes as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread. Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths. Summer agenda The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before Biden has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer. Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans. The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence. In his speech on the South Lawn, Biden said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world." American Dream The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration. And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence. Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by The Washington Post and ABC News give Biden positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic. Images of a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows. On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay. California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream." "The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said.

Biden marks 'independence' from Covid, but pandemic remains a threat

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">In Indonesia, the daily influx of new cases has prompted hospitals to set up makeshift intensive care units and designate new quarantine centres.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">In Jakarta, at least three additional cemeteries have been established for people who contracted COVID-19.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Residents in need of oxygen line up as early as 6 am in one Jakarta area to fill tanks for their loved ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">The world's fourth most populous nation is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, with Saturday's 27,913 infections becoming the newest of many peaks during the last two weeks.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">In a statement, the Sardjito hospital on the island of Java said 63 patients died after it nearly ran out of oxygen over the period from Saturday until early on Sunday, when fresh supplies arrived.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="10">A hospital spokesman could not confirm if all the dead had suffered from COVID-19, however.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">In response, the government was asking the gas industry to increase production of medical oxygen, said health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">"We also hope people don't stock up on oxygen," she added, referring to stockpiles that could have the effect of denying the gas to many.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">The hospital said that for days before the incident, it had sought more supplies of oxygen, but virus patients streaming in since Friday had pushed it beyond its capacity, consuming supply sooner than expected.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">The crisis began to lessen on Sunday as additional supplies began to arrive. Separately, the ministry in charge of Indonesia's COVID-19 response has directed the gas industry to prioritise production in order to meet an estimated daily demand of 800 tonnes of oxygen for medical purposes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15">According to the ministry, the industry has an idle capacity of 225,000 tonnes per year that can still be utilised.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday.

Following more than 60 deaths in a hospital where supply of the life-saving oxygen gas was nearly limited, Indonesia has ordered oxygen manufacturers to prioritise medical demands, the government announced on Sunday. In Indonesia, the daily influx of new cases has prompted hospitals to set up makeshift intensive care units and designate new quarantine centres. In Jakarta, at least three additional cemeteries have been established for people who contracted COVID-19. Residents in need of oxygen line up as early as 6 am in one Jakarta area to fill tanks for their loved ones. The world's fourth most populous nation is battling one of Asia's worst coronavirus outbreaks, with Saturday's 27,913 infections becoming the newest of many peaks during the last two weeks. In a statement, the Sardjito hospital on the island of Java said 63 patients died after it nearly ran out of oxygen over the period from Saturday until early on Sunday, when fresh supplies arrived. A hospital spokesman could not confirm if all the dead had suffered from COVID-19, however. In response, the government was asking the gas industry to increase production of medical oxygen, said health ministry official Siti Nadia Tarmizi. "We also hope people don't stock up on oxygen," she added, referring to stockpiles that could have the effect of denying the gas to many. The hospital said that for days before the incident, it had sought more supplies of oxygen, but virus patients streaming in since Friday had pushed it beyond its capacity, consuming supply sooner than expected. The crisis began to lessen on Sunday as additional supplies began to arrive. Separately, the ministry in charge of Indonesia's COVID-19 response has directed the gas industry to prioritise production in order to meet an estimated daily demand of 800 tonnes of oxygen for medical purposes. According to the ministry, the industry has an idle capacity of 225,000 tonnes per year that can still be utilised. (With inputs from agencies)

Indonesia: Oxygen crisis worsens COVID-19 surge, dozens die amid scarcity

<p>Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Media briefing on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBWl31s1It">https://t.co/OBWl31s1It</a></p>
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<p>Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</strong></a></p>

<p>He said, "Public health &amp; social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation &amp; clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places &amp; keeping indoor areas well ventilated".</p>

<p>Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.</p>

<p>Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.</p>

<p>However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.</p>


Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization has recently warned that the rich nations are sharing vaccines with low-income countries too slowly to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of Covid, putting at risks millions of lives. Tedros said that world leaders must ensure that at least 10 per cent of people in all countries should be vaccinated by the end of September. Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros https://t.co/OBWl31s1It — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 2, 2021 × Speaking about the Delta variant, he said, "The Delta variant is dangerous and is continuing to evolve and mutate, which requires constant evaluation and careful adjustment of the public health response". He further added, “Delta has been detected in at least 98 countries, and is spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. The world must equitably share protective gear, oxygen, tests, treatments and vaccines". Also read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant He said, "Public health & social measures like strong surveillance, strategic testing, early case detection, isolation & clinical care remain critical. As well as masking, physical distance, avoiding crowded places & keeping indoor areas well ventilated". Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

WHO urges countries to vaccinate more people as Delta variant now in 98 countries

The president has been implicated in alleged irregularities surrounding a 1.6 billion reais ($316m) contract signed in February with a Brazilian intermediary of the vaccine’s maker.

Brazilians protest Bolsonaro’s handling of the COVID pandemic

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.</p>

<p>The rampant rise in infections in&nbsp;Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions.</p>

<p>South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippine-military-plane-carrying-92-people-crashes-40-rescued-17-dead-395665"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead</strong></a></p>

<p>The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks.</p>

<p>President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait.</p>

<p>To tackle this problem,&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.</p>


South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population.

South Africa hit a record of 26,000 fresh COVID-19 cases on Saturday, its second record-breaking tally in as many days, as a rampant third wave of infections coursed through a largely unvaccinated population. The rampant rise in infections in Africa's most industrialised nation has stretched health services to breaking point, with hospitals out of beds and medics to man them, and forced the government to impose partial lockdown restrictions. South Africa has recorded over 2 million cases and 61,500 deaths so far during the pandemic, the data from the Department of Health showed, while 3.3 million people have been vaccinated -- about 5% of the population. Also read | Philippine military plane carrying 92 people crashes; 40 rescued, 17 dead The low vaccination rate has resulted from a mixture of bad luck and bureaucratic failures. The government had to destroy 2 million contaminated Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses earlier this year, while efforts to replace them have run up against global supply bottlenecks. President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised what he called global "vaccine apartheid," with rich countries with plentiful vaccine supplies hoarding them while poorer countries wait. To tackle this problem, South Africa on Saturday approved China's Sinovac vaccine against COVID-19, as growing evidence emerges of its effectiveness.

South Africa hits a new record with 26,000 daily COVID-19 cases

<p>There have been reports of empty oxygen cylinders piling up in the city of Khulna, which has now become Bangladesh's coronavirus hotspot amid a surge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government has ordered a strict week-long nationwide lockdown in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, but Khulna's hospitals cannot cope.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Khulna city recorded 46 virus deaths, while in earlier waves the daily death toll never went into double figures.<br />
Most people say the real toll is much higher. Also, as per the reports, graveyards cannot cope with the number of dead in nearby cities such as Satkhira.</p>

<p>The main state-run Khulna general hospital is one of four in the city treating coronavirus patients and has 400 beds and is unable to cope up with the patient surge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Niaz Muhammad, the chief government doctor for the Khulna region, said, "We have been dealing with enormous admission pressure in hospitals. He further denied an oxygen shortage.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-heads-into-strict-lockdown-amid-record-coronavirus-spike-395092"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Bangladesh heads into strict lockdown amid record coronavirus spike</strong></a></p>

<p>Amid the lockdown, police, and troops have patrolled the streets across Bangladesh. Hundreds of people have been arrested each day for leaving their homes. In Khulna, restrictions on movement have been in place since last month, as the infection rate has soared.</p>

<p>However, the city's factories are still open and many people say they are forced to go out to work.</p>

<p>Bangladesh has recorded just over 935,000 cases and 14,900 deaths in the past 15 months. As per the citizens, the figures are drastically under-reported.</p>

<p>As a part of the lockdown, all offices and transportation are shut during this period while factories, including the country's prime garment export sector, will be allowed to remain open if they follow health protocols, the government said.</p>

<p>A police officer at one checkpoint said only essential goods carriers and ambulances were being permitted to move on the streets.</p>


There have been reports of empty oxygen cylinders piling up in the city of Khulna, which has now become Bangladesh's coronavirus hotspot amid a surge. The government has ordered a strict week-long nationwide lockdown in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, but Khulna's hospitals cannot cope.

There have been reports of empty oxygen cylinders piling up in the city of Khulna, which has now become Bangladesh's coronavirus hotspot amid a surge. The government has ordered a strict week-long nationwide lockdown in a bid to halt the spread of Covid-19, but Khulna's hospitals cannot cope. On Thursday, Khulna city recorded 46 virus deaths, while in earlier waves the daily death toll never went into double figures. Most people say the real toll is much higher. Also, as per the reports, graveyards cannot cope with the number of dead in nearby cities such as Satkhira. The main state-run Khulna general hospital is one of four in the city treating coronavirus patients and has 400 beds and is unable to cope up with the patient surge. Niaz Muhammad, the chief government doctor for the Khulna region, said, "We have been dealing with enormous admission pressure in hospitals. He further denied an oxygen shortage. Also read | Bangladesh heads into strict lockdown amid record coronavirus spike Amid the lockdown, police, and troops have patrolled the streets across Bangladesh. Hundreds of people have been arrested each day for leaving their homes. In Khulna, restrictions on movement have been in place since last month, as the infection rate has soared. However, the city's factories are still open and many people say they are forced to go out to work. Bangladesh has recorded just over 935,000 cases and 14,900 deaths in the past 15 months. As per the citizens, the figures are drastically under-reported. As a part of the lockdown, all offices and transportation are shut during this period while factories, including the country's prime garment export sector, will be allowed to remain open if they follow health protocols, the government said. A police officer at one checkpoint said only essential goods carriers and ambulances were being permitted to move on the streets.

Bangladesh's virus hotspot gasps for air as cases surge

<p>Indonesia imposed a partial lockdown Saturday in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with an unprecedented wave of coronavirus infections.</p>

<p>Mosques, restaurants and shopping malls were shuttered in virus hotspots around the Muslim-majority country, which recorded more than 25,000 new cases and 539 deaths on Friday, both new daily records.</p>

<p>Indonesia's daily caseload has more than quadrupled in less than a month. But the country's official tally to date, which stands at 2.2 million cases and 59,534 deaths, is widely believed to be severe undercount due to low testing.</p>

<p>The crisis has pushed Indonesia's creaky healthcare system to the brink of collapse with makeshift tents set up outside jammed medical facilities.</p>

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<p>Hospital corridors are overflowing with the sick lying on gurneys, and infected patients have been turned away from hospitals unable to cope with the influx.</p>

<p>The Delta variant of the virus, first identified in India and now present in at least 85 countries, has been driving the recent wave and accounted for more than 80 percent of new cases in some areas, the health ministry has said.</p>

<p>The strain is the most contagious of any Covid-19 variant so far identified.</p>

<p>"(The surge) is primarily because of the Delta variant," health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said Friday.</p>

<p>"It is in every country -- nobody is safe."</p>

<p>Experts previously warned that millions travelling nationwide at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in May would trigger an explosion of cases.</p>

<p>The new measures announced by Indonesian President Joko Widodo this week are set to last until July 20 in hope of bringing daily infections below 10,000.</p>

<p>Widodo, better known as Jokowi, had long resisted the strict lockdowns seen in other virus-wracked nations, saying they could tank Southeast Asia's biggest economy where millions live hand-to-mouth.</p>

<p>But all non-essential employees are now being ordered to work from home, while classes will only be held online.</p>

<p>The curbs will also apply to holiday island Bali, hit by a recent jump in cases that has delayed plans to reopen to international tourists.</p>

<p>Health experts warned that the tougher measures may not be enough.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The restrictions still allow for often-jammed public transport to continue operating at a reduced capacity, while domestic sea, air and bus travel will be available for people who have received at least one vaccine dose.</p>

<p>"How do you do physical distancing on public transportation?" said Indonesian epidemiologist Windhu Purnomo.</p>

<p>"The government is still prioritising the economy by letting people move around."</p>


Indonesia imposed a partial lockdown Saturday in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with an unprecedented wave of coronavirus infections.

Indonesia imposed a partial lockdown Saturday in the capital Jakarta, across the main island of Java and on Bali as the Southeast Asian nation grapples with an unprecedented wave of coronavirus infections. Mosques, restaurants and shopping malls were shuttered in virus hotspots around the Muslim-majority country, which recorded more than 25,000 new cases and 539 deaths on Friday, both new daily records. Indonesia's daily caseload has more than quadrupled in less than a month. But the country's official tally to date, which stands at 2.2 million cases and 59,534 deaths, is widely believed to be severe undercount due to low testing. The crisis has pushed Indonesia's creaky healthcare system to the brink of collapse with makeshift tents set up outside jammed medical facilities. Also Read | US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan to be completed by end August: White House Hospital corridors are overflowing with the sick lying on gurneys, and infected patients have been turned away from hospitals unable to cope with the influx. The Delta variant of the virus, first identified in India and now present in at least 85 countries, has been driving the recent wave and accounted for more than 80 percent of new cases in some areas, the health ministry has said. The strain is the most contagious of any Covid-19 variant so far identified. "(The surge) is primarily because of the Delta variant," health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said Friday. "It is in every country -- nobody is safe." Experts previously warned that millions travelling nationwide at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in May would trigger an explosion of cases. The new measures announced by Indonesian President Joko Widodo this week are set to last until July 20 in hope of bringing daily infections below 10,000. Widodo, better known as Jokowi, had long resisted the strict lockdowns seen in other virus-wracked nations, saying they could tank Southeast Asia's biggest economy where millions live hand-to-mouth. But all non-essential employees are now being ordered to work from home, while classes will only be held online. The curbs will also apply to holiday island Bali, hit by a recent jump in cases that has delayed plans to reopen to international tourists. Health experts warned that the tougher measures may not be enough. The restrictions still allow for often-jammed public transport to continue operating at a reduced capacity, while domestic sea, air and bus travel will be available for people who have received at least one vaccine dose. "How do you do physical distancing on public transportation?" said Indonesian epidemiologist Windhu Purnomo. "The government is still prioritising the economy by letting people move around."

Indonesia rolls out tougher curbs as virus cases skyrocket

<p>German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna.</p>

<p>Spahn said that addition of mRNA shot offered more protection against Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection.</p>

<p>Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna.

German Health Minister Jens Spahn told reporters on Friday that it would be possible in future to mix vaccine doses. This means that, in Spahn's opinion, it would be possible to combine first shot of AstraZeneca vaccine with second shot of mRNA vaccine like those from Pfizer or Moderna. Spahn said that addition of mRNA shot offered more protection against Delta variant of coronavirus. Delta variant is considered to be more infection. Germany has enough shots available of all vaccines to be able to do this, as well as to provide booster shots to those who wanted them in the autumn, he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Possible in future to mix vaccine doses, says German health minister 

<p>&nbsp;India saw a single-day rise of 46,617 new coronavirus infections, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,04,58,251, while the national recovery rate has crossed 97 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.</p>

<p>The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,00,312 with 853 daily fatalities.<br />
<br />
Over 34 crore vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive so far, it said.<br />
<br />
The active cases have further declined to 5,09,637, comprising 1.67 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 97.01 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.<br />
<br />
A net decline of 13,620 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Also, 18,80,026 tests were conducted on Thursday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 41,42,51,520, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.48 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 25 consecutive days, the ministry said.</p>

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<p><br />
Weekly positivity rate has declined to 2.57 per cent, according to the health ministry.<br />
<br />
Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 50th consecutive days.<br />
<br />
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,95,48,302, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.31 per cent, the data stated.<br />
<br />
India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.<br />
<br />
It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19.<br />
<br />
India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23.<br />
<br />
The 853 new fatalities include 252 from Maharashtra, 124 from Kerala, 102 from Tamil Nadu and 94 from Karnataka.<br />
<br />
A total of 4,00,312 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,22,197 from Maharashtra, 35,134 from Karnataka, 32,721from Tamil Nadu, 24,981 from Delhi, 22,601 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,735 from West Bengal and 16,072 from Punjab.<br />
<br />
The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.<br />
<br />
"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.</p>


India saw a single-day rise of 46,617 new coronavirus infections, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,04,58,251, while the national recovery rate has crossed 97 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

India saw a single-day rise of 46,617 new coronavirus infections, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,04,58,251, while the national recovery rate has crossed 97 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 4,00,312 with 853 daily fatalities. Over 34 crore vaccine doses have been administered under the nationwide vaccination drive so far, it said. The active cases have further declined to 5,09,637, comprising 1.67 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 97.01 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed. A net decline of 13,620 cases has been recorded in the total number of active COVID-19 cases in a span of 24 hours. Also, 18,80,026 tests were conducted on Thursday, taking the total cumulative tests conducted so far for detection of COVID-19 in the country to 41,42,51,520, while the daily positivity rate was recorded at 2.48 per cent. It has been less than five per cent for 25 consecutive days, the ministry said. Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday Weekly positivity rate has declined to 2.57 per cent, according to the health ministry. Recoveries continue to outnumber daily new cases for 50th consecutive days. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 2,95,48,302, while the case fatality rate stands at 1.31 per cent, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. India crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23. The 853 new fatalities include 252 from Maharashtra, 124 from Kerala, 102 from Tamil Nadu and 94 from Karnataka. A total of 4,00,312 deaths have been reported so far in the country, including 1,22,197 from Maharashtra, 35,134 from Karnataka, 32,721from Tamil Nadu, 24,981 from Delhi, 22,601 from Uttar Pradesh, 17,735 from West Bengal and 16,072 from Punjab. The health ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India records 46,617 new Covid cases; national recovery rate crosses 97%

<p>Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant.</p>

<p>It also recorded 24,439 new coronavirus infections, the highest figure since the middle of January when Russia was emerging from its second wave of the pandemic.</p>

<p>Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 116 deaths, close to the city's pandemic record seen earlier this week.</p>

<p>Russia's coronavirus outbreak has been surging since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots.</p>

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<p>So far just 16 per cent of Russia's 146 million people have been jabbed.</p>

<p>Moscow on Thursday began offering third doses to those who received their second more than six months ago to boost their defence against new variants.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines, although he also said he was opposed to making inoculations compulsory nationwide.</p>

<p>The government has also ruled out a nationwide lockdown -- even as it has acknowledged that it will miss a target of vaccinating 60 per cent of people by August.</p>

<p>So far 137,262 people have died among 5.5 million infected in Russia, according to official figures.</p>

<p>A wider definition of Covid deaths from statistics agency Rosstat tallied 270,000 by late April.</p>


Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant.

Russia on Saturday reported 697 Covid-19 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the fifth straight day the country has set a new record as it battles the surging Delta variant. It also recorded 24,439 new coronavirus infections, the highest figure since the middle of January when Russia was emerging from its second wave of the pandemic. Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 116 deaths, close to the city's pandemic record seen earlier this week. Russia's coronavirus outbreak has been surging since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots. Also Read | Myanmar protesters burn junta leader's images on his birthday So far just 16 per cent of Russia's 146 million people have been jabbed. Moscow on Thursday began offering third doses to those who received their second more than six months ago to boost their defence against new variants. President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday urged Russians to "listen to experts" rather than rumours about the virus and vaccines, although he also said he was opposed to making inoculations compulsory nationwide. The government has also ruled out a nationwide lockdown -- even as it has acknowledged that it will miss a target of vaccinating 60 per cent of people by August. So far 137,262 people have died among 5.5 million infected in Russia, according to official figures. A wider definition of Covid deaths from statistics agency Rosstat tallied 270,000 by late April.

Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day

<p>President Hassan Rouhani expressed fears on Saturday that Iran will be hit by a fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic due to an outbreak of the Delta variant.</p>

<p>During a meeting, Rouhani said, "It is feared that we are on the way to a fifth wave throughout the country,". He warned the public to be careful as "the Delta variant has spread" in southern provinces.</p>

<p>The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</strong></a></p>

<p>However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world.</p>

<p>Adding to the long list of new variants, a new mutant version of the Delta strain, Delta Plus, has now been labelled as a "variant of concern" by Indian authorities.</p>

<p>Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.</p>

<p>Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.</p>


President Hassan Rouhani expressed fears on Saturday that Iran will be hit by a fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic due to an outbreak of the Delta variant. During a meeting, Rouhani said, "It is feared that we are on the way to a fifth wave throughout the country,".

President Hassan Rouhani expressed fears on Saturday that Iran will be hit by a fifth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic due to an outbreak of the Delta variant. During a meeting, Rouhani said, "It is feared that we are on the way to a fifth wave throughout the country,". He warned the public to be careful as "the Delta variant has spread" in southern provinces. The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Also Read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world. Adding to the long list of new variants, a new mutant version of the Delta strain, Delta Plus, has now been labelled as a "variant of concern" by Indian authorities. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

Iran's Rouhani fears Covid fifth wave linked to Delta variant

<p>The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country.</p>

<p>Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat.</p>

<p>While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-all-you-need-to-know-about-delta-plus-variant-393450"><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant</strong></a></p>

<p>White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters that "surge response" teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in Covid-19 cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said on a news call highlighted that more than 180 million people and more than 66 per cent of adults in the United States have received shots, but around 1,000 counties still have vaccination rates below 30 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michael Newshel, a healthcare analyst for Evercore ISI, in a Tuesday analyst note that Nevada and Missouri have the highest rates of Covid-19 infection, and there have been recent outbreaks in states including Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska.</p>

<p>Medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat</p>

<p>Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.<br />
As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus.</p>


The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country.

The White House has said that it would send special teams to hotspots around the US to battle the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant amid rising cases in parts of the country. Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. Also Read | COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant White House Covid-19 senior adviser Jeffrey Zients told reporters that "surge response" teams would be ready to speed additional testing supplies and therapeutics to communities that were experiencing increases in Covid-19 cases. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky said on a news call highlighted that more than 180 million people and more than 66 per cent of adults in the United States have received shots, but around 1,000 counties still have vaccination rates below 30 per cent. Michael Newshel, a healthcare analyst for Evercore ISI, in a Tuesday analyst note that Nevada and Missouri have the highest rates of Covid-19 infection, and there have been recent outbreaks in states including Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska. Medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments. As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus.

White House to send special teams to hotspots due to highly contagious Delta variant

<p>President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will celebrate America's defeat of&nbsp;Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges.</p>

<p>About 1,000 guests -- emergency service and essential workers, military members and their families -- are set to pour into the White House grounds for the kind of party unimaginable a year ago when the country was under lockdown.</p>

<p>The Independence Day bash on the South Lawn, followed by a thunderous fireworks display on the National Mall, will allow&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;to mark what he's calling "independence from this virus."</p>

<p>Biden's To-Do list features a staggering number of crises and headaches, ranging from climate change to handling a desperately divided Congress and a vengeful Donald Trump.</p>

<p>At least for one humid Washington evening, though, the 78-year-old&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will be able to kick back and celebrate.</p>

<p>After leading the world in&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;deaths -- more than 600,000 -- the United States has emerged as a model for getting the novel coronavirus under control and the economy back on track.</p>

<p>Much of that is down to&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;reversing Trump's chaotic response with a focused campaign to encourage mask-wearing and vaccinations.</p>

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<p>He also got Congress to approve a historic $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, super-charging economic recovery and protecting the most vulnerable.</p>

<p>There are however some hefty wrinkles.</p>

<p>Biden's much-promoted goal of having 70 per cent of US adults receive at least one dose of vaccine by July 4 will narrowly miss.</p>

<p>And celebratory White House statements tend to dodge emerging threats from the highly contagious Delta variant.</p>

<p>"If you've been vaccinated, the message we're conveying is you're safe," was press secretary Jen Psaki's response, when asked about the wisdom of staging a South Lawn party.</p>

<p><strong>Now the hard&nbsp;part?</strong></p>

<p>But the global&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;wasn't the only unprecedented test for&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on January 20, when he became the oldest president to take office in US history.</p>

<p>"He faced really the most daunting challenge of an incoming first term president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1933" during the Great Depression, said American University history professor Allan Lichtman.</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;"had an economic crisis, he had a still raging&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;on his hands -- you've never quite had that kind of combination."</p>

<p>That was before throwing in an ex-president disputing the election result, a razor-thin congressional majority, an explosive racial divide, the perilous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and international tensions stretching from China to Russia.</p>

<p>Covid&nbsp;and economic rescue were "probably the least daunting of the tasks," Lichtman said.</p>

<p><strong>Sunny figure&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Despite all that,&nbsp;Biden's genteel manners and pleas for unity stand out in a town inundated during the Trump years by partisan fighting, impeachments, and startling breaches of presidential decorum.</p>

<p>The veteran politician in aviator sunglasses epitomizes the Washington archetype of the "happy warrior."</p>

<p>From now on, though, he'll have his work cut out to keep smiling.</p>

<p>With Republicans looking to take over Congress in November 2022 midterm elections, and opponents like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- not to mention Trump -- exploring 2024 presidential challenges, storm clouds are thickening.</p>

<p>Biden's immediate battle is with both Republicans and the left of his Democratic party on a giant infrastructure spending package.</p>

<p>Win there this summer and&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;may get political capital for even more, like voting rights protection, police reforms and other key planks of his platform.</p>

<p>Fail on infrastructure, however, and the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;balloon&nbsp;could&nbsp;deflate.</p>

<p>And while the strengthening economy is a huge plus, inflation is an increasingly politically damaging worry.</p>

<p>A cute White House press release Thursday about the "Hot Dog" economy -- graphics showed price drops for July 4th lemonade, hamburger meat and ice cream -- is unlikely to persuade many.</p>

<p>The government's "core personal consumption" price index rose 3.4 per cent in May, compared to last year, the steepest increase since 1992.</p>

<p>The White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence.</p>

<p>June polls showed a dip in support for&nbsp;Biden, yet he retains approval ratings solidly over 50 per cent, something Trump never achieved.</p>

<p>He's also making new ground. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll in June showed six in 10 Republicans support a $1.2 trillion version of the infrastructure spending proposals.</p>

<p>Numbers like these appear to be fueling&nbsp;Biden's ultimate bet: that Americans are hungry for big solutions -- as big as the mountainous problems facing their country.</p>

<p>Writing about that infrastructure plan on Yahoo! this week,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said the real issue was about so much more than roads and bridges.</p>

<p>"It is a signal to ourselves, and to the world," he said. "That American democracy can work and deliver for the people."</p>


President Joe Biden will celebrate America's defeat of Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges.

President Joe Biden will celebrate America's defeat of Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges. About 1,000 guests -- emergency service and essential workers, military members and their families -- are set to pour into the White House grounds for the kind of party unimaginable a year ago when the country was under lockdown. The Independence Day bash on the South Lawn, followed by a thunderous fireworks display on the National Mall, will allow Biden to mark what he's calling "independence from this virus." Biden's To-Do list features a staggering number of crises and headaches, ranging from climate change to handling a desperately divided Congress and a vengeful Donald Trump. At least for one humid Washington evening, though, the 78-year-old Biden will be able to kick back and celebrate. After leading the world in Covid deaths -- more than 600,000 -- the United States has emerged as a model for getting the novel coronavirus under control and the economy back on track. Much of that is down to Biden reversing Trump's chaotic response with a focused campaign to encourage mask-wearing and vaccinations. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' He also got Congress to approve a historic $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, super-charging economic recovery and protecting the most vulnerable. There are however some hefty wrinkles. Biden's much-promoted goal of having 70 per cent of US adults receive at least one dose of vaccine by July 4 will narrowly miss. And celebratory White House statements tend to dodge emerging threats from the highly contagious Delta variant. "If you've been vaccinated, the message we're conveying is you're safe," was press secretary Jen Psaki's response, when asked about the wisdom of staging a South Lawn party. Now the hard part? But the global pandemic wasn't the only unprecedented test for Biden on January 20, when he became the oldest president to take office in US history. "He faced really the most daunting challenge of an incoming first term president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1933" during the Great Depression, said American University history professor Allan Lichtman. Biden "had an economic crisis, he had a still raging pandemic on his hands -- you've never quite had that kind of combination." That was before throwing in an ex-president disputing the election result, a razor-thin congressional majority, an explosive racial divide, the perilous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and international tensions stretching from China to Russia. Covid and economic rescue were "probably the least daunting of the tasks," Lichtman said. Sunny figure Despite all that, Biden's genteel manners and pleas for unity stand out in a town inundated during the Trump years by partisan fighting, impeachments, and startling breaches of presidential decorum. The veteran politician in aviator sunglasses epitomizes the Washington archetype of the "happy warrior." From now on, though, he'll have his work cut out to keep smiling. With Republicans looking to take over Congress in November 2022 midterm elections, and opponents like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- not to mention Trump -- exploring 2024 presidential challenges, storm clouds are thickening. Biden's immediate battle is with both Republicans and the left of his Democratic party on a giant infrastructure spending package. Win there this summer and Biden may get political capital for even more, like voting rights protection, police reforms and other key planks of his platform. Fail on infrastructure, however, and the Biden balloon could deflate. And while the strengthening economy is a huge plus, inflation is an increasingly politically damaging worry. A cute White House press release Thursday about the "Hot Dog" economy -- graphics showed price drops for July 4th lemonade, hamburger meat and ice cream -- is unlikely to persuade many. The government's "core personal consumption" price index rose 3.4 per cent in May, compared to last year, the steepest increase since 1992. The White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence. June polls showed a dip in support for Biden, yet he retains approval ratings solidly over 50 per cent, something Trump never achieved. He's also making new ground. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll in June showed six in 10 Republicans support a $1.2 trillion version of the infrastructure spending proposals. Numbers like these appear to be fueling Biden's ultimate bet: that Americans are hungry for big solutions -- as big as the mountainous problems facing their country. Writing about that infrastructure plan on Yahoo! this week, Biden said the real issue was about so much more than roads and bridges. "It is a signal to ourselves, and to the world," he said. "That American democracy can work and deliver for the people."

Biden celebrates pandemic victory, but Covid could be the easy part

Researchers from Utrecht University sent a mobile veterinary clinic to households in the Netherlands that had tested positive for Covid at some point in the past 200 days.

Pets can catch Covid virus from their owners: Study

<p>USA top coronavirus expert Dr Anthony Fauci said on Thursday (local time) said that vaccines that have been authorised by the US are effective against the Delta variant of coronavirus. He repeated his request for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. He was speaking at press briefing at the White House</p>

<p>&nbsp;"...From Public Health England, from June 14, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 96 per cent effective against hospitalization from the Delta variant after two doses, and the AZ (AstraZeneca) was 92 per cent effective against hospitalization after two doses," said Fauci.</p>

<p>"Since these vaccines -- the AZ and the J&amp;J (Johnson &amp; Johnson) are based on very similar platforms, one could anticipate and make a reasonable assumption that the results against the Delta variant would be at least similar, perhaps even better. We are now looking at neutralization data, and soon we will have more firm data which we will make available to you as soon as it occurs," he mentioned while speaking on the J&amp;J single-dose vaccine.</p>

<p>Dr Fauci said that science was clear and that the best way to protect yourself was to get fully vaccinated.</p>

<p>"It works. It`s free. It`s safe. It`s easy. And it`s convenient," he added.</p>

<p>Regarding full approval of the COVID-19 vaccines by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the top US health expert exuded confidence that it will happen soon, adding that "it would really be a most unusual situation not to see this get full approval".He also said that the US can still celebrate the July 4 national holiday if people are fully vaccinated and protected against the virus.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rochelle Walensky, the Director of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that the Delta variant is likely to eclipse the Alpha variant, first identified in the UK, in coming weeks.</p>

<p>"An estimated 25 percent of all reported SARS-CoV-2 sequences nationwide are the Delta variant. And in some regions of the country, nearly one in two sequences is the Delta variant," she said.</p>

<p>In tandem with Fauci`s statements, Walensky said that all US-authorised vaccines provide protection against the circulating variants in the country.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


USA top coronavirus expert Dr Anthony Fauci said on Thursday (local time) said that vaccines that have been authorised by the US are effective against the Delta variant of coronavirus.

USA top coronavirus expert Dr Anthony Fauci said on Thursday (local time) said that vaccines that have been authorised by the US are effective against the Delta variant of coronavirus. He repeated his request for everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible. He was speaking at press briefing at the White House "...From Public Health England, from June 14, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 96 per cent effective against hospitalization from the Delta variant after two doses, and the AZ (AstraZeneca) was 92 per cent effective against hospitalization after two doses," said Fauci. "Since these vaccines -- the AZ and the J&J (Johnson & Johnson) are based on very similar platforms, one could anticipate and make a reasonable assumption that the results against the Delta variant would be at least similar, perhaps even better. We are now looking at neutralization data, and soon we will have more firm data which we will make available to you as soon as it occurs," he mentioned while speaking on the J&J single-dose vaccine. Dr Fauci said that science was clear and that the best way to protect yourself was to get fully vaccinated. "It works. It`s free. It`s safe. It`s easy. And it`s convenient," he added. Regarding full approval of the COVID-19 vaccines by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the top US health expert exuded confidence that it will happen soon, adding that "it would really be a most unusual situation not to see this get full approval".He also said that the US can still celebrate the July 4 national holiday if people are fully vaccinated and protected against the virus. Meanwhile, Rochelle Walensky, the Director of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said that the Delta variant is likely to eclipse the Alpha variant, first identified in the UK, in coming weeks. "An estimated 25 percent of all reported SARS-CoV-2 sequences nationwide are the Delta variant. And in some regions of the country, nearly one in two sequences is the Delta variant," she said. In tandem with Fauci`s statements, Walensky said that all US-authorised vaccines provide protection against the circulating variants in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

US-authorised vaccines protect against Delta variant, says Dr Fauci

<p>Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.</p>

<p>Not cats!</p>

<p>They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally.</p>

<p>Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals.</p>

<p>The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs.</p>

<p>Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020.<br />
Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns.</p>

<p>Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner!</p>

<p>Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic.</p>

<p>But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats.</p>

<p>There is hope still, it seems</p>


Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house.

Cats are famous for acting like the master race of pets. A dog will shower you with affection, be ready to play and generally be a sunshine presence in your house. Not cats! They move past you without a single look, can be finicky about literally anything and will demand food like it's your duty to treat them royally. Well now it has come to light that the coronavirus pandemic may have made cats more affectionate. If you have a cat and all you can think right now is 'No way', you may be forgiven. But a survey carried out by researchers from universities of York and Lincoln in the UK have found that cats may finally have decided to treat humans just a bit better than mere mortals. The researchers surveyed 5323 people with a companion animal. These people had pets ranging from horses, reptiles, birds, fish and ofcourse cats and dogs. Over 65 per cent of the respondents noticed change in their pets' behaviour in the first half of 2020. Many of them who owned cats and dogs said that their pets tended to follow them more during the lockdowns. Imagine a cat affectionately following its owner! Many of the respondents said that behaviour of dogs showed a negative trait. Dogs of such respondents became needier even clingy while the pet owners spent more time indoors during lockdowns. These dogs howled when the owners stepped out for just a couple minutes. As per the respondents, such a behaviour was not shown by them before the pandemic. But the most amusing thing to come out of this survey is change in behaviour of cats. There is hope still, it seems

Cats may have become more affectionate during pandemic: Survey

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