World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP.

In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media.

The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!"

The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human.

On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities.

(With AFP inputs)

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year. The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP. In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media. The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets. Also Read | China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!" The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human. On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities. (With AFP inputs)

WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled&nbsp;in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border.

"The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have.

The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-says-uk-coronavirus-variant-to-become-more-dominant-in-us-by-march-360187">Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March</a> 
 
The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines.

Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the&nbsp;European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal".

The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track.

(With AFP inputs)

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move.

The European Union on Friday over threats to restrict vaccine exports to Northern Ireland. This followed after the UK voiced "grave concerns" over the proposed move. The EU had earlier warned that it would invoke Article-16 over its intentions to bar export of Europe-made vaccines to non-EU members. The move was being mulled in order to address the vaccine shortage in the continent. Invoking Article 16 results in overriding part of the Brexit deal that allow free-flow of good across the Irish border. "The Commission will ensure that the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol is unaffected," the EU Commissioner said in a statement late Friday. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier told EU chief Ursula von der Leyen of his "grave concerns about the potential impact" the European bloc's decision might have. The European scheme to monitor and bar exports of vaccines produced in EU plants has also been criticised by the World Health Organization. Also Read | Fauci says UK coronavirus variant to become more dominant in US by March The WHO said the move was part of a "very worrying trend" that could jeopardise the global supply chain for vaccines. Although the EU has rowed back from the Article 16 threat, a Commission statement said if there were vaccines circumventing the European system, "the EU will consider using all the instruments at its disposal". The EU earlier justified the "safeguard measure" as an attempt to keep member states' vaccine rollouts on track. (With AFP inputs)

EU backtracks on restrictions on COVID vaccine export to Northern Ireland

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses&nbsp;

"The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities."

"Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said.

The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world.

The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hungary-becomes-first-country-in-eu-to-approve-chinese-vaccine-sinopharm-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-360101">Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus</a>

WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine.

Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries.

He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over.&nbsp;

"I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said.

The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure."

But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery."

"Is that what we want? It is our choice."

(With AFP inputs)

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past.

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses "The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities." "Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said. The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world. The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021. Also Read | Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine. Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries. He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over. "I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said. The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure." But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery." "Is that what we want? It is our choice." (With AFP inputs)

WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations

The 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said on Wednesday. 
 
Last year`s event was cancelled and replaced by a low-key event in October showcasing short films but without the A-list movie stars, directors and producers. 
 
The festival will take place from July 6-17, the organisers said in a statement, two months later than planned. 
 
Hollywood superstars normally flock to the Mediterranean town`s Croisette&nbsp;promenade for the two-week extravaganza, the world`s biggest cinema showcase and a major market for the industry. 
 
The palm-fringed town has been a subdued version of its normally glamorous self since the coronavirus outbreak. Many of its swankiest hotels are closed, as are its restaurants and bars.&nbsp;

The 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said on Wednesday. Last year`s event was cancelled and replaced by a low-key event in October showcasing short films but without the A-list movie stars, directors and producers.

The 2021 edition of the Cannes Film Festival will be postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic, organisers said on Wednesday. Last year`s event was cancelled and replaced by a low-key event in October showcasing short films but without the A-list movie stars, directors and producers. The festival will take place from July 6-17, the organisers said in a statement, two months later than planned. Hollywood superstars normally flock to the Mediterranean town`s Croisette promenade for the two-week extravaganza, the world`s biggest cinema showcase and a major market for the industry. The palm-fringed town has been a subdued version of its normally glamorous self since the coronavirus outbreak. Many of its swankiest hotels are closed, as are its restaurants and bars.

Cannes Film Festival postponed due to COVID-19

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list.

The study was carried out by Lowy Institute, a think tank in Australia. The page having interactive representation of the study says that the study was carried out "with publicly available and comparable data on the virus have managed the pandemic to date following their hundredth confirmed case of COVID-19"

"Countries have been sorted into broad categories — by regions, political systems, population size, and economic development — to determine whether significant variations exist between different types of states in the handling of the pandemic." says the Lowy Institute website.

The rankings feature 98 countries from all corners of the world.

It's probably not a surprise that New Zealand bagged the top spot. The country was coronavirus-free when the world was in the thick of the pandemic. At a time when hard lockdowns were imposed across the world, New Zealand was able to resume public activities as the pandemic was brought under control. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern was praised for the country's response to the pandemic.

Some countries have made surprise appearance in the top 10. Africa is often seen as the most 'backward' continent. But Rwanda managed to bag the sixth position.

It was not a surprise that the USA received poor marks. The most powerful nation in the world was placed at 94th position among 98 countries in the list. The UK was at 66th position. The first European country to feature on the list is Cyprus at number 5.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-must-be-allowed-to-work-free-from-political-interference-china-on-virus-probe-359878">WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe</a>

Here are the top-10 countries in the list

1. New Zealand

2. Vietnam

3. Taiwan

4. Thailand

5. Cyprus

6. Rwanda

7. Iceland

8. Australia

9. Latvia

10. Sri Lanka

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list.

A study has put New Zealand at the top of the list that arranged countries on the basis of how effective their response to coronavirus was. The top 10 countries have some surprises just as bad position assumed by developed nations in the list. The study was carried out by Lowy Institute, a think tank in Australia. The page having interactive representation of the study says that the study was carried out "with publicly available and comparable data on the virus have managed the pandemic to date following their hundredth confirmed case of COVID-19" "Countries have been sorted into broad categories — by regions, political systems, population size, and economic development — to determine whether significant variations exist between different types of states in the handling of the pandemic." says the Lowy Institute website. The rankings feature 98 countries from all corners of the world. It's probably not a surprise that New Zealand bagged the top spot. The country was coronavirus-free when the world was in the thick of the pandemic. At a time when hard lockdowns were imposed across the world, New Zealand was able to resume public activities as the pandemic was brought under control. New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern was praised for the country's response to the pandemic. Some countries have made surprise appearance in the top 10. Africa is often seen as the most 'backward' continent. But Rwanda managed to bag the sixth position. It was not a surprise that the USA received poor marks. The most powerful nation in the world was placed at 94th position among 98 countries in the list. The UK was at 66th position. The first European country to feature on the list is Cyprus at number 5. Also Read | WHO must be allowed to work free from political interference: China on virus probe Here are the top-10 countries in the list 1. New Zealand 2. Vietnam 3. Taiwan 4. Thailand 5. Cyprus 6. Rwanda 7. Iceland 8. Australia 9. Latvia 10. Sri Lanka

Here are top 10 countries that battled COVID pandemic the best

The Wuhan virus has now infected more than 100 million people worldwide with over 2 million deaths. The arrival of vaccines did give the world some hope but the struggle to contain the spread continues. A number of European countries are now making medical-grade masks mandatory in order to confront new more transmissible variants of the virus.

The French government wants citizens to wear surgical masks. Germany has made surgical or N95 mask mandatory in stores and on public transit. Austria has come up with a similar mandate. The UK has become the first country in Europe to record more than 100 thousand deaths. The UK has the fifth highest toll globally. And despite being one of the first countries to approve a vaccine, the fight against the virus is getting tougher. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now promised to tighten the border restrictions.

"I mourn every death in this pandemic and we share the grief of all those who have been bereaved, Mr Speaker. And let the house be in no doubt that our government take full responsibility for all the actions I have taken, we have taken, during this pandemic to fight this disease," said Johnson in the House of Commons.

In the Netherlands, the lockdown was met with a violent response this week. For three straight nights protesters clashed with riot police personnel in a brazen attempt to defy curfew orders. More than 180 people were arrested across 10 cities. In America President Joe Biden has made a vow to purchase another 200 million doses of the vaccines.

But even with that, President Biden can't promise a swift end to the pandemic in America.

The vaccines ignited hope for a swift end to this pandemic. But the rollout delays have slowed things down. With the most developed regions of the world struggling to keep pace with a mutating virus. It seems like the battle against the pandemic will be a long drawn one.

The Wuhan virus has now infected more than 100 million people worldwide with over 2 million deaths. The arrival of vaccines did give the world some hope but the struggle to contain the spread continues.

The Wuhan virus has now infected more than 100 million people worldwide with over 2 million deaths. The arrival of vaccines did give the world some hope but the struggle to contain the spread continues. A number of European countries are now making medical-grade masks mandatory in order to confront new more transmissible variants of the virus. The French government wants citizens to wear surgical masks. Germany has made surgical or N95 mask mandatory in stores and on public transit. Austria has come up with a similar mandate. The UK has become the first country in Europe to record more than 100 thousand deaths. The UK has the fifth highest toll globally. And despite being one of the first countries to approve a vaccine, the fight against the virus is getting tougher. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now promised to tighten the border restrictions. "I mourn every death in this pandemic and we share the grief of all those who have been bereaved, Mr Speaker. And let the house be in no doubt that our government take full responsibility for all the actions I have taken, we have taken, during this pandemic to fight this disease," said Johnson in the House of Commons. In the Netherlands, the lockdown was met with a violent response this week. For three straight nights protesters clashed with riot police personnel in a brazen attempt to defy curfew orders. More than 180 people were arrested across 10 cities. In America President Joe Biden has made a vow to purchase another 200 million doses of the vaccines. But even with that, President Biden can't promise a swift end to the pandemic in America. The vaccines ignited hope for a swift end to this pandemic. But the rollout delays have slowed things down. With the most developed regions of the world struggling to keep pace with a mutating virus. It seems like the battle against the pandemic will be a long drawn one.

Battle with COVID may be a long one even with vaccines

India will be gifting Sri Lanka 500,000 doses of India made COVID vaccines on Thursday (January 28) on a special Air India plane. It will be the 8th country in the region to get New Delhi's vaccine gift. The gift will ceremonially be handed over by High Commissioner Gopal Baglay at the Bandaranaiake International Airport.

Last week India gifted vaccines to 8 countries-- Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles and Mauritius and sent commercial consignments to 3 countries--Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. &nbsp;A release from the Indian high commission in Colombo said, "The gift from India is keeping in line with India’s continued support to Sri Lanka in fighting the COVID pandemic. "

The vaccine, Oxford-Astrazeneca’s Covishield is manufactured by Serum Institute of India. It was approved for use by govt last week. Interestingly, India's vaccine consignment comes to the country on auspicious Duruthu Poya Day and marks the day when Gautama Buddha first visited Sri Lanka.

Amid the pandemic, India has been supplying medicines to many countries in the region including Sri Lanka. In May 2020, India had sent 12.5 tons of medical supplies to the country to deal with the pandemic. Under mission sagar 1, supplies were sent onboard Indian navy ships to 5 Indian ocean countries including Sri Lanka.

India will be gifting Sri Lanka 500,000 doses of India made COVID vaccines on Thursday (January 28) on a special Air India plane. It will be the 8th country in the region to get New Delhi's vaccine gift.

India will be gifting Sri Lanka 500,000 doses of India made COVID vaccines on Thursday (January 28) on a special Air India plane. It will be the 8th country in the region to get New Delhi's vaccine gift. The gift will ceremonially be handed over by High Commissioner Gopal Baglay at the Bandaranaiake International Airport. Last week India gifted vaccines to 8 countries-- Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Seychelles and Mauritius and sent commercial consignments to 3 countries--Brazil, Morocco and Bangladesh. A release from the Indian high commission in Colombo said, "The gift from India is keeping in line with India’s continued support to Sri Lanka in fighting the COVID pandemic. " The vaccine, Oxford-Astrazeneca’s Covishield is manufactured by Serum Institute of India. It was approved for use by govt last week. Interestingly, India's vaccine consignment comes to the country on auspicious Duruthu Poya Day and marks the day when Gautama Buddha first visited Sri Lanka. Amid the pandemic, India has been supplying medicines to many countries in the region including Sri Lanka. In May 2020, India had sent 12.5 tons of medical supplies to the country to deal with the pandemic. Under mission sagar 1, supplies were sent onboard Indian navy ships to 5 Indian ocean countries including Sri Lanka.

India to gift Sri Lanka 500,000 doses of COVID vaccine on Thursday

It may take four to five years for the COVID-19 pandemic to end and the world to look to a post-Covid normal, a senior Singaporean minister has warned.

Speaking at the Singapore Perspectives 2021 conference hosted by Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on Monday, Singapore's Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, said there are still many uncertainties to contend with in the next few years, while sharing his hopes about how the future can be "reset" once the pandemic is over, the Channel News Asia reported.

"At some point of time the pandemic will pass, but it may take four to five years before we finally see the end of the pandemic and the start of a post-Covid normal. What will this new post-Covid world look like? No one can tell," Mr Wong said.

He said there was still a great uncertainty about how the coronavirus will shape society in the coming years.

He said adhering to safe management measures like mask-wearing and avoiding crowds will continue for this year and "maybe a good part of next year".

"Beyond that, the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations will progressively restart global travel, but getting the world vaccinated won't be quick or easy," he said during the conference.

The Government has planned for everyone in Singapore to be vaccinated by the third quarter of this year, but Mr Wong conceded that there could still be "bumps along the way".

He noted that the current vaccines may not be so effective against new mutant strains of the virus, and will have to be modified to counter them.

"In the positive scenario, this means the vaccine becomes a bit like an annual flu jab ... or perhaps we develop a vaccine that works for all strains. But in the worst case, we end up always a step behind an evolving virus, and you will not be able to catch up in time," he said.

"So there are still tremendous uncertainties ahead of us. And the bottom line is that we live in a shared world and no one is safe until everyone is safe," the report quoted the minister as saying.

Looking ahead to the post-pandemic future, Mr Wong said the current crisis can set the stage for a "software update" or a "reboot" of Singapore after the damage inflicted by the virus.

"We must reset our social compact to emerge as a fairer and more equal society. The pandemic may be indiscriminate about who it infects but its impact is anything but equal. It has, in fact, widened the gulf between the haves and the have-nots," he said.

Mr Wong said that Singapore started to prioritise reducing inequality a decade ago, and that last year, many emergency measures were introduced to help lower-income groups.

But this year, the temporary measures will have to "taper down" as the economy improves.

However, the minister foresees that Singaporeans will need more assurance and support in a more uncertain and volatile world.

"The impact of the pandemic has created an added impetus to strengthen our social support system. There will be a permanent shift towards further strengthening of our social safety nets in Singapore to protect the disadvantaged and vulnerable," he said, adding that it will have to be done in a "sustainable manner over the long term".

It may take four to five years for the COVID-19 pandemic to end and the world to look to a post-Covid normal, a senior Singaporean minister has warned. Speaking at the Singapore Perspectives 2021 conference hosted by Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on Monday, Singapore's Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, said there are still many uncertainties to contend with in the next few years, while sharing his hopes about how the future can be "reset" once the pandemic is over, the Channel News Asia reported.

It may take four to five years for the COVID-19 pandemic to end and the world to look to a post-Covid normal, a senior Singaporean minister has warned. Speaking at the Singapore Perspectives 2021 conference hosted by Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) on Monday, Singapore's Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force, said there are still many uncertainties to contend with in the next few years, while sharing his hopes about how the future can be "reset" once the pandemic is over, the Channel News Asia reported. "At some point of time the pandemic will pass, but it may take four to five years before we finally see the end of the pandemic and the start of a post-Covid normal. What will this new post-Covid world look like? No one can tell," Mr Wong said. He said there was still a great uncertainty about how the coronavirus will shape society in the coming years. He said adhering to safe management measures like mask-wearing and avoiding crowds will continue for this year and "maybe a good part of next year". "Beyond that, the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations will progressively restart global travel, but getting the world vaccinated won't be quick or easy," he said during the conference. The Government has planned for everyone in Singapore to be vaccinated by the third quarter of this year, but Mr Wong conceded that there could still be "bumps along the way". He noted that the current vaccines may not be so effective against new mutant strains of the virus, and will have to be modified to counter them. "In the positive scenario, this means the vaccine becomes a bit like an annual flu jab ... or perhaps we develop a vaccine that works for all strains. But in the worst case, we end up always a step behind an evolving virus, and you will not be able to catch up in time," he said. "So there are still tremendous uncertainties ahead of us. And the bottom line is that we live in a shared world and no one is safe until everyone is safe," the report quoted the minister as saying. Looking ahead to the post-pandemic future, Mr Wong said the current crisis can set the stage for a "software update" or a "reboot" of Singapore after the damage inflicted by the virus. "We must reset our social compact to emerge as a fairer and more equal society. The pandemic may be indiscriminate about who it infects but its impact is anything but equal. It has, in fact, widened the gulf between the haves and the have-nots," he said. Mr Wong said that Singapore started to prioritise reducing inequality a decade ago, and that last year, many emergency measures were introduced to help lower-income groups. But this year, the temporary measures will have to "taper down" as the economy improves. However, the minister foresees that Singaporeans will need more assurance and support in a more uncertain and volatile world. "The impact of the pandemic has created an added impetus to strengthen our social support system. There will be a permanent shift towards further strengthening of our social safety nets in Singapore to protect the disadvantaged and vulnerable," he said, adding that it will have to be done in a "sustainable manner over the long term".

Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging. A study has revealed that coronavirus may cause neurological damage, this means that coronavirus can affect your brain. Outwardly, this can show symptoms such as stuttering among other things.

The early study carried out by researchers from universities and institutes across the UK found that about third of 153 COVID-19 patients had developed neurological symptoms of some kind.

A report in Scientific American said the symptoms of COVID-19 persisted even when coronavirus was eliminated from the patient's body. The neurological symptoms ranged from fatigue to brain fog to loss of smell, stuttering.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“There’s a really wide spectrum of [neurological] manifestations of COVID,” says Thomas Pollak, a neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London and a co-author of the U.K. study. “Some are totally devastating, like stroke or encephalitis, and some are much more subtle.”

Thomas Pollak was quoted by Scientific American.

Speech is an important and quite remarkable feat for human body and mind because about 100 muscles need to co-ordinate on a millisecond scale in order to talk. Researchers have been quoted to say that it was possible that coronavirus inflammation affected the neural circuitry required to perform this co-ordination.

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging.

World has had enough of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the new strain and fresh waves of infection across the globe have caused concern. Now it appears that more we study the coronavirus in order to understand it, scarier details are emerging. A study has revealed that coronavirus may cause neurological damage, this means that coronavirus can affect your brain. Outwardly, this can show symptoms such as stuttering among other things. The early study carried out by researchers from universities and institutes across the UK found that about third of 153 COVID-19 patients had developed neurological symptoms of some kind. A report in Scientific American said the symptoms of COVID-19 persisted even when coronavirus was eliminated from the patient's body. The neurological symptoms ranged from fatigue to brain fog to loss of smell, stuttering. “There’s a really wide spectrum of [neurological] manifestations of COVID,” says Thomas Pollak, a neuropsychiatrist at King’s College London and a co-author of the U.K. study. “Some are totally devastating, like stroke or encephalitis, and some are much more subtle.” Thomas Pollak was quoted by Scientific American. Speech is an important and quite remarkable feat for human body and mind because about 100 muscles need to co-ordinate on a millisecond scale in order to talk. Researchers have been quoted to say that it was possible that coronavirus inflammation affected the neural circuitry required to perform this co-ordination.

COVID-19  can cause neurological damage, stuttering: Study

As China approaches the one-year anniversary of the Wuhan lockdown, visitors trickle into a massive propaganda exhibition devoted to showcasing the country's triumph over the debilitating coronavirus pandemic.

Wuhan one year on, exhibition shows city's battle against coronavirus

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers &amp; thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives. Since entertainment in India means Bollywood &amp; Bollywood represents stars, this lockout unleashed a dramatic knockout by offering the movie-crazed Janta a startling new alternative, home-delivered: OTT platform! &nbsp;

This streaming space – Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon among tons of others – provided content that was planets away from the Bollywood model to present a cinema that defined truth, twenty-four frames per second. At first confused, reluctant and hesitant, large sections of traditional movie viewers soon embraced this platform with passion &amp; purpose to propel a boom in this space.

Today with the vaccine entering our lives and promising to deliver us from the twin nightmares, will the grandstanding of OTT vanish in the face of the old, much-loved, familiar Bollywood model? &nbsp;While the OTT menu, comprising gifted actors and superbly varied content are indeed great eye-openers, can they ever hope to compete with the mega-power &amp; star-draw of the Khans, Ajay, Akshay, Hrithik, Ranveer &amp; Ranbir or glam, sexy divas, Katrina, Deepika, Priyanka &amp; gang? Will the post-pandemic phase thus be the real litmus test in terms of transformation &amp; conversion and ask the vital question: Was OTT tolerated due to a lack of choice or did it genuinely represent &amp; introduce a new, exciting template and kick off a fascinating voyage of discovery?

Veteran producer of classy films [Rajnigandha, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Gandhi, Katha] Suresh Jindal takes the first strike. &nbsp;He believes that the Pandemic, in serendipity fashion, has given us the most amazing content-viewing bouquet of our lives.&nbsp;

“With the vaccine entering the frame, the focus could well return to the big screen. The Theatre-going experience can never be replicated. After all, it’s an event! The OTT space however need not feel threatened because it offers its very own USP. Their twin advantage of convenience &amp; comfort is hard to match and the fantastic content spread they lay out, each day, is an impossible act to follow. &nbsp;Finally, you can’t possibly go to movie halls every day. OTT offers that cutting edge benefit. So it has to be, khayal apna apna, pasand apni apni!”

Hi-profile, gifted Adman, Theatre &amp; Screen Artiste, Bharat Dabolkar is next with his POV.&nbsp;

“I think both will exist, after some initial glitches, in peaceful co-existence. &nbsp;Remember the initial anxieties of Bollywood when TV serials – Humlog, Buniyad, Khandan, Ados Pados – were rocking and sometimes even sent movie timings for a toss? It all evened out because ultimately STARS are STARS and actors [TV/OTT] despite their talent &amp; popularity are children of a lesser god! They can never hope to match the larger-than-life aura, glamour or charisma of the demi-gods &amp; goddesses!” he said.

Dabolkar however has a note of warning to both. He cautions the OTT platforms to not freak out on vile language [Tribhanga being the latest] and sex scenes, mostly designed for effect. &nbsp;Bollywood too, after the OTT invasion, needs to review their content-base, forget trash-with-flash and offer meaningful content. OTT has made one thing clear: Substance NOT star is the new name of the game.&nbsp;

Who better than the brilliant, respected, veteran film critic Saibal Chatterjee to wrap up the debate?

“Actually it’s a loaded question and there can be no easy answers simply because this situation is unprecedented in our lifetime.” he says.

Chatterjee believes that while the thrill of the big screen experience and the impact of the mega-stars are undeniable, OTT too has left indelible footprints in the minds of large sections of the traditional audience that one can’t wish away. &nbsp;Undoubtedly, OTT is here to stay and co-exist with the mainstream masala.&nbsp;

“However, my fear is different. OTT’s huge invasion into the homes, hearts and minds of millions hasn’t gone unnoticed by the hawk-eyed sharks of B-town &amp; Karan Johar – along with some other big production house biggies – are already eyeing the platform as the new, juicy target. KJO, it is rumoured, is already busy producing content for Netflix. Others will surely follow, desperate to grab their share of the pie. Will their brand of entertainment muddy the waters and Bollywood-ise the content profile [like Tandav] of this wonderfully creative, democratic space? By doing this, will they devalue, trivialise and corrupt this platform &amp; attract the wrong audience-base to view this space? Agreed, finally it’s the viewer’s choice, but won’t the likes of a Criminal Justice, Sir, Kagaz, Bnadish Bandits, Family Man, Undisclosed etc rubbing shoulders with Bollywood’s self-conscious and pretentiously arty, non-commercial products, look hopelessly out of sync? &nbsp;Mercifully, the digital divide in India is still humongous, so lots of areas will not be affected. However, it’s something to ponder over." he says.

Everything considered, 2021 could be a watershed year as the plot thickens!&nbsp;

Let’s wait and watch.

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers & thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives.

It may be a little over 9 months but it appears a lifetime, a game-changer and life-transformer. The lockout-pandemic combine converted us suddenly into a nation of cynics, pessimists, philosophers & thinkers re-connecting with long-forgotten, ignored, neglected primal truths that once graced our lives. Since entertainment in India means Bollywood & Bollywood represents stars, this lockout unleashed a dramatic knockout by offering the movie-crazed Janta a startling new alternative, home-delivered: OTT platform! This streaming space – Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon among tons of others – provided content that was planets away from the Bollywood model to present a cinema that defined truth, twenty-four frames per second. At first confused, reluctant and hesitant, large sections of traditional movie viewers soon embraced this platform with passion & purpose to propel a boom in this space. Today with the vaccine entering our lives and promising to deliver us from the twin nightmares, will the grandstanding of OTT vanish in the face of the old, much-loved, familiar Bollywood model? While the OTT menu, comprising gifted actors and superbly varied content are indeed great eye-openers, can they ever hope to compete with the mega-power & star-draw of the Khans, Ajay, Akshay, Hrithik, Ranveer & Ranbir or glam, sexy divas, Katrina, Deepika, Priyanka & gang? Will the post-pandemic phase thus be the real litmus test in terms of transformation & conversion and ask the vital question: Was OTT tolerated due to a lack of choice or did it genuinely represent & introduce a new, exciting template and kick off a fascinating voyage of discovery? Veteran producer of classy films [Rajnigandha, Shatranj Ke Khiladi, Gandhi, Katha] Suresh Jindal takes the first strike. He believes that the Pandemic, in serendipity fashion, has given us the most amazing content-viewing bouquet of our lives. “With the vaccine entering the frame, the focus could well return to the big screen. The Theatre-going experience can never be replicated. After all, it’s an event! The OTT space however need not feel threatened because it offers its very own USP. Their twin advantage of convenience & comfort is hard to match and the fantastic content spread they lay out, each day, is an impossible act to follow. Finally, you can’t possibly go to movie halls every day. OTT offers that cutting edge benefit. So it has to be, khayal apna apna, pasand apni apni!” Hi-profile, gifted Adman, Theatre & Screen Artiste, Bharat Dabolkar is next with his POV. “I think both will exist, after some initial glitches, in peaceful co-existence. Remember the initial anxieties of Bollywood when TV serials – Humlog, Buniyad, Khandan, Ados Pados – were rocking and sometimes even sent movie timings for a toss? It all evened out because ultimately STARS are STARS and actors [TV/OTT] despite their talent & popularity are children of a lesser god! They can never hope to match the larger-than-life aura, glamour or charisma of the demi-gods & goddesses!” he said. Dabolkar however has a note of warning to both. He cautions the OTT platforms to not freak out on vile language [Tribhanga being the latest] and sex scenes, mostly designed for effect. Bollywood too, after the OTT invasion, needs to review their content-base, forget trash-with-flash and offer meaningful content. OTT has made one thing clear: Substance NOT star is the new name of the game. Who better than the brilliant, respected, veteran film critic Saibal Chatterjee to wrap up the debate? “Actually it’s a loaded question and there can be no easy answers simply because this situation is unprecedented in our lifetime.” he says. Chatterjee believes that while the thrill of the big screen experience and the impact of the mega-stars are undeniable, OTT too has left indelible footprints in the minds of large sections of the traditional audience that one can’t wish away. Undoubtedly, OTT is here to stay and co-exist with the mainstream masala. “However, my fear is different. OTT’s huge invasion into the homes, hearts and minds of millions hasn’t gone unnoticed by the hawk-eyed sharks of B-town & Karan Johar – along with some other big production house biggies – are already eyeing the platform as the new, juicy target. KJO, it is rumoured, is already busy producing content for Netflix. Others will surely follow, desperate to grab their share of the pie. Will their brand of entertainment muddy the waters and Bollywood-ise the content profile [like Tandav] of this wonderfully creative, democratic space? By doing this, will they devalue, trivialise and corrupt this platform & attract the wrong audience-base to view this space? Agreed, finally it’s the viewer’s choice, but won’t the likes of a Criminal Justice, Sir, Kagaz, Bnadish Bandits, Family Man, Undisclosed etc rubbing shoulders with Bollywood’s self-conscious and pretentiously arty, non-commercial products, look hopelessly out of sync? Mercifully, the digital divide in India is still humongous, so lots of areas will not be affected. However, it’s something to ponder over." he says. Everything considered, 2021 could be a watershed year as the plot thickens! Let’s wait and watch.

Opinion: With post-COVID times on horizon, will OTT-fix go for a toss?

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups. People queuing at cathedrals in Salisbury and Blackburn were able to enjoy soothing organ music as they marvelled at the grand buildings.

UK Government is aiming to vaccinate 2 million people a week. This will enable it to vaccinate those in four highest risk tiers- the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers

Dean of Blackburn Peter Howell-Jones praised the role the buildings will play in offering vaccinations to the community saying, ''with a space this sort of size we should be able to see thousands of people vaccinated each week, and it feels really great to be part of that process."

Government data showed on Saturday (January 16) that almost 3.6 million people had received one dose of vaccine, the most in Europe and an increase of 324,000 on the day before.

The government has already said that it plans to quarantine whoever arrives in UK in addition to a compulsory COVID-19 negative certificate. These measures come into effect on Monday.

"This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," &nbsp;said UK PM Boris Johnson on Friday.

The UK had previously made an exception for travellers from certain countries and territories with low Covid caseloads, allowing them to arrive freely through "corridors", without showing negative virus tests or quarantining afterwards.

These included Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore as well as Bermuda and Gibraltar.

(With AFP inputs)

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups.

As UK aims to boost coronavirus vaccine rollout, cathedrals across the region have been converted into makeshift COVID vaccination centres for people aged 70 and more along with other vulnerable groups. People queuing at cathedrals in Salisbury and Blackburn were able to enjoy soothing organ music as they marvelled at the grand buildings. UK Government is aiming to vaccinate 2 million people a week. This will enable it to vaccinate those in four highest risk tiers- the elderly, clinically vulnerable and frontline health and social care workers Dean of Blackburn Peter Howell-Jones praised the role the buildings will play in offering vaccinations to the community saying, ''with a space this sort of size we should be able to see thousands of people vaccinated each week, and it feels really great to be part of that process." Government data showed on Saturday (January 16) that almost 3.6 million people had received one dose of vaccine, the most in Europe and an increase of 324,000 on the day before. The government has already said that it plans to quarantine whoever arrives in UK in addition to a compulsory COVID-19 negative certificate. These measures come into effect on Monday. "This means that if you come to this country you must have proof of a negative Covid virus test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving," said UK PM Boris Johnson on Friday. The UK had previously made an exception for travellers from certain countries and territories with low Covid caseloads, allowing them to arrive freely through "corridors", without showing negative virus tests or quarantining afterwards. These included Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Singapore as well as Bermuda and Gibraltar. (With AFP inputs)

UK: Cathedrals converted into coronavirus vaccination centres

Bangladesh reported 578 new COVID-19 cases and 21 more deaths on Saturday, bringing the tally to 527,063 and death toll to 7,883, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

The official data showed that 12,215 samples were tested in the last 24 hours across the country.

The total number of recovered patients in the country stood at 471,756 including 633 new recoveries on Saturday, said the DGHS.

According to the official data, the COVID-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh is now 1.49 per cent and the current recovery rate is 89.51 per cent.

Bangladesh recorded the highest daily new cases of 4,019 on July 2 and the highest number of 64 deaths on June 30 last year.

Bangladesh reported 578 new COVID-19 cases and 21 more deaths on Saturday, bringing the tally to 527,063 and death toll to 7,883, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

Bangladesh reported 578 new COVID-19 cases and 21 more deaths on Saturday, bringing the tally to 527,063 and death toll to 7,883, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said. The official data showed that 12,215 samples were tested in the last 24 hours across the country. The total number of recovered patients in the country stood at 471,756 including 633 new recoveries on Saturday, said the DGHS. According to the official data, the COVID-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh is now 1.49 per cent and the current recovery rate is 89.51 per cent. Bangladesh recorded the highest daily new cases of 4,019 on July 2 and the highest number of 64 deaths on June 30 last year.

Bangladesh COVID-19 cases rise to 527,063, death toll reaches 7,883

On Saturday - January 16, India began the world’s largest immunisation programme against COVID-19. A sanitation worker become the country’s first person to receive the vaccine on Saturday.

Manish Kumar, who received the shot at Delhi’s All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said that “everyone should go for it”.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3000-vaccination-centers-start-inoculation-today-357109/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the vaccination drive on Saturday to bring down the numbers in the world’s second hardest hit country. 
 
AIIMS is one of 3,006 vaccination centres set up by the government across the country.

"The vaccine will give me strength and motivation to serve my hospital which has been at the forefront of taking care of coronavirus patients," Kumar said.&nbsp; 
 
"Since I'm feeling relieved after taking the vaccine, I think everyone should go for it”, Reuters reported him as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-launches-worlds-largest-coronavirus-vaccine-drive-357049" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi launches world's 'largest coronavirus vaccine drive'</a>

In the first vaccination drive, India is prioritising frontline workers including nurses and doctors.

"The disease separated people from their families, kept mothers away from their children, and those who died of the disease couldn't even get a final goodbye from their families," Modi said in an emotional address.

Modi’s top coronavirus advisor, along with AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria also received the jab. India’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan was also present at the spot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-165714-people-vaccinated-today-says-health-ministry-357156" hreflang="en">Coronavirus in India: 165,714 people vaccinated today, says health ministry</a> 
 
India is the world’s second-most populous country with 1.4 billion people. Around 10.5 million people have been affected by COVID-19 in the country. 151,000 people have succumbed to the virus. 
India is currently deploying two vaccines - one based on Oxford/AstraZeneca, and the other developed by India’s Bharat Biotech. People will not be able to choose the vaccine they want.&nbsp;

Both of these vaccines are being produced in India, with the goal of inoculating 30 million healthcare workers.

On Saturday - January 16, India began the world’s largest immunisation programme against COVID-19. A sanitation worker become the country’s first person to receive the vaccine on Saturday.

On Saturday - January 16, India began the world’s largest immunisation programme against COVID-19. A sanitation worker become the country’s first person to receive the vaccine on Saturday. Manish Kumar, who received the shot at Delhi’s All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said that “everyone should go for it”. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the vaccination drive on Saturday to bring down the numbers in the world’s second hardest hit country. AIIMS is one of 3,006 vaccination centres set up by the government across the country. "The vaccine will give me strength and motivation to serve my hospital which has been at the forefront of taking care of coronavirus patients," Kumar said. "Since I'm feeling relieved after taking the vaccine, I think everyone should go for it”, Reuters reported him as saying. Also read: Indian PM Modi launches world's 'largest coronavirus vaccine drive' In the first vaccination drive, India is prioritising frontline workers including nurses and doctors. "The disease separated people from their families, kept mothers away from their children, and those who died of the disease couldn't even get a final goodbye from their families," Modi said in an emotional address. Modi’s top coronavirus advisor, along with AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria also received the jab. India’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan was also present at the spot. Also read: Coronavirus in India: 165,714 people vaccinated today, says health ministry India is the world’s second-most populous country with 1.4 billion people. Around 10.5 million people have been affected by COVID-19 in the country. 151,000 people have succumbed to the virus. India is currently deploying two vaccines - one based on Oxford/AstraZeneca, and the other developed by India’s Bharat Biotech. People will not be able to choose the vaccine they want. Both of these vaccines are being produced in India, with the goal of inoculating 30 million healthcare workers.

First person to receive COVID-19 vaccine in India urges everyone to 'go for it'

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. 
 
Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19. 
 
A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement. 
 
The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said. 
 
"They will not be eligible to practise." 
 
Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles. 
 
According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight. 
 
Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had. 
 
Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result". 
 
Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible." 
 
Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi. 
 
Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training. 
 
"Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet. 
 
Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette". 
 
New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room. 
 
"I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page. 
 
He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty". 
 
After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note. 
 
"If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted. 
 
Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8. 
&nbsp;

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne.

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19. A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement. The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said. "They will not be eligible to practise." Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles. According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight. Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had. Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result". Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible." Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi. Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training. "Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet. Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette". New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room. "I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page. He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty". After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note. "If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted. Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8.

Tennis: COVID cases on player flights leave Australian Open buildup in disarray

People who have had COVID-19 are highly likely to have immunity to it for at least five months, the latest study over the virus has revealed. Watch this report.

WION Fineprint: Coronavirus infection provides as much immunity as vaccines

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God.

'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples.

Instead, devotees can only bring their palms together to offer a`namaste'.

Carrying 'prasad' (offerings) inside the sanctum sanctorum is also not allowed in line with the standard operating protocol of the state government, authorities said.

Temples and other places of worship reopened in the state in June, 75 days after the lockdown came into effect.

"Sashtang pranam is not allowed as per the government guidelines.

No devotee is allowed to touch anything as per the SOP," said Vijaysinh Chavda, manager of the famous Somnath temple.

"People are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum only for `darshan' to ensure minimum contact in view of the pandemic," he said.

Sashtang pranam or namaskar involves prostrating oneself in such a way that eight parts of the body touch the floor.

"No devotees are allowed entry in the temple for aarti which is performed thrice a day, and no more than five devotees are allowed to sit for prayers at once.

No more than three persons are allowed during yagna," Chavda further said.

Ambaji Mata Temple in Banaskantha district, another major shrine in Gujarat, too has banned sashtang pranam as per government guidelines, said its spokesperson Ashish Raval.

Social distancing and wearing a mask are compulsory and devotees are allowed inside only after thermal screening, he said.

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God. 'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples.

Nothing is same after the outbreak of coronavirus, not even the way of paying obeisance to God. 'Sashtang pranam' or prostration before the deity is no longer allowed in Gujarat temples. Instead, devotees can only bring their palms together to offer a`namaste'. Carrying 'prasad' (offerings) inside the sanctum sanctorum is also not allowed in line with the standard operating protocol of the state government, authorities said. Temples and other places of worship reopened in the state in June, 75 days after the lockdown came into effect. "Sashtang pranam is not allowed as per the government guidelines. No devotee is allowed to touch anything as per the SOP," said Vijaysinh Chavda, manager of the famous Somnath temple. "People are allowed inside the sanctum sanctorum only for `darshan' to ensure minimum contact in view of the pandemic," he said. Sashtang pranam or namaskar involves prostrating oneself in such a way that eight parts of the body touch the floor. "No devotees are allowed entry in the temple for aarti which is performed thrice a day, and no more than five devotees are allowed to sit for prayers at once. No more than three persons are allowed during yagna," Chavda further said. Ambaji Mata Temple in Banaskantha district, another major shrine in Gujarat, too has banned sashtang pranam as per government guidelines, said its spokesperson Ashish Raval. Social distancing and wearing a mask are compulsory and devotees are allowed inside only after thermal screening, he said.

Covid-19: No sashtang pranam, only namaste in Gujarat temples

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth.

"School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email.

"School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said.

Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced.

In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16.

Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened.

At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows.

Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements.

"If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well."

School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic.

Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus.

(With AFP inputs)

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Researchers at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology said on Sunday that Switzerland's decision to shutter schools was the most effective way to slow the spread of coronavirus pandemic in the country. The researchers said that closure of schools in March was responsible for cutting mobility by a fifth. "School closures reduced mobility by 21.6 percent," Stefan Feuerriegel, an ETH professor of management information systems who headed the study, told AFP in an email. "School closures reduce mobility, (which) then reduces new cases" of Covid-19, he said. Feuerriegel's team analysed some 1.5 billion movements in Swiss telecommunication data between February 10 and April 26 last year to evaluate the impact on mobility as various anti-Covid measures were introduced. In decentralised Switzerland, its 26 cantons introduced measures at different paces before a country-wide partial lockdown, including school closures, was ordered on March 16. Swiss school across the country remained closed for almost two months and were then gradually opened. At the top of the list of government measure was a ban on gatherings of more than five people, which was seen slashing mobility by 24.9 percent, and the closure of restaurants, bars and non-essential shops, which caused people to move about 22.3 percent less, the study shows. Feuerriegel said it was not surprising that school closures had such a big impact on people's movements. "If schools are closed, we can expect a large change in behaviour," he said, pointing out that "not only will kids stay home, but sometimes it also requires their parents to change their mobility as well." School closures have been among the most controversial measures introduced around the world to help rein in the pandemic. Children are far less likely to develop severe illness from Covid-19 than older people, but it remains unclear how much they transmit the virus. (With AFP inputs)

Swiss school closure helped slow COVID spread, says study

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi. The Indian side was represented by Dr C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance,&nbsp;

The loan will also be used to ensure social protection for the vulnerable sections affected by COVID-19. Japan has helped India financially in past to help it deal with COVID crisis.

An official of the Embassy of Japan in India explained to WION, "This Yen loan is a budget support to assist the Government of India’s policy objectives...allowing a higher degree of flexibility for the Government of India to make effective responses to the emergency situation." 
&nbsp; 
In August 2020, Japan had provided about Rs 3549 crore COVID emergency loan to support the implementation of health and medical policy by the Indian government.

A loan was also provided for oxygen generators worth Rs 71 crore. Tokyo has provided assistance through international organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC. The loan amounts to around Rs 52 crore.

Together with the new loan announced on Friday, Japan’s COVID-19 related assistance to India amounts to more than INR 5,800 crore.

The official highlighted, "We hope this assistance will lead to the mitigation of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and to the higher resilience of India’s societies, helping India, a trusted partner and close friend of Japan, emerge even stronger after the pandemic."

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi.

Japan on Friday extended a 30 billion Yen or around Rs 2129 crore financial assistance to India to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID crisis. Both sides exchanged notes for the 'COVID-19 Crisis Response Support Loan for Social Protection' in New Delhi with Japan being represented by its envoy Suzuki Satoshi. The Indian side was represented by Dr C. S. Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Finance, The loan will also be used to ensure social protection for the vulnerable sections affected by COVID-19. Japan has helped India financially in past to help it deal with COVID crisis. An official of the Embassy of Japan in India explained to WION, "This Yen loan is a budget support to assist the Government of India’s policy objectives...allowing a higher degree of flexibility for the Government of India to make effective responses to the emergency situation." In August 2020, Japan had provided about Rs 3549 crore COVID emergency loan to support the implementation of health and medical policy by the Indian government. A loan was also provided for oxygen generators worth Rs 71 crore. Tokyo has provided assistance through international organizations like UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR and IFRC. The loan amounts to around Rs 52 crore. Together with the new loan announced on Friday, Japan’s COVID-19 related assistance to India amounts to more than INR 5,800 crore. The official highlighted, "We hope this assistance will lead to the mitigation of socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 and to the higher resilience of India’s societies, helping India, a trusted partner and close friend of Japan, emerge even stronger after the pandemic."

Japan extends Rs 2000 crore COVID assistance to India

A new video posted none other than Donald Trump Jr shows his father and US President Donald Trump 'partying' just hours before the Capitol Hill violence. Meanwhile, 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been has been handed a 15-year sentence by a court in Pakistan. In other news, Bangladesh has demanded apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide. Read this and much more in our Top 10 world News

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-donald-trump-was-partying-just-hours-before-capitol-hill-violence-355417">Video: Donald Trump was 'partying' just hours before Capitol Hill violence</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-donald-trump-was-partying-just-hours-before-capitol-hill-violence-355417"><img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ad17bf3c-d531-4559-a4a0-73eeaa52ebbb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump_9.JPG" /></a> 
 
The video has been posted by none other than Donald Trump Jr. and has since gone viral as many people are sharing it online

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-zaki-ur-rehman-lakhvi-sentenced-by-pakistan-court-for-15-years-355381">Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years</a>

<img alt="Lakhvi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1e95639e-7bd0-4ea6-87f1-b1d765320e6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Lakhvi.JPG" />

LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was the mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured 300 others after coordinated shootouts and bombings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-supreme-leader-announces-ban-of-covid-19-vaccines-from-us-uk-355450">Iranian Supreme Leader announces ban of Covid-19 vaccines from US, UK</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-supreme-leader-announces-ban-of-covid-19-vaccines-from-us-uk-355450"><img alt="Iran" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="25807863-795a-4326-949d-d0fab45c5dc5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Iran_7.JPG" /></a> 
 
Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-wuhan-outbreak-two-chinese-cities-placed-under-lockdown-355423">A year after Wuhan outbreak, two Chinese cities placed under lockdown</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-year-after-wuhan-outbreak-two-chinese-cities-placed-under-lockdown-355423"><img alt="Wuhan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be96fce3-38cf-4220-ac18-aef32f9ed40c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Wuhan.JPG" /></a> 
 
Hebei province in northern China in the last week saw 17 new coronavirus infections and 183 asymptomatic cases

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-demands-apology-from-pakistan-for-1971-genocide-355406">Bangladesh demands apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-demands-apology-from-pakistan-for-1971-genocide-355406"><img alt="Bangladesh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20d2a69e-e2b5-401d-8297-174c9922f621" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Bangladesh_0.JPG" /></a> 
 
The development comes in the year in which Bangladesh celebrates 50 years of Independence

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-covid-vaccine-gets-approval-in-uk-355443">Moderna COVID vaccine gets approval in UK</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-covid-vaccine-gets-approval-in-uk-355443"><img alt="Moderna" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4c853e67-233c-4c58-b3d9-70b538bf0513" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/moderna.JPG" /></a> 
 
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock welcomed the development and said that the approval was another shot in the arm for UK's vaccination programme

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-removes-thousands-of-videos-posted-from-donald-trumps-channel-355435">YouTube removes thousands of videos posted from Donald Trump's channel</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/youtube-removes-thousands-of-videos-posted-from-donald-trumps-channel-355435"><img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="47696509-ef78-4396-875e-ecafd6508eca" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Trump%20Youtube.JPG" /></a> 
 
Following the violence and ruckus seen at the US Capitol, earlier social media giants Twitter and Facebook on Thursday suspended Trump's accounts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-blackmail-me-pm-imran-khan-to-hazara-protesters-355412">Don't blackmail me: PM Imran Khan to Hazara protesters</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-blackmail-me-pm-imran-khan-to-hazara-protesters-355412"><img alt="Imran Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c92f0870-dcf1-4f87-8ffc-27fd983cb77a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Imran%20Khan_2.JPG" /></a> 
 
Imran Khan said that the government has accepted all the demands of the minority community, except one that the prime minister must visit before the dead are buried

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-presidency-set-for-an-ugly-ending-says-former-italian-premier-silvio-berlusconi-355427">Trump presidency set for an 'ugly ending', says former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-presidency-set-for-an-ugly-ending-says-former-italian-premier-silvio-berlusconi-355427"><img alt="Berlusconi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="92c257c7-7c29-45ac-a6bd-863b223c334a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Silvio%20Berlusconi.JPG" /></a> 
 
The Italian said "it would be unjust and uncharitable" to deny Trump's achievements as US President, notably on the economy and on foreign policy.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-rainforest-will-vanish-by-2064-new-study-predicts-355322">Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amazon-rainforest-will-vanish-by-2064-new-study-predicts-355322"><img alt="Amazon" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4612b78b-3c59-4ca4-8e39-68b3d538e4fb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Amazon.JPG" /></a> 
 
World’s largest tropical rainforest, Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064 due to alarming levels of deforestation and droughts occurring in the region from the climate change.

A new video posted none other than Donald Trump Jr shows his father and US President Donald Trump 'partying' just hours before the Capitol Hill violence. Meanwhile, 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been has been handed a 15-year sentence by a court in Pakistan.

A new video posted none other than Donald Trump Jr shows his father and US President Donald Trump 'partying' just hours before the Capitol Hill violence. Meanwhile, 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi has been has been handed a 15-year sentence by a court in Pakistan. In other news, Bangladesh has demanded apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide. Read this and much more in our Top 10 world News Video: Donald Trump was 'partying' just hours before Capitol Hill violence The video has been posted by none other than Donald Trump Jr. and has since gone viral as many people are sharing it online Mumbai terror attack mastermind Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi sentenced by Pakistan court for 15 years LeT commander Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was the mastermind behind the 26/11 attacks that claimed 166 lives and injured 300 others after coordinated shootouts and bombings. Iranian Supreme Leader announces ban of Covid-19 vaccines from US, UK Iran is the worst-affected hit country by the pandemic in the Middle East and the first cases emerged in February 2020 A year after Wuhan outbreak, two Chinese cities placed under lockdown Hebei province in northern China in the last week saw 17 new coronavirus infections and 183 asymptomatic cases Bangladesh demands apology from Pakistan for 1971 genocide The development comes in the year in which Bangladesh celebrates 50 years of Independence Moderna COVID vaccine gets approval in UK UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock welcomed the development and said that the approval was another shot in the arm for UK's vaccination programme YouTube removes thousands of videos posted from Donald Trump's channel Following the violence and ruckus seen at the US Capitol, earlier social media giants Twitter and Facebook on Thursday suspended Trump's accounts Don't blackmail me: PM Imran Khan to Hazara protesters Imran Khan said that the government has accepted all the demands of the minority community, except one that the prime minister must visit before the dead are buried Trump presidency set for an 'ugly ending', says former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi The Italian said "it would be unjust and uncharitable" to deny Trump's achievements as US President, notably on the economy and on foreign policy. Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064, new study predicts World’s largest tropical rainforest, Amazon rainforest will vanish by 2064 due to alarming levels of deforestation and droughts occurring in the region from the climate change.

Top 10 world news: Trump 'parties' before Capitol siege, Lakhvi sentenced, and more

UK on Friday approved coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna for mass inoculation. This is a third vaccine that has got a go-ahead in UK. The government is aiming to incolute 15 million by mid-February. 1.5 million people have been given doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines since Decemeber.

Go ahead to the Moderna vaccine was given by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock welcomed the development and said that the approval was another shot in the arm for UK's vaccination programme.

"Moderna's vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring."

The MHRA was the first regulator in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, allowing the start of what health chiefs said is Britain's biggest-ever vaccination drive.

Hancock's department said the Moderna jab "meets the regulator's strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality".

Its authorisation follows months of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people, and extensive analysis of its safety, quality and effectiveness.

England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, called the vaccine "highly effective" and said it was "another impressive success for science".

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 94 percent effective in preventing disease, including in the elderly.

Britain has ordered 17 million doses of the vaccine, which will be delivered in the coming months once Moderna increases production capacity, it added.

Elderly residents and staff at care homes, the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable are first in line for the jabs, and the government has stepped up the programme to meet its February target.

More than 1,000 new vaccination sites, including in community pharmacies and even supermarket car parks, are expected to be open by the end of this week.

Army logistics specialists have been drafted in to help with supply and deliveries.

Britain has secured early access to 367 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccine candidates.

The Moderna announcement comes with much of Britain under a renewed lockdown to try to cut spiralling infection rates and deaths blamed on a fast-spreading variant of the virus.

A total of 1,162 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Thursday -- the highest since the first-wave peak in April last year.

Overall, some 2.9 million people have been infected.

Stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, are expected to last until at least mid-February.

"This is further great news and another weapon in our arsenal to tame this awful disease," he said.

"Moderna's vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring."

The MHRA was the first regulator in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, allowing the start of what health chiefs said is Britain's biggest-ever vaccination drive.

Hancock's department said the Moderna jab "meets the regulator's strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality".

Its authorisation follows months of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people, and extensive analysis of its safety, quality and effectiveness.

England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, called the vaccine "highly effective" and said it was "another impressive success for science".

The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 94 percent effective in preventing disease, including in the elderly.

Britain has ordered 17 million doses of the vaccine, which will be delivered in the coming months once Moderna increases production capacity, it added.

Elderly residents and staff at care homes, the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable are first in line for the jabs, and the government has stepped up the programme to meet its February target.

More than 1,000 new vaccination sites, including in community pharmacies and even supermarket car parks, are expected to be open by the end of this week.

Army logistics specialists have been drafted in to help with supply and deliveries.

Britain has secured early access to 367 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccine candidates.

The Moderna announcement comes with much of Britain under a renewed lockdown to try to cut spiralling infection rates and deaths blamed on a fast-spreading variant of the virus.

A total of 1,162 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Thursday -- the highest since the first-wave peak in April last year. 
Overall, some 2.9 million people have been infected.

Stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, are expected to last until at least mid-February.

(With AFP inputs)

UK on Friday approved coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna for mass inoculation. This is a third vaccine that has got a go-ahead in UK. The government is aiming to incolute 15 million by mid-February.

UK on Friday approved coronavirus vaccine developed by Moderna for mass inoculation. This is a third vaccine that has got a go-ahead in UK. The government is aiming to incolute 15 million by mid-February. 1.5 million people have been given doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines since Decemeber. Go ahead to the Moderna vaccine was given by the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock welcomed the development and said that the approval was another shot in the arm for UK's vaccination programme. "Moderna's vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring." The MHRA was the first regulator in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, allowing the start of what health chiefs said is Britain's biggest-ever vaccination drive. Hancock's department said the Moderna jab "meets the regulator's strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality". Its authorisation follows months of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people, and extensive analysis of its safety, quality and effectiveness. England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, called the vaccine "highly effective" and said it was "another impressive success for science". The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 94 percent effective in preventing disease, including in the elderly. Britain has ordered 17 million doses of the vaccine, which will be delivered in the coming months once Moderna increases production capacity, it added. Elderly residents and staff at care homes, the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable are first in line for the jabs, and the government has stepped up the programme to meet its February target. More than 1,000 new vaccination sites, including in community pharmacies and even supermarket car parks, are expected to be open by the end of this week. Army logistics specialists have been drafted in to help with supply and deliveries. Britain has secured early access to 367 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccine candidates. The Moderna announcement comes with much of Britain under a renewed lockdown to try to cut spiralling infection rates and deaths blamed on a fast-spreading variant of the virus. A total of 1,162 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Thursday -- the highest since the first-wave peak in April last year. Overall, some 2.9 million people have been infected. Stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, are expected to last until at least mid-February. "This is further great news and another weapon in our arsenal to tame this awful disease," he said. "Moderna's vaccine will allow us to accelerate our vaccination programme even further once doses become available from the spring." The MHRA was the first regulator in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, allowing the start of what health chiefs said is Britain's biggest-ever vaccination drive. Hancock's department said the Moderna jab "meets the regulator's strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality". Its authorisation follows months of clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people, and extensive analysis of its safety, quality and effectiveness. England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, called the vaccine "highly effective" and said it was "another impressive success for science". The Department of Health and Social Care said it was 94 percent effective in preventing disease, including in the elderly. Britain has ordered 17 million doses of the vaccine, which will be delivered in the coming months once Moderna increases production capacity, it added. Elderly residents and staff at care homes, the over-70s and the clinically extremely vulnerable are first in line for the jabs, and the government has stepped up the programme to meet its February target. More than 1,000 new vaccination sites, including in community pharmacies and even supermarket car parks, are expected to be open by the end of this week. Army logistics specialists have been drafted in to help with supply and deliveries. Britain has secured early access to 367 million doses of seven of the most promising vaccine candidates. The Moderna announcement comes with much of Britain under a renewed lockdown to try to cut spiralling infection rates and deaths blamed on a fast-spreading variant of the virus. A total of 1,162 new deaths within 28 days of a positive test were recorded on Thursday -- the highest since the first-wave peak in April last year. Overall, some 2.9 million people have been infected. Stay-at-home restrictions, which include school closures, are expected to last until at least mid-February. (With AFP inputs)

Moderna COVID vaccine gets approval in UK

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,16,859, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent.

The number of active COVID-19 cases remained below three lakh for the 17th consecutive day.

There are 2,28,083 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16.

It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,84,00,995 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 6, including 9,37,590 on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

With 20,346 new coronavirus infections and 222 deaths in the past 24 hours, India's overall tally stood at 1,03,95,278 on Thursday, while the death toll touched 1,50,336, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 1,00,16,859, pushing the national recovery rate to 96.36 per cent, while the COVID-19 case fatality rate stood at 1.45 per cent. The number of active COVID-19 cases remained below three lakh for the 17th consecutive day. There are 2,28,083 active coronavirus cases in the country, which account for 2.19 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated. India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and the one-crore mark on December 19. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 17,84,00,995 samples have been tested for COVID-19 till January 6, including 9,37,590 on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

20,346 new Covid-19 cases push India's tally to 1,03,95,278

Anthony Fauci, Director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Sunday rejected current US President Donald Trump's claim that data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in US was overblown.

"The deaths are real deaths," Anthony Fauci told ABC News. He added that jam-packed hospitals and stressed-out healthcare workers are "not fake. That's real".

On Sunday,&nbsp;Trump fired off a tweet making the allegations about inflated numbers and blamed Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for using "ridiculous method" to collate and calculate numbers.

"The number of cases and deaths of the China Virus is far exaggerated in the United States because of @CDCgov ’s ridiculous method of determination compared to other countries, many of whom report, purposely, very inaccurately and low. “When in doubt, call it Covid.” Fake News!" tweeted Trump.

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The number of cases and deaths of the China Virus is far exaggerated in the United States because of <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a>’s ridiculous method of determination compared to other countries, many of whom report, purposely, very inaccurately and low. “When in doubt, call it Covid.” Fake News!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1345720107255926784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Anthony Fauci along with US Surgeon General Jerome Adams defended accuracy of data published by CDC. Adams appeared on CNN's State of the Union.

“From a public health perspective, I have no reason to doubt those numbers and I think people need to be very aware that it’s not just about the deaths,” Adams said. “It’s about the hospitalizations, the capacity.”

Fauci and Adams expressed optimism that the pace of vaccinating Americans against the virus is accelerating after a slow start. More than 4.2 million people have been inoculated since Dec. 14 with one of two vaccines, far short of the Trump administration’s goal of 20 million by the end of 2020.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-mike-pence-welcomes-senate-republican-efforts-to-derail-joe-biden-victory-certification-354243">US VP Mike Pence 'welcomes' Senate Republican efforts to derail Joe Biden victory certification</a>

“We wanted to get to 20 million, but some glimmer of hope is that in the last 72 hours, they’ve gotten 1.2 million doses into peoples’ arms, which is an average of about 500,000 a day,” Fauci said. “We are not where we want to be. There’s no doubt about that. But I think we can get there.”

Trump, a Republican who leaves office on Jan. 20 after losing a bid for a second term to Democrat Joe Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic. He has also scorned and ignored federal recommendations for containing the spread.

More than 20 million people have been infected in the United States and nearly 347,000 have died – or one out of every 950 U.S. residents - since the virus first emerged in China in late 2019, according to the CDC.

(With Reuters inputs)

Anthony Fauci, Director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Sunday rejected current US President Donald Trump's claim that data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in US was overblown.

Anthony Fauci, Director of USA's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Sunday rejected current US President Donald Trump's claim that data on COVID-19 cases and deaths in US was overblown. "The deaths are real deaths," Anthony Fauci told ABC News. He added that jam-packed hospitals and stressed-out healthcare workers are "not fake. That's real". On Sunday, Trump fired off a tweet making the allegations about inflated numbers and blamed Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for using "ridiculous method" to collate and calculate numbers. "The number of cases and deaths of the China Virus is far exaggerated in the United States because of @CDCgov ’s ridiculous method of determination compared to other countries, many of whom report, purposely, very inaccurately and low. “When in doubt, call it Covid.” Fake News!" tweeted Trump. The number of cases and deaths of the China Virus is far exaggerated in the United States because of @CDCgov’s ridiculous method of determination compared to other countries, many of whom report, purposely, very inaccurately and low. “When in doubt, call it Covid.” Fake News! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2021 × Anthony Fauci along with US Surgeon General Jerome Adams defended accuracy of data published by CDC. Adams appeared on CNN's State of the Union. “From a public health perspective, I have no reason to doubt those numbers and I think people need to be very aware that it’s not just about the deaths,” Adams said. “It’s about the hospitalizations, the capacity.” Fauci and Adams expressed optimism that the pace of vaccinating Americans against the virus is accelerating after a slow start. More than 4.2 million people have been inoculated since Dec. 14 with one of two vaccines, far short of the Trump administration’s goal of 20 million by the end of 2020. Also Read | US VP Mike Pence 'welcomes' Senate Republican efforts to derail Joe Biden victory certification “We wanted to get to 20 million, but some glimmer of hope is that in the last 72 hours, they’ve gotten 1.2 million doses into peoples’ arms, which is an average of about 500,000 a day,” Fauci said. “We are not where we want to be. There’s no doubt about that. But I think we can get there.” Trump, a Republican who leaves office on Jan. 20 after losing a bid for a second term to Democrat Joe Biden, has frequently downplayed the severity of the pandemic. He has also scorned and ignored federal recommendations for containing the spread. More than 20 million people have been infected in the United States and nearly 347,000 have died – or one out of every 950 U.S. residents - since the virus first emerged in China in late 2019, according to the CDC. (With Reuters inputs)

Anthony Fauci rejects Trump's assertion of 'exaggerated' COVID data in US

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP".

Taking to Twitter, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "I don't know about anyone else but when my turn comes I'll happily roll up my sleeve &amp; get a COVID vaccine."

The more people get vaccinated, the better it will be for the country and the economy, the National Conference (NC) vice president said.

"No vaccine belongs to any political party, they belong to humanity &amp; the sooner we get vulnerable people vaccinated the better," he tweeted.

While talking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav, said, "How can I trust the vaccine, which will be used for vaccination by the BJP? We cannot get vaccinated by the BJP's vaccine.

" On Saturday, an expert panel of India's central drug authority recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin with certain conditions, a day after giving similar directions for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine.

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had on Friday recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India.

The NC leader also tweeted that this "virus has been far too disruptive &amp; if a vaccine helps bring about a semblance of normalcy after all the chaos then sign me up."

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP".

COVID-19 vaccines do not belong to any political party, but humanity, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Saturday, hours after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed coronavirus vaccines to be rolled out in the country as "vaccine of the BJP". Taking to Twitter, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said, "I don't know about anyone else but when my turn comes I'll happily roll up my sleeve & get a COVID vaccine." The more people get vaccinated, the better it will be for the country and the economy, the National Conference (NC) vice president said. "No vaccine belongs to any political party, they belong to humanity & the sooner we get vulnerable people vaccinated the better," he tweeted. While talking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav, said, "How can I trust the vaccine, which will be used for vaccination by the BJP? We cannot get vaccinated by the BJP's vaccine. " On Saturday, an expert panel of India's central drug authority recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of the indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin with certain conditions, a day after giving similar directions for the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had on Friday recommended granting permission for restricted emergency use of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine Covishield, being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The NC leader also tweeted that this "virus has been far too disruptive & if a vaccine helps bring about a semblance of normalcy after all the chaos then sign me up."

Covid vaccines don't belong to any political party, but humanity: Omar Abdullah on Akhilesh's remark

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time. Now, scientists at a Turkish university say that they have developed an infection detection technique that can return the result in 10 seconds if a person is coronavirus positive.

Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection.

In this method, a swab is taken from a person's mouth and mixed with a solution before and is then added to pathogen detection chip.

The chip then reportedly detects the infection by receiving a fluorescent signal.

A researcher from the university told media that the chip uses advanced optical methods to detect presence or absence of coronavirus.

"Finding out rapidly that a person is [COVID-19] positive to then quarantine them is very important to bring the pandemic under control," Bilkent University Rector Abdullah Atalar told Anadolu Agency.

If a person is coronavirus positive, the test results are obtained in 5-10 seconds while if a person is not infected, the results are obtained in 20 seconds.

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time.

The world has several coronavirus vaccines now. Vaccination has even started in some countries. But to determine whether a person has coronavirus or not still takes some minimum time. Now, scientists at a Turkish university say that they have developed an infection detection technique that can return the result in 10 seconds if a person is coronavirus positive. Researchers at Bilkent University have developed Diagnovir, a diagnostic kit that is said to use nanotechnology to detect COVID infection. In this method, a swab is taken from a person's mouth and mixed with a solution before and is then added to pathogen detection chip. The chip then reportedly detects the infection by receiving a fluorescent signal. A researcher from the university told media that the chip uses advanced optical methods to detect presence or absence of coronavirus. "Finding out rapidly that a person is [COVID-19] positive to then quarantine them is very important to bring the pandemic under control," Bilkent University Rector Abdullah Atalar told Anadolu Agency. If a person is coronavirus positive, the test results are obtained in 5-10 seconds while if a person is not infected, the results are obtained in 20 seconds.

This nanotech-based technique detects COVID infection in 10 seconds

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP".

"I will not take the COVID-19 vaccine at this moment. That too given by Bharatiya Janata Party. How can I trust BJP`s vaccine, not a chance&nbsp;When our government will be formed, everyone will get a free vaccine. We cannot take the BJP vaccine," said Akhilesh Yadav during a press conference here.

Further cornering the Centre over dry run which is being taken across all states and Union Territories, Yadav said, "What is the need for dry dun in the country. This government was eliminating coronavirus by clapping hands and beating utensils. What is the need for such a large cold chain? What is the need for the vaccine?"SP chief`s statement comes after Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and would not have adverse effects and urged people not to hesitate to take it.

"I want to assure everyone that the vaccine is very safe. It has cleared all safety trials and there are no adverse effects. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccine," Mande said.

Mande also said, "If Dr Harsh Vardhan said the dry run was a success in four states, which is the most authentic voice of the government. This is a very good development and should set the country on track for vaccination as soon as approval is granted."

According to the Union Health Ministry, the objective of the dry run is to "assess operational feasibility in the use of COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) application in a field environment, to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide the way forward prior to actual implementation".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP".

Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that he would not take the Covid vaccine shot approved by Indian government's expert panel, calling it a "vaccine of the BJP". "I will not take the COVID-19 vaccine at this moment. That too given by Bharatiya Janata Party. How can I trust BJP`s vaccine, not a chance When our government will be formed, everyone will get a free vaccine. We cannot take the BJP vaccine," said Akhilesh Yadav during a press conference here. Further cornering the Centre over dry run which is being taken across all states and Union Territories, Yadav said, "What is the need for dry dun in the country. This government was eliminating coronavirus by clapping hands and beating utensils. What is the need for such a large cold chain? What is the need for the vaccine?"SP chief`s statement comes after Dr Shekhar Mande, Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and would not have adverse effects and urged people not to hesitate to take it. "I want to assure everyone that the vaccine is very safe. It has cleared all safety trials and there are no adverse effects. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccine," Mande said. Mande also said, "If Dr Harsh Vardhan said the dry run was a success in four states, which is the most authentic voice of the government. This is a very good development and should set the country on track for vaccination as soon as approval is granted." According to the Union Health Ministry, the objective of the dry run is to "assess operational feasibility in the use of COVID Vaccine Intelligence Network (Co-WIN) application in a field environment, to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide the way forward prior to actual implementation". (With inputs from agencies)

‘How can I trust BJP’s vaccine?’ Akhilesh Yadav says won’t take Covid shot

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at&nbsp;Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled.

The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).

As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination&nbsp;to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country.

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&nbsp;

Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day,&nbsp;aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system.

The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-panel-recommends-emergency-use-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-with-conditions-353860">Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions</a>

As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres.

While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive.

"In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet.

(With agency inputs)

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday said that Indian government had approved emergency use of AstraZeneca/ Oxford University coronavirus vaccine, also known as Covishield in India. The minister said that the government had given a go-ahead on Friday. The vaccine had also got a go-ahead from expert panel at Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had given its nod to the vaccine on Friday itself. Javadekar said that India had more than 50 million doses stockpiled. The vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University will be manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII). As India gears up to take up the challenging task of inoculating millions of people, many Indian states on Saturday conducted dry-runs for vaccination to assess their ability and readiness to administer Covid-19 shots to hundreds of millions of people, including many in remote corners of the country. × Delhi, Punjab, Haryana along with Gujarat, Andra Pradesh and Assam were among many states and UTs that conducted dry runs for vaccination earlier in the day, aimed at testing the laid out mechanisms for the vaccination roll-out in the health system. The Centre had directed earlier to conduct a dry run by all state and UTs on January 2 to test the linkages between planning and implementation, and to identify the challenges. Also Read | Indian panel recommends emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine with conditions As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, all states selected their particular areas and districts to hold the dry run exercise at various government medical college, hospitals, medical centres and the community health centres. While visiting one of dry run centres, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that one crore healthcare workers and two crore frontline workers would be given free vaccine in the first phase of the inoculation drive. "In the first phase of vaccination, free vaccine will be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that include one crore healthcare and 2 crore frontline workers," Vardhan said in a tweet. (With agency inputs)

Indian government okays emergency use of AstraZeneca COVID vaccine

Unprecedented pandemic, Unprecedented lockdowns, Unprecedented social distancing, Unprecedented economic carnage, Unprecedented challenges, Unprecedented change, 'UNPRECEDENTED: 2020 ROUNDUP'

WION Wideangle: Unprecedent 2020 Round-Up

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that a total of 38 people have been found positive since coming to Delhi from the UK recently, and kept in a separate institutional isolation unit in the LNJP Hospital premises.

"Four such patients have been found infected with the new UK strain of COVID-19. The persons who came in their contact have been also traced and tested, and its not in them. So, only these four cases of new strain in Delhi so far," he said.

"Flights have been stopped and those who came before that are being traced and tested rigorously," he added.

Delhi recorded 677 COVID-19 cases and 21 new fatalities on Wednesday, even as the positivity rate dropped to 0.8 per cent, authorities said.

"Positivity rate has dropped to 0.8 per cent from 15.26 per cent on November 7. About 85 per cent beds are vacant, so the situation has improved a lot. And, so, it had been decided to make LNJP Hospital and GTB Hospital, partial COVID-19 facilities now. All services, including the OPD will be soon resumed gradually," Jain said.

On the preparedness for the vaccination, he said, work is on to set up 1,000 vaccination centres.

Jain said the night curfew has been imposed as the situation is under control right now, but huge gatherings could spell trouble again.

The Delhi government has imposed night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am on December 31 and January 1 to avoid large gatherings during New Year celebrations due to COVID-19 and its highly transmissible UK strain.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that a total of 38 people have been found positive since coming to Delhi from the UK recently, and kept in a separate institutional isolation unit in the LNJP Hospital premises.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that a total of 38 people have been found positive since coming to Delhi from the UK recently, and kept in a separate institutional isolation unit in the LNJP Hospital premises. "Four such patients have been found infected with the new UK strain of COVID-19. The persons who came in their contact have been also traced and tested, and its not in them. So, only these four cases of new strain in Delhi so far," he said. "Flights have been stopped and those who came before that are being traced and tested rigorously," he added. Delhi recorded 677 COVID-19 cases and 21 new fatalities on Wednesday, even as the positivity rate dropped to 0.8 per cent, authorities said. "Positivity rate has dropped to 0.8 per cent from 15.26 per cent on November 7. About 85 per cent beds are vacant, so the situation has improved a lot. And, so, it had been decided to make LNJP Hospital and GTB Hospital, partial COVID-19 facilities now. All services, including the OPD will be soon resumed gradually," Jain said. On the preparedness for the vaccination, he said, work is on to set up 1,000 vaccination centres. Jain said the night curfew has been imposed as the situation is under control right now, but huge gatherings could spell trouble again. The Delhi government has imposed night curfew from 11 pm to 6 am on December 31 and January 1 to avoid large gatherings during New Year celebrations due to COVID-19 and its highly transmissible UK strain. (With inputs from agencies)

38 UK returnees found positive for COVID in Delhi; new strain detected in four patients: Health Minister

Superstar of the Telugu film industry Ram Charan on Tuesday revealed that he has tested positive for coronavirus.

Charan shared a statement about his diagnosis on Instagram and shared that he has no symptoms and is in home-quarantine. "I have tested positive for COVID-19. No symptoms &amp; quarantined at home. Hope to heal soon &amp; come out stronger," his statement read. 
 
&nbsp;

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The 35-year-old actor also went on to request anyone who came in his contact to get tested in the caption of the post." Request all that have been around me in the past couple of days to get tested. More updates on my recovery soon," he wrote in the caption.

Fans of the actor poured in scores of "Get Well Soon" wishes for him in the comment section.&nbsp;

Superstar of the Telugu film industry Ram Charan on Tuesday revealed that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Charan shared a statement about his diagnosis on Instagram and shared that he has no symptoms and is in home-quarantine.

Superstar of the Telugu film industry Ram Charan on Tuesday revealed that he has tested positive for coronavirus. Charan shared a statement about his diagnosis on Instagram and shared that he has no symptoms and is in home-quarantine. "I have tested positive for COVID-19. No symptoms & quarantined at home. Hope to heal soon & come out stronger," his statement read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ram Charan (@alwaysramcharan) × The 35-year-old actor also went on to request anyone who came in his contact to get tested in the caption of the post." Request all that have been around me in the past couple of days to get tested. More updates on my recovery soon," he wrote in the caption. Fans of the actor poured in scores of "Get Well Soon" wishes for him in the comment section.

Ram Charan tests positive for COVID-19

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each.

The mock drill will be like the actual vaccination drive but there will be no vaccine administration. Data will be fed to the Co-WIN app, cold storage will be tested and vaccine transportation from cold storage to the sites, crowd management etc will be checked

All the four states will report their observations to the centre recorded during the program. The government plans to cover 30 crore people in the first phase when it rolls out Covid vaccine. &nbsp;

A total of 2,360 training sessions have been held so far, and 7,000 officials have been trained, including medical officers and vaccinators.

Though India has not given a nod to any vaccine for emergency use, Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, tested and manufactured in India by Serum Institute, is the front-runner. Once the UK drug regulator gives its approval to the vaccine, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is likely to hold a meeting where the details will be reviewed and the nod will be given after evaluation.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each.

The Government of India is starting dry run in four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat — from today. The exercise will continue for two days, December 28 and 29, in two districts each. The mock drill will be like the actual vaccination drive but there will be no vaccine administration. Data will be fed to the Co-WIN app, cold storage will be tested and vaccine transportation from cold storage to the sites, crowd management etc will be checked All the four states will report their observations to the centre recorded during the program. The government plans to cover 30 crore people in the first phase when it rolls out Covid vaccine. A total of 2,360 training sessions have been held so far, and 7,000 officials have been trained, including medical officers and vaccinators. Though India has not given a nod to any vaccine for emergency use, Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine, tested and manufactured in India by Serum Institute, is the front-runner. Once the UK drug regulator gives its approval to the vaccine, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation is likely to hold a meeting where the details will be reviewed and the nod will be given after evaluation. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus vaccine dry run: India to hold two-day dummy drive in four states

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