Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence.

On Tuesday night, another 80 inmates were injured in clashes at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months.

"It is unfortunate that criminal groups are attempting to convert prisons into a battleground for power disputes," Lasso told reporters in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. "I ask God to bless Ecuador and that we can avoid more loss of human life."

<img alt="Ecuador" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9f24840-5ff7-4438-9815-0e046d85861c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-09-29T205903Z_1_LYNXMPEH8S18P_RTROPTP_4_ECUADOR-PRISON.JPG" />

(Family members of inmates wait at the Penitenciaria del Litoral jail after prisoners died and others were injured in a riot in Guayaquil, Ecuador, September 28, 2021. Picture taken September 28, 2021. )

The clash on Tuesday was the most deadly act of violence ever in Ecuador's penitentiary system. In February and in July 2021, similar clashed took place in various prisons in the country.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ecuador-revokes-citizenship-of-julian-assange-401090">Ecuador revokes citizenship of Julian Assange</a>

At least 79 people died in the February violence, and in July at least 22 lives were lost.

Dozens of people arrived at the jail to seek information about relatives and demand accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety. The government bolstered military presence outside the facility. Lasso said the state would assist the families of dead and injured inmates.

The South American country's prosecutor's office said earlier on Wednesday that six of the slain prisoners at Penitenciaria del Litoral had been decapitated.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has previously condemned the violence, and Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to fully investigate the prison violence and bring those responsible to justice.

Lasso in August said the government would provide more funding for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence.

Ecuador President Guillermo Lasso said on Wednesday that death toll of Ecuador prison riot has risen to 116. He added that he would send additional security forces and free up funds to avoid repeat of such a violence. On Tuesday night, another 80 inmates were injured in clashes at the Penitenciaria del Litoral in Guayas province, which has been the scene of bloody fights between gangs for control of the prison in recent months. "It is unfortunate that criminal groups are attempting to convert prisons into a battleground for power disputes," Lasso told reporters in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. "I ask God to bless Ecuador and that we can avoid more loss of human life." (Family members of inmates wait at the Penitenciaria del Litoral jail after prisoners died and others were injured in a riot in Guayaquil, Ecuador, September 28, 2021. Picture taken September 28, 2021. ) The clash on Tuesday was the most deadly act of violence ever in Ecuador's penitentiary system. In February and in July 2021, similar clashed took place in various prisons in the country. Also Read | Ecuador revokes citizenship of Julian Assange At least 79 people died in the February violence, and in July at least 22 lives were lost. Dozens of people arrived at the jail to seek information about relatives and demand accountability from officials responsible for the inmates' safety. The government bolstered military presence outside the facility. Lasso said the state would assist the families of dead and injured inmates. The South American country's prosecutor's office said earlier on Wednesday that six of the slain prisoners at Penitenciaria del Litoral had been decapitated. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has previously condemned the violence, and Human Rights Watch urged Ecuador's government to fully investigate the prison violence and bring those responsible to justice. Lasso in August said the government would provide more funding for the overcrowded prison system to build new wards and install new equipment to improve security. (With inputs from agencies)

Ecuador prison riots: Death toll crosses 100

Russia has been fighting to control the coronavirus pandemic and now the country has reported the highest death toll for second consecutive day.<o:p></o:p>

The Putin-led government reported 857 Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours, and 22,430 coronavirus cases.<o:p></o:p>

For the second consecutive day, the country has reported high number of fatalities due to the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic. The record high number of deaths have taken the toll to 206,388.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-vitamin-a-help-in-treating-covid-resulted-loss-of-smell-experts-answer-416845">Can Vitamin A help in treating Covid-resulted loss of smell? Experts answer</a></o:p>

Russia now has the highest death toll in Europe now and it is also the fifth worst hit country by Covid in the world.<o:p></o:p>

Moscow, the capital city, has observed an alarming spike in the past week and the authorities are worried that this may overwhelm the Covid hospitals.<o:p></o:p>

"The situation is a serious reason not only for concern but also for mobilisation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-to-end-its-covid-19-lockdown-new-health-guidelines-to-be-announced-soon-416852">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-to-end-its-covid-19-lockdown-new-health-guidelines-to-be-announced-soon-416852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities are also urging people to get <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against coronavirus as soon as possible to make sure the chain of infections can be broken. Moscow, and a few other regions, had also started mandatory vaccine for all locals in summer but the programme was paused for technical reasons.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the number of anti-vaxxers and vaccine hesitant population seems to be growing and locals have been trying to resist getting vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

At the start of this week, only 30 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated.<o:p></o:p>

Russia has been fighting to control the coronavirus pandemic and now the country has reported the highest death toll for second consecutive day. The Putin-led government reported 857 Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours, and 22,430 coronavirus cases.

Russia has been fighting to control the coronavirus pandemic and now the country has reported the highest death toll for second consecutive day. The Putin-led government reported 857 Covid-related deaths in the past 24 hours, and 22,430 coronavirus cases. For the second consecutive day, the country has reported high number of fatalities due to the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The record high number of deaths have taken the toll to 206,388. Also read | Can Vitamin A help in treating Covid-resulted loss of smell? Experts answer Russia now has the highest death toll in Europe now and it is also the fifth worst hit country by Covid in the world. Moscow, the capital city, has observed an alarming spike in the past week and the authorities are worried that this may overwhelm the Covid hospitals. "The situation is a serious reason not only for concern but also for mobilisation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. WATCH | Authorities are also urging people to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible to make sure the chain of infections can be broken. Moscow, and a few other regions, had also started mandatory vaccine for all locals in summer but the programme was paused for technical reasons. Meanwhile, the number of anti-vaxxers and vaccine hesitant population seems to be growing and locals have been trying to resist getting vaccinated. At the start of this week, only 30 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated.

Russia reports highest Covid death toll for second consecutive day

Authorities confirmed Monday that more than 300 people died in recent floods in central China, three times the number previously reported.

According to the province administration of Henan, 302 people died and 50 are still missing.

The majority of the casualties were in Zhengzhou, the province capital, where 292 people died and 47 were missing.

Officials announced during a press conference in Zhengzhou that ten other people perished in three other cities.

In Xinxiang city, seven people were killed, with three more still missing, while two people were killed in Pingdingshan and one in Luohe.

Hou Hong, the mayor of Zhengzhou, claimed 39 people had been found dead in basement car parks, and six more had drowned in the cross-city tunnel, bringing the total number of persons killed in the tube to six. 
 
<img alt="China-floods" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e4192b6-85d9-465c-be9a-76941b06428a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_138.jpg" /> 
 
(AFP Photo)

In late July, record-breaking rainstorms wreaked havoc on Henan Province in central China, overflowing reservoirs, spilling riverbanks, and wreaking havoc on public transportation and roadways in key towns.

In only three days, more than 600mm of rain poured in Zhengzhou, about an average year's worth. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Heaviest rain in 1,000 years leads to devastation

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-floods-heaviest-rain-in-1000-years-leads-to-devastation-399561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities said that about 625,000 acres of crops were destroyed and have estimated losses at more than 90 billion yuan ($14 billion). About 1.5 million people were evacuated because of the rains and flooding.

The central government has set up an investigation team to evaluate the disaster response, summarize the lessons from it and hold accountable anyone guilty of dereliction of duty, Chinese media said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities confirmed Monday that more than 300 people died in recent floods in central China, three times the number previously reported. According to the province administration of Henan, 302 people died and 50 are still missing.

Authorities confirmed Monday that more than 300 people died in recent floods in central China, three times the number previously reported. According to the province administration of Henan, 302 people died and 50 are still missing. The majority of the casualties were in Zhengzhou, the province capital, where 292 people died and 47 were missing. Officials announced during a press conference in Zhengzhou that ten other people perished in three other cities. In Xinxiang city, seven people were killed, with three more still missing, while two people were killed in Pingdingshan and one in Luohe. Hou Hong, the mayor of Zhengzhou, claimed 39 people had been found dead in basement car parks, and six more had drowned in the cross-city tunnel, bringing the total number of persons killed in the tube to six. (AFP Photo) In late July, record-breaking rainstorms wreaked havoc on Henan Province in central China, overflowing reservoirs, spilling riverbanks, and wreaking havoc on public transportation and roadways in key towns. In only three days, more than 600mm of rain poured in Zhengzhou, about an average year's worth. Watch | Gravitas: Heaviest rain in 1,000 years leads to devastation Authorities said that about 625,000 acres of crops were destroyed and have estimated losses at more than 90 billion yuan ($14 billion). About 1.5 million people were evacuated because of the rains and flooding. The central government has set up an investigation team to evaluate the disaster response, summarize the lessons from it and hold accountable anyone guilty of dereliction of duty, Chinese media said. (With inputs from agencies)

Corpses afloat in car parks, tunnel: China floods death toll rises to 302

Inside one of Vancouver's 25 air-conditioned cooling centers on Wednesday, visitors quietly read books or worked on laptops as the death toll in&nbsp;Canada's British Columbia province rose into the hundreds from a record-smashing heat wave.

"We've had heat waves before, but not to this extent," said Lou, who provided only her first name. "I'm shocked by how many deaths there have been."

"I have no air conditioning, only a fan at home -- I came here just to work where it's cool."

Canada's westernmost province has been scorched for days by record-smashing heat that reached 49.5 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit) in Lytton, three hours northeast of Vancouver, on Tuesday, surpassing its own previous all-time Canadian record a day earlier.

The heat has killed scores of residents, with the toll rising "by the hour," police said Tuesday, while meteorologists warned of more extreme temperatures to come.

Among those being mourned was the mother-in-law of infectious diseases expert Tara Moriarty, who said the otherwise healthy senior was afraid to seek respite from the heat because she was only half-vaccinated for Covid-19.

"It's quite devastating," Moriarty said on Twitter. "My partner's healthy mom died of heat stroke in British Columbia (Sunday) night.&nbsp;

"Heat stroke can kill very fast. If you have family, neighbours, friends afraid to seek cooler places (because of) Covid, check on them every couple of (hours) when it's really hot."

The British Columbia Coroners Service reported 486 "sudden deaths" between Friday and Wednesday, compared with 165 normally, while Vancouver police said calls for help overwhelmed emergency phone lines.

"While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather British Columbia has experienced and continues to impact many parts of our province," the coroner's service said in a statement.

'Alarming' numbers&nbsp;

"We've never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver," police Sergeant Steve Addison said, "and sadly dozens of people are dying as a result of it."

Vancouver cancelled schools for extreme heat for the first time, while firefighters turned their hoses on anyone in need of cooling.

"It's been super hot in our house, we have really had to rely on friends to give us fans," said Ashley Vaughan, walking with her three children as temperatures began to cool slightly Wednesday. "My kids have been miserable; there was a lot of crying because it was so hot."

Meteorologists said the extreme weather is the result of an extreme heat dome above the Pacific Northwest, a normal summer phenomenon -- but never this hot or early.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-jinping-hails-irreversible-rise-of-china-on-communist-party-centenary-395051">Also Read |&nbsp;President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary</a>

"This particular event is completely consistent with the science of climate change: more intensive heat waves, of a longer duration, more extreme heat, earlier in the season," Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment&nbsp;Canada, told AFP.&nbsp;

"People in the meteorological community -- weather forecasters and climatologists -- are all holding our breaths looking at the numbers. They're alarming."

Peter Lohuaro, 70, was forced to stop cycling because of dangerously high ground-level ozone, prompting public warnings to stay indoors; but he said the heatwave also helped his joints.

"It's unprecedented -- I've travelled to hot places like Death Valley (in California) and this was hotter," Lohuaro told AFP at a city cooling centre.&nbsp;

"For people who live in apartments without air conditioning or facing south, a lot had to go rent hotel rooms or really suffer."

Inside one of Vancouver's 25 air-conditioned cooling centers on Wednesday, visitors quietly read books or worked on laptops as the death toll in Canada's British Columbia province rose into the hundreds from a record-smashing heat wave.

Inside one of Vancouver's 25 air-conditioned cooling centers on Wednesday, visitors quietly read books or worked on laptops as the death toll in Canada's British Columbia province rose into the hundreds from a record-smashing heat wave. "We've had heat waves before, but not to this extent," said Lou, who provided only her first name. "I'm shocked by how many deaths there have been." "I have no air conditioning, only a fan at home -- I came here just to work where it's cool." Canada's westernmost province has been scorched for days by record-smashing heat that reached 49.5 degrees Celsius (121 degrees Fahrenheit) in Lytton, three hours northeast of Vancouver, on Tuesday, surpassing its own previous all-time Canadian record a day earlier. The heat has killed scores of residents, with the toll rising "by the hour," police said Tuesday, while meteorologists warned of more extreme temperatures to come. Among those being mourned was the mother-in-law of infectious diseases expert Tara Moriarty, who said the otherwise healthy senior was afraid to seek respite from the heat because she was only half-vaccinated for Covid-19. "It's quite devastating," Moriarty said on Twitter. "My partner's healthy mom died of heat stroke in British Columbia (Sunday) night. "Heat stroke can kill very fast. If you have family, neighbours, friends afraid to seek cooler places (because of) Covid, check on them every couple of (hours) when it's really hot." The British Columbia Coroners Service reported 486 "sudden deaths" between Friday and Wednesday, compared with 165 normally, while Vancouver police said calls for help overwhelmed emergency phone lines. "While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather British Columbia has experienced and continues to impact many parts of our province," the coroner's service said in a statement. 'Alarming' numbers "We've never experienced anything like this heat in Vancouver," police Sergeant Steve Addison said, "and sadly dozens of people are dying as a result of it." Vancouver cancelled schools for extreme heat for the first time, while firefighters turned their hoses on anyone in need of cooling. "It's been super hot in our house, we have really had to rely on friends to give us fans," said Ashley Vaughan, walking with her three children as temperatures began to cool slightly Wednesday. "My kids have been miserable; there was a lot of crying because it was so hot." Meteorologists said the extreme weather is the result of an extreme heat dome above the Pacific Northwest, a normal summer phenomenon -- but never this hot or early. Also Read | President Jinping hails 'irreversible' rise of China on Communist Party centenary "This particular event is completely consistent with the science of climate change: more intensive heat waves, of a longer duration, more extreme heat, earlier in the season," Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment Canada, told AFP. "People in the meteorological community -- weather forecasters and climatologists -- are all holding our breaths looking at the numbers. They're alarming." Peter Lohuaro, 70, was forced to stop cycling because of dangerously high ground-level ozone, prompting public warnings to stay indoors; but he said the heatwave also helped his joints. "It's unprecedented -- I've travelled to hot places like Death Valley (in California) and this was hotter," Lohuaro told AFP at a city cooling centre. "For people who live in apartments without air conditioning or facing south, a lot had to go rent hotel rooms or really suffer."

Canadians pack into cooling centres as heatwave death toll doubles

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps.

The recommendations urged that the Government must instruct hospitals to issue a medical certificate for cause of death (MCCD) as per ICMR guidelines.

The non-provision of such certificates denies the bereaved families their right to claim compensation from the Government, it added.&nbsp;

According to the NGO, their report was prepared by comparing the Jan-May death certificates data for the years 2019, 2020, 2021.

The six hospitals for which they found the requisite data were spread across the state - Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Vellore, Karur, Tiruppur.&nbsp;

Their reasoning is that the death data (when comparing April-May for three consecutive years) would only remain the same or increase slightly owing to population increase.

The drastic increase they have observed can only be attributed to COVID-19, as there is no other major cause.&nbsp;

With regards to mortality data of April-May 2019, the figure is 4,437 and for the year 2020, it is 3,261. Whereas for the period Apri-May 2021, it is 11,699.

However, as per the daily Health department bulletin quoted by the NGO, the death figures in these hospitals only comes to 863.

In its state-wide estimation based on April-May deaths, the report says, “approximating the same underreporting factor for 8.4 to 8.8 times, the likely number of deaths in Tamil Nadu may be between 1.08-1.25lakh, as opposed to the reported number of 12,943.&nbsp; 
 
As a corrective step, the NGO recommended that the Government put out death certificates, mortality data and its consolidation for the hospital as well as home deaths for all three years - 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps.

Presenting their report that indicated massive underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in major Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals, NGO ‘Arappor Iyakkam’ urged the State Government to take corrective steps. The recommendations urged that the Government must instruct hospitals to issue a medical certificate for cause of death (MCCD) as per ICMR guidelines. The non-provision of such certificates denies the bereaved families their right to claim compensation from the Government, it added. According to the NGO, their report was prepared by comparing the Jan-May death certificates data for the years 2019, 2020, 2021. The six hospitals for which they found the requisite data were spread across the state - Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Vellore, Karur, Tiruppur. Their reasoning is that the death data (when comparing April-May for three consecutive years) would only remain the same or increase slightly owing to population increase. The drastic increase they have observed can only be attributed to COVID-19, as there is no other major cause. With regards to mortality data of April-May 2019, the figure is 4,437 and for the year 2020, it is 3,261. Whereas for the period Apri-May 2021, it is 11,699. However, as per the daily Health department bulletin quoted by the NGO, the death figures in these hospitals only comes to 863. In its state-wide estimation based on April-May deaths, the report says, “approximating the same underreporting factor for 8.4 to 8.8 times, the likely number of deaths in Tamil Nadu may be between 1.08-1.25lakh, as opposed to the reported number of 12,943. As a corrective step, the NGO recommended that the Government put out death certificates, mortality data and its consolidation for the hospital as well as home deaths for all three years - 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Death toll in major Tamil Nadu Govt hospitals is 13.7 times the reported figure claims report by NGO

India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

This spike in number of deaths has come as daily infections have been showing downward trend. On Thursday, 94,052 fresh Covid infections were reported. The number of fresh infections was less than 100,000 for third consecutive day.

The spike in the national toll followed revision in the death toll in the state of Bihar. The prviously unaccounted 3,951 deaths sent its toll above 9,000.

If the state's revised tally is reduced, then the death toll stands at 2,197 across the country in last 24 hours.

The Bihar Health Department reported 9,429 deaths due to coronavirus on Wednesday evening, a jump of 3,951 more deaths compared to a day before. The total deaths in Bihar due to Covid were 5,458 as on Tuesday.

The Health Department has given the breakup of deaths in all 38 districts of the state but it has not mentioned when these deaths occurred. Patna has registered 2,303 deaths which is the highest in the state followed by Muzaffarpur (609) and Begusarai (316).

After the mismatch, a senior state Health Department official said that the matter is under investigation. The detailed report is expected to come later.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry.

India on Thursday reported highest number of Covid deaths in 24-hour period. The death toll has been the highest since the pandemic hit last year. The data has been released by Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. This spike in number of deaths has come as daily infections have been showing downward trend. On Thursday, 94,052 fresh Covid infections were reported. The number of fresh infections was less than 100,000 for third consecutive day. The spike in the national toll followed revision in the death toll in the state of Bihar. The prviously unaccounted 3,951 deaths sent its toll above 9,000. If the state's revised tally is reduced, then the death toll stands at 2,197 across the country in last 24 hours. The Bihar Health Department reported 9,429 deaths due to coronavirus on Wednesday evening, a jump of 3,951 more deaths compared to a day before. The total deaths in Bihar due to Covid were 5,458 as on Tuesday. The Health Department has given the breakup of deaths in all 38 districts of the state but it has not mentioned when these deaths occurred. Patna has registered 2,303 deaths which is the highest in the state followed by Muzaffarpur (609) and Begusarai (316). After the mismatch, a senior state Health Department official said that the matter is under investigation. The detailed report is expected to come later. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports highest daily Covid death toll

Singapore&nbsp;has reported its 34th death due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

The city-state was one of the worst-hit countries by SARS outside mainland China, based on numbers of infection and death, according to the World Health Organization's data.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-awaiting-approval-of-coronavirus-vaccine-for-teens-in-eu-canada-389997">Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada</a>

SARS, a previously unknown infectious disease, is believed to have emerged from the wet markets of China's Guangdong province before spreading into major cities. Globally, as many as 774 people died in the epidemic that reached nearly 30 countries.

While the current pandemic death toll has exceeded&nbsp;Singapore's death toll from the SARS outbreak, the city-state still has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 fatality rates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fatigue-ptsd-depression-and-more-heres-how-to-fight-post-covid-problems-390332">Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems</a>

Singapore&nbsp;authorities had said at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the experience dealing with SARS meant they were more prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak.

So far,&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has reported 62,219 COVID-19 infections since January last year, while it recorded 238 SARS cases between March and May 2003.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hiv-woman-had-covid-19-for-over-6-months-which-mutated-30-times-study-389719">HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study</a>

The 34th COVID-19 death in&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;was an 86-year-old woman who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and had a history of comorbidities including diabetes and hypertension,&nbsp;Singapore's health ministry said.

Singapore has reported its 34th death due to COVID-19, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak.

Singapore has reported its 34th death due to COVID-19, taking its toll from the pandemic beyond the 33 casualties recorded during the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak. The city-state was one of the worst-hit countries by SARS outside mainland China, based on numbers of infection and death, according to the World Health Organization's data. Also read | Moderna awaiting approval of coronavirus vaccine for teens in EU, Canada SARS, a previously unknown infectious disease, is believed to have emerged from the wet markets of China's Guangdong province before spreading into major cities. Globally, as many as 774 people died in the epidemic that reached nearly 30 countries. While the current pandemic death toll has exceeded Singapore's death toll from the SARS outbreak, the city-state still has one of the world's lowest COVID-19 fatality rates. Also read | Fatigue, PTSD, depression and more: Here's how to fight post-Covid problems Singapore authorities had said at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that the experience dealing with SARS meant they were more prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak. So far, Singapore has reported 62,219 COVID-19 infections since January last year, while it recorded 238 SARS cases between March and May 2003. Also read | HIV+ woman had COVID-19 for over 6 months which mutated 30 times: Study The 34th COVID-19 death in Singapore was an 86-year-old woman who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and had a history of comorbidities including diabetes and hypertension, Singapore's health ministry said.

Singapore's death toll from COVID-19 tops casualties in SARS outbreak

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month.

Delhi reported 78 deaths due to the deadly coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This is the first time the city has reported less than 100 deaths in the last 47 days.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-extends-covid-curbs-till-june-7-388292" hreflang="en">Delhi extends COVID curbs till June 7</a>

The national capital reported 946 new cases, taking the tally to 14,25,592 and active cases to 12,100. The positivity rate was reported to be 1.25 per cent.

Delhi MLA, Atishi, also reported that the Delhi government of Aam Aadmi Party has nearly 350,000 doses of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccines</a>, of which 300,000 are of Covishield, and are available for everyone above the age of 45. The vaccine stock is expected to last for 14 days, as per the government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nearly-120-mn-doses-of-covid-vaccine-to-be-available-in-june-health-ministry-388383" hreflang="en">Nearly 120 mn doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry</a>

&nbsp;Nearly 1,803 covid patients have recovered in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to take precautions and said India is fighting this pandemic with all its strength.

“We are seeing that how the country is fighting COVID-19 with all its strength. This has been the biggest pandemic in the past 100 years and amidst this pandemic India faced many natural calamities," he said during his radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the coronavirus lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month.

A day after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced an extension of the coronavirus lockdown till June 07, the national capital has reported the lowest death toll in the last one month. Delhi reported 78 deaths due to the deadly coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This is the first time the city has reported less than 100 deaths in the last 47 days. Also read | Delhi extends COVID curbs till June 7 The national capital reported 946 new cases, taking the tally to 14,25,592 and active cases to 12,100. The positivity rate was reported to be 1.25 per cent. Delhi MLA, Atishi, also reported that the Delhi government of Aam Aadmi Party has nearly 350,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines, of which 300,000 are of Covishield, and are available for everyone above the age of 45. The vaccine stock is expected to last for 14 days, as per the government. Also read | Nearly 120 mn doses of Covid vaccine to be available in June: Health Ministry Nearly 1,803 covid patients have recovered in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to take precautions and said India is fighting this pandemic with all its strength. “We are seeing that how the country is fighting COVID-19 with all its strength. This has been the biggest pandemic in the past 100 years and amidst this pandemic India faced many natural calamities," he said during his radio show, Mann Ki Baat.

India: Delhi reports lowest covid death toll since April 13

India has recorded 4,250 COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours. This is the highest-ever death count that India has ever seen in a single day since the pandemic began in 2020. This is the third time in the span of 10 days that India has officially recorded over 4,000 deaths in 24 hours.

India records highest single day COVID-19 deaths since beginning of pandemic

India's new infections and deaths still remain close to record highs. On Sunday, testing hit a new low. While a shortage of doses has slowed down India's vaccination drive. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Less than 3% of Indians have been fully vaccinated

India continues to battle its deadly second wave of Coronavirus pandemic and for the first time in 4 days the country reported less than 400,000 daily cases. WION tells you more on India's COVID-19 crisis.

India reported less than 400,000 COVID-19 cases after 4 days

The COVID-19 pandemic in India continues to worsen as the country continues to report more than 300,000 cases everyday. The death toll surge has passed 200,000 and still there seems to be no end insight.

COVID-19 situation in India remains grim, death toll surge pass 200,000 mark

India has reported 53,480 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours whereas 354 people have lost their lives. The active caseload increased to over 5,52,000 and the total death toll reached 1,62,468 in the country.

India reports 53,480 new cases of COVID-19 infection, 354 deaths

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally.

Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime.

They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence".&nbsp;

Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests.

In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire.&nbsp;

Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached.&nbsp;

"I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb.&nbsp;

"I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up.&nbsp;

The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll.&nbsp;

Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far.

At least 18 anti-coup protesters were killed on Sunday that proved to be one of the deadliest days since the protests began. More than 80 have been killed after Myanmar military's crackdown so far. But the number is expected to increase dramatically after Sunday's tally. Myanmar military grabbed power in the country on February 1 by toppling government headed by Aung San Suu Kyi. In response, a group of elected MPs, many of whom are in hiding, have formed a shadow "parliament" called the Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) -- the Burmese word for the country's governing bloc -- to denounce the military regime. They issued a statement Sunday saying protesters had the "full right to defend themselves" under the country's penal code against security forces who are "harming and causing violence". Soldiers and police have in recent weeks been staging near-daily crackdowns against demonstrators calling for a return to democracy -- deploying tear gas, rubber bullets and live rounds to quell anti-coup protests. In Yangon's massive Hlaing Tharyar township, police and soldiers faced off against protesters wielding sticks and knives as they hid behind makeshift barricades, fleeing after the security forces opened fire. Protesters -- using cut-out trash cans as shields -- managed to retrieve the injured, but a doctor said not all could be reached. "I can confirm 15 have died," the doctor told AFP, adding that she had treated about 50 people with injuries and expects the death toll to climb. "I cannot talk much -- injured people keep coming," she said before hanging up. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners monitoring group -- which verifies arrests and fatalities since the coup -- confirmed a higher death toll. Throughout the day, gunshots were heard continuously by residents hiding in their homes as smoke rose above the streets, while military trucks were sighted driving through Hlaing Tharyar's streets. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar protest: Death toll on Sunday climbs to 18

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The blasts on Sunday in the Mondong Nkuantoma neighbourhood of the coastal city of Bata also wounded at least 615 people, authorities said. The government said that 316 of the injured have been discharged and 299 remain in care in various hospitals in the city.&nbsp;

More than 60 people were also rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said.&nbsp;

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said the government will hold an emergency meeting to look into how victims can quickly receive aid from Equatorial Guinea before international aid arrives.&nbsp;

Investigations into the blast have begun, he said in a Tuesday statement.&nbsp;

The president initially said the explosion was due to the negligent handling of dynamite in the military barracks and the impact damaged almost all the homes and buildings in Bata.&nbsp;

The vice president, who is also charged with defence and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored.&nbsp;

Images shown on state TV showed plumes of smoke rising above the explosion site as crowds fled. Roofs of houses were ripped off.&nbsp;

Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday.

The death toll from a series of explosions at a military barracks in Equatorial Guinea rose by dozens to at least 98 killed after more bodies were recovered, the government said on Tuesday. The blasts on Sunday in the Mondong Nkuantoma neighbourhood of the coastal city of Bata also wounded at least 615 people, authorities said. The government said that 316 of the injured have been discharged and 299 remain in care in various hospitals in the city. More than 60 people were also rescued from under the rubble by the civil protection corps and fire service, the government said. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said the government will hold an emergency meeting to look into how victims can quickly receive aid from Equatorial Guinea before international aid arrives. Investigations into the blast have begun, he said in a Tuesday statement. The president initially said the explosion was due to the negligent handling of dynamite in the military barracks and the impact damaged almost all the homes and buildings in Bata. The vice president, who is also charged with defence and security, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, said on Tuesday that investigations so far showed the fire may have begun when a farmer set fire to his plot to prepare it for food production and a breeze spread the flames to the nearby barracks where the high-caliber ammunition was stored. Images shown on state TV showed plumes of smoke rising above the explosion site as crowds fled. Roofs of houses were ripped off. Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich West African country of 1.3 million people located south of Cameroon, was a colony of Spain until it gained its independence in 1968. Bata has roughly 175,000 inhabitants. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll rises to 98 in Equatorial Guinea explosions 

A powerful earthquake on Indonesia's Sulawesi island has killed at least 60 people, authorities said Sunday, with thousands left homeless as rescuers raced to find anyone still alive under mountains of rubble more than two days after the disaster.

But monsoon rains were challenging the search effort, as hundreds of injured overwhelmed the only local hospital still operating in the aftermath of the 6.2-magnitude quake, which struck early Friday.

The tremor triggered panic among residents of the island, which was hit by a 2018 quake-tsunami disaster that killed thousands.

Rescuers have been filling body bags with corpses hauled from beneath crumpled buildings in Mamuju, a city of 110,000 people in West Sulawesi province, where a hospital was flattened and a shopping mall lay in ruins.

Others were killed south of the city.

The death toll could still climb.

Excavators, cranes and other heavy equipment were deployed across the devastated seaside city where buildings were reduced to a tangled mass of twisted metal and chunks of concrete, including the regional governor's office.

It was unclear how many people -- dead or alive -- could be still under the debris.

"We heard a roaring sound and the house started shaking," said survivor Jumardi, 50, from a shelter where he and six family members took refuge.

"All I had in my mind was that I would die...Everyone was panicking."

Authorities have not given a figure for how many survivors have been rescued.

A pair of young sisters plucked from under the mass of concrete and other debris were treated in hospital.

Meanwhile, corpses were recovered from under a collapsed hospital, while five members of a family of eight were found dead in the crumpled remains of their home.

- Running low on food, supplies -

Masked doctors treated patients with broken limbs and other injuries at a makeshift medical centre set up outside the only one of the city's hospitals that survived the quake relatively intact.

Among them was Wawan, who was rescued by neighbours after the violent tremor buried him.

The 27-year-old initially didn't want to go into a hospital to treat&nbsp;a broken foot.&nbsp;

"I was traumatised," said the man, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.

"But people convinced me that the doctors were treating patients outside the building, so I agreed to go."

Thousands left homeless by the quake took to makeshift shelters -- many little more than tarpaulin-covered tents filled with whole families.

They said they were running low on food, blankets and other aid, as emergency supplies were rushed to the hard-hit region.

Many survivors are unable to return to their destroyed homes, or were too scared to go back fearing a tsunami sparked by aftershocks, which are common after strong earthquakes.

"It's better to take shelter before something worse happens," said Mamuju resident Abdul Wahab, from a tent with his wife and four kids, including a baby.

Fearing an outbreak of coronavirus in the crowded camps, authorities were trying to separate high- and lower-risk groups.

"Covid-19 further complicates (the) emergency response," said NGO Project HOPE.

- Disaster-prone -

Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of nearly 270 million, has been hit by a series of natural disasters this week.

Landslides sparked by torrential rains killed at least 28 in Java island, while dozens are dead or missing after severe flooding pounded another part of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo.

Volcano Mount Semeru shot a plume of ash and debris some 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) into the sky Saturday night as bright red lava flowed down its crater. There were no reports of casualties.

Indonesian experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide.

In 2018, a 7.5-magnitude&nbsp;quake&nbsp;and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi left more than 4,300 people dead or missing.

And on December 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, triggering a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 170,000 in&nbsp;Indonesia -- among the worst recorded disasters in history.

A powerful earthquake on Indonesia's Sulawesi island has killed at least 60 people, authorities said Sunday, with thousands left homeless as rescuers raced to find anyone still alive under mountains of rubble more than two days after the disaster.

A powerful earthquake on Indonesia's Sulawesi island has killed at least 60 people, authorities said Sunday, with thousands left homeless as rescuers raced to find anyone still alive under mountains of rubble more than two days after the disaster. But monsoon rains were challenging the search effort, as hundreds of injured overwhelmed the only local hospital still operating in the aftermath of the 6.2-magnitude quake, which struck early Friday. The tremor triggered panic among residents of the island, which was hit by a 2018 quake-tsunami disaster that killed thousands. Rescuers have been filling body bags with corpses hauled from beneath crumpled buildings in Mamuju, a city of 110,000 people in West Sulawesi province, where a hospital was flattened and a shopping mall lay in ruins. Others were killed south of the city. The death toll could still climb. Excavators, cranes and other heavy equipment were deployed across the devastated seaside city where buildings were reduced to a tangled mass of twisted metal and chunks of concrete, including the regional governor's office. It was unclear how many people -- dead or alive -- could be still under the debris. "We heard a roaring sound and the house started shaking," said survivor Jumardi, 50, from a shelter where he and six family members took refuge. "All I had in my mind was that I would die...Everyone was panicking." Authorities have not given a figure for how many survivors have been rescued. A pair of young sisters plucked from under the mass of concrete and other debris were treated in hospital. Meanwhile, corpses were recovered from under a collapsed hospital, while five members of a family of eight were found dead in the crumpled remains of their home. - Running low on food, supplies - Masked doctors treated patients with broken limbs and other injuries at a makeshift medical centre set up outside the only one of the city's hospitals that survived the quake relatively intact. Among them was Wawan, who was rescued by neighbours after the violent tremor buried him. The 27-year-old initially didn't want to go into a hospital to treat a broken foot. "I was traumatised," said the man, who like many Indonesians goes by one name. "But people convinced me that the doctors were treating patients outside the building, so I agreed to go." Thousands left homeless by the quake took to makeshift shelters -- many little more than tarpaulin-covered tents filled with whole families. They said they were running low on food, blankets and other aid, as emergency supplies were rushed to the hard-hit region. Many survivors are unable to return to their destroyed homes, or were too scared to go back fearing a tsunami sparked by aftershocks, which are common after strong earthquakes. "It's better to take shelter before something worse happens," said Mamuju resident Abdul Wahab, from a tent with his wife and four kids, including a baby. Fearing an outbreak of coronavirus in the crowded camps, authorities were trying to separate high- and lower-risk groups. "Covid-19 further complicates (the) emergency response," said NGO Project HOPE. - Disaster-prone - Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago of nearly 270 million, has been hit by a series of natural disasters this week. Landslides sparked by torrential rains killed at least 28 in Java island, while dozens are dead or missing after severe flooding pounded another part of Sulawesi and Kalimantan, Indonesia's section of Borneo. Volcano Mount Semeru shot a plume of ash and debris some 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) into the sky Saturday night as bright red lava flowed down its crater. There were no reports of casualties. Indonesian experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where tectonic plates collide. In 2018, a 7.5-magnitude quake and a subsequent tsunami in Palu on Sulawesi left more than 4,300 people dead or missing. And on December 26, 2004, a massive 9.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, triggering a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 170,000 in Indonesia -- among the worst recorded disasters in history.

Indonesia hunts for survivors as quake death toll hits 60

Donald Trump, whose "seditious rhetoric" incited a violent attack on the Capitol, is a "menace" and is unfit to remain in office and must be removed, US media outlets have asserted, as they tore into the American President, demanding that he be held accountable through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution.

Thousands of Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police on Wednesday, resulting in at least the death of four persons and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the election.

In an editorial titled 'Trump is to blame for Capitol attack', The New York Times said, "President Trump and his Republican enablers in Congress incited a violent attack Wednesday against the government they lead and the nation they profess to love. This cannot be allowed to stand."

The NYT editorial said Trump's "seditious rhetoric" prompted a mob of thousands of people to storm the US Capitol building, some breaking onto the House and Senate floors, where the nation's elected representatives had gathered to perform their constitutional duty of counting electoral votes and confirming the election of Joe Biden as president.

"The president needs to be held accountable, through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution, and the same goes for his supporters who carried out the violence. In time, there should be an investigation of the failure of the Capitol Police to prepare for an attack that was announced and planned in public," the report said.

"This is not just an attack on the results of the 2020 election. It is a precedent, a permission slip for similar opposition to the outcomes of future elections. It must be clearly rejected, and placed beyond the pale of permissible conduct. The leaders of the Republican Party also bear a measure of responsibility for the attack on the Capitol," it said.

The Washington Post in an editorial titled 'Trump caused the assault on the Capitol.

He must be removed' said the president's "refusal to accept his election defeat and his relentless incitement of his supporters led Wednesday to the unthinkable: an assault on the US Capitol by a violent mob that overwhelmed police and drove Congress from its chambers as it was debating the counting of electoral votes".

"Responsibility for this act of sedition lies squarely with the president, who has shown that his continued tenure in office poses a grave threat to US democracy. He should be removed," the Post editorial said.

Trump is "unfit" to remain in office for the next 14 days, when on January 20 President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn-in as the next leader of America, it said, adding "Every second he retains the vast powers of the presidency is a threat to public order and national security".

Vice President Mike Pence, who had to be whisked off the Senate floor for his own protection, should immediately gather the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, declaring that Trump is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," it said.

The Congress, which would be required to ratify the action if Trump resisted, should do so and Pence should serve until President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20.

"Americans put on their seat belts, follow traffic laws, pay taxes and vote because of faith in a system, and that faith makes it work. The highest voice in the land incited people to break that faith, not just in tweets, but by inciting them to action. Trump is a menace, and as long as he remains in the White House, the country will be in danger," the editorial said.

The NYT editorial said January 6, 2021, will go down as a "dark day".

"The question is whether, even as Trump's time in office ends, America is at the beginning of a descent into an even darker and more divided epoch or the end of one. The danger is real, but the answer is not foreordained," it said.

Donald Trump, whose "seditious rhetoric" incited a violent attack on the Capitol, is a "menace" and is unfit to remain in office and must be removed, US media outlets have asserted, as they tore into the American President, demanding that he be held accountable through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution.

Donald Trump, whose "seditious rhetoric" incited a violent attack on the Capitol, is a "menace" and is unfit to remain in office and must be removed, US media outlets have asserted, as they tore into the American President, demanding that he be held accountable through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution. Thousands of Trump's supporters stormed the US Capitol and clashed with police on Wednesday, resulting in at least the death of four persons and interrupting a constitutional process to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the election. In an editorial titled 'Trump is to blame for Capitol attack', The New York Times said, "President Trump and his Republican enablers in Congress incited a violent attack Wednesday against the government they lead and the nation they profess to love. This cannot be allowed to stand." The NYT editorial said Trump's "seditious rhetoric" prompted a mob of thousands of people to storm the US Capitol building, some breaking onto the House and Senate floors, where the nation's elected representatives had gathered to perform their constitutional duty of counting electoral votes and confirming the election of Joe Biden as president. "The president needs to be held accountable, through impeachment proceedings or criminal prosecution, and the same goes for his supporters who carried out the violence. In time, there should be an investigation of the failure of the Capitol Police to prepare for an attack that was announced and planned in public," the report said. "This is not just an attack on the results of the 2020 election. It is a precedent, a permission slip for similar opposition to the outcomes of future elections. It must be clearly rejected, and placed beyond the pale of permissible conduct. The leaders of the Republican Party also bear a measure of responsibility for the attack on the Capitol," it said. The Washington Post in an editorial titled 'Trump caused the assault on the Capitol. He must be removed' said the president's "refusal to accept his election defeat and his relentless incitement of his supporters led Wednesday to the unthinkable: an assault on the US Capitol by a violent mob that overwhelmed police and drove Congress from its chambers as it was debating the counting of electoral votes". "Responsibility for this act of sedition lies squarely with the president, who has shown that his continued tenure in office poses a grave threat to US democracy. He should be removed," the Post editorial said. Trump is "unfit" to remain in office for the next 14 days, when on January 20 President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn-in as the next leader of America, it said, adding "Every second he retains the vast powers of the presidency is a threat to public order and national security". Vice President Mike Pence, who had to be whisked off the Senate floor for his own protection, should immediately gather the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment, declaring that Trump is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office," it said. The Congress, which would be required to ratify the action if Trump resisted, should do so and Pence should serve until President-elect Joe Biden is inaugurated on January 20. "Americans put on their seat belts, follow traffic laws, pay taxes and vote because of faith in a system, and that faith makes it work. The highest voice in the land incited people to break that faith, not just in tweets, but by inciting them to action. Trump is a menace, and as long as he remains in the White House, the country will be in danger," the editorial said. The NYT editorial said January 6, 2021, will go down as a "dark day". "The question is whether, even as Trump's time in office ends, America is at the beginning of a descent into an even darker and more divided epoch or the end of one. The danger is real, but the answer is not foreordained," it said.

Trump is 'menace', must be removed and held accountable for Capitol attack: US media

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the US Capitol.

Washington, DC, Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.”

DC Fire and Emergency Medical services transported people to area hospitals with injuries ranging from cardiac arrest to multiple fractures after falling from scaffolding on the West front of the Capitol building. However, city officials did not say whether any of these people are the ones now deceased.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she is extending the public emergency to 15 days, as a result of rioters overtaking the US Capitol building earlier today. This will take the emergency declaration until the day after President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I have issued Mayor’s Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorBowser/status/1347026775134662658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The mayor says that the people who stormed the Capitol, “sought to disrupt the Congressional proceedings relating to the acceptance of Electoral College votes.” “Persons are dissatisfied with judicial rulings and the findings of State Boards of Elections, and some persons can be expected to continue their violent protests through the inauguration.” 
 
The riot started when Congress that was holding a joint session to ratify the electoral the Electoral College votes electing Democrats Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President.

Thousands of the rioters shouting "Trump" and "USA, USA" overwhelmed the police and pushed the barriers around the Capitol and rushed after the joint session adjourned for the Senate and the House of Representatives met separately to consider objections to the Electoral College votes from Arizona.

The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died.

Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area.

Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behaviour of the Trump supporters was “shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful.”

She says, “There will be law and order and this behaviour will not be tolerated.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the US Capitol. Washington, DC, Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.

Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the US Capitol. Washington, DC, Police Chief Robert Contee said the dead on Wednesday included a woman who was shot by the US Capitol Police, as well as three others who died in “medical emergencies.” DC Fire and Emergency Medical services transported people to area hospitals with injuries ranging from cardiac arrest to multiple fractures after falling from scaffolding on the West front of the Capitol building. However, city officials did not say whether any of these people are the ones now deceased. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she is extending the public emergency to 15 days, as a result of rioters overtaking the US Capitol building earlier today. This will take the emergency declaration until the day after President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration. I have issued Mayor’s Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order. — Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2021 × The mayor says that the people who stormed the Capitol, “sought to disrupt the Congressional proceedings relating to the acceptance of Electoral College votes.” “Persons are dissatisfied with judicial rulings and the findings of State Boards of Elections, and some persons can be expected to continue their violent protests through the inauguration.” The riot started when Congress that was holding a joint session to ratify the electoral the Electoral College votes electing Democrats Joe Biden as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President. Thousands of the rioters shouting "Trump" and "USA, USA" overwhelmed the police and pushed the barriers around the Capitol and rushed after the joint session adjourned for the Senate and the House of Representatives met separately to consider objections to the Electoral College votes from Arizona. The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. She was hospitalized with a gunshot wound and later died. Police Chief Robert Contee says officials have declared the scene a riot. Thirteen arrests were made of people from out of the area. Mayor Muriel Bowser says the behaviour of the Trump supporters was “shameful, unpatriotic and above all is unlawful.” She says, “There will be law and order and this behaviour will not be tolerated.” (With inputs from agencies)

US Capitol violence: Death toll rises to 4, public emergency in Washington DC

The death toll from Typhoon Vamco that ransacked the Philippines this week has climbed to 67, the country's national disaster agency said on Sunday.

According to the Philippines police and army, Vamco has left 22 people missing. 
 
President Rodrigo Duterte was scheduled to fly to the northern Tuguegarao province later in the day to assess the situation in Cagayan Valley region, which was heavily flooded after Typhoon Vamco dumped rain over swathes of the main Luzon island, including the capital, metropolitan Manila.

Twenty-two fatalities were recorded in Cagayan, 17 in southern Luzon provinces, eight in Metro Manila, and 20 in two other regions, said disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal.

Twenty-one people were injured, he said.

Many areas in Cagayan, rice- and corn-producing region of 1.2 million people, remained submerged as of Sunday, according to media reports.

Heavy flooding, caused by the accumulated effects of previous weather disturbances, as well as water from a dam and higher plains affected thousands of families, some of whom had fled to rooftops to escape two-storey high floods.

The damage to agricultural commodities due to floods was initially pegged at 1.2 billion pesos ($25 million), while infrastructure damage was estimated at 470 million pesos, Timbal said.

Nearly 26,000 houses were also damaged, he said.

Relief and rescue operations continued while the nearby Magat Dam was still releasing water, two days after releasing a volume equivalent to two Olympic-size pools per second, based on government data.

Vamco, the 21st cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, tore through Luzon late on Wednesday and caused the worst flooding in years in parts of the capital.

It followed Super Typhoon Goni, the world's most powerful storm this year, which brought heavy rain to southern Luzon provinces and killed scores of people just a few days earlier.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from Typhoon Vamco that ransacked the Philippines this week has climbed to 67, the country's national disaster agency said on Sunday. According to the Philippines police and army, Vamco has left 22 people missing.

The death toll from Typhoon Vamco that ransacked the Philippines this week has climbed to 67, the country's national disaster agency said on Sunday. According to the Philippines police and army, Vamco has left 22 people missing. President Rodrigo Duterte was scheduled to fly to the northern Tuguegarao province later in the day to assess the situation in Cagayan Valley region, which was heavily flooded after Typhoon Vamco dumped rain over swathes of the main Luzon island, including the capital, metropolitan Manila. Twenty-two fatalities were recorded in Cagayan, 17 in southern Luzon provinces, eight in Metro Manila, and 20 in two other regions, said disaster agency spokesman Mark Timbal. Twenty-one people were injured, he said. Many areas in Cagayan, rice- and corn-producing region of 1.2 million people, remained submerged as of Sunday, according to media reports. Heavy flooding, caused by the accumulated effects of previous weather disturbances, as well as water from a dam and higher plains affected thousands of families, some of whom had fled to rooftops to escape two-storey high floods. The damage to agricultural commodities due to floods was initially pegged at 1.2 billion pesos ($25 million), while infrastructure damage was estimated at 470 million pesos, Timbal said. Nearly 26,000 houses were also damaged, he said. Relief and rescue operations continued while the nearby Magat Dam was still releasing water, two days after releasing a volume equivalent to two Olympic-size pools per second, based on government data. Vamco, the 21st cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, tore through Luzon late on Wednesday and caused the worst flooding in years in parts of the capital. It followed Super Typhoon Goni, the world's most powerful storm this year, which brought heavy rain to southern Luzon provinces and killed scores of people just a few days earlier. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll from Typhoon Vamco rises to 67 in the Philippines, 12 missing

The novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces of items like banknotes and phones for 28 days in dark and cool conditions, a study by Australia's national science agency claimed.

Coronavirus can survive on phones, banknotes for 28 days: Study

A second wave of COVID-19 is sweeping across the Europe. In response, European governments are reimposing the COVID-19 preventive measures triggering a backlash from it's citizens.

Second wave of COVID-19 sweeps across Europe, preventive measures reimposed

Daily case numbers in the European Union and United Kingdom this week reached record highs of more than 45,000 on a 14-day notification rate

Your Story: Second COVID-19 wave sweeps through Europe

Due to coronavirus, 1,021 deaths have been resorded in 24 hours across India. Country's fatality rate dropped to 1.82% whereas recovery rate stands at over 76.28%.

India: 76,472 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours

The United States has reported 734 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the total death toll to 115,436, according to John Hopkins University.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-57-new-virus-cases-highest-daily-count-since-april-305692" hreflang="en">China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April</a>

US continues to report around 20,000 cases every day bringing the tally to 2,071,782 at 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), a tracker maintained by the Baltimore-based university showed.&nbsp;

"It's important that we remember that this situation is unprecedented. And that the pandemic has not ended," Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Friday.

President Donald Trump's administration allows that there are new flare-ups in coronavirus caseloads in some states but insists there will be no shutdown of the economy if a second full-blown wave arises.

The United States continues to be the worst-hit countries in terms of both, cases and deaths due to coronavirus.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

The United States has reported 734 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the total death toll to 115,436, according to John Hopkins University. Also read: China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April US continues to report around 20,000 cases every day bringing the tally to 2,071,782 at 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), a tracker maintained by the Baltimore-based university showed.

The United States has reported 734 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the total death toll to 115,436, according to John Hopkins University. Also read: China reports 57 new virus cases, highest daily count since April US continues to report around 20,000 cases every day bringing the tally to 2,071,782 at 8:30 pm Saturday (0030 GMT Sunday), a tracker maintained by the Baltimore-based university showed. "It's important that we remember that this situation is unprecedented. And that the pandemic has not ended," Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Friday. President Donald Trump's administration allows that there are new flare-ups in coronavirus caseloads in some states but insists there will be no shutdown of the economy if a second full-blown wave arises. The United States continues to be the worst-hit countries in terms of both, cases and deaths due to coronavirus. (Inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus: US reports 734 deaths in past 24 hours; death toll stands at 115,347

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said.

Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day.

The total number of recovered patients stands at 44,517.

Maharashtra coronavirus figures are as follows: Positive cases 94,041, new cases 3,254, deaths 3,438, discharged 44,517, active cases 46,074, people tested so far 5,93,784.&nbsp;

Meanwhile in India, the total number of coronavirus cases have jumped to 276,583, while 7,745 people have died from the disease so far, showed data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Close to 6,000 recoveries pushed the total number of cured/discharged patients to 135,206. The count of active cases now stands at 133,632.

Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, 5,991 patients have been cured, and the recovery rate now stands at 48.88 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said. Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day.

Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases have climbed to 94,041 on Wednesday with 3,254 new patients, a health official said. Total 3,438 have died so far due to the deadly coronavirus with 149 new deaths being recorded during the day. The total number of recovered patients stands at 44,517. Maharashtra coronavirus figures are as follows: Positive cases 94,041, new cases 3,254, deaths 3,438, discharged 44,517, active cases 46,074, people tested so far 5,93,784. Meanwhile in India, the total number of coronavirus cases have jumped to 276,583, while 7,745 people have died from the disease so far, showed data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday. Close to 6,000 recoveries pushed the total number of cured/discharged patients to 135,206. The count of active cases now stands at 133,632. Meanwhile, in the past 24 hours, 5,991 patients have been cured, and the recovery rate now stands at 48.88 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra inch near 1 lakh mark, death toll at 3,438

Pakistan's COVID-19 cases reached 76,398 on Tuesday after 3,938 new infections were reported across the country, while the death toll due to the coronavirus has gone up to 1,621, according to the health ministry.

The Ministry of National Health Services said that 78 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities in Pakistan to 1,621.

A total of 27, 110 people have recovered, it said.

Sindh has 29,647 patients, Punjab 27,850, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 10,485, Balochistan 4,514, Islamabad 2,893, Gilgit-Baltistan 738 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 271, it added.

The authorities have conducted 577,974 tests, including 16,548 in the last 24 hours.

The jump in the number of cases comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that people should learn to live with COVID-19 until a vaccine is developed.

Khan addressed the media after chairing the meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest body to tackle the pandemic.

"Coronavirus will not go away until the vaccine is discovered. We need to learn to live with it and we can live with it if we follow precautions," he said.

He said the one million volunteers of the government''s coronavirus force will raise awareness of the need to follow guidelines.

The government also said that all sectors will be opened slowly after deciding the negative list of businesses which will not be allowed.&nbsp;

Pakistan's COVID-19 cases reached 76,398 on Tuesday after 3,938 new infections were reported across the country, while the death toll due to the coronavirus has gone up to 1,621, according to the health ministry.

Pakistan's COVID-19 cases reached 76,398 on Tuesday after 3,938 new infections were reported across the country, while the death toll due to the coronavirus has gone up to 1,621, according to the health ministry. The Ministry of National Health Services said that 78 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of fatalities in Pakistan to 1,621. A total of 27, 110 people have recovered, it said. Sindh has 29,647 patients, Punjab 27,850, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 10,485, Balochistan 4,514, Islamabad 2,893, Gilgit-Baltistan 738 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 271, it added. The authorities have conducted 577,974 tests, including 16,548 in the last 24 hours. The jump in the number of cases comes a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan said that people should learn to live with COVID-19 until a vaccine is developed. Khan addressed the media after chairing the meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest body to tackle the pandemic. "Coronavirus will not go away until the vaccine is discovered. We need to learn to live with it and we can live with it if we follow precautions," he said. He said the one million volunteers of the government''s coronavirus force will raise awareness of the need to follow guidelines. The government also said that all sectors will be opened slowly after deciding the negative list of businesses which will not be allowed.

Pakistan reports 3,938 new COVID-19 cases, death toll reaches 1,621

Spain's daily death toll from the coronavirus was 87 on Sunday, the health ministry said, dropping below 100 for the first time in two months.

Total deaths from the virus climbed to 27,650, while the number of confirmed cases edged up to 231,350 from 230,698, the ministry said.

Spain's government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last "about a month" until the transition out of lockdown is completed, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"It should be the last state of emergency (period) and will continue until the end of the rollback. For that reason.. instead of being a 15-day (extension) it will be for about a month," he said in a televised address.&nbsp;

Spain's daily death toll from the coronavirus was 87 on Sunday, the health ministry said, dropping below 100 for the first time in two months. Total deaths from the virus climbed to 27,650, while the number of confirmed cases edged up to 231,350 from 230,698, the ministry said.

Spain's daily death toll from the coronavirus was 87 on Sunday, the health ministry said, dropping below 100 for the first time in two months. Total deaths from the virus climbed to 27,650, while the number of confirmed cases edged up to 231,350 from 230,698, the ministry said. Spain's government will seek a fresh extension of its state of emergency that will last "about a month" until the transition out of lockdown is completed, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday. "It should be the last state of emergency (period) and will continue until the end of the rollback. For that reason.. instead of being a 15-day (extension) it will be for about a month," he said in a televised address.

Spain's daily coronavirus death toll below 100 for first time in two months

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported.

The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition.

Recently, United States President Donald Trump referred to chloroquine phosphate as a potential treatment for the virus. However, the potion is also used to clean fish tanks at aquariums.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved chloroquine to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. It’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 still remains unclear.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-who-ignored-its-coronavirus-questions-at-start-of-outbreak-288233" hreflang="en">Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak</a>

Many experts around the world have warned against self-medication. There are rumours floating on the internet: ranging from consumption of alcohol to a combination of anti-viral and an antibiotic. The former has led to at least 194 deaths in Iran due to poisoning.

CNN spoke to Daniel Brooks, the Medical Director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Centre. Brooks asserted that “self-medicating is not the way to [treat the virus]”.

The couple, who were in their 60s, didn’t say how they acquired the combination and where they were treated

They were admitted at a hospital called “Banner Health”. As per the hospital’s statement, the couple started feeling the ill-effects thirty minutes after ingesting the concoction.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="007a0d9a-1a9c-4aa5-9838-6138a5754e7f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_111.jpg" /> 
A picture shows a near empty A21 main dual carriageway near Sevenoaks, Kent, south of London on March 24, 2020 after Britain ordered a lockdown to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The US president has referred to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential game changers in the battle against coronavirus.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE &amp; AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents).....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241367239900778501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE &amp; AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine," he <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241367239900778501?s=20">tweeted</a> Saturday.

However, a lot of research is needed to verify these claims. Even though many researchers claim that the combination could help in treating the virus, there is no proof yet.

After Trump’s claims, three people in Nigeria have so far overdosed on the medicine.&nbsp;

Health care providers have been urged to not prescribe the medicine to patients who have not been hospitalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-newspapers-call-on-china-to-reverse-expulsion-of-journalists-288224" hreflang="en">US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists</a>

"The last thing that we want right now is to inundate our emergency departments with patients who believe they found a vague and risky solution that could potentially jeopardise their health," Brooks told CNN.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported. The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition.

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported. The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition. Recently, United States President Donald Trump referred to chloroquine phosphate as a potential treatment for the virus. However, the potion is also used to clean fish tanks at aquariums. The Food and Drug Administration has approved chloroquine to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. It’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 still remains unclear. Also read: Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak Many experts around the world have warned against self-medication. There are rumours floating on the internet: ranging from consumption of alcohol to a combination of anti-viral and an antibiotic. The former has led to at least 194 deaths in Iran due to poisoning. CNN spoke to Daniel Brooks, the Medical Director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Centre. Brooks asserted that “self-medicating is not the way to [treat the virus]”. The couple, who were in their 60s, didn’t say how they acquired the combination and where they were treated They were admitted at a hospital called “Banner Health”. As per the hospital’s statement, the couple started feeling the ill-effects thirty minutes after ingesting the concoction. A picture shows a near empty A21 main dual carriageway near Sevenoaks, Kent, south of London on March 24, 2020 after Britain ordered a lockdown to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP The US president has referred to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential game changers in the battle against coronavirus. HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents)..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2020 × "HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine," he tweeted Saturday. However, a lot of research is needed to verify these claims. Even though many researchers claim that the combination could help in treating the virus, there is no proof yet. After Trump’s claims, three people in Nigeria have so far overdosed on the medicine. Health care providers have been urged to not prescribe the medicine to patients who have not been hospitalised. Also read: US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists "The last thing that we want right now is to inundate our emergency departments with patients who believe they found a vague and risky solution that could potentially jeopardise their health," Brooks told CNN. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies

Eight out of ten people in Spanish capital city of Madrid is expected to contract the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The claim was made by the President of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.

Even though the majority of the people will develop only mild symptoms, it will still become a problem because even dormant carriers of the virus can infect people who are at high-risk of developing complications, especially the ones with low immunity and at old-age.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

"They will have mild symptoms," the president added. "It will be a problem for the vulnerable population”, she added. Around 15 per cent of the population will be at high-risk if the infection spreads at the expected rate in Madrid.

"This virus has been in Spain for a longer time and is going to spread to practically everyone, and in most, it will not leave lasting marks. But the problem is the vulnerable population",&nbsp; said Díaz Asuyo in an interview given on radio.

Asuyo added that the disease will prove to be “lethal” for people above 60. In 24 or 48 hours, “it can end the life of a person who is in the vulnerable population group”, she added.

<h6><img alt="---" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a1fcf0b-54e2-4951-a920-b956e64adf16" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_88.jpg" /> 
Picture shows an empty terminal at the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport in Barajas on March 20, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The region of Madrid wants to “save time”. Measures in place include the unification of the public and private sectors, with normals beds across the region slated to be converted in ICU beds.

Almost 580 beds in crucial units across the region remain occupied, as per the statement given by Asuyo.&nbsp;

Additionally, the Ministry of Health is planning to curate “rapid tests” to accelerate the detection of coronavirus over the weekend.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-poop-for-ten-years-announces-dutch-pm-as-people-hoard-toilet-paper-287589">'Can poop for ten years', announces Dutch PM as people hoard toilet paper</a>

The death toll in Spain currently stands at 1,002, which was up from 767 on the previous day. Additionally, the registered cases in the country increased from 17, 147 to 19, 980.

As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight out of ten people in Spanish capital city of Madrid is expected to contract the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The claim was made by the President of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso.

Eight out of ten people in Spanish capital city of Madrid is expected to contract the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The claim was made by the President of the Region of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso. Even though the majority of the people will develop only mild symptoms, it will still become a problem because even dormant carriers of the virus can infect people who are at high-risk of developing complications, especially the ones with low immunity and at old-age. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? "They will have mild symptoms," the president added. "It will be a problem for the vulnerable population”, she added. Around 15 per cent of the population will be at high-risk if the infection spreads at the expected rate in Madrid. "This virus has been in Spain for a longer time and is going to spread to practically everyone, and in most, it will not leave lasting marks. But the problem is the vulnerable population", said Díaz Asuyo in an interview given on radio. Asuyo added that the disease will prove to be “lethal” for people above 60. In 24 or 48 hours, “it can end the life of a person who is in the vulnerable population group”, she added. Picture shows an empty terminal at the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suarez Airport in Barajas on March 20, 2020 | AFP The region of Madrid wants to “save time”. Measures in place include the unification of the public and private sectors, with normals beds across the region slated to be converted in ICU beds. Almost 580 beds in crucial units across the region remain occupied, as per the statement given by Asuyo. Additionally, the Ministry of Health is planning to curate “rapid tests” to accelerate the detection of coronavirus over the weekend. Also read: 'Can poop for ten years', announces Dutch PM as people hoard toilet paper The death toll in Spain currently stands at 1,002, which was up from 767 on the previous day. Additionally, the registered cases in the country increased from 17, 147 to 19, 980. As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid

The chief rabbi at the holy site of the Western Wall has requested the followers to not kiss the stones, as is the tradition. This move comes at the peak of coronavirus infections across the world.

Traditionally, Jews pray in large numbers at the Western Wall and stuff written prayers into the cracks between the stones there. Even though kissing the wall is not a traditional mandate, some Jews continue to do so, for it implies dedication to God.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-asymptomatic-kids-sustain-coronavirus-for-longer-than-adults-287039" hreflang="en">Can asymptomatic kids sustain coronavirus for longer than adults?</a>

The Western Wall is the holiest site for all Jews across Jerusalem. The structure was originally part of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great about 2,000 years ago and was later destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Even though a call was put out for Jews to avoid visiting the site owing to the coronavirus scare, many have continued to visit the site.

"Do not kiss the Western Wall stones", the rabbi at the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinowitz, requested followers in a statement on Monday.

<img alt="coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c406f87b-6dbc-4df3-a215-3e5242ebe177" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_26.jpg" />

Additionally, the worshippers have been requested to maintain adequate distance between each other and to follow the necessary hygiene practices.

The Western Wall touches the sacred compound known as Har ha-Bayit to Jews, or more commonly, Temple Mount. Muslims refer to it as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary.

Muslim authorities have also responded to the COVID-19 fears quickly, and have shut down the compound Al-Aqsa Mosque along with Dome of the Rock until further notice.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-our-healthcare-workers-safe-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-287036" hreflang="en">Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic?</a>

Until now, Israel has reported 324 cases of coronavirus.

As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside.

Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The chief rabbi at the holy site of the Western Wall has requested the followers to not kiss the stones, as is the tradition. This move comes at the peak of coronavirus infections across the world.

The chief rabbi at the holy site of the Western Wall has requested the followers to not kiss the stones, as is the tradition. This move comes at the peak of coronavirus infections across the world. Traditionally, Jews pray in large numbers at the Western Wall and stuff written prayers into the cracks between the stones there. Even though kissing the wall is not a traditional mandate, some Jews continue to do so, for it implies dedication to God. Also read: Can asymptomatic kids sustain coronavirus for longer than adults? The Western Wall is the holiest site for all Jews across Jerusalem. The structure was originally part of the Second Temple, which was built by Herod the Great about 2,000 years ago and was later destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. Even though a call was put out for Jews to avoid visiting the site owing to the coronavirus scare, many have continued to visit the site. "Do not kiss the Western Wall stones", the rabbi at the Western Wall, Shmuel Rabinowitz, requested followers in a statement on Monday. Additionally, the worshippers have been requested to maintain adequate distance between each other and to follow the necessary hygiene practices. The Western Wall touches the sacred compound known as Har ha-Bayit to Jews, or more commonly, Temple Mount. Muslims refer to it as al-Haram al-Sharif, or The Noble Sanctuary. Muslim authorities have also responded to the COVID-19 fears quickly, and have shut down the compound Al-Aqsa Mosque along with Dome of the Rock until further notice. Also read: Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic? Until now, Israel has reported 324 cases of coronavirus. As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside. Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia. (With inputs from Reuters)

As COVID-19 continues to spread, Jews urged not to kiss the Western Wall

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

This new cluster of infections came to light after a church official sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. However, as The Daily Mail reported, the bottle wasn't cleaned before being used.

The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul, following which the pastor tested positive for the infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-doctors-predict-how-long-it-would-take-for-a-patient-to-recover-from-covid-19-286972">Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?</a>

After a probe was undertaken the city government, more than 40 people were found to be carrying the COVID-19.

As per media reports, the church has 135 followers, out of whom 90 were in attendance on March 8.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3eee172f-14d6-43f2-b619-904493fbf560" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_87.jpg" />

<h6>Image courtesy: River of Grace Community Church 
&nbsp;</h6>

The authorities have tested all 135 followers.

The pastor of the church, Kim, has reportedly apologised for spreading the infection.

''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency.

The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-church-leader-apologises-for-coronavirus-spread-283869/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This incident marks the second-largest infection cluster in the region surrounding Seoul. Earlier, an insurance call centre in the city had reported 129 infections.

Yesterday, South Korea reported 74 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total to 8,236. This marks the second consecutive day when cases lesser than 100 have been registered in the country.

As per the testimonies of the neighbours, around 100 people would visit 100 square metre chapel every Sunday, with 20-30 followers coming in on weekdays.

''All large-scale churches in Seongnam have suspended physical worship services, but the River of Grace Community Church had pushed ahead with its Sunday gathering for two weeks, despite protests from neighbours'', a Seongnam resident said.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d425a6c1-1259-4e7e-828b-6eb058eb28d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29_82.jpg" /> 
Area around the church being disinfected | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Based on the footage that was released by Seongnam province, church officials can be seen spraying saltwater into the mouths of church members during services on March 1 and 8.

Ironically, the goal of the spray was to disinfect the churchgoers. However, no attention was paid to the proximity of the spray nozzle to the mouths of the visitors, which helped accelerate the spread.

''If the spray was repeatedly used for different people without disinfection, it could have increased the number of infections'', a provincial official said.

As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside.

Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twice-bitten-people-whove-recovered-from-coronavirus-are-likely-to-relapse-287011" hreflang="en">Twice bitten? People who've recovered from coronavirus are likely to relapse</a>

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife.

A church in South Korea has been making the headlines recently. 46 people going to the same church recently contracted coronavirus, including the pastor and his wife. This new cluster of infections came to light after a church official sprayed saltwater into the mouths of people visiting the place of worship. However, as The Daily Mail reported, the bottle wasn't cleaned before being used. The gathering took place on March 8 at the River of Grace Community Church in Seongnam near Seoul, following which the pastor tested positive for the infection. Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19? After a probe was undertaken the city government, more than 40 people were found to be carrying the COVID-19. As per media reports, the church has 135 followers, out of whom 90 were in attendance on March 8. Image courtesy: River of Grace Community Church The authorities have tested all 135 followers. The pastor of the church, Kim, has reportedly apologised for spreading the infection. ''I feel deeply sorry about what has happened. I will take all the blame and responsibility'', Kim told Yonhap News Agency. The pastor also suggested that he intends to retire once the pandemic is over. This incident marks the second-largest infection cluster in the region surrounding Seoul. Earlier, an insurance call centre in the city had reported 129 infections. Yesterday, South Korea reported 74 new cases of the coronavirus, taking the total to 8,236. This marks the second consecutive day when cases lesser than 100 have been registered in the country. As per the testimonies of the neighbours, around 100 people would visit 100 square metre chapel every Sunday, with 20-30 followers coming in on weekdays. ''All large-scale churches in Seongnam have suspended physical worship services, but the River of Grace Community Church had pushed ahead with its Sunday gathering for two weeks, despite protests from neighbours'', a Seongnam resident said. Area around the church being disinfected | AFP Based on the footage that was released by Seongnam province, church officials can be seen spraying saltwater into the mouths of church members during services on March 1 and 8. Ironically, the goal of the spray was to disinfect the churchgoers. However, no attention was paid to the proximity of the spray nozzle to the mouths of the visitors, which helped accelerate the spread. ''If the spray was repeatedly used for different people without disinfection, it could have increased the number of infections'', a provincial official said. As of Tuesday, the global infection numbers stand at 182,400, while over 7,100 have been killed, as per data provided by the Johns Hopkins University. For the first time, the number of deaths outside China has surpassed the number inside. Millions continue to remain quarantined in Europe and Asia. Also read: Twice bitten? People who've recovered from coronavirus are likely to relapse

Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19

death-toll

Death Toll, News on Death Toll, stories on Death Toll, articles on Death Toll, Death Toll stories at Wion, Death Toll news, Death Toll latest news