Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death.

First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization.

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"Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;Johnson&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research &amp; development at J&amp;J's drugs business, said in the statement.

Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said.

The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly.

Johnson & Johnson said late Thursday that its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine showed strong promise against the Delta variant and other emerging strains and also provided durable protection against the infection more broadly. Data showed that the durability of immune response for recipients of its vaccine lasted at least eight months, the healthcare company said, adding that its vaccine was 85% effective and could also help prevent hospitalization and death. First identified in India, Delta is becoming the globally dominant variant of the coronavirus, according to the World Health Organization. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' "Current data for the eight months studied so far shows that the single-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine generates a strong neutralizing antibody response that does not wane; rather, we observe an improvement over time," Mathai Mammen, head of research & development at J&J's drugs business, said in the statement. Recipients of the vaccine produced strong neutralizing antibodies against all variants including the Delta, the U.S.-based company said. The Delta variant contributed to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India that resulted in the highest daily death tally in the world, and also prompted the UK to delay its reopening by one month in June.

J&J's COVID-19 vaccine shows promise against Delta variant

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use.

The EU document -- essentially a QR code made available in digital form on smartphones or hard copy -- shows whether the bearer is vaccinated with one of the EU's approved jabs (from BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson &amp; Johnson), has recovered from an infection, or has a recent negative Covid test.

Under EU law, the certificate is meant to do away with the need for quarantines or further testing when travelling between the EU's 27 countries or four associated European nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein).

EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said he expected all EU member states to be connected from Thursday. Only Ireland, which was hit by a cyber-attack targeting its health service in May, will lag behind.

As of Wednesday, 21 EU countries were already accepting the certificate, including major tourist destinations France, Spain,&nbsp;Italy, Greece and Croatia.

"We recommend to all the member states to use such a tool not only for the free movement law... but also for all the possible national uses, for other purposes: to go to concerts, festivals, theatres, restaurants," Reynders said.

But a surge in the Delta variant, first detected in India and now rampant in former EU member Britain, could trigger an "emergency brake" provision suspending its acceptance.

Already Germany has announced a ban on incoming travellers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are exempted if they quarantine for two weeks.&nbsp;

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Berlin's decision has raised Brussels' ire, with Reynders saying "we should avoid travel bans" within the EU and stressing that Germany should have consulted with its partners first.

Britain's Delta problem

Britain's startling rise in Delta infections -- it now has a rolling two-week infection rate more than seven times that of the EU -- is generating deep concern on the continent.

At an EU summit last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised southern EU countries -- desperate for tourist cash -- for allowing in Britons with few, if any, Covid checks.

This week, Portugal, Spain and Malta all abruptly increased restrictions for travellers from Britain, emphasising full vaccination for entry.

Beyond the EU certificate, Brussels is urging all member states to allow in only fully vaccinated travellers from outside the bloc, or those with urgent reasons to visit.

But, unlike for the certificate, that is only "guidance" that can be ignored.

Even the EU certificate may not be the fillip many hope for.

"There is no doubt that the tourist industry could do with a boost in time for the summer season," economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note.

But it forecast the EU certificate "will have very little impact on European tourism this year," observing that "most adults are not fully vaccinated and the Delta variant is making people and governments more cautious".

Airlines worry

Airlines grouped together in an umbrella lobby group, A4E, have expressed worries that an "inconsistent approach" among EU countries in vetting the EU Covid certificate could create long lines in airports with the potential to "create new health hazards".

They called for the certificates to be checked online before travellers even arrived at the airport.

Reynders responded by saying the European Commission stood by to help with technical implementation but stressed that the fact there was one EU certificate rather than 27 national ones already greatly streamlined travel in the bloc.

Overall, EU governments are weighing the public desire for a summer break after a tough year of restrictions against a race between vaccination and the Delta variant.

AFP statistics collating official health data from across the EU show that 50.4 per cent of the bloc's population has now received at least one vaccine dose (compared with 65.7 per cent in Britain).&nbsp;

So far, 32.7 per cent in the EU are considered completely vaccinated.&nbsp;

Covid experts had initially believed "herd immunity" could be reached with 70 per cent of a population fully vaccinated, but now judge it would need 80 per cent or more immunised, given Delta's infectiousness and the fact vaccines are less effective against it.

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use.

An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe's busy summer vacation period, but the more infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use. The EU document -- essentially a QR code made available in digital form on smartphones or hard copy -- shows whether the bearer is vaccinated with one of the EU's approved jabs (from BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson), has recovered from an infection, or has a recent negative Covid test. Under EU law, the certificate is meant to do away with the need for quarantines or further testing when travelling between the EU's 27 countries or four associated European nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said he expected all EU member states to be connected from Thursday. Only Ireland, which was hit by a cyber-attack targeting its health service in May, will lag behind. As of Wednesday, 21 EU countries were already accepting the certificate, including major tourist destinations France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia. "We recommend to all the member states to use such a tool not only for the free movement law... but also for all the possible national uses, for other purposes: to go to concerts, festivals, theatres, restaurants," Reynders said. But a surge in the Delta variant, first detected in India and now rampant in former EU member Britain, could trigger an "emergency brake" provision suspending its acceptance. Already Germany has announced a ban on incoming travellers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are exempted if they quarantine for two weeks. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school Berlin's decision has raised Brussels' ire, with Reynders saying "we should avoid travel bans" within the EU and stressing that Germany should have consulted with its partners first. Britain's Delta problem Britain's startling rise in Delta infections -- it now has a rolling two-week infection rate more than seven times that of the EU -- is generating deep concern on the continent. At an EU summit last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticised southern EU countries -- desperate for tourist cash -- for allowing in Britons with few, if any, Covid checks. This week, Portugal, Spain and Malta all abruptly increased restrictions for travellers from Britain, emphasising full vaccination for entry. Beyond the EU certificate, Brussels is urging all member states to allow in only fully vaccinated travellers from outside the bloc, or those with urgent reasons to visit. But, unlike for the certificate, that is only "guidance" that can be ignored. Even the EU certificate may not be the fillip many hope for. "There is no doubt that the tourist industry could do with a boost in time for the summer season," economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note. But it forecast the EU certificate "will have very little impact on European tourism this year," observing that "most adults are not fully vaccinated and the Delta variant is making people and governments more cautious". Airlines worry Airlines grouped together in an umbrella lobby group, A4E, have expressed worries that an "inconsistent approach" among EU countries in vetting the EU Covid certificate could create long lines in airports with the potential to "create new health hazards". They called for the certificates to be checked online before travellers even arrived at the airport. Reynders responded by saying the European Commission stood by to help with technical implementation but stressed that the fact there was one EU certificate rather than 27 national ones already greatly streamlined travel in the bloc. Overall, EU governments are weighing the public desire for a summer break after a tough year of restrictions against a race between vaccination and the Delta variant. AFP statistics collating official health data from across the EU show that 50.4 per cent of the bloc's population has now received at least one vaccine dose (compared with 65.7 per cent in Britain). So far, 32.7 per cent in the EU are considered completely vaccinated. Covid experts had initially believed "herd immunity" could be reached with 70 per cent of a population fully vaccinated, but now judge it would need 80 per cent or more immunised, given Delta's infectiousness and the fact vaccines are less effective against it.

EU revives bloc-wide travel with Covid pass but Delta poses threat

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India.&nbsp;

The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India. The highly contagious variant is spreading in several countries, leading to fresh lockdowns. Moderna also became the first foreign vaccine to be approved by India.

Both developments helped in the company's shares to soar. The shares rose as much as 6.9 per cent to $238.40, breaking through the prior intraday record set earlier this month. The trading volume was about 1.2 times the 10-day average as of 12:16 p.m. in New York.

Few analysts had expressed concern about Moderna’s recent surge. This had pushed the company’s market value past $95 billion.&nbsp;

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The vaccine stocks for Moderna and BioNTech SE have surged over the past 12 months. Shares of BioNTech hiked around 250 per cent while Moderna gained nearly 280 per cent during the period.

India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import.&nbsp;Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country.

Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik.

"Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act,&nbsp; 1940," a source told PTI new agency.

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India. The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India.

The stock of Moderna Inc. has climbed to a record high amid growing concern about a contagious variant of Covid-19 in nations including India. The company said its vaccine produced protective antibodies against the Delta variant first found in India. The highly contagious variant is spreading in several countries, leading to fresh lockdowns. Moderna also became the first foreign vaccine to be approved by India. Both developments helped in the company's shares to soar. The shares rose as much as 6.9 per cent to $238.40, breaking through the prior intraday record set earlier this month. The trading volume was about 1.2 times the 10-day average as of 12:16 p.m. in New York. Few analysts had expressed concern about Moderna’s recent surge. This had pushed the company’s market value past $95 billion. Also Read | Cipla gets DCGI nod to import Moderna's Covid vaccine for restricted emergency use in India: Sources The vaccine stocks for Moderna and BioNTech SE have surged over the past 12 months. Shares of BioNTech hiked around 250 per cent while Moderna gained nearly 280 per cent during the period. India's drug regulator DCGI has granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import. Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country. Moderna's vaccine will be the fourth COVID-19 jab to be available in India after Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik. "Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission to Cipla to import Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country as per the provisions of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940," a source told PTI new agency.

Moderna shares soar after report that its Covid shot works against Delta variant

The highly contagious&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;is&nbsp;driving&nbsp;a surge in&nbsp;South&nbsp;African&nbsp;Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday.

The hardest-hit country in&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;recorded 18,762 new infections on Saturday -- its highest daily figure since January -- taking the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 1,895,905, of which 59,621 have been fatal.

The country is in the thick of its&nbsp;third&nbsp;wave.

"We are in the exponential phase of the pandemic with the numbers just growing very, very, extremely fast and (they) will keep growing in the next weeks," Tulio de Oliveira, a top virologist in the country said.

The&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;first seen in India now appears to be "dominating infections in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa," de Oliveira of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Africa&nbsp;told a virtual briefing.

Koleka Mlisana, the head of a government ministerial advisory committee on&nbsp;Covid-19, told the same briefing that there is "evidence that the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;may actually be taking over".

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To curb the spread,&nbsp;South&nbsp;African needs to "go to hard, tighter restrictions... and that needs to be done urgently," said Mlisana.

Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said due to the prevalence of the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant, the numbers of infections "are likely to surpass the second&nbsp;wave&nbsp;peak" in January.

Hospitals in the densely populated province of Gauteng -- encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the nation's economic and industrial heartland -- are "struggling severely", Mlisana said.

The province accounts for around 60 percent of national infections.

Medics are now starting to transport patients to other provinces where there is still room in hospitals.

"We remain very worried about the rise in hospitalisation, which is putting a lot of strain on the healthcare system in the country," said the minister.

The country's vaccination drive has been slow and only around 2.4 million people have been immunised since February.

On Friday, thousands of opposition activists rallied in Pretoria to demand a faster coronavirus vaccination rollout.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to broaden lockdown restrictions during an address to the nation scheduled for Sunday.

Health officials across the world have been alarmed by the rapid spread of the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant.

The World Health Organization said on Friday that the&nbsp;Delta&nbsp;variant&nbsp;had reached at least 85 countries.

The highly contagious Delta variant is driving a surge in South African Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday.

The highly contagious Delta variant is driving a surge in South African Covid-19 infections that is testing the capacity of hospitals and forcing authorities to mull tighter restrictions, the government and scientists said on Saturday. The hardest-hit country in Africa recorded 18,762 new infections on Saturday -- its highest daily figure since January -- taking the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 1,895,905, of which 59,621 have been fatal. The country is in the thick of its third wave. "We are in the exponential phase of the pandemic with the numbers just growing very, very, extremely fast and (they) will keep growing in the next weeks," Tulio de Oliveira, a top virologist in the country said. The Delta variant first seen in India now appears to be "dominating infections in South Africa," de Oliveira of the Network for Genomic Surveillance in South Africa told a virtual briefing. Koleka Mlisana, the head of a government ministerial advisory committee on Covid-19, told the same briefing that there is "evidence that the Delta variant may actually be taking over". Also Read | Palestinian Authority deploys forces during protest against critic's death To curb the spread, South African needs to "go to hard, tighter restrictions... and that needs to be done urgently," said Mlisana. Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said due to the prevalence of the Delta variant, the numbers of infections "are likely to surpass the second wave peak" in January. Hospitals in the densely populated province of Gauteng -- encompassing Johannesburg and Pretoria, and the nation's economic and industrial heartland -- are "struggling severely", Mlisana said. The province accounts for around 60 percent of national infections. Medics are now starting to transport patients to other provinces where there is still room in hospitals. "We remain very worried about the rise in hospitalisation, which is putting a lot of strain on the healthcare system in the country," said the minister. The country's vaccination drive has been slow and only around 2.4 million people have been immunised since February. On Friday, thousands of opposition activists rallied in Pretoria to demand a faster coronavirus vaccination rollout. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to broaden lockdown restrictions during an address to the nation scheduled for Sunday. Health officials across the world have been alarmed by the rapid spread of the Delta variant. The World Health Organization said on Friday that the Delta variant had reached at least 85 countries.

Delta variant driving Covid surge in South Africa

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. 
 
The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. 
 
New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. 
 
At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. 
 
India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. 
 
State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states.

India's daily COVID-19 infections rose by 50,040 on Sunday, official data showed, as concerns grew about the detection of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus in some states. The COVID-19 death toll in the country rose by 1,258, including 511 deaths reported from the state of Maharashtra, the health ministry data showed. New variants are a particular concern in India, where more than half the population has not been vaccinated. Less than 6% of India's adult population of 950 million has received two doses. At least 20 cases have been found linked to the Delta variant, which India last week designated a variant of concern, according to the health ministry. India's official death count is now 395,751. Of the 35.51 million people infected, 29.25 million have recovered. State governments eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month after a fall in cases, but scientists fear that the presence of the Delta variant, which was first detected in India, and the slow pace of vaccination could trigger another wave of infections.

India COVID-19 cases rise by 50,040 amid concern about Delta variant

Just when the world thought that an end might be near for the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, another dangerous variant, Delta Plus, has been spotted by the experts.

The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/universal-coronavirus-vaccine-scientists-make-unique-discovery-that-may-help-prevent-future-pandemics-393371">New universal coronavirus vaccine may help prevent future pandemics</a>

Adding to the long list of new variants, a new mutant version of the Delta strain, Delta Plus, has now been labelled as a "variant of concern" by Indian authorities.

<h3>What is Delta Plus?</h3>

Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1)&nbsp;is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation.

Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-is-the-fastest-covid-19-variant-and-will-pick-off-the-most-vulnerable-who-393278" hreflang="en">Delta is the fastest COVID-19 variant and will pick off the most vulnerable: WHO</a>

However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments.

As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus.

<h3>Variant of concern?</h3>

A mutation is classified as a ‘variant of interest’ and ‘variant of concern’ depending on its easy transmission, reduced neutralisation by antibodies and vaccines effectiveness against the variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-lab-suspected-of-leaking-covid-19-nominated-for-top-science-award-in-china-393263" hreflang="en">Wuhan lab suspected of leaking COVID-19 nominated for top science award in China</a>

Till now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified it as a "variant of concern" and scientists believe there is not enough evidence to support the claims of this variant being a 'concern'.

However, the Indian government is treating this mutant as a variant of concern as a preventive step against another possible outburst of cases in the country.

<h3>Delta Plus in India</h3>

This new variant&nbsp;was first reported by Public Health England in their June 11 bulletin, but experts believe it was present in six genomes from India from June 07. However, it was clarified by the Indian government that experts conducted an analysis of samples, after the Public Health England reported the new mutant, and found traces of Delta Plus in samples collected on April 05.

As of now, the experts believe Delta Plus has been present in some Indian states, such as Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, for nearly two months and as the variant spreads, it might become the reason for the third wave of coronavirus in India.

"In India, Delta Plus variant has been detected in 22 samples. Sixteen of them have found in Jalgaon and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra; the remaining have been detected in Kerala (Palakkad and Pathanamthitta) and Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal and Shivpuri)… But we don’t want this to assume significant proportions," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said.

The Indian government has also alerted the state governments and have advised them to tackle the new variant with caution and utmost priority, to avoid a possible third wave in the country.

Elsewhere

In addition to India, Delta Plus has been found in 10 other countries, namely, Britain, Canada, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Russia, Nepal, Turkey and the US, as of June 16 according to Public Health England.&nbsp;

Just when the world thought that an end might be near for the deadly coronavirus, another dangerous variant, Delta Plus, has been spotted by the experts. The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown.

Just when the world thought that an end might be near for the deadly coronavirus, another dangerous variant, Delta Plus, has been spotted by the experts. The deadly coronavirus broke out in the last months of 2019 and took over the world in the early months of 2020, sending almost every country around the globe in a complete lockdown. As the countries stopped functioning, economies took a huge hit and people struggled to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. However, as 2021 began, people started to gain some hope, especially due to the commencement of vaccine drives all around the globe. Unfortunately, that ray of hope disappeared soon as new variants of COVID-19 started popping out in different cities of the world. Also read | New universal coronavirus vaccine may help prevent future pandemics Adding to the long list of new variants, a new mutant version of the Delta strain, Delta Plus, has now been labelled as a "variant of concern" by Indian authorities. What is Delta Plus? Delta Plus (B.1.617.2.1/(AY.1) is a new mutant strain of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, and has emerged as a new threat, especially in India. While the Delta variant, which was first detected by scientists in India, became a problem for the whole world, Delta Plus is currently limited to smaller areas in the country and is still under investigation. Experts believe Delta Plus has increased transmissibility but it is still not very clear as to how virulent this new strain is in comparison to other variants. Also read | Delta is the fastest COVID-19 variant and will pick off the most vulnerable: WHO However, medical experts are cautioning authorities and people against this new variant and are urging people to stay cautious and treat Delta Plus as a highly infectious variant that may show resistance against monoclonal antibodies cocktail treatments. As of now, new specific symptoms have been reported. It is also not yet clear if the existing vaccines are effective against Delta Plus. Variant of concern? A mutation is classified as a ‘variant of interest’ and ‘variant of concern’ depending on its easy transmission, reduced neutralisation by antibodies and vaccines effectiveness against the variant. Also read | Wuhan lab suspected of leaking COVID-19 nominated for top science award in China Till now, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not classified it as a "variant of concern" and scientists believe there is not enough evidence to support the claims of this variant being a 'concern'. However, the Indian government is treating this mutant as a variant of concern as a preventive step against another possible outburst of cases in the country. Delta Plus in India This new variant was first reported by Public Health England in their June 11 bulletin, but experts believe it was present in six genomes from India from June 07. However, it was clarified by the Indian government that experts conducted an analysis of samples, after the Public Health England reported the new mutant, and found traces of Delta Plus in samples collected on April 05. As of now, the experts believe Delta Plus has been present in some Indian states, such as Maharashtra, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh, for nearly two months and as the variant spreads, it might become the reason for the third wave of coronavirus in India. "In India, Delta Plus variant has been detected in 22 samples. Sixteen of them have found in Jalgaon and Ratnagiri districts in Maharashtra; the remaining have been detected in Kerala (Palakkad and Pathanamthitta) and Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal and Shivpuri)… But we don’t want this to assume significant proportions," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said. The Indian government has also alerted the state governments and have advised them to tackle the new variant with caution and utmost priority, to avoid a possible third wave in the country. Elsewhere In addition to India, Delta Plus has been found in 10 other countries, namely, Britain, Canada, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Russia, Nepal, Turkey and the US, as of June 16 according to Public Health England.

COVID-19: All you need to know about Delta Plus variant

AstraZeneca&nbsp;Plc's&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;vaccine&nbsp;is&nbsp;effective&nbsp;against&nbsp;Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, which were first&nbsp;identified&nbsp;in&nbsp;India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa&nbsp;variants, the statement said.

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Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that&nbsp;vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and&nbsp;AstraZeneca&nbsp;offer high protection of more than 90%&nbsp;against&nbsp;hospitalization from the Delta variant.

The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said.

The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study.

AstraZeneca Plc's COVID-19 vaccine is effective against Delta and Kappa variants, which were first identified in India, the company said on Tuesday, citing a study. The study by the Oxford University investigated the ability of monoclonal antibodies in blood from recovered people and from those vaccinated to neutralize the Delta and Kappa variants, the statement said. Also Read | Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual Last week, an analysis by the Public Health England (PHE) showed that vaccines made by Pfizer Inc and AstraZeneca offer high protection of more than 90% against hospitalization from the Delta variant. The latest Oxford study results are built on the recent analysis by PHE, the company said. The Delta variant is becoming the globally dominant version of the disease, the World Health Organization's chief scientist said on Friday.

AstraZeneca vaccine effective against COVID-19 variants identified in India

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.'&nbsp;

It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cdc-calls-coronavirus-delta-variant-a-variant-of-concern-391751">Also read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern'</a>

By designating it as a 'variable of interest,' the WHO is signalling that it will be closely monitored in terms of infection strength before being added to the group of 'variables of concern,' which includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta.&nbsp;

"The Lambda lineage was first detected in Peru and was categorised as a worldwide Variant of Interest on Monday because of an "elevated prevalence" in South America, according to the WHO's weekly bulletin.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-coronavirus-variant-60-per-cent-more-transmissible-says-uk-390887">Also read | Delta coronavirus variant 60 per cent more transmissible, says UK</a>

The variants are divided into two categories: The difference between the two is that those of concern can cause epidemiological problems and the others do not yet have that capacity.

According to the organisation, after closely monitoring this variant, they discovered a rise in transmissibility and resistance to neutralising antibodies. 
The Brazilian and British variants are circulating at gamma and alpha levels.&nbsp;

Unlike Variants of Concern, which have made headlines around the world, Variants of Interest are tracked by health organisations but have yet to be proven to pose a serious hazard to public health.&nbsp;

The Delta variation is the most recent example. It was first discovered in India and was classified as a Variant of Interest until May 11, 2021.

But once started spreading rapidly around the world then the WHO classified it as a Variant of Concern.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.' It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the existence of a new COVID-19 "variant of interest" known as 'Lambda.' It was initially detected in Peru in August 2020, and it has since been reported in 29 nations around the world, mostly in Latin America, including Argentina and Chile. Also read | US CDC calls coronavirus Delta variant a 'variant of concern' By designating it as a 'variable of interest,' the WHO is signalling that it will be closely monitored in terms of infection strength before being added to the group of 'variables of concern,' which includes Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta. "The Lambda lineage was first detected in Peru and was categorised as a worldwide Variant of Interest on Monday because of an "elevated prevalence" in South America, according to the WHO's weekly bulletin. Also read | Delta coronavirus variant 60 per cent more transmissible, says UK The variants are divided into two categories: The difference between the two is that those of concern can cause epidemiological problems and the others do not yet have that capacity. According to the organisation, after closely monitoring this variant, they discovered a rise in transmissibility and resistance to neutralising antibodies. The Brazilian and British variants are circulating at gamma and alpha levels. Unlike Variants of Concern, which have made headlines around the world, Variants of Interest are tracked by health organisations but have yet to be proven to pose a serious hazard to public health. The Delta variation is the most recent example. It was first discovered in India and was classified as a Variant of Interest until May 11, 2021. But once started spreading rapidly around the world then the WHO classified it as a Variant of Concern.

Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries

A little after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a delay in relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions, the government has opened <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> for people aged 21 and 22.

This announcement has come at a time when the residents have been criticising the government for extended lockdowns and for not fully reopening the economy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moscow-makes-vaccines-mandatory-ahead-of-biden-putin-meet-391891" hreflang="en">Moscow makes vaccines mandatory, ahead of Biden-Putin meet</a>

&nbsp;As the vaccine opened for 21 and 22-year-old people, inoculation&nbsp;for 18 to 20 year-olds is also expected soon. However, the government will first prioritise vaccinating people over 40 for the second shot of the virus.

The announcement has come as a welcome move as the country is struggling to contain the wide spread of the Delta variant, which is considered to be a 'of concern' and is highly transmissible.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cases-of-delta-variant-of-coronavirus-rising-in-the-uk-391821">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cases-of-delta-variant-of-coronavirus-rising-in-the-uk-391821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While youngsters await their turn, UK's National Health Service (NHS) has said it is hoping people aged 18 and over will also be able to book their vaccine slots from the end of this month.

"We're almost at the final hurdle of offering lifesaving jabs to all UK adults, with both vaccines providing the fullest possible protection against symptoms, serious illness and hospitalisation from this awful virus and moving us a step closer to beating this pandemic," Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

A little after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a delay in relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions, the government has opened vaccines for people aged 21 and 22.

A little after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a delay in relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions, the government has opened vaccines for people aged 21 and 22. This announcement has come at a time when the residents have been criticising the government for extended lockdowns and for not fully reopening the economy. Also read | Moscow makes vaccines mandatory, ahead of Biden-Putin meet As the vaccine opened for 21 and 22-year-old people, inoculation for 18 to 20 year-olds is also expected soon. However, the government will first prioritise vaccinating people over 40 for the second shot of the virus. The announcement has come as a welcome move as the country is struggling to contain the wide spread of the Delta variant, which is considered to be a 'of concern' and is highly transmissible. WATCH | While youngsters await their turn, UK's National Health Service (NHS) has said it is hoping people aged 18 and over will also be able to book their vaccine slots from the end of this month. "We're almost at the final hurdle of offering lifesaving jabs to all UK adults, with both vaccines providing the fullest possible protection against symptoms, serious illness and hospitalisation from this awful virus and moving us a step closer to beating this pandemic," Health Secretary Matt Hancock said.

UK opens vaccines for 21-22 year olds, fearing rise of Delta variant

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar. 
 
The army has struggled to impose control since the army returned to power on February&nbsp;1, overthrowing elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi after a decade of democratic reforms had opened up the once isolated Southeast Asian state. 
 
Anti-junta protests take place daily in many parts of a country that has been paralysed by strikes, while conflicts with ethnic army groups that oppose the junta have flared in Myanmar`s borderlands. 
 
On Saturday, clashes spread to the Ayeyarwady region, an important rice growing area that has large populations of both the Bamar majority ethnic group, from which much of the army draws much of its strength, and the Karen minority. 
 
Clashes broke out before dawn at Kyonpyaw, some 150 km (100 miles) northwest of Yangon, when soldiers came to arrest a man suspected of harbouring weapons and were met by a bomb blast, a resident told Reuters. 
 
"The people in the village only have crossbows and there are a lot of casualties on the people`s side," said the resident, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. Khit Thit Media and BBC Burmese language news said three people had been killed. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment on that or reports of fighting elsewhere in Myanmar. 
 
The anti-junta Shwegu People`s Defence Force said it had attacked a police station in northern Shwegu late on Friday together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of around two dozen ethnic armies and which has been fighting for decades. 
 
Reuters was unable to reach the KIA for comment. 
 
In eastern Myanmar, the MBPDF (Mobye People's Defence Force) said it had clashed with the army on Friday afternoon. It said four 'terrorist soldiers' had been killed. 
 
Despite the turmoil, Myanmar`s army has shown little sign of heeding calls from its opponents to restore democracy. This week the junta received its first high-profile foreign visitors - the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross and envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 
 
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met on Friday with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi and Erywan Yusof, the second minister for foreign affairs for ASEAN chair Brunei, army-run Myawaddy TV reported. 
 
At least 845 people have been killed by security forces and more than 4,500 jailed, according to an activist group. The junta disputes those figures. 
 
The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a group of independent international experts, said it was crucial that the ASEAN envoys also meet protest leaders, members of a parallel opposition government, elected lawmakers and Suu Kyi`s party. 
 
"Failure to meet with all relevant parties risks lending legitimacy to the junta and undermines the enormous effort and sacrifice made by the people of Myanmar to resist the junta’s violent and unlawful attempt to seize power," it said.

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar.

At least three people were killed in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady river delta region on Saturday as the military junta's forces clashed with villagers, local media and residents said, while fighting was also reported in northern and eastern Myanmar. The army has struggled to impose control since the army returned to power on February 1, overthrowing elected leader Aug San Suu Kyi after a decade of democratic reforms had opened up the once isolated Southeast Asian state. Anti-junta protests take place daily in many parts of a country that has been paralysed by strikes, while conflicts with ethnic army groups that oppose the junta have flared in Myanmar`s borderlands. On Saturday, clashes spread to the Ayeyarwady region, an important rice growing area that has large populations of both the Bamar majority ethnic group, from which much of the army draws much of its strength, and the Karen minority. Clashes broke out before dawn at Kyonpyaw, some 150 km (100 miles) northwest of Yangon, when soldiers came to arrest a man suspected of harbouring weapons and were met by a bomb blast, a resident told Reuters. "The people in the village only have crossbows and there are a lot of casualties on the people`s side," said the resident, who asked not to be identified for fear of retribution. Khit Thit Media and BBC Burmese language news said three people had been killed. Reuters was unable to reach a junta spokesman for comment on that or reports of fighting elsewhere in Myanmar. The anti-junta Shwegu People`s Defence Force said it had attacked a police station in northern Shwegu late on Friday together with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), one of around two dozen ethnic armies and which has been fighting for decades. Reuters was unable to reach the KIA for comment. In eastern Myanmar, the MBPDF (Mobye People's Defence Force) said it had clashed with the army on Friday afternoon. It said four 'terrorist soldiers' had been killed. Despite the turmoil, Myanmar`s army has shown little sign of heeding calls from its opponents to restore democracy. This week the junta received its first high-profile foreign visitors - the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross and envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing met on Friday with ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi and Erywan Yusof, the second minister for foreign affairs for ASEAN chair Brunei, army-run Myawaddy TV reported. At least 845 people have been killed by security forces and more than 4,500 jailed, according to an activist group. The junta disputes those figures. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, a group of independent international experts, said it was crucial that the ASEAN envoys also meet protest leaders, members of a parallel opposition government, elected lawmakers and Suu Kyi`s party. "Failure to meet with all relevant parties risks lending legitimacy to the junta and undermines the enormous effort and sacrifice made by the people of Myanmar to resist the junta’s violent and unlawful attempt to seize power," it said.

Clashes spread to Myanmar's Ayeyarwady delta, several killed

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph.

"I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP.

"I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said.

Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast.

The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths.

Battered US Gulf

Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals.

Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday.&nbsp;

"To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this."&nbsp;

In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris.

Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura.

"The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails."

Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee.&nbsp; 
Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles.

On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city.

Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again.

"It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks."

Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season.

In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred.

As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

 
&nbsp;

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes.

Hurricane Delta is bearing down on Louisiana after sweeping over western part of Gulf of Mexico. US national guard has been mobilised and people on Louisiana coast have been evacuated from their homes. Officials say that Hurricane Delta will cause a deadly storm surge and flash flooding in Louisiana. On Friday, Hurricane Delta packed sustained winds of 120 mph. "I don't even know if we'll have a house when we come back," Kimberly Hester, a resident of Louisiana told AFP. "I just pray to God every night we can at least have a house to come home to," she said. Hurricane Delta is a category 3 storm now. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said that Hurricane Delta was still able to cause a "devastating damage". It warned of a "life-threatening storm surge" along parts of northern Gulf Coast. The hurricane earlier barreled into Mexico's Yucatan region, which escaped major destruction, with no reports of deaths. Battered US Gulf Many along the Louisiana coastline have yet to recover from Hurricane Laura, which struck near the end of August as a strong Category 4 storm on the five-level Saffir-Simpson scale. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards urged residents to be extremely careful with Delta, and announced that 2,400 National Guard personnel had been mobilized to aid locals. Hurricane Delta would hit "in the area of our state that is least prepared to take it," Edwards said late Thursday. "To the people of Southwest Louisiana, I know you are strong. I also know you are about to be tested again. Please finish making preparations now We will get through this." In the city of Lake Charles, where torn planks of wood, uprooted trees and debris from Hurricane Laura still litter the streets, Shannon Fuselier drilled plywood over the windows of a friend's home as protection from flying debris. Many neighborhood houses are covered with tarps from previous hurricane damage, and the home Fuselier was working on had already suffered roof damage from a fallen tree and smashed windows during Laura. "The branches and leaves don't do that much damage," said Fuselier, 56. "It's pieces of metal, steel, frames of other peoples windows, signs from people's stores, nails." Fuselier said that she was staying because she didn't think the storm was strong enough for her to flee. Edwards has already warned that Delta could sweep up old debris and hurl it like missiles. On Thursday there was a traffic jam in both directions on the highway out of Lake Charles as people left the city. Terry Lebine had already evacuated to the town of Alexandria, some 100 miles (150 kilometers) to the north, during the previous hurricane, and was ready to head out again. "It's exhausting," she told AFP. "...I've got my mother, she's 81 years old and not in the best of health. Right after we went back home after Laura, we have to leave again for Delta. We were home a good two to three weeks." Delta is the 26th named storm of an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season. In September, meteorologists were forced to break out the Greek alphabet to name Atlantic storms for only the second time ever, after the 2020 hurricane season blew through their usual list, ending on Tropical Storm Wilfred. As the ocean surface warms due to climate change hurricanes become more powerful -- and scientists say there will likely be an increase in powerful Category 4 and 5 storms.

Hurricane Delta heads towards Louisiana

Delta Air Lines was Friday fined $50,000 by the US Department of Transportation to settle allegations it discriminated against three Muslim passengers who were ordered off their planes.

In its consent order, the department said it found Delta "engaged in discriminatory conduct" and violated anti-discrimination laws when it removed the three passengers.

In one incident on July 26, 2016, a Muslim couple were removed from Delta Flight 229 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris after a passenger told a flight attendant their behaviour made her "very uncomfortable and nervous".

"Mrs X" was wearing a headscarf and the passenger said, "Mr X" had inserted something into his watch.

The flight attendant said she saw Mr X texting on his cell phone using the word "Allah" several times.

The captain then spoke with Delta's corporate security, who said Mr and Mrs X were US citizens returning home and there were "no red flags."

However, the captain refused to let them re-board the plane.

The Department of Transportation said the captain had failed to follow Delta's security protocol and it appeared that "but for Mr and Mrs X's perceived religion, Delta would not have removed or denied them reboarding" of their flight.

The second incident covered in the order involved another Muslim passenger who boarded Flight 49 at Amsterdam heading for New York on July 31, 2016.

Other passengers and flight attendants complained about him but the first officer saw nothing unusual about him and Delta security also said "Mr A"'s record had "no red flags."

The captain prepared the plane for departure but then returned to the gate and had Mr A removed and his seat searched.

The Transportation Department said the captain had not followed Delta's security protocol and the removal of Mr A "after being cleared was discriminatory."

Delta disagreed that it engaged in discriminatory conduct but "does not dispute that each of these two incidents could have been handled differently," the order said.

The government said the fine "establishes a strong deterrent against future similar unlawful practices by Delta and other carriers."

Following the July 2016 incidents, Delta said it had reviewed and enhanced its procedure to investigate suspicious activity "to make it more collaborative and objective."

Delta Air Lines was Friday fined $50,000 by the US Department of Transportation to settle allegations it discriminated against three Muslim passengers who were ordered off their planes.

Delta Air Lines was Friday fined $50,000 by the US Department of Transportation to settle allegations it discriminated against three Muslim passengers who were ordered off their planes. In its consent order, the department said it found Delta "engaged in discriminatory conduct" and violated anti-discrimination laws when it removed the three passengers. In one incident on July 26, 2016, a Muslim couple were removed from Delta Flight 229 at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris after a passenger told a flight attendant their behaviour made her "very uncomfortable and nervous". "Mrs X" was wearing a headscarf and the passenger said, "Mr X" had inserted something into his watch. The flight attendant said she saw Mr X texting on his cell phone using the word "Allah" several times. The captain then spoke with Delta's corporate security, who said Mr and Mrs X were US citizens returning home and there were "no red flags." However, the captain refused to let them re-board the plane. The Department of Transportation said the captain had failed to follow Delta's security protocol and it appeared that "but for Mr and Mrs X's perceived religion, Delta would not have removed or denied them reboarding" of their flight. The second incident covered in the order involved another Muslim passenger who boarded Flight 49 at Amsterdam heading for New York on July 31, 2016. Other passengers and flight attendants complained about him but the first officer saw nothing unusual about him and Delta security also said "Mr A"'s record had "no red flags." The captain prepared the plane for departure but then returned to the gate and had Mr A removed and his seat searched. The Transportation Department said the captain had not followed Delta's security protocol and the removal of Mr A "after being cleared was discriminatory." Delta disagreed that it engaged in discriminatory conduct but "does not dispute that each of these two incidents could have been handled differently," the order said. The government said the fine "establishes a strong deterrent against future similar unlawful practices by Delta and other carriers." Following the July 2016 incidents, Delta said it had reviewed and enhanced its procedure to investigate suspicious activity "to make it more collaborative and objective."

Delta fined $50,000 for discriminating against Muslim passengers

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on Saturday became the latest major corporations to sever marketing ties with the National Rifle Association as the fallout from last week&#39;s massacre at a Florida high school took its toll on the gun advocacy group.

The exodus of corporate names, ranging from a major insurer to car rental brands and a household moving company, began after the NRA launched a counter-offensive against a student-led campaign for tighter US&nbsp;gun laws.&nbsp;

The NRA responded by saying its members were being punished, but would not be intimidated, by what it called &quot;a shameful display of political and civic cowardice&quot; from some corporations.

In tweets on Saturday, Delta and United said they were no longer offering NRA members discounted rates and they would ask the NRA to remove their information from its website.

The issue of gun control, and the NRA&#39;s role in opposing it, became the focus of renewed national debate after a former student killed 17 people on Feb. 14 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Parkland, using an AR-15 assault rifle he had purchased legally.

NRA spokespeople have lashed out at gun control advocates, arguing that Democratic elites are politicizing the deadly rampage in Florida to erode gun owners&#39; rights.

In a statement on Saturday, the NRA said its more than five million law-abiding members had nothing to do with the failures of school security, the mental health system, or both local and federal law enforcement that it said had caused the tragedy.

&quot;Despite that, some corporations have decided to punish NRA membership in a shameful display of political and civic cowardice,&quot; the statement said. &quot;In time, these brands will be replaced by others who recognize that patriotism and determined commitment to Constitutional freedoms are characteristics of a marketplace they very much want to serve.&quot;

The attrition of NRA corporate partners began on Thursday when three rental car brands owned by Enterprise Holdings Inc said they were ending discount programs, and First National Bank of Omaha said it would not renew the NRA&#39;s contract to issue a co-branded Visa card.

By Friday, the list of defectors grew to include Symantec Corp which ended a discount program for its LifeLock identity theft product. Home security company SimpliSafe and Hertz Corp also terminated discount programs.

Chubb Ltd said it would stop underwriting a NRA-branded insurance policy for gun owners that covers legal costs in self-defense shootings. Another insurer, MetLife Inc, also said it had ended an auto and home incentive program for NRA members. And North American Van Lines said it was scrapping its affiliate relationship with the NRA.

The US&nbsp;Constitution&#39;s Second Amendment protects the right of Americans to bear arms. The NRA, which has long used campaign donations and effective lobbying to command political influence, argues that stricter gun control would erode individual rights.

The exodus of corporate names, began after the NRA launched a counter-offensive against a student-led campaign for tighter US gun laws

Delta Air Lines and United Airlines on Saturday became the latest major corporations to sever marketing ties with the National Rifle Association as the fallout from last week's massacre at a Florida high school took its toll on the gun advocacy group. The exodus of corporate names, ranging from a major insurer to car rental brands and a household moving company, began after the NRA launched a counter-offensive against a student-led campaign for tighter US gun laws. The NRA responded by saying its members were being punished, but would not be intimidated, by what it called "a shameful display of political and civic cowardice" from some corporations. In tweets on Saturday, Delta and United said they were no longer offering NRA members discounted rates and they would ask the NRA to remove their information from its website. The issue of gun control, and the NRA's role in opposing it, became the focus of renewed national debate after a former student killed 17 people on Feb. 14 at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Parkland, using an AR-15 assault rifle he had purchased legally. NRA spokespeople have lashed out at gun control advocates, arguing that Democratic elites are politicizing the deadly rampage in Florida to erode gun owners' rights. In a statement on Saturday, the NRA said its more than five million law-abiding members had nothing to do with the failures of school security, the mental health system, or both local and federal law enforcement that it said had caused the tragedy. "Despite that, some corporations have decided to punish NRA membership in a shameful display of political and civic cowardice," the statement said. "In time, these brands will be replaced by others who recognize that patriotism and determined commitment to Constitutional freedoms are characteristics of a marketplace they very much want to serve." The attrition of NRA corporate partners began on Thursday when three rental car brands owned by Enterprise Holdings Inc said they were ending discount programs, and First National Bank of Omaha said it would not renew the NRA's contract to issue a co-branded Visa card. By Friday, the list of defectors grew to include Symantec Corp which ended a discount program for its LifeLock identity theft product. Home security company SimpliSafe and Hertz Corp also terminated discount programs. Chubb Ltd said it would stop underwriting a NRA-branded insurance policy for gun owners that covers legal costs in self-defense shootings. Another insurer, MetLife Inc, also said it had ended an auto and home incentive program for NRA members. And North American Van Lines said it was scrapping its affiliate relationship with the NRA. The US Constitution's Second Amendment protects the right of Americans to bear arms. The NRA, which has long used campaign donations and effective lobbying to command political influence, argues that stricter gun control would erode individual rights.

Delta, United Airlines become latest companies to cut NRA ties

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