Amid a surge in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.

"The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-in-india-bihar-to-go-into-lockdown-night-curfew-to-continue-in-chandigarh-382759">COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh</a>

All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am.

The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday.

The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-immediate-concern-is-to-break-the-chain-of-covid-infection-382627">India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection</a>

During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead.

On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here.

Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to increase the duration of the weekend lockdown till 7 am on May 10, an official spokesman said here. "The corona curfew from Friday 8 pm to Tuesday 7 am, which was extended on May 3 for 48 hours and is in force till May 6 till 7 am has been further extended till Monday (May 10) 7 am," an official spokesman said here. Also read | COVID-19 in India: Bihar to go into lockdown; night curfew to continue in Chandigarh All shops and establishments will now remain closed till Monday 7 am. The official said that further decision to extend the curfew will be taken on Sunday. The decision for extension has been taken for breaking the chain of coronavirus. Also read | India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection During this period, all essential services will be allowed and vaccination drive will continue, a senior official said, but refused to term it as a "lockdown", preferring "closure" instead. On April 29, the state government had announced that weekend lockdowns will now cover Mondays too and on May 3 it was extended till May 6.

COVID-19: Curfew in Uttar Pradesh extended till May 10

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said.

The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-crisis-over-180-cryogenic-oxygen-containers-transported-by-indian-air-force-382829">COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force</a>

This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said.

"We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help.

The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accounts-for-46-per-cent-of-worlds-new-covid-19-cases-quarter-of-deaths-who-382992">India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO</a>

It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai.

The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3.

The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-patients-die-at-government-hospital-in-chennai-probe-ordered-382886">11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered</a>

It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients.

The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage".

"Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah.

"This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients,"&nbsp;Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said.

"Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital.

The Supreme Court Wednesday stayed contempt proceedings initiated by the Delhi High Court against central government officials for non-compliance of the direction to supply 700 MT of medical grade oxygen for COVID-19 patients in the national capital. The stay, however, will not restrain the high court from monitoring the COVID-19 management-related issues, a bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and MR Shah said. The top court, in an urgent hearing, directed that a meeting be held between officials of the Centre and Delhi government by this evening to discuss various aspects of augmenting the oxygen supply to the national capital. Also read | COVID-19 crisis: Over 180 cryogenic oxygen containers transported by Indian Air Force This is an all-India pandemic situation and we will have to find ways to ensure oxygen supply to the national capital as we are answerable to people of Delhi, it said. "We are also in Delhi. We are helpless and have been on phone. We can imagine what citizens are going through," Justice Chandrachud said, adding that his office is hearing cries from people including lawyers seeking help. The top court said it cannot review its order of April 30 and the Centre will have to inch towards the supply of 700 MT of oxygen daily for Delhi and asked the Union government to place before it a plan by Thursday morning as to how it will revamp the supply to 700MT. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO It suggested that a committee of experts and doctors including those from the private sector may be constituted to ascertain the situation in Delhi and take into account the COVID-19 situation which had been prevailing in Mumbai. The top court, in a nearly two-hour hearing, said that putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to Delhi and questioned the Centre about the supply it has made to the national capital since May 3. The bench said, "Let us ensure lives are saved" and by enhancing supply of around 150MT per day the quantity will come up to 700MT and number of lives will be saved. Also read | 11 patients die at government hospital in Chennai, probe ordered It was hearing the Centre's appeal against Delhi High Court's Tuesday order of issuing contempt notice and seeking personal appearance of its officials for non-compliance with the directions on supply of oxygen to treat COVID-19 patients. The bench aid that it had ordered supply of 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from May 3 as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage". "Putting officers in jail is not going to bring oxygen to the city, let us ensure lives are saved," said the bench which also comprised justice MR Shah. "This is not adversarial litigation. Centre, Delhi governments are elected and doing their best to serve COVID-19 patients," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said. "Tell us how much oxygen you have allocated to Delhi in the last three days," the bench said.

SC stays Delhi HC order on contempt proceedings against Centre's officials over oxygen supply

India&nbsp;has given emergency use authorization for a&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;antibody-drug&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;developed by&nbsp;Roche&nbsp;and&nbsp;Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections.

The decision was taken based on data filed with the US&nbsp;regulators and the scientific opinion of a European regulatory panel, Roche's India distribution partner for the drug, Cipla, said on Wednesday.

The therapy is a&nbsp;cocktail&nbsp;of two antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab, which are synthetically manufactured copies of antibodies that the body produces after an infection.

It has been shown to reduce hospitalizations in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>&nbsp;patients who are at a high risk of developing severe illness.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-accounts-for-46-per-cent-of-worlds-new-covid-19-cases-quarter-of-deaths-who-382992">India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO</a>

The drug already has similar authorization in the United States and is used in Europe non-hospitalised patients. Former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump had taken the drug when he contracted the disease.

Cipla said the drug is meant for people with mild-to-moderate infection who are at high risk of developing severe disease. The company did not provide a price or a launch date.

In the last 10 days, more than 33,000&nbsp;Indians have died of&nbsp;COVID-19, with the country facing a severe shortage of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;medicine including Gilead's remdesivir and&nbsp;Roche's tocilizumab.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regeneron-to-seek-us-approval-for-covid-19-cocktail-to-be-used-for-prevention-377212">Regeneron to seek US approval for COVID-19 cocktail to be used for prevention</a>

Both government and local manufacturers have said they are working to ramp up production. Smaller&nbsp;Indian drugmaker Natco Pharma said on Monday it received emergency use authorization for baricitinib, originally developed by Eli Lilly, to be used with remdesivir to&nbsp;treat&nbsp;COVID-19.

India's official tally of coronavirus infections has crossed 20 million and is second only to the United States. Deaths have reached 226,188, but experts say the real tally could be several times higher.

India has given emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail developed by Roche and Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections.

India has given emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 antibody-drug cocktail developed by Roche and Regeneron, expanding its arsenal of drugs to battle a massive second wave of infections. The decision was taken based on data filed with the US regulators and the scientific opinion of a European regulatory panel, Roche's India distribution partner for the drug, Cipla, said on Wednesday. The therapy is a cocktail of two antibodies Casirivimab and Imdevimab, which are synthetically manufactured copies of antibodies that the body produces after an infection. It has been shown to reduce hospitalizations in COVID-19 patients who are at a high risk of developing severe illness. Also read | India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO The drug already has similar authorization in the United States and is used in Europe non-hospitalised patients. Former US President Donald Trump had taken the drug when he contracted the disease. Cipla said the drug is meant for people with mild-to-moderate infection who are at high risk of developing severe disease. The company did not provide a price or a launch date. In the last 10 days, more than 33,000 Indians have died of COVID-19, with the country facing a severe shortage of COVID-19 medicine including Gilead's remdesivir and Roche's tocilizumab. Also read | Regeneron to seek US approval for COVID-19 cocktail to be used for prevention Both government and local manufacturers have said they are working to ramp up production. Smaller Indian drugmaker Natco Pharma said on Monday it received emergency use authorization for baricitinib, originally developed by Eli Lilly, to be used with remdesivir to treat COVID-19. India's official tally of coronavirus infections has crossed 20 million and is second only to the United States. Deaths have reached 226,188, but experts say the real tally could be several times higher.

India approves Roche/Regeneron antibody cocktail to treat COVID-19

With less than three months before the Tokyo Olympics are set to begin on July 23, Japan is now facing immense pressure to control the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Japan may extend Covid-19 state of emergency beyond May 11

As social media in India turned into a Covid helpline amid a massive new wave of the pandemic, most celebrities continue to remain silent. This was in contrast to the first wave, when at least some of them endorsed public service messages on preventive measures.&nbsp;

Ordinary people with negligible follower counts have been retweeting SOS calls for urgent supplies including vital medical oxygen, in the hopes that those in need will get help, and in several cases they did.&nbsp;

Many citizens have taken personal initiatives to aid patients and their families.&nbsp;But our stars, who have millions of supporters and could have made a difference, seem to be disinterested in amplifying distress messages.&nbsp;

&nbsp;This does not mean that they have taken a sabbatical from social media. They are pretty much active and keep us updated with their daily lives: Instagramming photos and posting about their Maldives vacations, upcoming movies, and exercise routines.&nbsp;

Brand endorsements continued as before. While people have been forced to shed hefty amounts for Covid treatment, some cricketers and actors promote luxury products. And there are health supplements too. Because what is a better time to promote a healthy lifestyle than a pandemic?&nbsp;

Some stars started sharing helpline numbers only after receiving a backlash.

But overall, the detachment of Indian celebrities from the unfolding national tragedy seems like they are living in an alternate reality.&nbsp;

It’s not just about reach and influence, but also the money they make. They can donate, share verified leads. Their teams can help them with the process. But none of it happened, in most cases.&nbsp;

The enormity of their silence is amplified by the fact that the stars themselves have not remained untouched by the crisis. The Indian Premier League has been suspended after several players tested positive. Several Bollywood stars tested positive, and the release of their movies has been either postponed or moved to OTT platforms.&nbsp;

There could have been a unified effort from the film, TV and sporting fraternities, using the power of their organisations and deep pockets, to address the crisis. Not a single attempt worth mentioning has been made in that direction.&nbsp;

Will they break their silence now?&nbsp;

Let us look at the explanations for not helping, by those defending celebrities.&nbsp;

They say that it’s not the job of the stars to help people navigate through this crisis. By the same logic, it is also not the job of common people to do so either.&nbsp;

&nbsp;Another defence is that celebs want to stay away from anything political.&nbsp;But in the past, our stars did voice concerns for several causes, be it political or personal, though political ones are admittedly rare.&nbsp;

Then there's the counter that they alone should decide how to spend their hard-earned money.&nbsp;A celebrity’s value is measured by the number of people who admire him or her. The movies, brand deals they get depend on their fan following.&nbsp;

&nbsp;While most remain unempathetic, some have come forward to provide assistance. Actors like Bhumi Pednekar and Sonam Kapoor have been sharing requests for oxygen, medicines on their social media handles and Priyanka Chopra Jonas has been raising funds for India, Sachin Tendulkar has made donations, to name just a few.&nbsp;

Australian cricketer Pat Cummins contributed to India's fight against covid even before some of our celebs came forward.

One can’t forget the contribution of actor Sonu Sood who continues to be a good samaritan. That Sood could send migrants home at the height of the lockdown showed us what a person with resources and influence can do.&nbsp;

But the crux here is choice. Sood chose to help, many are yet to do that.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

As social media in India turned into a Covid helpline amid a massive new wave of the pandemic, most celebrities continue to remain silent. This was in contrast to the first wave, when at least some of them endorsed public service messages on preventive measures.

As social media in India turned into a Covid helpline amid a massive new wave of the pandemic, most celebrities continue to remain silent. This was in contrast to the first wave, when at least some of them endorsed public service messages on preventive measures. Ordinary people with negligible follower counts have been retweeting SOS calls for urgent supplies including vital medical oxygen, in the hopes that those in need will get help, and in several cases they did. Many citizens have taken personal initiatives to aid patients and their families. But our stars, who have millions of supporters and could have made a difference, seem to be disinterested in amplifying distress messages. This does not mean that they have taken a sabbatical from social media. They are pretty much active and keep us updated with their daily lives: Instagramming photos and posting about their Maldives vacations, upcoming movies, and exercise routines. Brand endorsements continued as before. While people have been forced to shed hefty amounts for Covid treatment, some cricketers and actors promote luxury products. And there are health supplements too. Because what is a better time to promote a healthy lifestyle than a pandemic? Some stars started sharing helpline numbers only after receiving a backlash. But overall, the detachment of Indian celebrities from the unfolding national tragedy seems like they are living in an alternate reality. It’s not just about reach and influence, but also the money they make. They can donate, share verified leads. Their teams can help them with the process. But none of it happened, in most cases. The enormity of their silence is amplified by the fact that the stars themselves have not remained untouched by the crisis. The Indian Premier League has been suspended after several players tested positive. Several Bollywood stars tested positive, and the release of their movies has been either postponed or moved to OTT platforms. There could have been a unified effort from the film, TV and sporting fraternities, using the power of their organisations and deep pockets, to address the crisis. Not a single attempt worth mentioning has been made in that direction. Will they break their silence now? Let us look at the explanations for not helping, by those defending celebrities. They say that it’s not the job of the stars to help people navigate through this crisis. By the same logic, it is also not the job of common people to do so either. Another defence is that celebs want to stay away from anything political. But in the past, our stars did voice concerns for several causes, be it political or personal, though political ones are admittedly rare. Then there's the counter that they alone should decide how to spend their hard-earned money. A celebrity’s value is measured by the number of people who admire him or her. The movies, brand deals they get depend on their fan following. While most remain unempathetic, some have come forward to provide assistance. Actors like Bhumi Pednekar and Sonam Kapoor have been sharing requests for oxygen, medicines on their social media handles and Priyanka Chopra Jonas has been raising funds for India, Sachin Tendulkar has made donations, to name just a few. Australian cricketer Pat Cummins contributed to India's fight against covid even before some of our celebs came forward. One can’t forget the contribution of actor Sonu Sood who continues to be a good samaritan. That Sood could send migrants home at the height of the lockdown showed us what a person with resources and influence can do. But the crux here is choice. Sood chose to help, many are yet to do that. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Are Indian celebrities tone-deaf to its massive COVID-19 crisis? 

Thailand’s travel agencies are selling coronavirus vaccine tour packages to people growing impatient of delayed vaccinations in the country.&nbsp; The “vaccine tours” offer trips to countries like the United States and Britain, where a large part of their population has been vaccinated.

Vaccination drives in Thailand are still a month away and the wealthier population continues to grow impatient. A tour operator from Bangkok, Unithai Trip told Reuters that they have priced the vaccine tour packages between $2,400 to $6,400 (75,000 baht to 200,000 baht). These packages offer people a chance to get vaccinated in foreign countries and include trips to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York.

The price varies from the duration of the doses of vaccines. In the US, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson &amp; Johnson have received approval for use. While J&amp;J requires only a single dose, the other two need two doses 20 days apart.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/pfizer-raises-2021-sales-forecast-for-covid-vaccines-to-26-billion-382891" hreflang="en">Pfizer raises 2021 sales forecast for Covid vaccines to $26 billion</a>

Rachphol Yamsaeng, the owner of Unithai Trip told Reuters that 90 per cent of the enquiries they receive want the Pfizer vaccine and that a group of travellers was set to leave for the US next week.

Another travel company, My Journey Travel offers a 10-day trip to San Francisco for a jab of Johnson &amp; Johnson. So far, they have hundreds of calls in just three days. Thailand’s tourism sector has been badly hit due to the pandemic, and these vaccine tours could bring much needed relief to many.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/vaccine-profits-why-big-pharma-is-defending-patents-amid-pandemic-382817" hreflang="en">Vaccine profits: Why big pharma is defending patents amid pandemic</a>

According to the US State Department, medical tourism remains a valid reason for people to visit the country.

Some companies are also offering trips to Russia to get the Sputnik V jab. In June, Thailand will begin its vaccination drive with locally-produced shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thailand’s travel agencies are selling coronavirus vaccine tour packages to people growing impatient of delayed vaccinations in the country. The “vaccine tours” offer trips to countries like the United States and Britain, where a large part of their population has been vaccinated.

Thailand’s travel agencies are selling coronavirus vaccine tour packages to people growing impatient of delayed vaccinations in the country. The “vaccine tours” offer trips to countries like the United States and Britain, where a large part of their population has been vaccinated. Vaccination drives in Thailand are still a month away and the wealthier population continues to grow impatient. A tour operator from Bangkok, Unithai Trip told Reuters that they have priced the vaccine tour packages between $2,400 to $6,400 (75,000 baht to 200,000 baht). These packages offer people a chance to get vaccinated in foreign countries and include trips to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York. The price varies from the duration of the doses of vaccines. In the US, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson have received approval for use. While J&J requires only a single dose, the other two need two doses 20 days apart. Also read: Pfizer raises 2021 sales forecast for Covid vaccines to $26 billion Rachphol Yamsaeng, the owner of Unithai Trip told Reuters that 90 per cent of the enquiries they receive want the Pfizer vaccine and that a group of travellers was set to leave for the US next week. Another travel company, My Journey Travel offers a 10-day trip to San Francisco for a jab of Johnson & Johnson. So far, they have hundreds of calls in just three days. Thailand’s tourism sector has been badly hit due to the pandemic, and these vaccine tours could bring much needed relief to many. Also read: Vaccine profits: Why big pharma is defending patents amid pandemic According to the US State Department, medical tourism remains a valid reason for people to visit the country. Some companies are also offering trips to Russia to get the Sputnik V jab. In June, Thailand will begin its vaccination drive with locally-produced shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine. (With inputs from agencies)

Why Thai travel agencies are offering Covid 'vaccine tours' to countries like US

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism.&nbsp;

Located in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, Noto spent ¥25m (£164,000) on the 13-metre-long marine creature, according to the Chunichi Shimbun.&nbsp;

The flying squid was part of a tourism drive to help the area’s virus-hit economy, the newspaper quoted officials as saying.&nbsp;

The pink-and-white creature has flared tentacles. It also has an opening below its beak where people can pose for photographs.&nbsp;

Japan had earlier declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other regions, just three months before the country is supposed to host the Olympics.&nbsp;

"Today we decided to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced, citing the rise of infections involving new virus variants. &nbsp;

The country's minister for virus response, Yasutoshi Nishimura, earlier warned of a "strong sense of crisis," saying, current restrictions were not sufficient.&nbsp;

The measure will run from April 25 to May 11, coinciding with the annual Golden Week holiday, Japan's busiest travel period.&nbsp;

Authorities wanted bars and restaurants to stop selling alcohol or close, and to shutter major commercial facilities like malls.&nbsp;

Spectators were also barred from sports events, which can continue behind closed doors, and remote working was encouraged.&nbsp;

Covid surges are placing a major strain on healthcare systems across the world, with no end in sight to a pandemic that has killed more than three million people. &nbsp;

(With input from agencies) &nbsp;

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism.

After spending emergency funds intended for coronavirus measures on a giant statue of a squid to promote the local tourism industry, a coastal town in Japan is facing harsh criticism. Located in Ishikawa prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, Noto spent ¥25m (£164,000) on the 13-metre-long marine creature, according to the Chunichi Shimbun. The flying squid was part of a tourism drive to help the area’s virus-hit economy, the newspaper quoted officials as saying. The pink-and-white creature has flared tentacles. It also has an opening below its beak where people can pose for photographs. Japan had earlier declared a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other regions, just three months before the country is supposed to host the Olympics. "Today we decided to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga announced, citing the rise of infections involving new virus variants. The country's minister for virus response, Yasutoshi Nishimura, earlier warned of a "strong sense of crisis," saying, current restrictions were not sufficient. The measure will run from April 25 to May 11, coinciding with the annual Golden Week holiday, Japan's busiest travel period. Authorities wanted bars and restaurants to stop selling alcohol or close, and to shutter major commercial facilities like malls. Spectators were also barred from sports events, which can continue behind closed doors, and remote working was encouraged. Covid surges are placing a major strain on healthcare systems across the world, with no end in sight to a pandemic that has killed more than three million people. (With input from agencies)

Japanese town faces flak for spending Covid funds on huge squid statue 

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14.&nbsp;

"Since we are living in an interconnected and interlinked world, a pandemic like this spares no one and no one is safe. I would like to request our neighbours, friendly countries and international organisations to help us with vaccines, diagnostic equipment and kits, oxygen therapy, critical care medicines and critical care furniture to support our ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic," the prime minister said in English at the end of the speech.&nbsp;

Nepali authorities have been struggling to contain the rapid rise of virus cases.

"We are of the view that vaccines and critical care medicines are global goods and everyone should have access to it,” he added.&nbsp;

The prime minister also urged the people to extend support in the government’s effort in following the prohibitory orders to contain the spread of the deadly virus.&nbsp;

He also requested people to be cautious as the daily coronavirus is rising in the country.&nbsp;

As of Monday, as many as 41 districts out of the total 77 have been placed under prohibitory orders.

Oli's address to the nation came amid a political crisis. He had decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives next week on May 10, as he is facing a crisis inside his party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist.&nbsp;

Nepal Monday reported 7,448 new coronavirus cases with 37 fatalities in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 3,43,418.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday addressed the nation and appealed to the international community to help Nepal in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. During the address, he also announced the temporary suspension of domestic and international flights until May 14. "Since we are living in an interconnected and interlinked world, a pandemic like this spares no one and no one is safe. I would like to request our neighbours, friendly countries and international organisations to help us with vaccines, diagnostic equipment and kits, oxygen therapy, critical care medicines and critical care furniture to support our ongoing efforts to combat the pandemic," the prime minister said in English at the end of the speech. Nepali authorities have been struggling to contain the rapid rise of virus cases. "We are of the view that vaccines and critical care medicines are global goods and everyone should have access to it,” he added. The prime minister also urged the people to extend support in the government’s effort in following the prohibitory orders to contain the spread of the deadly virus. He also requested people to be cautious as the daily coronavirus is rising in the country. As of Monday, as many as 41 districts out of the total 77 have been placed under prohibitory orders. Oli's address to the nation came amid a political crisis. He had decided to seek a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives next week on May 10, as he is facing a crisis inside his party, Nepal Communist Party-Unified Marxist-Leninist. Nepal Monday reported 7,448 new coronavirus cases with 37 fatalities in the last 24 hours. The total tally of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 3,43,418.

Nepal seeks international help to fight COVID-19 pandemic

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.&nbsp;

The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth&nbsp;₹144 crore.

“Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth&nbsp;$8,000 Canadian dollars each.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/covid-aid-to-india-oxygen-production-plant-20-ventilators-arrive-from-italy-382569" hreflang="en">Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy</a>

The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area.

Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/one-of-most-important-partners-uk-envoy-alex-ellis-says-on-covid-aid-to-india-382390" hreflang="en">'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India</a>

The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators.

The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages.

India is currently witnessing its worst surge in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and countries have stepped up efforts to assist India to deal with shortages. The Canadian government is currently identifying equipment which may be sent to India to help with the crisis. The Canadian province of Ontario is sending a consignment of ventilators worth ₹144 crore. “Ontario will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our friends,” the premier of Ontario Doug Ford said in a tweet. Doug mentioned that Ontario will send 3,000 medical ventilators made in the province worth $8,000 Canadian dollars each. Also read: Covid aid to India: Oxygen production plant, 20 ventilators arrive from Italy The ventilators being dispatched are manufactured by the company called O-Two Medical Technologies Inc which is headquartered in Brampton in the Greater Toronto Area. Earlier, India had sent 500,000 AstraZeneca vaccines to Ontario in March when the province was witnessing a supply crunch. Also read: 'One of most important partners', UK envoy Alex Ellis says on Covid aid to India The Canadian federal government is also sending equipment, including the donation of 10 million Canadian dollars to the Canadian Red Cross to India. Currently, the country identifying the material which may be sent from its emergency stockpile. These include ventilators, oxygen concentrators and generators. The Canadian Red Cross has launched its India Covid Response and is currently coordinating with the Indian Red Cross Society.

Canada's Ontario province to send 3,000 ventilators to India amid Covid crisis

For over a week now, the COVID-19 pandemic’s curve has touched a new global high, with the global average hovering above 800,000 each day. India is mostly driving the surge but the entire developing world is struggling. Brazil has become another hotspot where 400,000 people have died.

Out of these, 100,000 died in just 37 days during March-April. Last week, Turkey entered its first nationwide lockdown and currently has the highest infection rate in Europe.

Iran is now reporting its highest-ever numbers. In the last seven days, over 20,000 new cases have been reported everyday on average. The average death rate in the country is over 400.

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&nbsp;

But the biggest victims of this pandemic are children even though kids aren’t the most susceptible category. They usually experience mild infections and the death rate in this age group remains low. But this pandemic is putting them at risk of deadly, but preventable diseases.

According to a recent assessment from the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 immunisation campaigns have been postponed in 50 countries. Out of these, 20 are African countries. People are missing out on important vaccinations for diseases like measles, yellow fever and polio, putting 228 million people at risk. Most of these are children who require vaccines.

Kids may not be at risk of a severe infections but that doesn't mean they can't catch the infection. Moreover, infected children can become carriers of disease and infect their families and friends. That's why the world needs a universal vaccination programme for children in this pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids are on their way. Makers have been filing for approvals around the world. They are not making different vaccines but trials are underway to understand if existing vaccinations can work. In late March, Pfizer began a trial to test its vaccines on kids between the ages of six months to 11 years.

Pfizer has already&nbsp;filed a request with the European drug regulator for older children and wants the existing permissions to be extended to include 12 to 15 year olds. A similar request has been filed before the American regulator as well. Israel is closely watching this assessment as it plans to open its vaccinations to adolescents.

Moderna is conducting two trials in the United States and Canada. The first one is on 3,000 children aged between 12 to 17. The second trial began recently where children under 12 and babies as young as six months will be given a shot, same as adults.The kids in these trials will be given two doses but those below 12 years will be given reduced quantities of the vaccine.

Johnson &amp; Johnson has started similar trials for kids aged 12-17 and participants are being enrolled in Spain and United Kingdom. The vaccine maker plans to extend this trial to the US, the Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.

AstraZeneca started its own trial in the United Kingdom earlier this year. But last month the trial was halted after cases of rare blood clots emerged.

India doesn't figure in any of these lists because the developed world gets the first mover advantage. But India recently eased the rules to approve vaccines. New Delhi will green-light a shot if it’s approved by regulators in USA, Europe, Britain, Japan or the WHO. Currently, India's vaccination campaign is struggling.

All adults can now take the shots but even before&nbsp;the drive began, 20 states declared&nbsp;they do not have enough doses for everyone. The inoculation for all adults began on Saturday but only 86,000 aged between 18-44 got a shot.

At this rate, the kids may have to wait several months to get a shot. The current surge has sparked fears of a third wave. The health minister of Maharashtra is anticipating one in July or August. Maharashtra is India's biggest hotspot and is one of the worst affected states. Whenever cases have spiked in Maharashtra, the virus has managed to make its way to other states.

The first wave hit the most vulnerable, the second wave is impacting the youth. The virus has left no section of the Indian population untouched. Now, India must protect its children from the virus.

For over a week now, the COVID-19 pandemic’s curve has touched a new global high, with the global average hovering above 800,000 each day. India is mostly driving the surge but the entire developing world is struggling.

For over a week now, the COVID-19 pandemic’s curve has touched a new global high, with the global average hovering above 800,000 each day. India is mostly driving the surge but the entire developing world is struggling. Brazil has become another hotspot where 400,000 people have died. Out of these, 100,000 died in just 37 days during March-April. Last week, Turkey entered its first nationwide lockdown and currently has the highest infection rate in Europe. Iran is now reporting its highest-ever numbers. In the last seven days, over 20,000 new cases have been reported everyday on average. The average death rate in the country is over 400. × But the biggest victims of this pandemic are children even though kids aren’t the most susceptible category. They usually experience mild infections and the death rate in this age group remains low. But this pandemic is putting them at risk of deadly, but preventable diseases. According to a recent assessment from the World Health Organization (WHO), 60 immunisation campaigns have been postponed in 50 countries. Out of these, 20 are African countries. People are missing out on important vaccinations for diseases like measles, yellow fever and polio, putting 228 million people at risk. Most of these are children who require vaccines. Kids may not be at risk of a severe infections but that doesn't mean they can't catch the infection. Moreover, infected children can become carriers of disease and infect their families and friends. That's why the world needs a universal vaccination programme for children in this pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines for kids are on their way. Makers have been filing for approvals around the world. They are not making different vaccines but trials are underway to understand if existing vaccinations can work. In late March, Pfizer began a trial to test its vaccines on kids between the ages of six months to 11 years. Pfizer has already filed a request with the European drug regulator for older children and wants the existing permissions to be extended to include 12 to 15 year olds. A similar request has been filed before the American regulator as well. Israel is closely watching this assessment as it plans to open its vaccinations to adolescents. Moderna is conducting two trials in the United States and Canada. The first one is on 3,000 children aged between 12 to 17. The second trial began recently where children under 12 and babies as young as six months will be given a shot, same as adults.The kids in these trials will be given two doses but those below 12 years will be given reduced quantities of the vaccine. Johnson & Johnson has started similar trials for kids aged 12-17 and participants are being enrolled in Spain and United Kingdom. The vaccine maker plans to extend this trial to the US, the Netherlands, Canada, Brazil and Argentina. AstraZeneca started its own trial in the United Kingdom earlier this year. But last month the trial was halted after cases of rare blood clots emerged. India doesn't figure in any of these lists because the developed world gets the first mover advantage. But India recently eased the rules to approve vaccines. New Delhi will green-light a shot if it’s approved by regulators in USA, Europe, Britain, Japan or the WHO. Currently, India's vaccination campaign is struggling. All adults can now take the shots but even before the drive began, 20 states declared they do not have enough doses for everyone. The inoculation for all adults began on Saturday but only 86,000 aged between 18-44 got a shot. At this rate, the kids may have to wait several months to get a shot. The current surge has sparked fears of a third wave. The health minister of Maharashtra is anticipating one in July or August. Maharashtra is India's biggest hotspot and is one of the worst affected states. Whenever cases have spiked in Maharashtra, the virus has managed to make its way to other states. The first wave hit the most vulnerable, the second wave is impacting the youth. The virus has left no section of the Indian population untouched. Now, India must protect its children from the virus.

Why kids are the biggest victims of Covid pandemic

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter.

The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party.

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&nbsp;

The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping?

Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping?

The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival?

The reply came right from the top.

India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy.

Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission.

They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders.

The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen.

Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route.

New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter.

But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter.

And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight.

"The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen."

Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable.

We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that.

But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media.

Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have.

But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping.&nbsp;

We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past.

Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off.

This isn't the first time politics has let down India.

And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures.

So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that.

Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution.

They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies.&nbsp;

We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now.

So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions.

Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen.

As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs.

But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared.

Whether it's politics or sports, the show always goes on. We saw one play out over the weekend. Thankfully it was on social media. So the ordinary citizens were spared. At the centre of it were a couple of embassies in New Delhi. The row started with a video on Twitter. The video showed oxygen cylinders being delivered to the Philippine embassy. The men delivering the cylinders belong to the Youth Congress. For those unfamiliar, they are the youth wing of Congress, India's principal opposition party. × The matter should have ended there. But what's philanthropy without social media posts? And what's politics without a bit of chest-thumping? Opposition leaders soon started sharing this video. Former union minister Jairam Ramesh went one step ahead. He asked whether India's foreign ministry was sleeping? The matter could have ended there as well. But what's politics without one-upping your rival? The reply came right from the top. India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar was the one who responded. He said there were no Wuhan virus cases at the Philippine embassy. Jaishankar called this an unsolicited supply. Then the story shifted to the New Zealand High Commission. They posted a tweet which was later deleted. It was an appeal for oxygen cylinders. The Youth Congress jumped in again. And another video followed. This time they were at the Kiwi mission delivering Oxygen. Now it's highly unusual for a diplomatic mission to reach out to the opposition. Especially in the middle of a crisis. It sends a wrong message politically. New Zealand was quick to recognise this. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admitted that her diplomats chose the wrong route. New Zealand should have been more mindful of the protocols. It was some employee's moment of desperation on Twitter. But there is no denying that our leaders should have been more mature. Jairam Ramesh continued with his jibes on Twitter. And this time the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson set the record straight. "The chief of protocol and heads of divisions are in continuous touch with all high commissions and embassies and MEA is responding to their medical demands, especially those related to Covid. This includes facilitating their hospital treatment. Given the pandemic situation, all are urged not to hoard essential supplies, including oxygen." Couple of things to note here. Most importantly, this entire controversy was needless and avoidable. We don't know the exact situation at the New Zealand High Commission. So we won't speculate on that. But the fact is, such back and forth helps no one. This is not the time for sabre-rattling on social media. Could the Youth Congress not have coordinated this with the MEA? Yes they could have. Could seasoned politicians not have dragged this row on Twitter? Of course they could have. But in politics it's all about playing to the gallery. It's not about helping but being seen helping. We have seen leaders flag off relief trucks in the past. Imagine that, people are eagerly waiting for aid. But the trucks are held off so that the leader can flag them off. This isn't the first time politics has let down India. And it won't be the last time. But unprecedented crises call for unprecedented measures. So maybe our leaders can hold off on playing politics. Because once the dust settles, there will be plenty of time for that. Circling back to the embassies, why are they appealing for oxygen? The foreign minister says the Philippine embassy has zero cases. So the cylinders were a precaution. They weren't actively looking for them. But considering how pressed we are for oxygen, precaution is in effect hoarding. This applies for all embassies. We realise how vulnerable the diplomats feel. They are thousands of miles away in a foreign land. That too in the middle of a deadly pandemic. But there are patients who need oxygen right now. So hoarding is simply not acceptable. And this was the MEA's message to embassies and high commissions. Do not hoard essentials, including oxygen. As for the politicians. These diplomats are our guests. Helping them is our collective responsibility. India has offered vaccines to all foreign diplomats. A few of them have already gotten the jabs. But the season of politics is perennial. Crisis or not they continue to squabble.

Amid India's Covid crisis, season of politics remains perennial

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse.

Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable?

The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April.

That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died.

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&nbsp;

And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever.

For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000&nbsp; cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases.

More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent.

But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours.

Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be.

New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind.

When will this surge end?

They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May.&nbsp;

On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate.

What is that?

It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent.

Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip.

The difference is barely 0.06&nbsp;per cent.

Does it even dent the surge?

Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives.

India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy.

Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up.

These are basically raw materials used to make medicines.

The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent.

What explains this? Two things.

One, the rising demand has led to hoarding.

And two, supply disruptions from China.

Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China.

Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India.

But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage.

What about vaccines?

They're still locked up in patents.

Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it.

It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver.

"We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA.

While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection.

Is another lockdown the only option?

India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today.

"The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said

Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions.

But there's no word on a national lockdown.

It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight?

India's pandemic nightmare refuses to end. Deadly shortages continue. Hoarding and black marketing of essential supplies are making matters worse. Is a peak in sight? What do the numbers say? Is a national lockdown inevitable? The numbers are not getting any better. The deadly second wave gripped the country in April. That's last month. In one month, nearly seven million people were infected. More than 48,000 have died. × And the virus is still spreading. In the last 24 hours, India has again reported more than 300,000 new cases. On Saturday, over 400,000 people had tested positive. That's the highest ever. For 12 straight days now, India has been adding more than 300,000 cases everyday. This takes india's total caseload close to 20 million now. India now has more than 3.4 million active cases. They now represent over 17 per cent of the caseload. 10 states and union territories account for more than 73 per cent of the new cases. More than 16 million people have recovered. Over 300,000 people tested negative in the last 24 hours. The recovery rate remains steady at over 80 percent. But the number of causalities is alarmingly high. More than 3,400 people died in the last 24 hours. Is this the worst case scenario? Scientists say it could be. New infections could peak this week. A team of scientists that is advising the government has come up with a mathematical model to make predictions. They're trying to answer the question that is on everyone's mind. When will this surge end? They believe the curve will touch its peak this week, between the third and the fifth of May. On what basis do they say this? The fall in positivity rate. What is that? It's basically the percentage of all Wuhan virus tests that came back positive. So if 100 people test and 30 of them are positive, then the positivity rate is 30 per cent. Right now, India's positivity rate is 21.19 per cent. On Sunday, it was 21.25 per cent. So there's a very very slight dip. The difference is barely 0.06 per cent. Does it even dent the surge? Last year, the WHO had recommended that positivity levels must remain at five per cent or less for at least 14 days for governments to unlock and for people to resume their lives. India's positivity rate is well over 20 per cent. So we have a long way to go before we can say that the pandemic is under control. In fact, the road ahead doesn't look easy. Pharma companies say there will be a drug shortage. That's because the cases have exploded, and the supply is limited. At least two reports say that the prices of active pharmaceutical ingredients or API have shot up. These are basically raw materials used to make medicines. The price of these raw materials have gone up by 30 to 200 per cent. What explains this? Two things. One, the rising demand has led to hoarding. And two, supply disruptions from China. Remember, India still imports 70 per cent of its pharmaceutical raw materials from China. Last week, China's state-run Sichuan Airlines suspended 11 cargo flights to India. Their cargo included raw materials for pharma companies. China insists there's no disruption in exports to India. But this airline is yet to announce a schedule for its India flights. And that means India is staring at a drug shortage. What about vaccines? They're still locked up in patents. Last week, we told you how countries like the US and the UK were blocking India's bid to get patent waivers. Today, we can tell you they still haven't changed their minds. The United States remains non-committal on a waiver. Today, the govt was asked about it. It said America is still discussing all options with its partners. There was no mention of the waiver. "We are working with our global partners to explore pragmatic and effective steps to surge production and equitable distribution of vaccines," a United States Trade Representative official told VOA. While this battle continues, India's immediate concern is to control the caseload and break the chain of infection. Is another lockdown the only option? India's leading industry body, Confederation of Indian Industry's (CII) president Uday Kotak endorsed another lockdown today. "The CII calls for maximal measures at the national level including curtailing economic activity to reduce suffering," he said Already at least 11 states and union territories have imposed some form of restrictions. But there's no word on a national lockdown. It's a tough decision to make aftet all. Lives and livelihoods, both must be protected.

India's immediate concern is to break the chain of Covid infection

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19. &nbsp;

Ahead of the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' summit that begins on Tuesday, they also held discussions over issues concerning the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, UN Security Council and Myanmar, according to a tweet by Jaishankar.&nbsp;

The focus of his discussions with Blinken was the American support during India's Covid challenge, especially the supply of oxygen and the drug, Remdesivir.&nbsp;

"Good to meet in person my old friend Secretary Blinken. Detailed discussion on the global Covid challenge, focusing on expanded vaccine production capacity and reliable supply chains," Jaishankar said in the Twitter statement.&nbsp;

"Expressed appreciation for the strong US support to India at this difficult time, especially oxygen and Remdesivir," the minister said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement issued in Washington that the two leaders reviewed recent efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including US assistance to India, and expressed appreciation for each country's support throughout the pandemic. &nbsp;

Jaishankar and Blinken discussed "addressing the COVID-19 challenge and deepening the US-India comprehensive global strategic partnership,” Price said. During the meeting, Blinken reaffirmed India's important role when it comes to the climate crisis and as a leading partner in the Indo-Pacific, he said. &nbsp;

"They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council and as a G7 guest country," Price said, adding that the two leaders looked forward to continue the US-India cooperation on the full range of bilateral and global issues. &nbsp;

Earlier, Jaishankar described it as a very good meeting.&nbsp;

"Among the many subjects we discussed was first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the COVID situation. We are very, very appreciative of that," he told reporters in a joint appearance with Blinken in London. &nbsp;

"We also discussed how our collaboration could help globally in expanding vaccination capabilities," he said after their bilateral meeting. &nbsp;

In his brief remarks, Blinken recognised the contribution of India when the United States was facing the COVID-19 crisis. &nbsp;

"We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way," Blinken said. &nbsp;

"We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help," he added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar began his four-day UK visit with a one-on-one meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, thanking him for support in the fight against COVID-19. Ahead of the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers' summit that begins on Tuesday, they also held discussions over issues concerning the Indo-Pacific region, climate change, UN Security Council and Myanmar, according to a tweet by Jaishankar. The focus of his discussions with Blinken was the American support during India's Covid challenge, especially the supply of oxygen and the drug, Remdesivir. "Good to meet in person my old friend Secretary Blinken. Detailed discussion on the global Covid challenge, focusing on expanded vaccine production capacity and reliable supply chains," Jaishankar said in the Twitter statement. "Expressed appreciation for the strong US support to India at this difficult time, especially oxygen and Remdesivir," the minister said. Meanwhile, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement issued in Washington that the two leaders reviewed recent efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including US assistance to India, and expressed appreciation for each country's support throughout the pandemic. Jaishankar and Blinken discussed "addressing the COVID-19 challenge and deepening the US-India comprehensive global strategic partnership,” Price said. During the meeting, Blinken reaffirmed India's important role when it comes to the climate crisis and as a leading partner in the Indo-Pacific, he said. "They also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the UN Security Council and as a G7 guest country," Price said, adding that the two leaders looked forward to continue the US-India cooperation on the full range of bilateral and global issues. Earlier, Jaishankar described it as a very good meeting. "Among the many subjects we discussed was first and foremost the strong support we are getting from the United States on dealing with the COVID situation. We are very, very appreciative of that," he told reporters in a joint appearance with Blinken in London. "We also discussed how our collaboration could help globally in expanding vaccination capabilities," he said after their bilateral meeting. In his brief remarks, Blinken recognised the contribution of India when the United States was facing the COVID-19 crisis. "We remember so well when India came to our assistance in the early days of Covid in a very important and powerful way," Blinken said. "We are joined in this fight together and determined to do everything we can to help," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar meets Blinken, thanks him for support in fight against Covid  

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips.

"For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius),"

Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19.

"I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes.

In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March.

Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions.

France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions.

France has accelerated its vaccination campaign.

The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots.

(With inputs from agencies)

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes.

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips. "For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius)," Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19. "I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes. In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March. Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions. France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions. France has accelerated its vaccination campaign. The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots. (With inputs from agencies)

France eases regional travel restrictions

The government has already suspended long-haul public transport to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

Nepal to suspend international and domestic flights to contain spread of coronavirus

Farhan Akhtar-starrer 'Toofaan' has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 significant surge in the country.&nbsp; 
 
Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial was supposed to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 21.

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Keeping the current crisis in mind, the makers released the statement and wrote,&nbsp;''The situation in India is truly heart-breaking, and we at Excel Entertainment and ROMP Pictures send out thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the pandemic. In light of the severity of the situation, our focus is completely on the pandemic and on supporting our employees, their families and in helping with the wider community. Therefore, we have taken the decision to postpone the release of our film ‘Toofaan’ until the situation improves. We will issue an update regarding the new release date in due course of time. Please continue to observe Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Also, please register and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. On behalf of the entire team of Toofaan, we urge you to Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay United. Jai Hind.'' 
 
The film has been produced by Ritesh Sidhwani along with Mehra and Farhan.&nbsp;A new release date is awaited. 
 
The movie follows a journey of a man, from a goon in Dongri to a national level boxer. Besides Farhan, the movie also stars Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pathak Kapur and Hussain Dalal.&nbsp; 
 
'Toofaan'&nbsp;was earlier set to hit the big screen in October 2020 but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, due to the pandemic, the makers have opted for the OTT route.&nbsp;

Farhan Akhtar-starrer 'Toofaan' has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 significant surge in the country. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial was supposed to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 21.

Farhan Akhtar-starrer 'Toofaan' has been postponed owing to the COVID-19 significant surge in the country. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial was supposed to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on May 21. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar) × Keeping the current crisis in mind, the makers released the statement and wrote, ''The situation in India is truly heart-breaking, and we at Excel Entertainment and ROMP Pictures send out thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the pandemic. In light of the severity of the situation, our focus is completely on the pandemic and on supporting our employees, their families and in helping with the wider community. Therefore, we have taken the decision to postpone the release of our film ‘Toofaan’ until the situation improves. We will issue an update regarding the new release date in due course of time. Please continue to observe Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Also, please register and get vaccinated when it’s your turn. On behalf of the entire team of Toofaan, we urge you to Stay Home, Stay Safe and Stay United. Jai Hind.'' The film has been produced by Ritesh Sidhwani along with Mehra and Farhan. A new release date is awaited. The movie follows a journey of a man, from a goon in Dongri to a national level boxer. Besides Farhan, the movie also stars Mrunal Thakur, Paresh Rawal, Supriya Pathak Kapur and Hussain Dalal. 'Toofaan' was earlier set to hit the big screen in October 2020 but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, due to the pandemic, the makers have opted for the OTT route.

Farhan Akhtar’s 'Toofaan' postponed due to spike in COVID 19

A team of Israeli researchers have identified a link between coronavirus and stroke victims, especially in healthy young people, media reports said. 
 
The global study led by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem involved at least 136 medical centres in 32 countries, i24news.tv reported. 
 
Of the 380 patients who suffered stroke while suffering from Covid-19, nearly 38 per cent were asymptomatic to the coronavirus, and had no recognisable symptoms from the virus such as cough or fever. The diagnosis came only after they were admitted to the hospital for stroke. 
 
The study, published in the journal `Stroke`, led researchers to fear that the virus may increase the risk of stroke, even in people without chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. 
 
Of the 432 patients, 323 had acute ischemic stroke, 91 had intracranial hemorrhage, and 18 had cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis. 
 
The younger patients with ischemic strokes had no known existence of the types of aclassical` risk factors that contribute to the onset of stroke such as vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, the report said. 
 
"This study further strengthened our understanding of the link between coronavirus and stroke in young patients," said Ronen Leker, a professor from the varsity. 
 
"In the future, we recommend performing PCR tests routinely on all young stroke patients, especially those who have had a stroke, especially in those with no known pathologies," Leker added.

A team of Israeli researchers have identified a link between coronavirus and stroke victims, especially in healthy young people, media reports said. The global study led by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem involved at least 136 medical centres in 32 countries, i24news.

A team of Israeli researchers have identified a link between coronavirus and stroke victims, especially in healthy young people, media reports said. The global study led by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem involved at least 136 medical centres in 32 countries, i24news.tv reported. Of the 380 patients who suffered stroke while suffering from Covid-19, nearly 38 per cent were asymptomatic to the coronavirus, and had no recognisable symptoms from the virus such as cough or fever. The diagnosis came only after they were admitted to the hospital for stroke. The study, published in the journal `Stroke`, led researchers to fear that the virus may increase the risk of stroke, even in people without chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Of the 432 patients, 323 had acute ischemic stroke, 91 had intracranial hemorrhage, and 18 had cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis. The younger patients with ischemic strokes had no known existence of the types of aclassical` risk factors that contribute to the onset of stroke such as vascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, the report said. "This study further strengthened our understanding of the link between coronavirus and stroke in young patients," said Ronen Leker, a professor from the varsity. "In the future, we recommend performing PCR tests routinely on all young stroke patients, especially those who have had a stroke, especially in those with no known pathologies," Leker added.

Strokes in young adults linked to COVID-19: Study

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point".

However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out."

A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected.

This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23.

The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors.

(With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said.

New Zealand's quarantine-free travel arrangement with Western Australia faces disruption for the second time in eight days following fresh Covid cases in Perth. A worker at a managed isolation facility in the city and two people he shares accommodation with have tested positive, authorities said. Mark McGowan, Premier of Western Australia said the state won't go into lockdown "at this point". However, New Zealand health ministry officials said they had conducted "rapid" assessment and had "determined scheduled direct flights from Western Australia to New Zealand should be immediately paused while a further assessment is carried out." A flight scheduled to arrive in Auckland from Perth at 5:50am Sunday (1750 GMT Saturday) has been cancelled, but travel to other Australian states and territories is not affected. This is a second disruption since Australia and New Zealand opened their quarantine-free travel bubble on April 18. This step came 400 days after both had closed their international borders due to the pandemic. Flights between New Zealand and Western Australia were suspended less than a week later, when the Perth and Peel regions were sent into a three-day lockdown after recording a case of community transmission on April 23. The bubble, which followed months of negotiations between the largely coronavirus-free neighbours, was hailed as a major milestone in restarting a global travel industry that has been crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic. New Zealand's tourism industry was its biggest export industry before Covid-19, with Australians accounting for about 40 percent of the international visitors. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand-Australia travel bubble faces disruption due to fresh Covid cases

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily. On Sunday, 3689 deaths were reported. This is the highest single-day rise yet in the pandemic. The overall death toll has gone above 215,000.

The latest figures came as medical equipment -- including oxygen-generation plants -- was flown into the capital New Delhi from France and Germany as part of a huge international effort.

"We are here because we are bringing help that... will save lives," Germany's ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, said as 120 ventilators arrived late Saturday.

"Out there the hospitals are full. People are sometimes dying in front of the hospitals. They have no more oxygen. Sometimes (they are dying) in their cars."

French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said his country wanted to show solidarity with India.

"The world won't be safe until we are all safe. So it's a matter of urgency," he said early Sunday following the delivery of eight oxygen-generation plants and dozens of ventilators from France.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/domestic-travel-curbs-can-lead-to-more-covid-19-cases-study-382216">Domestic travel curbs can lead to more COVID-19 cases: Study</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said late Sunday his government was investigating whether nitrogen plants could be used to produce oxygen instead.&nbsp;

More lockdowns

India's eastern state of Odisha on Sunday became the latest region to order a lockdown to slow the spread of the pathogen.

Capital New Delhi, the worst-hit city in the country extended its lockdown by another week.

Hospitals in the capital continued to issue SOS calls for oxygen on social media, with the latest appeal posted by a children's hospital on Twitter on Sunday.

The plea came a day after up to a dozen patients died at a Delhi hospital amid an oxygen shortage, local media reported.

There are growing fears about the pandemic ravaging smaller towns and rural regions where health infrastructure is already patchy and limited.

India on Saturday opened up its inoculation drive to all adults, but supplies are running low and only online enrolments are allowed for the under-45s.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-pm-modi-reviews-oxygen-and-medicine-availability-382200">COVID-19: PM Modi reviews oxygen and medicine availability</a>

"It is a necessity now. We are seeing so many people testing positive," data scientist Megha Srivastava, 35, told AFP outside a Delhi vaccination centre.

The head of the world's largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla, told The Times newspaper on Saturday during a business trip to Britain that he was being hounded by political and business leaders for more supplies.

"'Threats' is an understatement," he told the paper. "The level of expectation and aggression is really unprecedented. It's overwhelming. Everyone feels they should get the vaccine."

Experts have called on the government to allow more flexibility in India's vaccine rollout, particularly in poorer rural areas where there is lower internet penetration.

"We should procure sufficient vaccines, then plan bottom-up through... the primary health centre level," Bangalore-based public health expert Hemant Shewade told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily.

More emergency aid including medical Oxygen arrived in India on Sunday. The daily Covid death toll Covid attained a new high. India is setting new highs almost daily. On Sunday, 3689 deaths were reported. This is the highest single-day rise yet in the pandemic. The overall death toll has gone above 215,000. The latest figures came as medical equipment -- including oxygen-generation plants -- was flown into the capital New Delhi from France and Germany as part of a huge international effort. "We are here because we are bringing help that... will save lives," Germany's ambassador to India, Walter J. Lindner, said as 120 ventilators arrived late Saturday. "Out there the hospitals are full. People are sometimes dying in front of the hospitals. They have no more oxygen. Sometimes (they are dying) in their cars." French ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said his country wanted to show solidarity with India. "The world won't be safe until we are all safe. So it's a matter of urgency," he said early Sunday following the delivery of eight oxygen-generation plants and dozens of ventilators from France. Also Read | Domestic travel curbs can lead to more COVID-19 cases: Study Prime Minister Narendra Modi said late Sunday his government was investigating whether nitrogen plants could be used to produce oxygen instead. More lockdowns India's eastern state of Odisha on Sunday became the latest region to order a lockdown to slow the spread of the pathogen. Capital New Delhi, the worst-hit city in the country extended its lockdown by another week. Hospitals in the capital continued to issue SOS calls for oxygen on social media, with the latest appeal posted by a children's hospital on Twitter on Sunday. The plea came a day after up to a dozen patients died at a Delhi hospital amid an oxygen shortage, local media reported. There are growing fears about the pandemic ravaging smaller towns and rural regions where health infrastructure is already patchy and limited. India on Saturday opened up its inoculation drive to all adults, but supplies are running low and only online enrolments are allowed for the under-45s. Also Read | COVID-19: PM Modi reviews oxygen and medicine availability "It is a necessity now. We are seeing so many people testing positive," data scientist Megha Srivastava, 35, told AFP outside a Delhi vaccination centre. The head of the world's largest vaccine maker, Serum Institute chief Adar Poonawalla, told The Times newspaper on Saturday during a business trip to Britain that he was being hounded by political and business leaders for more supplies. "'Threats' is an understatement," he told the paper. "The level of expectation and aggression is really unprecedented. It's overwhelming. Everyone feels they should get the vaccine." Experts have called on the government to allow more flexibility in India's vaccine rollout, particularly in poorer rural areas where there is lower internet penetration. "We should procure sufficient vaccines, then plan bottom-up through... the primary health centre level," Bangalore-based public health expert Hemant Shewade told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Oxygen aid arrives in India amid record-break Covid numbers

To break the chain of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday.

State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet.

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Earlier, the government had ordered weekend lockdown in nine districts,&nbsp;Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, that would end at 5 am on Monday. 
 
Haryana had reported 13,588 new Covid cases and 125 fatalities on Saturday.

To break the chain of coronavirus transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday. State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet.

To break the chain of coronavirus transmission in the state, the Haryana government on Sunday announced a weeklong lockdown starting Monday. State Home and Health Minister Anil Vij announced the decision to impose "complete lockdown" in a tweet. 3 मई दिन सोमवार से 7 दिन के लिए सारे हरियाणा में पूर्ण लॉक डाउन घोषित । — ANIL VIJ MINISTER HARYANA (@anilvijminister) May 2, 2021 × Earlier, the government had ordered weekend lockdown in nine districts, Panchkula, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonepat, Rohtak, Karnal, Hisar, Sirsa and Fatehabad, that would end at 5 am on Monday. Haryana had reported 13,588 new Covid cases and 125 fatalities on Saturday.

Seven-day lockdown in Haryana from Monday

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country.

"A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday. The last record of highest coronavirus cases in a day was reported on October 21 last year, when the Nepali government reported 5,743 cases.

Nepal, which had reported cases as low as 47 on March 6, had started to see a rise in the cases in late March. But the cases have been surging rapidly in the last two weeks. In the last week, the number of cases more than doubled from 2,619 on April 24 to over 5,700 on Saturday.

Along with rising cases, hospitals are running out of beds which prompted the health ministry to issue a stern warning on Friday that the cases were rising at the scale that the health system was not able to cope with."Such a situation has arisen now that the patients cannot be provided care at the hospitals as they are running out of beds," the ministry said in a press statement on Friday.

This is obviously true in the case of Kathmandu-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital where patients exceeding the number of hospital beds have been admitted. "We have a total of 60 beds in our hospital but we are providing treatment to 78 patients at the moment," Sagar Kumar Rajbhandari, director of the hospital, told Xinhua on Saturday.

"We have five beds in the emergency ward but there are 18 patients there including in the adjoining corridor waiting for the occupied beds to become vacant."

In order to control the surging cases, the Nepali government has enforced a lockdown in the Kathmandu valley starting from April 29 for two weeks while similar measures are being adopted in many other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre headed by Nepal`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishawar Pokharel on Friday recommended to the cabinet to suspend international flights amid the coronavirus crisis, according to Nepali media reports.

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country. "A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday.

The Nepali government on Saturday reported a record spike in COVID-19 cases with the second wave of coronavirus hitting the Himalayan country. "A total of 5,763 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours," Nepal`s Ministry of Health and Population said on Saturday. The last record of highest coronavirus cases in a day was reported on October 21 last year, when the Nepali government reported 5,743 cases. Nepal, which had reported cases as low as 47 on March 6, had started to see a rise in the cases in late March. But the cases have been surging rapidly in the last two weeks. In the last week, the number of cases more than doubled from 2,619 on April 24 to over 5,700 on Saturday. Along with rising cases, hospitals are running out of beds which prompted the health ministry to issue a stern warning on Friday that the cases were rising at the scale that the health system was not able to cope with."Such a situation has arisen now that the patients cannot be provided care at the hospitals as they are running out of beds," the ministry said in a press statement on Friday. This is obviously true in the case of Kathmandu-based Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital where patients exceeding the number of hospital beds have been admitted. "We have a total of 60 beds in our hospital but we are providing treatment to 78 patients at the moment," Sagar Kumar Rajbhandari, director of the hospital, told Xinhua on Saturday. "We have five beds in the emergency ward but there are 18 patients there including in the adjoining corridor waiting for the occupied beds to become vacant." In order to control the surging cases, the Nepali government has enforced a lockdown in the Kathmandu valley starting from April 29 for two weeks while similar measures are being adopted in many other parts of the country. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Centre headed by Nepal`s Deputy Prime Minister Ishawar Pokharel on Friday recommended to the cabinet to suspend international flights amid the coronavirus crisis, according to Nepali media reports.

Nepal reports record high COVID-19 cases; Govt warns about hospital beds shortage

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities.

Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo.

He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases.

The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines.

The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces.

The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths.

"The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib.

Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year.

Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations.

Vaccine rollout began in the rebel-held part of northern Syria and residents received Covid vaccines on Saturday, said AFP. Authorities in Idlib and northern Aleppo received an initial batch of 53,800 AstraZeneca Covid-19 jabs on April 21, under the Covax programme for poorer nations. In Idlib, a doctor was the first to receive the vaccine at Ibn Sina children's hospital, one of the city's biggest medical facilities. Yasser Najib, the head of a committee running the vaccine drive, said the first doses would go to medical staff at Ibn Sina and the national hospital in Azaz, in northern Aleppo. He said that by Monday the campaign would reach "all medical facilities, including those in the camps" on the border with Turkey, which shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Humanitarian workers are also among the first to be inoculated. This will be followed by the elderly and people with chronic diseases. The committee said it had set up more than 90 mobile teams to administer the vaccines. The campaign covers both areas of northwestern Syria controlled by former Al-Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and border regions of northern Aleppo province held by Turkish and pro-Turkish forces. The area, which hosts some four million people, has recorded over 21,000 cases of Covid-19 including 641 deaths. "The aim... is to vaccinate 20 percent of the population of northwestern Syria, so around 855,000 people," said Najib. Last month, Damascus received an initial batch of 203,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses, out of 912,000 it is set to receive for distribution in government and Kurdish-dominated parts of Syria. The World Health Organization is hoping a fifth of Syria's population will be vaccinated by the end of the year. Syria's civil war has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced millions at home and abroad since starting in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government protests. (With inputs from agencies)

Residents in rebel-held northern Syria receive Covid vaccine

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated.

Only those aged 42 and above were eligible for vaccination before this.

Earlier this week, Britain announced that it had ordered 60 million more doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The vaccines have been ordered for a booster programme to be carried out in coming months.

"We have been working on a programme of booster shots... for over a year now, and we've backed some of the only clinical trials in the world looking specifically at booster shots," UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week.

Britain has been the European country worst-hit by the virus, recording more than 127,000 deaths, although it rolled out a successful mass-vaccination campaign in early December, using AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.&nbsp;

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated.

National Health Service (NHS) England has included those aged 40 above in the demographic eligible to receive coronavirus vaccine. Text messages will soon be sent to people in this age group to allow them to make arrangements to get themselves vaccinated. Only those aged 42 and above were eligible for vaccination before this. Earlier this week, Britain announced that it had ordered 60 million more doses of Pfizer coronavirus vaccine. The vaccines have been ordered for a booster programme to be carried out in coming months. "We have been working on a programme of booster shots... for over a year now, and we've backed some of the only clinical trials in the world looking specifically at booster shots," UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier this week. Britain has been the European country worst-hit by the virus, recording more than 127,000 deaths, although it rolled out a successful mass-vaccination campaign in early December, using AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

England expands vaccination drive to include ages 40 and above

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

India has added about 7.7 million cases to its total caseload since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-crisis-like-in-india-could-happen-anywhere-warns-who-381419">Also read | Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO</a> 
 
The current rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has put immense pressure on the Indian health systems, already overburdened since the start of the pandemic.

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India reports 3,86,452 new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases, 3498 deaths and 2,97,540 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry 
 
Total cases: 1,87,62,976 
Total recoveries: 1,53,84,418 
Death toll: 2,08,330 
Active cases: 31,70,228 
 
Total vaccination: 15,22,45,179 <a href="https://t.co/mRsifO2IMP">pic.twitter.com/mRsifO2IMP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1387979313551527939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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To make available additional hospital beds and critical equipment for India, WHO is procuring mobile field hospitals with a capacity of 20-30 beds, which could be set up in the most affected areas.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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The bed capacity at these field hospitals can be increased to a maximum of 50, if needed, without impacting infection prevention and control protocols, and water and sanitation, the WHO release had added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data.

India posted a record daily rise in coronavirus cases of 386,452 on Friday, while deaths from COVID-19 jumped by 3,498 over the last 24 hours, according to health ministry data. India has added about 7.7 million cases to its total caseload since the end of February, when its second wave picked up steam, according to a Reuters tally. In contrast, it took India nearly six months to add the previous 7.7 million cases. Also read | Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO The current rapid surge of COVID-19 cases has put immense pressure on the Indian health systems, already overburdened since the start of the pandemic. India reports 3,86,452 new #COVID19 cases, 3498 deaths and 2,97,540 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry Total cases: 1,87,62,976 Total recoveries: 1,53,84,418 Death toll: 2,08,330 Active cases: 31,70,228 Total vaccination: 15,22,45,179 pic.twitter.com/mRsifO2IMP — ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2021 × To make available additional hospital beds and critical equipment for India, WHO is procuring mobile field hospitals with a capacity of 20-30 beds, which could be set up in the most affected areas. The bed capacity at these field hospitals can be increased to a maximum of 50, if needed, without impacting infection prevention and control protocols, and water and sanitation, the WHO release had added. (With inputs from agencies)

India records biggest-ever surge of 386,452 COVID-19 cases, 3498 deaths in a day

COVID-19 patients who are overweight or obese with a higher BMI are at greater risk for severe infection they require more oxygen and invasive mechanical ventilation.

Obese people more at risk for severe COVID-19

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared.

It's also true that mass religious and political events could have been called off. A blame game in the middle of a crisis may not help. But that doesn't mean we don't hold governments to account.

Indian courts have now stepped in. They're making sure that those leading us do not become complacent. At least 11 high courts have pulled up various state governments and the Centre.

The Supreme Court of India has made it absolutely clear that the judiciary won't be a silent spectator in the current crisis.

Indian courts are making sure that the political class is held to account.

The high courts in Delhi, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are hearing petitions about the covid-19 situation in the respective states.

Their interventions and criticism of the govts responsible is both sharp and reassuring.

On April 27th, the Delhi High Court pulled up the Aam Aadmi Party government. saying its confidence was shaken over the handling of the crisis in the national capital.

"Set your house in order. Enough is enough. If you cannot manage it, tell us, then we will ask the central government to send their officers in and do it. We will ask them to take over. We cannot let people die like this,' said the court.

The high court has directed the Delhi government to address the alleged mismanagement in the distribution of medical Oxygen and ensure oxygen supply 'by all means necessary'

On April 19, The Allahabad High Court pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for its approach in dealing with the rising cases.

"Those in power must shun the attitude of my way or no way. They should welcome suggestions from all quarters. We would be laughed at that we have enough money to spend on elections and very little to spend on public health,' the court said.

The court also ordered a lockdown in five major cities in the state but the order was stayed by a Supreme Court directive after the UP govt protested.

In West Bengal, which held a month-long election in the middle of the second wave, and will count votes on may 2nd, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court has pulled up the Election Commission.

"The ECI is empowered to act, but what is it doing? Just passing circulars and leaving it to the people? Issuance of circulars and holding of meetings by themselves do not discharge the onerous responsibility of the ECI," said the court.

On April 16, the Gujarat High Court also took the state government for downplaying the severity of the crisis.

"Hiding the real picture, suppressing accurate data would generate more serious problems including fear, loss of trust and panic among the public,' said the court.

The court has directed the state govt to ensure its affidavits reflect the ground realities.

In Maharashtra, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has pulled up both the state and the centre for failing to comply with its order to supply 10,000 units of Remdesivir in the Vidarbha region.

"If you don't feel ashamed of yourself, we are feeling ashamed of being part of such a nasty society. You are neglecting and ignoring patients. We give you a solution, you do not follow it. You do not give us a solution. What absolute nonsense is going on here,' the court said.

'Absolute nonsense', were the exact words of Justices SB Shukre and SM Modak.

High courts in other states have also been unsparing in their remarks. High courts in Patna, Karnataka, Telangana and Chennai have all pulled up respective governments for their handling of the current crisis.

As for the Supreme Court of India, it first directed the Centre to submit a national Covid plan. Now it has pulled up the govt over disparity in vaccine prices, demanding that the rationale behind different prices for Centre &amp; states be explained. The apex court has also said it won't stop high courts from hearing petitions in their respective states adding that the judiciary wants to play a complementary role. And it can't be a silent spectator to what it called a 'national calamity'.

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared.

Coronavirus crisis in India calls for introspection. There have been lapses And failures. Though it's true that nobody could have predicted such a big surge, India could have been better prepared. It's also true that mass religious and political events could have been called off. A blame game in the middle of a crisis may not help. But that doesn't mean we don't hold governments to account. Indian courts have now stepped in. They're making sure that those leading us do not become complacent. At least 11 high courts have pulled up various state governments and the Centre. The Supreme Court of India has made it absolutely clear that the judiciary won't be a silent spectator in the current crisis. Indian courts are making sure that the political class is held to account. The high courts in Delhi, Allahabad, Patna, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai are hearing petitions about the covid-19 situation in the respective states. Their interventions and criticism of the govts responsible is both sharp and reassuring. On April 27th, the Delhi High Court pulled up the Aam Aadmi Party government. saying its confidence was shaken over the handling of the crisis in the national capital. "Set your house in order. Enough is enough. If you cannot manage it, tell us, then we will ask the central government to send their officers in and do it. We will ask them to take over. We cannot let people die like this,' said the court. The high court has directed the Delhi government to address the alleged mismanagement in the distribution of medical Oxygen and ensure oxygen supply 'by all means necessary' On April 19, The Allahabad High Court pulled up the Uttar Pradesh government for its approach in dealing with the rising cases. "Those in power must shun the attitude of my way or no way. They should welcome suggestions from all quarters. We would be laughed at that we have enough money to spend on elections and very little to spend on public health,' the court said. The court also ordered a lockdown in five major cities in the state but the order was stayed by a Supreme Court directive after the UP govt protested. In West Bengal, which held a month-long election in the middle of the second wave, and will count votes on may 2nd, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court has pulled up the Election Commission. "The ECI is empowered to act, but what is it doing? Just passing circulars and leaving it to the people? Issuance of circulars and holding of meetings by themselves do not discharge the onerous responsibility of the ECI," said the court. On April 16, the Gujarat High Court also took the state government for downplaying the severity of the crisis. "Hiding the real picture, suppressing accurate data would generate more serious problems including fear, loss of trust and panic among the public,' said the court. The court has directed the state govt to ensure its affidavits reflect the ground realities. In Maharashtra, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has pulled up both the state and the centre for failing to comply with its order to supply 10,000 units of Remdesivir in the Vidarbha region. "If you don't feel ashamed of yourself, we are feeling ashamed of being part of such a nasty society. You are neglecting and ignoring patients. We give you a solution, you do not follow it. You do not give us a solution. What absolute nonsense is going on here,' the court said. 'Absolute nonsense', were the exact words of Justices SB Shukre and SM Modak. High courts in other states have also been unsparing in their remarks. High courts in Patna, Karnataka, Telangana and Chennai have all pulled up respective governments for their handling of the current crisis. As for the Supreme Court of India, it first directed the Centre to submit a national Covid plan. Now it has pulled up the govt over disparity in vaccine prices, demanding that the rationale behind different prices for Centre & states be explained. The apex court has also said it won't stop high courts from hearing petitions in their respective states adding that the judiciary wants to play a complementary role. And it can't be a silent spectator to what it called a 'national calamity'.

Indian courts pull up governments over Covid crisis

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings.

Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon.

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&nbsp;

"When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday.

"It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere."

The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains.

Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/medical-oxygen-why-it-is-lacking-and-how-it-is-made-381323">Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made</a>

He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high".

He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated.&nbsp;

The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India.

In a stark warning to European nations, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday that relaxing Covid measures can create a "perfect storm" similar to the pandemic situation in India. New infections and deaths are soaring in India. Experts have indicated that the massive wave can in part be blamed on mass gatherings. Head of WHO Europe said countries should not make the mistake of relaxing restrictions too soon. × "When personal protective measures are being relaxed, when there are mass gatherings, when there are more contagious variants and the vaccination coverage is still low this can create a perfect storm in any country," Hans Kluge, head of WHO Europe told reporters Thursday. "It is very important to realise that the situation in India can happen anywhere." The coronavirus variant first detected in India is sweeping the country. There hasn't been any confirmation from the WHO whether the variant is more transmissible or more deadly than other coronavirus strains. Kluge asked European nations to keep in mind that "individual and collective public health and social measures remain dominant factors in shaping the pandemic's course". Also Read | Medical oxygen: Why it is lacking and how it is made He further said that though number of new cases in the region fell "significantly" last week for the first time in two months, "infection rates across the region remain extremely high". He said vaccines were on the rise in the European region, with seven percent of the population now fully inoculated. The WHO said this means that more people in Europe have now received the vaccine than the number of people who have been infected with the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO

Ajay Devgn has joined hands with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide emergency medical facilities for Covid patients in Mumbai.

The Bollywood actor has contributed to set up emergency medical unit at Mumbai's Shivaji Park. The marriage halls at Shivaji Park have been converted into a Covid facility with 20-beds, ventilators, oxygen support and para-monitors.

Joining him in the cause are others like filmmakers Anand Pandit, Boney Kapoor, Luv Ranjan, Rajneesh Khanuja, Leena Yadav, Ashim Bajaj, Sameer Nair, Deepak Dhar, Rishi Negi, entrepreneur Tarun Rathi and action-director RP Yadav who have made a contribution of over Rs 1 crore to the Smiley Account, the business development cell of the BMC.

Last year, Ajay had donated ventilators to Dharavi, which was severely affected by the novel coronavirus.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Ajay Devgn has joined hands with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide emergency medical facilities for Covid patients in Mumbai. The Bollywood actor has contributed to set up emergency medical unit at Mumbai's Shivaji Park.

Ajay Devgn has joined hands with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to provide emergency medical facilities for Covid patients in Mumbai. The Bollywood actor has contributed to set up emergency medical unit at Mumbai's Shivaji Park. The marriage halls at Shivaji Park have been converted into a Covid facility with 20-beds, ventilators, oxygen support and para-monitors. Joining him in the cause are others like filmmakers Anand Pandit, Boney Kapoor, Luv Ranjan, Rajneesh Khanuja, Leena Yadav, Ashim Bajaj, Sameer Nair, Deepak Dhar, Rishi Negi, entrepreneur Tarun Rathi and action-director RP Yadav who have made a contribution of over Rs 1 crore to the Smiley Account, the business development cell of the BMC. Last year, Ajay had donated ventilators to Dharavi, which was severely affected by the novel coronavirus.

Ajay Devgn helps BMC convert marriage halls into Covid facility in Mumbai

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

All Indian adults eligible can register on the government's Co-WIN portal, cowin.gov.in, or the Aarogya Setu app to get their coronavirus vaccine. 
 
Ministry of Health tweeted that the vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18 and 45 years from 1st of May, 2021.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite2FightCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite2FightCorona</a> 
 
Here’s a step-by-step process on how to register yourself on CoWIN portal for getting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVIDVaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVIDVaccination</a> appointments. Vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18-45 years from 1st of May, 2021. <a href="https://t.co/e4NXL1ajCw">pic.twitter.com/e4NXL1ajCw</a>
— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA/status/1386363373734948866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Those aged 45 years and above can still avail of the facility for on-site registration to get vaccinated, officials said.

Amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the government has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1. 
 
"Registration for 18 plus to begin on http://cowin.gov.in, Aarogya Setu App &amp; UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centres &amp; Private centres depending on how many vaccination centres are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus," Aarogya Setu informed in a tweet.

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Registration for 18 plus to begin on <a href="https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX">https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX</a>, Aarogya Setu App &amp; UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centers &amp; Private centers depending on how many vaccination centers are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LargestVaccineDrive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LargestVaccineDrive</a>
— Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) <a href="https://twitter.com/SetuAarogya/status/1387230084700925955?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab will remain the same.

"An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said.

From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers.

According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free at government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 45 years of age.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine.

The government of India has announced a ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of Covid-19 Vaccination from May 1,’ which makes anyone above 18 years eligible for taking the Covid-19 vaccine. All Indian adults eligible can register on the government's Co-WIN portal, cowin.gov.in, or the Aarogya Setu app to get their coronavirus vaccine. Ministry of Health tweeted that the vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18 and 45 years from 1st of May, 2021. #LargestVaccineDrive #Unite2FightCorona Here’s a step-by-step process on how to register yourself on CoWIN portal for getting #COVIDVaccination appointments. Vaccination drive opens for everyone between 18-45 years from 1st of May, 2021. pic.twitter.com/e4NXL1ajCw — Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) April 25, 2021 × Those aged 45 years and above can still avail of the facility for on-site registration to get vaccinated, officials said. Amid an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases in the country, the government has decided to allow everyone above 18 years of age to get vaccinated from May 1. "Registration for 18 plus to begin on http://cowin.gov.in, Aarogya Setu App & UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centres & Private centres depending on how many vaccination centres are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus," Aarogya Setu informed in a tweet. Registration for 18 plus to begin on https://t.co/S3pUooMbXX, Aarogya Setu App & UMANG App at 4 PM on 28th April. Appointments at State Govt centers & Private centers depending on how many vaccination centers are ready on 1st May for Vaccination of 18 plus. #LargestVaccineDrive — Aarogya Setu (@SetuAarogya) April 28, 2021 × The inoculation process and documents to be provided to get the jab will remain the same. "An increased demand is expected once the vaccination is opened for all. For crowd control, registering on CoWIN portal and making an appointment to get a vaccine will be mandatory for those aged between 18 and 45 years. Walks-in will not be allowed in the beginning so that there is no chaos," an official said. From May 1, the present system of private COVID-19 vaccination centres receiving doses from the government and charging up to Rs 250 per dose from people will cease to exist and private hospitals will procure directly from vaccine manufacturers. According to the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy, COVID-19 vaccination will continue to be free at government vaccination centres that receive doses from the Centre for eligible population groups comprising healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 45 years of age. (With inputs from agencies)

India Covid vaccine for all above 18 years: Registration to open today. Here's how to apply

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage.&nbsp; President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance. This includes oxygen supplies, vaccine materials and medicines. On Monday, an Air India flight picked up oxygen concentrators from New York. &nbsp;

This is a welcome shift. Remember, America was reluctant to help. It changed, after it was slammed the world over. Not only for refusing to help India, but also for hoarding vaccines. &nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-bill-gates-says-no-to-sharing-vaccine-formulas-to-developing-world-380867/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

America wants to send up to 60,000,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to different countries. When will that happen? After American regulators check the safety of the shots. It could take weeks and even months. So, there are no clear timelines. The world is not America's priority. So, why is it sharing vaccines at all? Because it's got too many of them, more than 550,000,000 excess doses.&nbsp;

That's what you call hoarding. Countries like China and India exported more than 40 per cent of their supplies. Even the European Union had shared 42 per cent of its supplies. What about the United States? It exported zero shots. What about the United Kingdom? Again, zero. &nbsp;

Countries like the US and the UK represent the global elite. The rich, who booked millions of doses well in advance. Now, they have extra vaccines, enough to inoculate their population three times and in some cases, five times. But they haven't shared anything with the world and they are making sure this system does not change.&nbsp;

They won't share vaccines, or patents. Life-saving drugs have been locked in patents. &nbsp;

Reports say during the phone call, Prime Minister Modi pressed President Biden about this. India has been pushing for a waiver on vaccine patents at the World Trade Organisation. The US and the UK have aggressively blocked this proposal, backing them are the European Union and Japan.&nbsp;

After the phone call, a senior official of the Biden administration was asked if America will relent. Will the United States back a patent waiver? Team Biden said it has nothing to share on this front.

And it's not just governments&nbsp;who are putting patents over lives. Even individuals, who make up the global elite, are championing the cause of big pharma. The likes of Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist, believes vaccine formulas should not be shared with the developing world. On Sunday, Bill Gates was asked if it would be helpful for intellectual property protections to be lifted. He responded with an emphatic no. &nbsp;

Because he fears that lifting patent rights even temporarily could comprise the safety of vaccines. Gates believes in keeping the circle tight, that ideas like moving production from a Johnson &amp; Johnson factory to a facility in India are novel and they only happen 'because of our grants and expertise'.&nbsp;

“There's only so many vaccine factories in the world and people are very serious about the safety of vaccines. So, moving something that had never been done, moving a vaccine, say, from a (Johnson &amp; Johnson) factory into a factory in India, it's novel, it's only because of our grants and expertise that can happen at all,” said Gates, who was toeing the line of big pharma. &nbsp;

According to a report, every vaccine maker has its own secret recipes and supply chains, and they insist that no other approach is possible. &nbsp;

This is exactly why the world is lagging behind in the global vaccination drive. It's because the supplies have been limited by design. Only a few companies are being allowed to make vaccines right now. More than one billion shots have been administered so far. 87 per cent of these have gone to rich countries. One in four people in wealthy countries have got a jab. What about the poor countries? Just one in 500 have got a shot in these nations. &nbsp;

According to a report, only 0.2 per cent of the doses made so far have been dispensed to low-income countries. This is not just a question of inequity. This strategy will come back to bite the rich, because at this rate, the pandemic will take years to end. And if it doesn't end in the poor countries, it won't end in the rich ones either as this virus mutates and jumps borders. &nbsp;

Around 185,00,000 doses are being administered daily around the world. At this pace, it would take at least 19 more months to inoculate 75 per cent of the world population, which means extending this pandemic for at least two more years. If the world wants to end this pandemic, it must end vaccine patents first.&nbsp;

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage. President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance.

After refusing to sell vaccine raw materials, the US is now trying to undo the damage. President Joe Biden spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night and promised to send emergency assistance. This includes oxygen supplies, vaccine materials and medicines. On Monday, an Air India flight picked up oxygen concentrators from New York. This is a welcome shift. Remember, America was reluctant to help. It changed, after it was slammed the world over. Not only for refusing to help India, but also for hoarding vaccines. America wants to send up to 60,000,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to different countries. When will that happen? After American regulators check the safety of the shots. It could take weeks and even months. So, there are no clear timelines. The world is not America's priority. So, why is it sharing vaccines at all? Because it's got too many of them, more than 550,000,000 excess doses. That's what you call hoarding. Countries like China and India exported more than 40 per cent of their supplies. Even the European Union had shared 42 per cent of its supplies. What about the United States? It exported zero shots. What about the United Kingdom? Again, zero. Countries like the US and the UK represent the global elite. The rich, who booked millions of doses well in advance. Now, they have extra vaccines, enough to inoculate their population three times and in some cases, five times. But they haven't shared anything with the world and they are making sure this system does not change. They won't share vaccines, or patents. Life-saving drugs have been locked in patents. Reports say during the phone call, Prime Minister Modi pressed President Biden about this. India has been pushing for a waiver on vaccine patents at the World Trade Organisation. The US and the UK have aggressively blocked this proposal, backing them are the European Union and Japan. After the phone call, a senior official of the Biden administration was asked if America will relent. Will the United States back a patent waiver? Team Biden said it has nothing to share on this front. And it's not just governments who are putting patents over lives. Even individuals, who make up the global elite, are championing the cause of big pharma. The likes of Bill Gates, the billionaire philanthropist, believes vaccine formulas should not be shared with the developing world. On Sunday, Bill Gates was asked if it would be helpful for intellectual property protections to be lifted. He responded with an emphatic no. Because he fears that lifting patent rights even temporarily could comprise the safety of vaccines. Gates believes in keeping the circle tight, that ideas like moving production from a Johnson & Johnson factory to a facility in India are novel and they only happen 'because of our grants and expertise'. “There's only so many vaccine factories in the world and people are very serious about the safety of vaccines. So, moving something that had never been done, moving a vaccine, say, from a (Johnson & Johnson) factory into a factory in India, it's novel, it's only because of our grants and expertise that can happen at all,” said Gates, who was toeing the line of big pharma. According to a report, every vaccine maker has its own secret recipes and supply chains, and they insist that no other approach is possible. This is exactly why the world is lagging behind in the global vaccination drive. It's because the supplies have been limited by design. Only a few companies are being allowed to make vaccines right now. More than one billion shots have been administered so far. 87 per cent of these have gone to rich countries. One in four people in wealthy countries have got a jab. What about the poor countries? Just one in 500 have got a shot in these nations. According to a report, only 0.2 per cent of the doses made so far have been dispensed to low-income countries. This is not just a question of inequity. This strategy will come back to bite the rich, because at this rate, the pandemic will take years to end. And if it doesn't end in the poor countries, it won't end in the rich ones either as this virus mutates and jumps borders. Around 185,00,000 doses are being administered daily around the world. At this pace, it would take at least 19 more months to inoculate 75 per cent of the world population, which means extending this pandemic for at least two more years. If the world wants to end this pandemic, it must end vaccine patents first.

Will rich countries share vaccines or patents? 

Will Tokyo Olympics get cancelled again? With 87 days left, Japan is witnessing a spike in infections. 4 major prefectures are under emergency, host towns are pulling out, the government seems divided.

Gravitas: Will Tokyo Olympics be cancelled again?

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