Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.&nbsp;

"It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come."

In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/spain-to-try-new-coronavirus-tracing-app-for-2-weeks-before-rolling-out-nationwide-308237" hreflang="en">Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide</a>

During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems.

Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion.

All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week.

"Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders."&nbsp;

The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints.

But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spain-to-allow-british-tourists-to-visit-from-sunday-without-need-for-quarantine-spanish-foreign-minister-307363" hreflang="en">Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister</a>

Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases.

Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate.

With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.&nbsp;

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism. "It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come." In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border. Also read: Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems. Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion. All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week. "Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders." The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints. But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits. Also read: Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases. Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate. With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns. Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.

Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

In its latest report, the UN&nbsp;agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours.&nbsp;

Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-prices-fall-for-first-time-since-2012-309885" hreflang="en">UK house prices fall for first time since 2012</a>

"The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder,&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery."&nbsp;

The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force.

They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said.

Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said.

The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said.&nbsp;

Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes."

"It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday. In its latest report, the UN agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours. Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the ILO said. It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said. Also read: UK house prices fall for first time since 2012 "The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder, ILO director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery." The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force. They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said. Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said. The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said. Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes." "It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

No return to pre-pandemic job levels in 2020: ILO

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.&nbsp;

At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said.&nbsp;

"Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailand-set-to-ease-nightlife-lockdown-allow-business-travellers-medical-tourists-309377" hreflang="en">Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists</a>

Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said.&nbsp;

In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailands-tourism-social-enterprises-help-locals-hit-by-coronavirus-307942" hreflang="en">Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus</a>

However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. &nbsp;

The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. &nbsp; &nbsp; Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.&nbsp;

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms. At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said. "Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities. Also read: Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said. In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks. "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol. Also read: Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.

Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday.

The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/source-very-very-important-who-will-send-expert-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19s-origin-309694" hreflang="en">‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin</a>

Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments.

So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Reciprocation is key

China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list.

For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions.

This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population.

Countries may go a different route

However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval.

Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-california-texas-see-record-covid-19-surges-arizona-clamps-down-309630" hreflang="en">US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down</a>

For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out.

Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden.

When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19. Also read: ‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments. So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Reciprocation is key China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list. For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions. This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population. Countries may go a different route However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval. Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors. Also read: US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out. Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden. When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

EU releases pilot 'safe list' for non-essential travel, no US citizens allowed

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.&nbsp;The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication.

Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

“We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said.

Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals.

Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-chief-warns-that-the-worst-is-yet-to-come-in-covid-19-pandemic-309546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Second-wave&nbsp;

Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pandemic-is-speeding-up-warns-who-chief-as-reinfections-surface-globally-309501" hreflang="en">'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally</a>

In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently.

Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday.

The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide. The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication. Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday. “We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said. Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals. Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts. Second-wave Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market. Also read: 'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently. Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday. The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while&nbsp;referring to this elusive new flu.

The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic.

"Pandemic virus"

Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored.

"We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccines-trial-on-pigs-shows-promise-with-two-shots-307935" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots</a>

"It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added.

The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-to-send-a-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19-virus-origin-309560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"G4"

During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said.

The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525" hreflang="en">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream.

The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented".

The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market.

"China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while referring to this elusive new flu. The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic. "Pandemic virus" Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored. "We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus. Also read: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots "It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added. The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful. "G4" During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said. The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also read: Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream. The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented". The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market. "China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases.&nbsp;

Los Angeles has become a new epicenter in the pandemic as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge there despite California Governor Gavin Newsom's strict orders requiring bars to close and residents to wear masks in nearly all public spaces.

"The alarming increases in cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations signals that we, as a community, need to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19," Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said in a statement announcing the sharp rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/united-states-surpasses-25-million-coronavirus-cases-johns-hopkins-309087" hreflang="en">United States surpasses 2.5 million coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins</a>

"Otherwise, we are quickly moving toward overwhelming our healthcare system and seeing even more devastating illness and death," Ferrer said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a "hard pause" on when movie theaters, theme parks and other entertainment venues can reopen. Los Angeles County is the biggest movie theater market in the United States.

Los Angeles County said its beaches will be closed for the Independence Day weekend and fireworks displays will be banned.

Statewide positive tests for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, rose by at least 7,418 in California Monday to nearly 223,000, the biggest one-day increase since tracking began. Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 100,000 cases.&nbsp;

California is among a number of U.S. states including Florida, Texas and Arizona battling a new wave of infections as the nation emerges from weeks of clamp-downs on residents and businesses. COVID-19 infections in Texas rose by 6,545 on Monday to nearly 160,000, also setting a record for a one-day increase.

Nationally, cases rose by more than 40,000, for the fourth time in the past five days.&nbsp;

ARIZONA HIT HARD

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and water parks for at least 30 days. Ducey also delayed the start of public schools until at least Aug. 17.&nbsp;

"Our expectation is that next week our numbers will be worse," Ducey said at an afternoon news conference. Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to discuss efforts to fight the pandemic's resurgence.&nbsp;

Texas and Florida ordered the closure of all their recently reopened bars on Friday.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on Monday indoor dining will not resume on Thursday as planned and would be postponed indefinitely.

In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly imposed a statewide mandate requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces, which she said was necessary to avoid another shutdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-pandemic-has-brought-the-united-states-on-its-knees-cdc-director-308102" hreflang="en">'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director</a>

Beaches in Florida’s Broward County and Palm Beach County will not open for the July 3-5 holiday weekend, officials said on Sunday, a blow to residents hoping to celebrate Independence Day there. Miami-Dade County has also announced beach closures for the holiday weekend.

AMC, the largest U.S. movie theater chain, on Monday said it was pushing back the reopening of its theaters to July 30 from July 15.

In June, 22 U.S. states reported record increases in new cases, often multiple times, including Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah.&nbsp;

The city of Jacksonville, Florida, venue for part of the Republican nominating convention in August, said on Twitter it would be requiring masks in public starting later on Monday.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Monday that Trump "has no problem with masks and to do whatever your local jurisdiction requests."

The New York Times reported on Monday that 43% of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 were linked to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The paper cited its own tracking database.

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases.

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases. Los Angeles has become a new epicenter in the pandemic as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge there despite California Governor Gavin Newsom's strict orders requiring bars to close and residents to wear masks in nearly all public spaces. "The alarming increases in cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations signals that we, as a community, need to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19," Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said in a statement announcing the sharp rise. Also read: United States surpasses 2.5 million coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins "Otherwise, we are quickly moving toward overwhelming our healthcare system and seeing even more devastating illness and death," Ferrer said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a "hard pause" on when movie theaters, theme parks and other entertainment venues can reopen. Los Angeles County is the biggest movie theater market in the United States. Los Angeles County said its beaches will be closed for the Independence Day weekend and fireworks displays will be banned. Statewide positive tests for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, rose by at least 7,418 in California Monday to nearly 223,000, the biggest one-day increase since tracking began. Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 100,000 cases. California is among a number of U.S. states including Florida, Texas and Arizona battling a new wave of infections as the nation emerges from weeks of clamp-downs on residents and businesses. COVID-19 infections in Texas rose by 6,545 on Monday to nearly 160,000, also setting a record for a one-day increase. Nationally, cases rose by more than 40,000, for the fourth time in the past five days. ARIZONA HIT HARD Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and water parks for at least 30 days. Ducey also delayed the start of public schools until at least Aug. 17. "Our expectation is that next week our numbers will be worse," Ducey said at an afternoon news conference. Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to discuss efforts to fight the pandemic's resurgence. Texas and Florida ordered the closure of all their recently reopened bars on Friday. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on Monday indoor dining will not resume on Thursday as planned and would be postponed indefinitely. In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly imposed a statewide mandate requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces, which she said was necessary to avoid another shutdown. Also read: 'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director Beaches in Florida’s Broward County and Palm Beach County will not open for the July 3-5 holiday weekend, officials said on Sunday, a blow to residents hoping to celebrate Independence Day there. Miami-Dade County has also announced beach closures for the holiday weekend. AMC, the largest U.S. movie theater chain, on Monday said it was pushing back the reopening of its theaters to July 30 from July 15. In June, 22 U.S. states reported record increases in new cases, often multiple times, including Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah. The city of Jacksonville, Florida, venue for part of the Republican nominating convention in August, said on Twitter it would be requiring masks in public starting later on Monday. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Monday that Trump "has no problem with masks and to do whatever your local jurisdiction requests." The New York Times reported on Monday that 43% of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 were linked to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The paper cited its own tracking database.

US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse.&nbsp;

Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March.

In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-to-take-countermeasures-over-us-ban-on-military-exports-to-hong-kong-309545" hreflang="en">China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong</a>

The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised.&nbsp;

"The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said.

For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-demosisto-disbands-over-security-law-fears-309598" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears</a>

Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year.

Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April.&nbsp;

The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670.&nbsp;

Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city. Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse. Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March. In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April. Also read: China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised. "The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said. For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year. Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April. The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670. Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief recently said that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449" hreflang="en">COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million</a>

China had alerted the WHO six months ago of a novel respiratory infection, he said.

“The grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached”, the chief added.

"Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-pandemic-260000-covid-19-cases-in-brazil-deadliest-week-309393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up”, Ghebreyesus said.

Mike Ryan, the head of WHO’s emergencies programme, speaking at the same briefing said that a lot of progress has been made in finding a “safe and effective vaccine” against COVID-19. However, he added that there was no guarantee of it succeeding.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/we-cannot-defeat-this-pandemic-with-a-divided-world-who-chief-307686" hreflang="en">We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world: WHO chief</a>

Ryan further suggested that countries currently fighting it can control it by improving the testing, isolation, and contact tracing. He also complimented South Korea, Japan, and Germany for their "comprehensive, sustained strategy" against the virus.

Later this week, the WHO will meet to assess the progress of coronavirus research, and its results.

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning.

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief recently said that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over. Also read: COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million China had alerted the WHO six months ago of a novel respiratory infection, he said. “The grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached”, the chief added. "Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move," he said. "We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up”, Ghebreyesus said. Mike Ryan, the head of WHO’s emergencies programme, speaking at the same briefing said that a lot of progress has been made in finding a “safe and effective vaccine” against COVID-19. However, he added that there was no guarantee of it succeeding. Also read: We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world: WHO chief Ryan further suggested that countries currently fighting it can control it by improving the testing, isolation, and contact tracing. He also complimented South Korea, Japan, and Germany for their "comprehensive, sustained strategy" against the virus. Later this week, the WHO will meet to assess the progress of coronavirus research, and its results.

'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™,&nbsp; India’s 1st&nbsp; vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I &amp; II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020.

Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&amp;D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.”

Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses.

&nbsp;“Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.&nbsp;

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I & II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020. Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.” Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses. “Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.

Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I & II human clinical trials

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states.

The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate. According to sources, Poland is set to receive a major chunk of the recovery fund. Many critics and members of the EU are protesting the allocation, calling for a boycott of Poland for the continuous attacks on the judiciary and the public discourse of LGBTQIA+ community.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/european-union-to-speed-up-space-ambitions-309423" hreflang="en">European Union to speed up space ambitions</a>

Poland has suffered minimal economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is set to receive a lot of funding from the EU.

Displeasure over distribution

The Guardian reported that a lot of EU members are displeased with the distribution of funds. The European council president Charles Michel has been approached by two prime ministers to rethink and to enforce stricter terms for funding.

The commission had planned a set-up to strip countries of funds in case they continue to promote human rights abuses and segregation. It will now be put to test, seeking a majority.

The European Union and its 27 representatives will meet in Brussels on July 17 to come up with a recovery plan for the European region, given the intensity of the recession, which some have called to be bigger than the Great Depression.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/britain-will-have-weaker-economic-ties-with-eu-post-brexit-angela-merkel-309011" hreflang="en">'Britain will have weaker economic ties with EU post Brexit': Angela Merkel</a>

As part of its goals, the commission will seek €750 billion from international markets. Out of this, €560 billion&nbsp; will be used to resuscitate the economy.

Poland is expected to receive €37 billion, and will make a contribution of €21billion. Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries in the world, will receive €81.8 billion net, and will make a contribution of €59 billion. In essence, the country will receive just €22 billion.

Anti-LGBT rhetoric

Poland’s president Andrzej Duda has faced criticism for his comments on the LGBTQIA+ community recently. He recently claimed that the community was part of “foreign attempts” to subvert the traditions and values of Poland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/11-european-countries-have-shown-significant-virus-resurgence-who-308680" hreflang="en">11 European countries have shown significant virus resurgence: WHO</a>

His party, Law and Justice (PiS) recently declared the country an “LGBT-freezone”, with attempts to muzzle “LGBT ideology”.

The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen recently said that the money should be used to strengthen the poorest member states.

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states. The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate.

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states. The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate. According to sources, Poland is set to receive a major chunk of the recovery fund. Many critics and members of the EU are protesting the allocation, calling for a boycott of Poland for the continuous attacks on the judiciary and the public discourse of LGBTQIA+ community. Also read: European Union to speed up space ambitions Poland has suffered minimal economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is set to receive a lot of funding from the EU. Displeasure over distribution The Guardian reported that a lot of EU members are displeased with the distribution of funds. The European council president Charles Michel has been approached by two prime ministers to rethink and to enforce stricter terms for funding. The commission had planned a set-up to strip countries of funds in case they continue to promote human rights abuses and segregation. It will now be put to test, seeking a majority. The European Union and its 27 representatives will meet in Brussels on July 17 to come up with a recovery plan for the European region, given the intensity of the recession, which some have called to be bigger than the Great Depression. Also read: 'Britain will have weaker economic ties with EU post Brexit': Angela Merkel As part of its goals, the commission will seek €750 billion from international markets. Out of this, €560 billion will be used to resuscitate the economy. Poland is expected to receive €37 billion, and will make a contribution of €21billion. Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries in the world, will receive €81.8 billion net, and will make a contribution of €59 billion. In essence, the country will receive just €22 billion. Anti-LGBT rhetoric Poland’s president Andrzej Duda has faced criticism for his comments on the LGBTQIA+ community recently. He recently claimed that the community was part of “foreign attempts” to subvert the traditions and values of Poland. Also read: 11 European countries have shown significant virus resurgence: WHO His party, Law and Justice (PiS) recently declared the country an “LGBT-freezone”, with attempts to muzzle “LGBT ideology”. The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen recently said that the money should be used to strengthen the poorest member states.

EU members displeased over uneven distribution of coronavirus recovery funds

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit.

Due to this, rats across the globe are exhibiting violent behaviour, going as far as eating each other.

Cannibal rats are the newest entry into the post-lockdown life. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently noticed “unusual” behaviour among rats, and warned of potential “aggressive” behaviour, which includes devouring rat puppies.

However, this isn’t an unusual phenomenon among mammals, Steve Belmain, a professor at the Natural Resources Institute in Kent, UK told the Guardian that “mothers will eat their young in the hope of one day being able to reproduce again”.

The professor added that rat mums will not starve to death in the case of food shortage.

<h6><img alt="Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81561497-e4b8-4ae2-a250-f2aadc028d7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_34.jpg" /> 
Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Rodents are angrier

Ferocious starving rats have triggered a trend in the UK. According to pest control firm Rentokil’s data provided to the Guardian, almost 80 per cent increase has been noted in website visits, suggesting rodents are becoming harder to deal with. It also suggests that rats are now venturing into homes in the absence of refuse on the streets.

Rats can develop cannibalistic behaviour in the absence of enough food. This may start as chewing the toe or the ear, and this becoming a full-fledged cannibal enterprise.

Another firm, Cleankill reported a 20 per cent increase in rat related calls compared to last year.

Trends across the globe suggests that rats have become braver in terms of how often they venture into homes, as opposed to the more common invader - mice. Additionally, having a cat at home may be a good way to control rats, but it also may end up inviting more rodents into the house, as those who happen to survive may build a home where they are, further wreaking havoc.

Cleankill recently told told the Guardian that they went to weed out rats from a motor home, where they found that the rat had built a nest in an engine compartment and were eating the seat fabric.

Rats tend to be more violent when hungry, which is why local leaders in the UK have asked people to keep their toilet seats down after using them, to avoid an attack, or a potential hazard.

Also, rats have the capacity to breed at an astonishing rate. They possess the ability to conceive immediately after giving birth, which implies that they could have two batches of litter at the same time, who also start reproducing three months later.

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit.

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit. Due to this, rats across the globe are exhibiting violent behaviour, going as far as eating each other. Cannibal rats are the newest entry into the post-lockdown life. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently noticed “unusual” behaviour among rats, and warned of potential “aggressive” behaviour, which includes devouring rat puppies. However, this isn’t an unusual phenomenon among mammals, Steve Belmain, a professor at the Natural Resources Institute in Kent, UK told the Guardian that “mothers will eat their young in the hope of one day being able to reproduce again”. The professor added that rat mums will not starve to death in the case of food shortage. Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society. | AFP Rodents are angrier Ferocious starving rats have triggered a trend in the UK. According to pest control firm Rentokil’s data provided to the Guardian, almost 80 per cent increase has been noted in website visits, suggesting rodents are becoming harder to deal with. It also suggests that rats are now venturing into homes in the absence of refuse on the streets. Rats can develop cannibalistic behaviour in the absence of enough food. This may start as chewing the toe or the ear, and this becoming a full-fledged cannibal enterprise. Another firm, Cleankill reported a 20 per cent increase in rat related calls compared to last year. Trends across the globe suggests that rats have become braver in terms of how often they venture into homes, as opposed to the more common invader - mice. Additionally, having a cat at home may be a good way to control rats, but it also may end up inviting more rodents into the house, as those who happen to survive may build a home where they are, further wreaking havoc. Cleankill recently told told the Guardian that they went to weed out rats from a motor home, where they found that the rat had built a nest in an engine compartment and were eating the seat fabric. Rats tend to be more violent when hungry, which is why local leaders in the UK have asked people to keep their toilet seats down after using them, to avoid an attack, or a potential hazard. Also, rats have the capacity to breed at an astonishing rate. They possess the ability to conceive immediately after giving birth, which implies that they could have two batches of litter at the same time, who also start reproducing three months later.

Global lockdowns may have birthed hungrier and angrier cannibal rats!

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy.

Groups such as trade unions across the United Kingdom demand a fairer financial recovery, and&nbsp;the people have rejected the idea of economy as it existed.

A YouGov poll revealed that 31 per cent people seek a major overhaul to&nbsp;the functioning of the economy, while 28 per cent asked for moderate changes. Additionally, only six per cent people seemed okay with how things were running before the pandemic hit.

Additionally, 44 per cent people showed negative feelings toward the future of the economy, while only 27 per cent exhibited optimism. Out of the total voters, 49 per cent said that the pandemic had deepened economic inequality.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/record-unemployment-looms-in-uk-more-than-600000-lose-work-306541/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

350 influential British figures recently sought “fairer and greener” economy in the aftermath of COVID-19. These included the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the former head of civil service Bob Kerslake.

Kerslake said, “As the country begins to emerge from the crisis, it is becoming clear that people want a better future, not simply to return to where we were before. As with big crises in the past – from wars to the Great Depression – it was universally agreed that there was no going back”, the Guardian reported.

Build Back Better

The “Build Back Better” campaign was spearheaded by the New Economics Foundation, who also commissioned the study.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/uk-plans-local-lockdowns-indian-origin-people-among-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus-309197" hreflang="en">UK plans local lockdowns, Indian-origin people among hardest hit by coronavirus</a>

As part of this, people are asking for an economy recovery that is more people-centric and socialist in nature. It asks for more funding to the National Health Service, and to address inequality so that new jobs can be created.

Labour leader Keir Starmer attacked Conservative Johnson for “inaction and broken promises” in the last ten years, while referring to his plans to spend billions on the country’s economic recovery. Starmer also called for increased spending on education and healthcare, especially for young people.

“Our recovery from the coronavirus crisis needs to match the scale of the challenge. It must be built on solid foundations. It has to work for the whole country and end the deep injustices across the country”, Starmer added.

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy.

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy. Groups such as trade unions across the United Kingdom demand a fairer financial recovery, and the people have rejected the idea of economy as it existed. A YouGov poll revealed that 31 per cent people seek a major overhaul to the functioning of the economy, while 28 per cent asked for moderate changes. Additionally, only six per cent people seemed okay with how things were running before the pandemic hit. Additionally, 44 per cent people showed negative feelings toward the future of the economy, while only 27 per cent exhibited optimism. Out of the total voters, 49 per cent said that the pandemic had deepened economic inequality. 350 influential British figures recently sought “fairer and greener” economy in the aftermath of COVID-19. These included the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the former head of civil service Bob Kerslake. Kerslake said, “As the country begins to emerge from the crisis, it is becoming clear that people want a better future, not simply to return to where we were before. As with big crises in the past – from wars to the Great Depression – it was universally agreed that there was no going back”, the Guardian reported. Build Back Better The “Build Back Better” campaign was spearheaded by the New Economics Foundation, who also commissioned the study. Also read: UK plans local lockdowns, Indian-origin people among hardest hit by coronavirus As part of this, people are asking for an economy recovery that is more people-centric and socialist in nature. It asks for more funding to the National Health Service, and to address inequality so that new jobs can be created. Labour leader Keir Starmer attacked Conservative Johnson for “inaction and broken promises” in the last ten years, while referring to his plans to spend billions on the country’s economic recovery. Starmer also called for increased spending on education and healthcare, especially for young people. “Our recovery from the coronavirus crisis needs to match the scale of the challenge. It must be built on solid foundations. It has to work for the whole country and end the deep injustices across the country”, Starmer added.

'Build Back Better': Poll reveals only 6% British public wants a pre-COVID style economy

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-3-lakh-covid-19-patients-cured-recovery-rate-at-58-health-ministry-309362" hreflang="en">Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry</a> 
 
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.”&nbsp; 
 
Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies.

These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease.&nbsp;In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus.

Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days.

Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for&nbsp;convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable.

Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's&nbsp;

As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.&nbsp;

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project. Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs. Also read: Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.” Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies. These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease. In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government. In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic. The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days. Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable. Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.

Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said.

The nation of about 2.8 million people has the second highest tally of infections among the six Gulf Arab states, after its much larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia. It announced 750 new cases on Sunday, taking the total to 94,413, with 110 deaths.

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In a statement late on Sunday, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management said restaurants will reopen at limited capacity from July 1, as would public beaches and parks.

Public and private gatherings of a maximum of five people will be allowed, while employees in the public and private sector can work from the office at 50% capacity, it added.&nbsp;

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As in other Gulf states, Qatar saw COVID-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters, but the government did not impose curfew. This month, it allowed "essential flights" out of Doha, a partial reopening of malls and of some mosques.

Qatar has also announced that from Aug. 1, it will permit flights from low-risk countries to resume, malls to operate at full capacity and other markets at limited capacity.

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said.

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said. The nation of about 2.8 million people has the second highest tally of infections among the six Gulf Arab states, after its much larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia. It announced 750 new cases on Sunday, taking the total to 94,413, with 110 deaths. Also read: UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears In a statement late on Sunday, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management said restaurants will reopen at limited capacity from July 1, as would public beaches and parks. Public and private gatherings of a maximum of five people will be allowed, while employees in the public and private sector can work from the office at 50% capacity, it added. Also read: UAE: Architects use salt to create cement As in other Gulf states, Qatar saw COVID-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters, but the government did not impose curfew. This month, it allowed "essential flights" out of Doha, a partial reopening of malls and of some mosques. Qatar has also announced that from Aug. 1, it will permit flights from low-risk countries to resume, malls to operate at full capacity and other markets at limited capacity.

Qatar to further ease coronavirus curbs as infections pass peak

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday.&nbsp;

Nearly 14 million people in 26 different provinces had been affected by storms and floods by Friday, with 744,000 evacuated, the China Daily reported, citing the Ministry for Emergency Management. The ministry said 78 people have been confirmed dead or missing, with direct economic losses at 27.8 billion yuan ($3.93 billion).&nbsp;

Much of the damage has hit southwestern regions like Guangxi and Sichuan, and the municipality of Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river last week experienced its worst floods since 1940.&nbsp;

But central and eastern regions are set to bear the brunt this week, with some facing 30mm to 50mm (1.2 inches to 2 inches) of rain per hour by Wednesday, the state meteorological bureau said.&nbsp;

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Regions along the banks of the Yangtze and its tributaries are traditionally vulnerable to flooding in China's summer, with the impact of heavy rainfall worsened by deforestation, dwindling flood plains and the diversion of natural river systems for hydropower and irrigation.&nbsp;

Rainfall has also been heavier than usual, with water volumes in 148 rivers already reaching emergency levels by mid-June. Local authorities are under instruction to pay attention to potential dam and reservoir collapses.

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Some Yangtze tributaries have already experienced their worst floods ever, including the Xiaojinchuan in Sichuan province. The water resources ministry warned last week that other smaller rivers could be "stricken by major floods" and lakes are also under close scrutiny.

Authorities have promised to minimise flood damage in the city of Wuhan as it struggles to recover from the coronavirus outbreak.

Wuhan, which lies on the Yangtze, was hit by China's last major floods in 1998, which killed more than 3,000 people and left 14 million homeless.

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday.

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday. Nearly 14 million people in 26 different provinces had been affected by storms and floods by Friday, with 744,000 evacuated, the China Daily reported, citing the Ministry for Emergency Management. The ministry said 78 people have been confirmed dead or missing, with direct economic losses at 27.8 billion yuan ($3.93 billion). Much of the damage has hit southwestern regions like Guangxi and Sichuan, and the municipality of Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river last week experienced its worst floods since 1940. But central and eastern regions are set to bear the brunt this week, with some facing 30mm to 50mm (1.2 inches to 2 inches) of rain per hour by Wednesday, the state meteorological bureau said. You might also like: After US, China to impose visa restrictions against Americans over Hong Kong row Regions along the banks of the Yangtze and its tributaries are traditionally vulnerable to flooding in China's summer, with the impact of heavy rainfall worsened by deforestation, dwindling flood plains and the diversion of natural river systems for hydropower and irrigation. Rainfall has also been heavier than usual, with water volumes in 148 rivers already reaching emergency levels by mid-June. Local authorities are under instruction to pay attention to potential dam and reservoir collapses. You might also like: China puts half a million people in lockdown as Beijing fights new cluster of coronavirus cases Some Yangtze tributaries have already experienced their worst floods ever, including the Xiaojinchuan in Sichuan province. The water resources ministry warned last week that other smaller rivers could be "stricken by major floods" and lakes are also under close scrutiny. Authorities have promised to minimise flood damage in the city of Wuhan as it struggles to recover from the coronavirus outbreak. Wuhan, which lies on the Yangtze, was hit by China's last major floods in 1998, which killed more than 3,000 people and left 14 million homeless.

More Chinese regions brace for floods as storms shift east

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24.

Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65. This pool of volunteers includes a few HIV+ patients, subject to monitoring over the next 12 months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-director-tedros-expects-world-to-hit-10-million-coronavirus-cases-next-week-308347">WHO director Tedros expects world to hit 10 million coronavirus cases next wee</a>k

"Once 60% of the population, especially the adult population, becomes immune, we expect that effective reproductive rate to go under 1, which basically means the virus will still be around, it will still circulate, but its chain of transmission has been interrupted," said Shabir Madhi, trial head, and professor of Vaccinology at Wits University.

Oxford's global vaccine

Outside of the United Kingdom, South Africa is second country after Brazil to take part in Oxford’s trials.&nbsp;Oxford’s vaccine is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as AZD1222.&nbsp;Scientists from Oxford are currently working with AstraZeneca to improve the pace of development and production.

<h6><img alt="A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31b4c91b-929a-47b1-a046-7e768bb12f8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_2.jpg" /> 
A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

 
The United Kingdom currently has 4,000 participants enrolled for the study. In a university statement released on Wednesday, it was announced that an additional 10,000 participants will join the trials.

Stretching it further, the United States plans to conduct an additional study which will have over 30,000 participants.

South Africa currently has the most infections on the African continent, with over 100,000 cases and 2,000 deaths. The country had begun to ease its lockdown recently.

Taken advantage of

Historically, big pharmaceutical companies have taken advantage of the minimal monitoring in Africa, using human subjects as guinea pigs, putting their lives at risk.

"I feel a little bit scared, but I want to know what is going on with this vaccine so that I can tell my friends and others," Junior Mhlongo, a volunteer who received the vaccine at a hospital in Johannesburg, told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208" hreflang="en">There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

No vaccine has been successfully curated yet, but over a dozen are under development, with over 100 being tested on humans.

According to the World Health Organization, Africa could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. This could be catastrophic as many countries in the region lack healthcare and are concurrently dealing with other outbreaks, including the more fatal Ebola.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24. Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65.

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24. Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65. This pool of volunteers includes a few HIV+ patients, subject to monitoring over the next 12 months. Also read: WHO director Tedros expects world to hit 10 million coronavirus cases next week "Once 60% of the population, especially the adult population, becomes immune, we expect that effective reproductive rate to go under 1, which basically means the virus will still be around, it will still circulate, but its chain of transmission has been interrupted," said Shabir Madhi, trial head, and professor of Vaccinology at Wits University. Oxford's global vaccine Outside of the United Kingdom, South Africa is second country after Brazil to take part in Oxford’s trials. Oxford’s vaccine is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as AZD1222. Scientists from Oxford are currently working with AstraZeneca to improve the pace of development and production. A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020 | Reuters The United Kingdom currently has 4,000 participants enrolled for the study. In a university statement released on Wednesday, it was announced that an additional 10,000 participants will join the trials. Stretching it further, the United States plans to conduct an additional study which will have over 30,000 participants. South Africa currently has the most infections on the African continent, with over 100,000 cases and 2,000 deaths. The country had begun to ease its lockdown recently. Taken advantage of Historically, big pharmaceutical companies have taken advantage of the minimal monitoring in Africa, using human subjects as guinea pigs, putting their lives at risk. "I feel a little bit scared, but I want to know what is going on with this vaccine so that I can tell my friends and others," Junior Mhlongo, a volunteer who received the vaccine at a hospital in Johannesburg, told Reuters. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! No vaccine has been successfully curated yet, but over a dozen are under development, with over 100 being tested on humans. According to the World Health Organization, Africa could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. This could be catastrophic as many countries in the region lack healthcare and are concurrently dealing with other outbreaks, including the more fatal Ebola. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

South Africa begins continent's pilot coronavirus vaccine trial

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

For now, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Utah, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters.

"This is a smart thing to do," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said via video at a joint news conference in New York City. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round."

The announcement came as the United States recorded the second-largest increase in coronavirus cases since the health crisis began, with a rise of 35,588 new infections on Tuesday, as a dozen states saw infections surge, according to a Reuters tally.

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Florida saw a record increase on Wednesday of over 5,500 new cases. On Tuesday, Arizona, California, Mississippi and Nevada had record rises. Texas set a record on Monday.&nbsp;

New York has lowered its infection rate after locking down much of its economy.

The surge in cases on Tuesday was the highest since a record of 36,426 new infections on April 24.&nbsp;

While the United States appeared to have curbed the outbreak in May, leading many states to lift restrictions on social and economic activity, the virus is moving into rural areas and other places that it had not initially penetrated deeply.&nbsp;

The virus is also renewing its surge in states that opened up early to ease the devastating effect of the restrictions on local economies.

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The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing documents it had seen, that European Union nations were considering a ban on travelers from the United States, along with Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to tourists.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday acknowledged before the governors' announcement that "hot spot spikes" were emerging as people return to work and gather in social settings but told reporters "that nobody is talking ... about going into another economic lockdown."

She said that the White House coronavirus task force planned to meet later on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Overall cases rose 25% last week, with 10 states reporting a greater than 50% rise in new infections, according to a Reuters analysis.

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While some of the increased numbers of cases can be attributed to more testing, the numbers do not correlate.

The average number of tests has risen 7.6% over the last seven days, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, while the average number of new cases rose 30%.&nbsp;

The percentage of positive tests is also rising.&nbsp;

At least four states are averaging double-digit rates of positive tests for the virus, such as Arizona at 20%. By contrast, New York has been reporting positive test rates of around 1%.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival. For now, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Utah, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. "This is a smart thing to do," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said via video at a joint news conference in New York City. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round." The announcement came as the United States recorded the second-largest increase in coronavirus cases since the health crisis began, with a rise of 35,588 new infections on Tuesday, as a dozen states saw infections surge, according to a Reuters tally. Also read: US working with Europe on how to reopen travel safely, says Pompeo Florida saw a record increase on Wednesday of over 5,500 new cases. On Tuesday, Arizona, California, Mississippi and Nevada had record rises. Texas set a record on Monday. New York has lowered its infection rate after locking down much of its economy. The surge in cases on Tuesday was the highest since a record of 36,426 new infections on April 24. While the United States appeared to have curbed the outbreak in May, leading many states to lift restrictions on social and economic activity, the virus is moving into rural areas and other places that it had not initially penetrated deeply. The virus is also renewing its surge in states that opened up early to ease the devastating effect of the restrictions on local economies. Also read: Black Lives Matter movement: Protesters target historical icons The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing documents it had seen, that European Union nations were considering a ban on travelers from the United States, along with Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to tourists. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday acknowledged before the governors' announcement that "hot spot spikes" were emerging as people return to work and gather in social settings but told reporters "that nobody is talking ... about going into another economic lockdown." She said that the White House coronavirus task force planned to meet later on Wednesday. Overall cases rose 25% last week, with 10 states reporting a greater than 50% rise in new infections, according to a Reuters analysis. Also read: Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify While some of the increased numbers of cases can be attributed to more testing, the numbers do not correlate. The average number of tests has risen 7.6% over the last seven days, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, while the average number of new cases rose 30%. The percentage of positive tests is also rising. At least four states are averaging double-digit rates of positive tests for the virus, such as Arizona at 20%. By contrast, New York has been reporting positive test rates of around 1%.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut to quarantine visitors from coronavirus hot-spot states

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy.

The United Kingdom has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID-19 but infections have fallen. The government plans to lift many restrictions in England from July 4 to help an economy facing the deepest contraction in three centuries.&nbsp;

With fears of second spikes haunting leaders around the world, some of Britain's most eminent health leaders want urgent preparations for such a possible scenario.&nbsp;

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"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," the medics said in a letter in the British Medical Journal.

It was signed by 15 of the most eminent health professional groups and trade unions including the heads of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the British Medical Association.

"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain," they wrote.

JOHNSON UNDER PRESSURE

European nations emerging from painful shutdowns are nervously watching a new outbreak at a meat-packing plant in Germany, where two municipalities have regressed to lockdown.

Announcing that England was emerging from "hibernation", Johnson is letting pubs, restaurants and hotels reopen from July 4. He urged vigilance but said the government did not believe there would be a second peak likely to overwhelm health services.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom on Monday reported the lowest daily increase in deaths since lockdown in mid-March - just 15 - though the suspected overall toll has hit 54,139, the second highest after the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208" hreflang="en">There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

The latest COVID-19 reproduction numbers&nbsp;for England vary from 0.7-0.9 in the east and northeast to 0.7-1.0 in London and the northwest, and 0.8-1.0 in the Midlands.

Johnson, who was himself treated in intensive care for COVID-19, has faced criticism for imposing the lockdown too late, failing to supply enough protective equipment to medical staff and dithering over a test-and-trace system.

The medics' letter called for a review focusing on "areas of weakness" to prevent a second wave.&nbsp;

In response, a spokesman for Johnson said authorities would continue to guarantee resources for health and care services while working closely with the National Health Service to prepare for the winter.

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy.

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy. The United Kingdom has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID-19 but infections have fallen. The government plans to lift many restrictions in England from July 4 to help an economy facing the deepest contraction in three centuries. With fears of second spikes haunting leaders around the world, some of Britain's most eminent health leaders want urgent preparations for such a possible scenario. Also read: Pubs, restaurants and hotels to reopen from July 4 as England eases social distancing "While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," the medics said in a letter in the British Medical Journal. It was signed by 15 of the most eminent health professional groups and trade unions including the heads of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the British Medical Association. "Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain," they wrote. JOHNSON UNDER PRESSURE European nations emerging from painful shutdowns are nervously watching a new outbreak at a meat-packing plant in Germany, where two municipalities have regressed to lockdown. Announcing that England was emerging from "hibernation", Johnson is letting pubs, restaurants and hotels reopen from July 4. He urged vigilance but said the government did not believe there would be a second peak likely to overwhelm health services. The United Kingdom on Monday reported the lowest daily increase in deaths since lockdown in mid-March - just 15 - though the suspected overall toll has hit 54,139, the second highest after the United States. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! The latest COVID-19 reproduction numbers for England vary from 0.7-0.9 in the east and northeast to 0.7-1.0 in London and the northwest, and 0.8-1.0 in the Midlands. Johnson, who was himself treated in intensive care for COVID-19, has faced criticism for imposing the lockdown too late, failing to supply enough protective equipment to medical staff and dithering over a test-and-trace system. The medics' letter called for a review focusing on "areas of weakness" to prevent a second wave. In response, a spokesman for Johnson said authorities would continue to guarantee resources for health and care services while working closely with the National Health Service to prepare for the winter.

Beware second wave of coronavirus, medics warn Britain

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China.

Recently, China announced plans to impose national security laws in the former British colony, which would essentially prohibit any criticism of the mainland Chinese administration. Additionally, with the support of pro-China Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, China wants to weed out “terrorists” from the city.

July 1 - a historic date

It’s imperative to note that Hong Kong is the only territory in China which grants democratic freedoms to its people.

The new office will open beginning July 1. What’s interesting is the historic date chosen for its reopening, for Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1 in 1997, under its “one country, two systems” deal with the British.

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Taiwan and China have recently been engaged in a lot of military almost-confrontations. Taiwanese leader recently asked China to “stop the drills”, and to focus on “coronavirus”, which has reemerged in the capital city of China, after China had confidently proclaimed its transmission as over.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-taiwan-promises-necessary-support-to-hong-kong-301015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A success story

The country had closed off its borders in March in order to contain COVID-19 infections.

“On special humanitarian considerations”, Taiwan will now allow Hong Kongers to come to the country. But there’s one condition - everybody will be tested for COVID-19, and if they test negative they shall be given shelter in the country.

Additionally, everyone will undergo a mandatory 14 day period of quarantine, which is true for everyone entering the country. Taiwan is a democracy, unlike the neighbouring China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/taiwan-raps-china-for-military-activity-says-it-should-fight-coronavirus-instead-307918" hreflang="en">Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead</a>

China also hit out at Taiwan for supporting Hong Kong, which has been battered by protests for over a year. What began as a protest against Chinese influence began a full fledged movement for democracy and its preservation.

Hong Kong is governed by its mini-constitution, called “Basic Law”, which offers citizens freedoms not available elsewhere in the country.

Taiwan has been lauded as one of the earliest success stories of containing COVID-19. In fact, the country never underwent a lockdown, which is not true for the rest of the world, where containing the virus has been very hard.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China.

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China. Recently, China announced plans to impose national security laws in the former British colony, which would essentially prohibit any criticism of the mainland Chinese administration. Additionally, with the support of pro-China Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, China wants to weed out “terrorists” from the city. July 1 - a historic date It’s imperative to note that Hong Kong is the only territory in China which grants democratic freedoms to its people. The new office will open beginning July 1. What’s interesting is the historic date chosen for its reopening, for Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1 in 1997, under its “one country, two systems” deal with the British. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taiwan and China have recently been engaged in a lot of military almost-confrontations. Taiwanese leader recently asked China to “stop the drills”, and to focus on “coronavirus”, which has reemerged in the capital city of China, after China had confidently proclaimed its transmission as over. A success story The country had closed off its borders in March in order to contain COVID-19 infections. “On special humanitarian considerations”, Taiwan will now allow Hong Kongers to come to the country. But there’s one condition - everybody will be tested for COVID-19, and if they test negative they shall be given shelter in the country. Additionally, everyone will undergo a mandatory 14 day period of quarantine, which is true for everyone entering the country. Taiwan is a democracy, unlike the neighbouring China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Also read: Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead China also hit out at Taiwan for supporting Hong Kong, which has been battered by protests for over a year. What began as a protest against Chinese influence began a full fledged movement for democracy and its preservation. Hong Kong is governed by its mini-constitution, called “Basic Law”, which offers citizens freedoms not available elsewhere in the country. Taiwan has been lauded as one of the earliest success stories of containing COVID-19. In fact, the country never underwent a lockdown, which is not true for the rest of the world, where containing the virus has been very hard. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan to let Hong Kongers in on 'humanitarian' grounds beginning July 1 - the same day HK was returned to China

The approval rating of United States President Donald Trump over his handling of coronavirus recently dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, given the resurgence of virus across major American cities.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed the newly record low numbers, especially in the backdrop of Trump recently suggesting to “slow down testing” to control the number of cases.

A new pattern emerges

The poll, conducted on June 22-23 also shed light on a new pattern. Majority of the Americans now want John Bolton, his former security adviser who recently released a memoir looking back at his time in office, to testify in US Congress against Trump under oath.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-hides-trumps-tweet-targeting-protestors-in-washington-dc-labels-it-as-abusive-content-308136" hreflang="en">Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content'</a>

According to Bolton, Trump sought the assistance of Chinese President Xi Jinping in winning the upcoming presidential elections.&nbsp;Allegedly, he also claimed to “be okay” with Uighur Muslims being put in concentration camps.

The poll data reveals that 37 per cent Americans approved Trump’s response to the pandemic, which is the lowest number recorded by Reuters/Ipsos since they began tracking the data in March.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/us-election-campaign-no-masks-and-social-distancing-at-trumps-tulsa-rally-307418/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">58 per cent</div>

Exactly 58 per cent Americans believe that Trump’s coronavirus response was inadequate.

The election is due on November 3. Joe Biden, his Democratic rival has recently taken the lead in polls, suggesting that the recent revelations by Bolton clubbed with the country’s high coronavirus fatalities may have harmed Trump’s reelection campaign.

Biden and former president Obama on Tuesday raised $11 million for campaigning. Joe Biden currently leads over Trump with 10 percentage points.

The pandemic has taken the lives of 120,000 Americans, with Trump asking states to reopen even before experts gave it their go!

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During his first rally which was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Trump called COVID-19 testing a “double-edged sword”, while suggesting that he had asked health officials to slow down testing so that lesser number of cases are counted. However, Dr Fauci recently announced that they had no plans to slow down testing.

Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. In “The Room Where It Happened”, Bolton says Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected.&nbsp;Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

The approval rating of United States President Donald Trump over his handling of coronavirus recently dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, given the resurgence of virus across major American cities.

The approval rating of United States President Donald Trump over his handling of coronavirus recently dropped to its lowest level ever recorded, given the resurgence of virus across major American cities. A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed the newly record low numbers, especially in the backdrop of Trump recently suggesting to “slow down testing” to control the number of cases. A new pattern emerges The poll, conducted on June 22-23 also shed light on a new pattern. Majority of the Americans now want John Bolton, his former security adviser who recently released a memoir looking back at his time in office, to testify in US Congress against Trump under oath. Also read: Twitter hides Trump's tweet targeting protestors in Washington DC; labels it as 'abusive content' According to Bolton, Trump sought the assistance of Chinese President Xi Jinping in winning the upcoming presidential elections. Allegedly, he also claimed to “be okay” with Uighur Muslims being put in concentration camps. The poll data reveals that 37 per cent Americans approved Trump’s response to the pandemic, which is the lowest number recorded by Reuters/Ipsos since they began tracking the data in March. 58 per cent Exactly 58 per cent Americans believe that Trump’s coronavirus response was inadequate. The election is due on November 3. Joe Biden, his Democratic rival has recently taken the lead in polls, suggesting that the recent revelations by Bolton clubbed with the country’s high coronavirus fatalities may have harmed Trump’s reelection campaign. Biden and former president Obama on Tuesday raised $11 million for campaigning. Joe Biden currently leads over Trump with 10 percentage points. The pandemic has taken the lives of 120,000 Americans, with Trump asking states to reopen even before experts gave it their go! Also read: Trump defends suspending green card applications till December 31 During his first rally which was held in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Trump called COVID-19 testing a “double-edged sword”, while suggesting that he had asked health officials to slow down testing so that lesser number of cases are counted. However, Dr Fauci recently announced that they had no plans to slow down testing. Trump has been in the centre of another controversy owing to the book released by his ex-aide. In “The Room Where It Happened”, Bolton says Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify

At least one German state banned compatriots from two districts that entered a new lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, and Austria issued a travel warning, causing anger tinged with resignation among locals.

The roughly 640,000 residents of Guetersloh and Warendorf on Wednesday became the first in Germany to revert to the strict curbs that had been gradually lifted since April, after more than 1,500 workers at the north-west districts' Toennies meatpacking plant tested positive for the virus.&nbsp;

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Bavaria ordered its hotels and B&amp;Bs not to accept guests from Guetersloh. Daily newspaper Bild said seaside state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern would also not welcome tourists from the affected areas, and that Usedom, a Baltic island, would expel them.

Austria warned against travel to the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), putting it in the same category as the epicentre of Italy's outbreak in Lombardy.

NRW premier Armin Laschet urged his regional counterparts to allow in holidaymakers who had tested negative for the virus. "One thing is not acceptable - people from Guetersloh should not be stigmatized," he told the state assembly.

In the town, residents queued up to get tested, hoping for a passport to travel. "We want to travel to Bavaria on Saturday and it is a condition that you bring a negative corona test," said Andreas Tollmann.

Another resident, Manfred Kersting, said he and his family would normally be in Greece now.

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"We were thinking that everything was under control..," he told Reuters. "But I should also say that in some measure we have ourselves to blame. We want ultra-cheap meat and are fully aware that it can't be produced at such prices... And this is the result."

In Wildeshausen in northern Germany, a poultry slaughterhouse was to test its more than 1,000 employees after registering 23 positive coronavirus cases, a local authority spokesman told NDR television.

Epidemiologists say the proximity in which employees work and live in meat plants, plus low temperatures and a damp atmosphere may be factors in exacerbating the risk of the disease spreading.

"In two months I think we'll have a problem if we don't switch on all the alarm sensors now," said virologist Christian Drosten, an advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

At least one German state banned compatriots from two districts that entered a new lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, and Austria issued a travel warning, causing anger tinged with resignation among locals.

At least one German state banned compatriots from two districts that entered a new lockdown due to a coronavirus outbreak, and Austria issued a travel warning, causing anger tinged with resignation among locals. The roughly 640,000 residents of Guetersloh and Warendorf on Wednesday became the first in Germany to revert to the strict curbs that had been gradually lifted since April, after more than 1,500 workers at the north-west districts' Toennies meatpacking plant tested positive for the virus. You might also like: Tencent's 'smart city' seen as model for post-coronavirus China Bavaria ordered its hotels and B&Bs not to accept guests from Guetersloh. Daily newspaper Bild said seaside state Mecklenburg-Vorpommern would also not welcome tourists from the affected areas, and that Usedom, a Baltic island, would expel them. Austria warned against travel to the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), putting it in the same category as the epicentre of Italy's outbreak in Lombardy. NRW premier Armin Laschet urged his regional counterparts to allow in holidaymakers who had tested negative for the virus. "One thing is not acceptable - people from Guetersloh should not be stigmatized," he told the state assembly. In the town, residents queued up to get tested, hoping for a passport to travel. "We want to travel to Bavaria on Saturday and it is a condition that you bring a negative corona test," said Andreas Tollmann. Another resident, Manfred Kersting, said he and his family would normally be in Greece now. You might also like: Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide "We were thinking that everything was under control..," he told Reuters. "But I should also say that in some measure we have ourselves to blame. We want ultra-cheap meat and are fully aware that it can't be produced at such prices... And this is the result." In Wildeshausen in northern Germany, a poultry slaughterhouse was to test its more than 1,000 employees after registering 23 positive coronavirus cases, a local authority spokesman told NDR television. Epidemiologists say the proximity in which employees work and live in meat plants, plus low temperatures and a damp atmosphere may be factors in exacerbating the risk of the disease spreading. "In two months I think we'll have a problem if we don't switch on all the alarm sensors now," said virologist Christian Drosten, an advisor to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Not welcome! German state bans compatriots from virus-hit town

The daily number of new coronavirus cases in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;climbed to 55 on Wednesday, Governor Yuriko Koike said, the highest tally in 1-1/2 months after a cluster of infections was found at an unnamed office in the Japanese capital.

"Fifty-five daily cases was a bit of a shock to me when I first heard it," Koike told reporters. "But our current situation is different from back in March and April, namely because our medical system is significantly different."

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The metropolis, with a population of 14 million, has sought to keep new cases below 20 a day since Japan lifted a state of emergency on May 25.&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;has said it could re-impose restrictions if the figure crept up to 50 or more - something that last happened on May 5.

Of the 55 new cases, nine were confirmed at the workplace, which already had seven recorded infections, Koike said. The new cases might have emerged outside the office where the employees had a meeting, she said.

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Speaking before the latest figure was reported, Koike had warned of a "large number" on Wednesday as more positive test results followed a cluster of seven infections previously found at the office.

"Clusters in the workplace have become a big problem lately" as people have emerged from the capital's 'Stay Home' initiative, she told reporters earlier.&nbsp;

Still,&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;- like the rest of Japan - has been spared the kind of explosive outbreak seen elsewhere, with some 5,800 coronavirus cases and 323 deaths so far.&nbsp;

In all of Japan, about 18,000 have tested positive and 965 have died so far from the COVID-19 illness. Globally, more than 9.26 million people have tested positive and some 475,880 have died.

The daily number of new coronavirus cases in Tokyo climbed to 55 on Wednesday, Governor Yuriko Koike said, the highest tally in 1-1/2 months after a cluster of infections was found at an unnamed office in the Japanese capital.

The daily number of new coronavirus cases in Tokyo climbed to 55 on Wednesday, Governor Yuriko Koike said, the highest tally in 1-1/2 months after a cluster of infections was found at an unnamed office in the Japanese capital. "Fifty-five daily cases was a bit of a shock to me when I first heard it," Koike told reporters. "But our current situation is different from back in March and April, namely because our medical system is significantly different." You might also like: Tencent's 'smart city' seen as model for post-coronavirus China The metropolis, with a population of 14 million, has sought to keep new cases below 20 a day since Japan lifted a state of emergency on May 25. Tokyo has said it could re-impose restrictions if the figure crept up to 50 or more - something that last happened on May 5. Of the 55 new cases, nine were confirmed at the workplace, which already had seven recorded infections, Koike said. The new cases might have emerged outside the office where the employees had a meeting, she said. Also read: Chinese city launches domestic violence database for couples considering marriage Speaking before the latest figure was reported, Koike had warned of a "large number" on Wednesday as more positive test results followed a cluster of seven infections previously found at the office. "Clusters in the workplace have become a big problem lately" as people have emerged from the capital's 'Stay Home' initiative, she told reporters earlier. Still, Tokyo - like the rest of Japan - has been spared the kind of explosive outbreak seen elsewhere, with some 5,800 coronavirus cases and 323 deaths so far. In all of Japan, about 18,000 have tested positive and 965 have died so far from the COVID-19 illness. Globally, more than 9.26 million people have tested positive and some 475,880 have died.

Office cluster pushes Tokyo coronavirus cases to 1.5-month high - governor says

Chinese tech giant&nbsp;Tencent&nbsp;is creating a "smart city" that utilises technology to put people and the environment first, a model that could be applied to other urban developments after the coronavirus, the project's architect said on Wednesday.

Net City will be a 2 million square metre (21.5 million square feet) neighbourhood in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, comprising&nbsp;Tencent&nbsp;offices and residences for its employees, as well as public amenities such as parks and a waterfront area.

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With fewer streets for cars, "green" garden roofs on buildings and the use of artificial intelligence, Net City is a model for the "future of city building", said Jonathan Ward, a design partner at NBBJ, a United States-based architecture firm.

"This moment reinforces the need to think about designing spaces, buildings and cities that are restorative ... plentiful indoor-outdoor spaces which are good for overall human health, perhaps even more so during a pandemic," Ward said.&nbsp;

Construction of Net City is scheduled to begin later this year.&nbsp;

It will prioritise sustainability by "reducing car use, increasing planning strategies around the needs of people, allowing greater public access, and with increased environmental conservation", he added.

More than 500 smart cities are being built across China, according to government data, equipped with sensors, cameras, and other gadgets that can crunch data on everything from traffic and pollution, to public health and security.

Net City will use technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles, said Ward. Mangroves and other nature-based features will help mitigate the impacts of climate change, he added.

Smart cities are a part of China's plan to spur growth amidst a global economic downturn, authorities said in March.

But the use of technologies such as AI in China and elsewhere have also raised concerns about data privacy and surveillance, including during the pandemic.

Last month, Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs canned its Toronto smart city project that had envisioned sensors feeding data to AI-enabled computers to manage traffic and drainage systems. Alphabet is the parent company of Google.

The project had long faced opposition over issues including data privacy and the influence of big technology companies in city planning.

But in China, where smart cities rely on the government's dominant role in urban planning and budgeting, the general public has less say, said Xu Chengwei, a public-policy researcher at the Singapore Management University.

"China's smart city initiatives are not driven primarily by market demand, but by political and technological ambition," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

"Smart cities will continue to be the core of city planning, and tech giants' involvement will continue," he said.

In China and elsewhere, given the need to track and monitor the coronavirus pandemic, technology will not be "any less ubiquitous or any more democratised", said Kris Hartley, an assistant professor at the Education University of Hong Kong.

"The narrative around COVID-19 recovery and resilience is likely to be shaped around urbanism in some way. So there may well be an increase in purpose-built towns as demonstration projects or test-bed experiments," he said.

"Technology will shape the post-COVID-19 world," he added.

Chinese tech giant Tencent is creating a "smart city" that utilises technology to put people and the environment first, a model that could be applied to other urban developments after the coronavirus, the project's architect said on Wednesday.

Chinese tech giant Tencent is creating a "smart city" that utilises technology to put people and the environment first, a model that could be applied to other urban developments after the coronavirus, the project's architect said on Wednesday. Net City will be a 2 million square metre (21.5 million square feet) neighbourhood in the southeastern city of Shenzhen, comprising Tencent offices and residences for its employees, as well as public amenities such as parks and a waterfront area. Also read: Amazon pledges $2 billion venture capital fund to invest in clean energy With fewer streets for cars, "green" garden roofs on buildings and the use of artificial intelligence, Net City is a model for the "future of city building", said Jonathan Ward, a design partner at NBBJ, a United States-based architecture firm. "This moment reinforces the need to think about designing spaces, buildings and cities that are restorative ... plentiful indoor-outdoor spaces which are good for overall human health, perhaps even more so during a pandemic," Ward said. Construction of Net City is scheduled to begin later this year. It will prioritise sustainability by "reducing car use, increasing planning strategies around the needs of people, allowing greater public access, and with increased environmental conservation", he added. More than 500 smart cities are being built across China, according to government data, equipped with sensors, cameras, and other gadgets that can crunch data on everything from traffic and pollution, to public health and security. Net City will use technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles, said Ward. Mangroves and other nature-based features will help mitigate the impacts of climate change, he added. Smart cities are a part of China's plan to spur growth amidst a global economic downturn, authorities said in March. But the use of technologies such as AI in China and elsewhere have also raised concerns about data privacy and surveillance, including during the pandemic. Last month, Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs canned its Toronto smart city project that had envisioned sensors feeding data to AI-enabled computers to manage traffic and drainage systems. Alphabet is the parent company of Google. The project had long faced opposition over issues including data privacy and the influence of big technology companies in city planning. But in China, where smart cities rely on the government's dominant role in urban planning and budgeting, the general public has less say, said Xu Chengwei, a public-policy researcher at the Singapore Management University. "China's smart city initiatives are not driven primarily by market demand, but by political and technological ambition," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "Smart cities will continue to be the core of city planning, and tech giants' involvement will continue," he said. In China and elsewhere, given the need to track and monitor the coronavirus pandemic, technology will not be "any less ubiquitous or any more democratised", said Kris Hartley, an assistant professor at the Education University of Hong Kong. "The narrative around COVID-19 recovery and resilience is likely to be shaped around urbanism in some way. So there may well be an increase in purpose-built towns as demonstration projects or test-bed experiments," he said. "Technology will shape the post-COVID-19 world," he added.

Tencent's 'smart city' seen as model for post-coronavirus China

Indian drugmaker Cipla Ltd will price its generic version of Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for use in COVID-19 patients at less than 5,000 rupees ($66), the company said.

Cipla and privately held Indian drugmaker Hetero Labs on Sunday gained approval to sell generic versions of remdesivir in the country. Hetero expects to price a similar 100 milligram dose of the treatment at 5,000 to 6,000 rupees.

Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of Bangladesh's largest drugmakers, in May became the first company in the world to introduce a generic variant of remdesivir.&nbsp;

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Reuters exclusively reported that the company was planning to price its version at between 5,000 to 6,000 takas ($59 to $71) per vial.&nbsp;

Remdesivir, intravenously administered in hospitals, is the first treatment to show improvement in COVID-19 trials. It has been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan.

Cipla, in an e-mailed statement, did not provide details on when the treatment, called Cipremi, will be available.

Remdesivir has yet to be priced in the United States.

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Gilead said on Monday it is targeting remdesivir supply for more than 2 million COVID-19 patients by the end of the year.&nbsp;

The expectations suggest sales of between $2 billion and $3 billion between 2020 and 2021 at a price of $1,000 to $2,000 per course, according to Jefferies analyst Michael Yee.&nbsp;

Cases of the novel coronavirus in India stood at 440,215 on Tuesday, health ministry data showed, while the death toll stood at 14,011. The country is on track to overtake Russia as the third most affected country by cases.&nbsp;

Indian drugmaker Cipla Ltd will price its generic version of Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for use in COVID-19 patients at less than 5,000 rupees ($66), the company said.

Indian drugmaker Cipla Ltd will price its generic version of Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral drug remdesivir for use in COVID-19 patients at less than 5,000 rupees ($66), the company said. Cipla and privately held Indian drugmaker Hetero Labs on Sunday gained approval to sell generic versions of remdesivir in the country. Hetero expects to price a similar 100 milligram dose of the treatment at 5,000 to 6,000 rupees. Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of Bangladesh's largest drugmakers, in May became the first company in the world to introduce a generic variant of remdesivir. Also read: Air India repatriation flights from US to be halted over 'unfair and discriminatory practices' Reuters exclusively reported that the company was planning to price its version at between 5,000 to 6,000 takas ($59 to $71) per vial. Remdesivir, intravenously administered in hospitals, is the first treatment to show improvement in COVID-19 trials. It has been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan. Cipla, in an e-mailed statement, did not provide details on when the treatment, called Cipremi, will be available. Remdesivir has yet to be priced in the United States. Also read: Indian capital Delhi to convert luxury hotels into care centres for 'mild' coronavirus patients Gilead said on Monday it is targeting remdesivir supply for more than 2 million COVID-19 patients by the end of the year. The expectations suggest sales of between $2 billion and $3 billion between 2020 and 2021 at a price of $1,000 to $2,000 per course, according to Jefferies analyst Michael Yee. Cases of the novel coronavirus in India stood at 440,215 on Tuesday, health ministry data showed, while the death toll stood at 14,011. The country is on track to overtake Russia as the third most affected country by cases.

Cipla to price remdesivir version for COVID-19 under Rupees 5,000

With Bengaluru reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu on Tuesday said the government might have to impose a lockdown in the city, after consulting experts, if the situation continues. 
 
"If the situation continues like this, in the days to come we may have to think about lockdown...&nbsp;If the cases increase to a higher number, by consulting experts and bringing it to the notice of the Chief Minister, we may have to think about enforcing lockdown.&nbsp;No decision has yet been taken," Sriramulu told reporters here.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pilgrims-will-not-travel-to-saudi-arabia-for-haj-2020-307929" hreflang="en">Indian pilgrims will not travel to Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020</a> 
 
He urged people to cooperate to control the spread of the virus by following measures in place to contain it. 
Concerned over the increase in COVID-19 cases in the city, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Monday directed officials to implement lockdown measures strictly in certain clusters in Bengaluru which have reported more number of infections. 
 
The city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had also issued an order sealing the busy K R Market and Kalasipalya Market here for 15 days. 
 
Till Monday evening, the state capital had reported 1,398 cases of COVID-19, including 67 deaths and 411 discharges. 
 
On Monday, as many as 126 fresh cases were recorded. 
 
Referring to the increasing number of cases in Bengaluru, Sriramulu said till now asymptomatic cases were also admitted at dedicated hospitals. 
 
But from now on, they would be treated at community halls, schools, marriage halls, hotels and Haj Bhavans, which have been converted into COVID Care centres (CCC), he said. 
 
"With asymptomatic patients going to CCCs, we will have more beds at dedicated COVID hospitals to treat symptomatic patients and serious patients," he said, adding CCCs will have doctors and nurses 24X7 to take care of patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cipla-to-price-remdesivir-version-for-covid-19-under-5000-rupees-307969" hreflang="en">Cipla to price remdesivir version for COVID-19 under 5,000 Rupees</a> 
 
Noting that the government would be testing more senior citizens in the days to come, the minister said the state planned to ramp up testing on a large scale. 
 
"We have plans to conduct 2000-3000 tests in each district and have two testing labs in each district," he said. 
 
Sriramulu said government has decided to take 50 per cent of beds in private hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients, while the remaining would be for those who prefer private treatment. 
 
"Rates have been fixed for treatment of patients under the government quota and payment will be made at that rate. 
 
We have also fixed ceiling for patients wishing to get treated at private hospitals," he said. 
 
To a question about complaints of poor quality food and facilities for patients at certain dedicated COVID hospitals in Bengaluru, Sriramulu said, "complaints have come to my notice. 
 
I have directed officials to make necessary arrangements. I will ensure it does not recur.

With Bengaluru reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu on Tuesday said the government might have to impose a lockdown in the city, after consulting experts, if the situation continues.

With Bengaluru reporting an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu on Tuesday said the government might have to impose a lockdown in the city, after consulting experts, if the situation continues. "If the situation continues like this, in the days to come we may have to think about lockdown... If the cases increase to a higher number, by consulting experts and bringing it to the notice of the Chief Minister, we may have to think about enforcing lockdown. No decision has yet been taken," Sriramulu told reporters here. Also read: Indian pilgrims will not travel to Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020 He urged people to cooperate to control the spread of the virus by following measures in place to contain it. Concerned over the increase in COVID-19 cases in the city, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa had on Monday directed officials to implement lockdown measures strictly in certain clusters in Bengaluru which have reported more number of infections. The city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had also issued an order sealing the busy K R Market and Kalasipalya Market here for 15 days. Till Monday evening, the state capital had reported 1,398 cases of COVID-19, including 67 deaths and 411 discharges. On Monday, as many as 126 fresh cases were recorded. Referring to the increasing number of cases in Bengaluru, Sriramulu said till now asymptomatic cases were also admitted at dedicated hospitals. But from now on, they would be treated at community halls, schools, marriage halls, hotels and Haj Bhavans, which have been converted into COVID Care centres (CCC), he said. "With asymptomatic patients going to CCCs, we will have more beds at dedicated COVID hospitals to treat symptomatic patients and serious patients," he said, adding CCCs will have doctors and nurses 24X7 to take care of patients. Also read: Cipla to price remdesivir version for COVID-19 under 5,000 Rupees Noting that the government would be testing more senior citizens in the days to come, the minister said the state planned to ramp up testing on a large scale. "We have plans to conduct 2000-3000 tests in each district and have two testing labs in each district," he said. Sriramulu said government has decided to take 50 per cent of beds in private hospitals for treating COVID-19 patients, while the remaining would be for those who prefer private treatment. "Rates have been fixed for treatment of patients under the government quota and payment will be made at that rate. We have also fixed ceiling for patients wishing to get treated at private hospitals," he said. To a question about complaints of poor quality food and facilities for patients at certain dedicated COVID hospitals in Bengaluru, Sriramulu said, "complaints have come to my notice. I have directed officials to make necessary arrangements. I will ensure it does not recur.

Govt may have to impose lockdown in Bengaluru if COVID cases increase: Health Minister

Starting July 4, the United Kingdom will revoke its mandatory two-metre social distancing rule which was put in place to ensure industries could restart work while maintaining social distancing among people.

UK Prime Minister on TuesdayBoris Johnson announced that even though two metres is still the optimum distance, people unable to maintain it should at least stick to one metre.

"Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should. But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre plus," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/covid-19-uk-to-begin-trials-of-no-swab-self-test-kits-307695" hreflang="en">COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits</a>

However, many companies were opposed to the compulsory adherence to the rule, claiming it made running their businesses next to impossible.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/non-essential-shops-reopen-in-uk-after-3-months-306080/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson further added that restaurants, pubs, and hotels could reopen in July across the country, however he did assert on the need for “mitigation” in the absence of the social distancing rule.

The country’s economy has suffered considerable damage owing to the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. Most non-essential services resumed last week. However, hospitality and leisure sectors will continue to reopen slowly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-to-announce-the-review-of-two-metre-social-distancing-review-soon-307278" hreflang="en">UK to announce the review of two-metre social distancing review soon</a>

If one-metre distancing and protective gear is ensured by patrons and business owners alike, the country has allowed complete reopening from July 4.

"Given the significant fall in the prevalence of the virus we can change the two-metre social distancing rule from the 4th of July," Johnson told parliament.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Starting July 4, the United Kingdom will revoke its mandatory two-metre social distancing rule which was put in place to ensure industries could restart work while maintaining social distancing among people.

Starting July 4, the United Kingdom will revoke its mandatory two-metre social distancing rule which was put in place to ensure industries could restart work while maintaining social distancing among people. UK Prime Minister on TuesdayBoris Johnson announced that even though two metres is still the optimum distance, people unable to maintain it should at least stick to one metre. "Where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should. But where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre plus," said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Also read: COVID 19: UK to begin trials of 'no-swab' self-test kits However, many companies were opposed to the compulsory adherence to the rule, claiming it made running their businesses next to impossible. Johnson further added that restaurants, pubs, and hotels could reopen in July across the country, however he did assert on the need for “mitigation” in the absence of the social distancing rule. The country’s economy has suffered considerable damage owing to the COVID-19 induced lockdowns. Most non-essential services resumed last week. However, hospitality and leisure sectors will continue to reopen slowly. Also read: UK to announce the review of two-metre social distancing review soon If one-metre distancing and protective gear is ensured by patrons and business owners alike, the country has allowed complete reopening from July 4. "Given the significant fall in the prevalence of the virus we can change the two-metre social distancing rule from the 4th of July," Johnson told parliament. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

UK to denounce two-metre distancing rule starting July; pubs and restaurants to resume service

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. 
 
Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told a news conference that the new fatalities brought the overall virus death toll to 9,863. 
 
That is Iran's highest single-day fatality rate since April 11, when 125 deaths were recorded.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/iran-reports-over-100-virus-deaths-for-fourth-day-306511" hreflang="en">Iran reports over 100 virus deaths for fourth day</a> 
 
Lari also announced another 2,445 people had tested positive for COVID in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 209,970. 
 
The Islamic republic recorded a drop in its daily fatalities in early May, but there has been a rise in recent weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/irans-daily-virus-death-toll-tops-100-for-first-time-in-two-months-305880" hreflang="en">Iran's daily virus death toll tops 100 for first time in two months</a> 
 
There has been scepticism at home and abroad about the country's official COVID figures, with concerns the actual toll could be much higher. 
 
Iran has not imposed a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus's spread, but it closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between the country's 31 provinces in March. 
 
The government progressively lifted restrictions from April in order to reopen its sanctions-hit economy.

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak.

Iran on Tuesday reported 121 new coronavirus deaths, its highest daily toll in over two months, as it battles to contain the Middle East's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak. Health ministry spokeswoman Sima Sadat Lari told a news conference that the new fatalities brought the overall virus death toll to 9,863. That is Iran's highest single-day fatality rate since April 11, when 125 deaths were recorded. Also read: Iran reports over 100 virus deaths for fourth day Lari also announced another 2,445 people had tested positive for COVID in the past 24 hours, raising the country's caseload to 209,970. The Islamic republic recorded a drop in its daily fatalities in early May, but there has been a rise in recent weeks. Also read: Iran's daily virus death toll tops 100 for first time in two months There has been scepticism at home and abroad about the country's official COVID figures, with concerns the actual toll could be much higher. Iran has not imposed a mandatory lockdown on people to stop the virus's spread, but it closed schools, cancelled public events and banned movement between the country's 31 provinces in March. The government progressively lifted restrictions from April in order to reopen its sanctions-hit economy.

Iran reports highest virus deaths since April

Authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo's southeastern mining heartland are boosting efforts to tackle child labour amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could drive more families to put their children to work in mines, officials said.

Congo is Africa's main producer of copper and the top global source of cobalt, accounting for two-thirds of global supplies of the metal used in smartphones and electric car batteries.

Mining accounts for 32% of Congo's national output and the economy has been hard hit by the pandemic, which has slowed demand for metals and other raw materials.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/congo-court-sentences-presidents-chief-of-staff-to-20-years-in-prison-307337" hreflang="en">Congo court sentences president's chief of staff to 20 years in prison</a>

The slump means mining workers are earning a fraction of what they did before the outbreak, and are more likely to take their children to work, according to activists and academics.

"Economic activity has been paralysed during this health crisis and this will have a negative impact on parents' income," said Mathieu Kazembe Sawana Ilunga, the official who oversees the economy and industry in the southeastern Lualaba province.

"But this must not be used as justification for the presence of children in mines," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Tens of thousands of children as young as six work without protective gear in artisanal mines in the country's southeast, according to rights groups including Amnesty International.

About 15% of children aged 5 to 17 across Congo are engaged in child labour - with most doing dangerous work - a 2019 report by the National Institute of Statistics found.

Children in Congo are permitted by law to work from the age of 16 if they are deemed fit to do so by labour inspectors.

Nathalie Lunda Ngandu, the official in charge of social affairs, gender and family issues in Lualaba, said she shared the concerns of activists about a rise in child labour at mines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/congo-reports-fresh-ebola-outbreak-three-weeks-before-plans-to-proclaim-the-country-disease-free-302415" hreflang="en">Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free</a>

Authorities will address the soaring cost of basic necessities, raise awareness in communities and at mining sites, and improve monitoring systems for child labour, Ngandu said.

Congo launched new monitoring and tracing mechanisms in 2018 to tackle child labour in mineral production. They apply both to artisanal mines and operations run by large mining companies.

"We will also spearhead two major activities with elected representatives and traditional and local authorities so they get involved ... in the fight against the worst forms of child labour, particularly in the context of COVID-19," Ngandu added.

Together, Lualaba and neighbouring Haut-Katanga account for nearly all of Congo's output of cobalt. Exports fell by 15.2% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year.&nbsp;

Roger-Claude Liwanga - a researcher at Harvard University who has studied child labour in Congolese mines - said authorities were "often in denial" about child miners, and urged them to distribute free food to prevent the practice worsening.

Civil society groups this month said many mines were forcing workers to stay on site - to avoid coronavirus outbreaks - and providing insufficient food and water and inadequate housing, while protective equipment and hygiene measures were lacking.&nbsp;

Congo has so far confirmed about 5,925 cases and 135 deaths.

Authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo's southeastern mining heartland are boosting efforts to tackle child labour amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could drive more families to put their children to work in mines, officials said.

Authorities in Democratic Republic of Congo's southeastern mining heartland are boosting efforts to tackle child labour amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic could drive more families to put their children to work in mines, officials said. Congo is Africa's main producer of copper and the top global source of cobalt, accounting for two-thirds of global supplies of the metal used in smartphones and electric car batteries. Mining accounts for 32% of Congo's national output and the economy has been hard hit by the pandemic, which has slowed demand for metals and other raw materials. Also read: Congo court sentences president's chief of staff to 20 years in prison The slump means mining workers are earning a fraction of what they did before the outbreak, and are more likely to take their children to work, according to activists and academics. "Economic activity has been paralysed during this health crisis and this will have a negative impact on parents' income," said Mathieu Kazembe Sawana Ilunga, the official who oversees the economy and industry in the southeastern Lualaba province. "But this must not be used as justification for the presence of children in mines," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Tens of thousands of children as young as six work without protective gear in artisanal mines in the country's southeast, according to rights groups including Amnesty International. About 15% of children aged 5 to 17 across Congo are engaged in child labour - with most doing dangerous work - a 2019 report by the National Institute of Statistics found. Children in Congo are permitted by law to work from the age of 16 if they are deemed fit to do so by labour inspectors. Nathalie Lunda Ngandu, the official in charge of social affairs, gender and family issues in Lualaba, said she shared the concerns of activists about a rise in child labour at mines. Also read: Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free Authorities will address the soaring cost of basic necessities, raise awareness in communities and at mining sites, and improve monitoring systems for child labour, Ngandu said. Congo launched new monitoring and tracing mechanisms in 2018 to tackle child labour in mineral production. They apply both to artisanal mines and operations run by large mining companies. "We will also spearhead two major activities with elected representatives and traditional and local authorities so they get involved ... in the fight against the worst forms of child labour, particularly in the context of COVID-19," Ngandu added. Together, Lualaba and neighbouring Haut-Katanga account for nearly all of Congo's output of cobalt. Exports fell by 15.2% in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period last year. Roger-Claude Liwanga - a researcher at Harvard University who has studied child labour in Congolese mines - said authorities were "often in denial" about child miners, and urged them to distribute free food to prevent the practice worsening. Civil society groups this month said many mines were forcing workers to stay on site - to avoid coronavirus outbreaks - and providing insufficient food and water and inadequate housing, while protective equipment and hygiene measures were lacking. Congo has so far confirmed about 5,925 cases and 135 deaths.

Congo officials vow to tackle child labour at mines as virus threatens spike

When Thai travel consultancy Local Alike saw its revenue drop to zero due to the coronavirus outbreak, it started selling products from villages through social media.&nbsp;

The business has generated 2.6 million baht ($84,000) for locals in 20 communities selling products from snacks to rice.&nbsp;

"It exceeded our expectations," said Somsak Boonkam, founder and chief executive of Bangkok-based Local Alike, which promotes sustainable tourism in 200 villages.

"From now on, we would like to serve as an e-commerce platform for communities."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/food-deliveries-during-virus-lockdown-fuel-thailand-plastic-usage-306842" hreflang="en">Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage</a>

Thailand's social enterprises have been hit hard by the coronavirus, which has infected more than 3,100 people and killed more than 50 since January.&nbsp;

Although most businesses are allowed to reopen after a decline in new coronavirus cases, the country's borders are still closed, affecting the tourism industry.

Tourism is a key sector for the Thai economy, accounting for 18% of the country's gross domestic product last year.

But the industry's social enterprises - businesses that aim to do good - have adapted through the crisis, while also finding solutions for communities.&nbsp;

In response to high demand for the village products, Local Alike set up a separate company to handle the e-commerce platform, which will expand to 155 communities next year.&nbsp;

It hopes that by helping locals develop the products by improving packaging and product design, communities will be able to earn more.&nbsp;

Other social enterprises like civil society network SATARANA and HiveSters, set up to preserve disappearing cultures and help local communities, have also made online food delivery services a part of their long term business plan.&nbsp;

"(The coronavirus) has affected communities that once had income from tourism," said Achiraya Thamparipattra, chief executive at HiveSters, which returns 70% of the company's revenue back to communities through cultural tours.

"And for us, from now on we can no longer operate just as a tour company. Setting up a food brand (that uses products from communities) will lower future risks."

NEW BUSINESS MODEL

Hotels and travel businesses expect business to pick up next month following the government's 22.4 billion-baht ($723 million) domestic tourism stimulus plan, announced last week.

The package, which is expected to stimulate 2 million domestic trips from July to October, includes subsidies on accommodation, transport, food and attractions.&nbsp;

Starting next month, Wocation, a tour agency that promotes mental health through craft workshops and group counselling, is looking to bring its workshops - which includes cooking and ceramic classes - to people's doorsteps.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/researchers-in-thailand-begin-testing-horseshoe-bats-for-coronavirus-305616" hreflang="en">Researchers in Thailand begin testing horseshoe bats for coronavirus</a>

"Crafts are used by some people to heal their minds, and that can be done at home, which also promotes social distancing," said Pasiree Parichani, co-founder of Wocation, a social enterprise based in the northern province of Chiang Mai.&nbsp;

An embroidery kit, for instance, would contain woven fabric and naturally dyed yarn sourced locally from Chiang Mai, with 20% of sales going towards locals.

In Bangkok's Klong Toey district, Wilaiwan Bidinlae saw her income from selling Thai dessert drop by half during the lockdown, losing many foreign customers who used to come in group tours organised by Local Alike.&nbsp;

The company helped package and market her best selling sweets - sticky rice with coconut milk and fried spring rolls - on its social media accounts, which has helped her survive during the crisis.&nbsp;

Klong Toey is the city's oldest and largest slum, but Wilaiwan says her partnership with Local Alike has helped change that perception.&nbsp;

"Klong Toey has been portrayed in the media as a place with drugs and illegal activities, but when tourists come, they see that we have developed," she said.

When Thai travel consultancy Local Alike saw its revenue drop to zero due to the coronavirus outbreak, it started selling products from villages through social media.

When Thai travel consultancy Local Alike saw its revenue drop to zero due to the coronavirus outbreak, it started selling products from villages through social media. The business has generated 2.6 million baht ($84,000) for locals in 20 communities selling products from snacks to rice. "It exceeded our expectations," said Somsak Boonkam, founder and chief executive of Bangkok-based Local Alike, which promotes sustainable tourism in 200 villages. "From now on, we would like to serve as an e-commerce platform for communities." Also read: Food deliveries during virus lockdown fuel Thailand plastic usage Thailand's social enterprises have been hit hard by the coronavirus, which has infected more than 3,100 people and killed more than 50 since January. Although most businesses are allowed to reopen after a decline in new coronavirus cases, the country's borders are still closed, affecting the tourism industry. Tourism is a key sector for the Thai economy, accounting for 18% of the country's gross domestic product last year. But the industry's social enterprises - businesses that aim to do good - have adapted through the crisis, while also finding solutions for communities. In response to high demand for the village products, Local Alike set up a separate company to handle the e-commerce platform, which will expand to 155 communities next year. It hopes that by helping locals develop the products by improving packaging and product design, communities will be able to earn more. Other social enterprises like civil society network SATARANA and HiveSters, set up to preserve disappearing cultures and help local communities, have also made online food delivery services a part of their long term business plan. "(The coronavirus) has affected communities that once had income from tourism," said Achiraya Thamparipattra, chief executive at HiveSters, which returns 70% of the company's revenue back to communities through cultural tours. "And for us, from now on we can no longer operate just as a tour company. Setting up a food brand (that uses products from communities) will lower future risks." NEW BUSINESS MODEL Hotels and travel businesses expect business to pick up next month following the government's 22.4 billion-baht ($723 million) domestic tourism stimulus plan, announced last week. The package, which is expected to stimulate 2 million domestic trips from July to October, includes subsidies on accommodation, transport, food and attractions. Starting next month, Wocation, a tour agency that promotes mental health through craft workshops and group counselling, is looking to bring its workshops - which includes cooking and ceramic classes - to people's doorsteps. Also read: Researchers in Thailand begin testing horseshoe bats for coronavirus "Crafts are used by some people to heal their minds, and that can be done at home, which also promotes social distancing," said Pasiree Parichani, co-founder of Wocation, a social enterprise based in the northern province of Chiang Mai. An embroidery kit, for instance, would contain woven fabric and naturally dyed yarn sourced locally from Chiang Mai, with 20% of sales going towards locals. In Bangkok's Klong Toey district, Wilaiwan Bidinlae saw her income from selling Thai dessert drop by half during the lockdown, losing many foreign customers who used to come in group tours organised by Local Alike. The company helped package and market her best selling sweets - sticky rice with coconut milk and fried spring rolls - on its social media accounts, which has helped her survive during the crisis. Klong Toey is the city's oldest and largest slum, but Wilaiwan says her partnership with Local Alike has helped change that perception. "Klong Toey has been portrayed in the media as a place with drugs and illegal activities, but when tourists come, they see that we have developed," she said.

Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus

As China’s capital city Beijing continues to report new cases of coronavirus, the city is set to enter a “fast track” testing mode.

The virus had reemerged in the city two weeks ago from a local food market. Analysts believed that the virus came from a chopping board, infecting those who ate anything touching that board, and further those who set off a chain of contact.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/covid-19-beijing-to-test-one-million-people-daily-307490" hreflang="en">COVID 19: Beijing to test one million people daily</a>

Last week, the city’s municipal health officials had claimed to soon being able to possess the ability to be able to test 1 million people everyday.

The Chinese capital city is home to 20 million people, and is the new hotspot of the virus, after two months of inactivity.

Just between June 12 and June 22, Beijing had tested 2.95 million people.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/china-fear-of-a-second-wave-of-infections-in-beijing-307697/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The strategy of Beijing's nucleic acid screening is mainly based on the level of risk and on severity," Zhang, a health body official said.

However, not everyone in the city will be tested. Those at higher risk and in risk zones will be the most aggressively tested subjects.

"We'll give priority to testing high-risk groups in Xinfadi and other markets involved in the outbreak as well as surrounding communities," Zhang said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/beijing-tests-food-and-parcel-couriers-as-coronavirus-checks-widen-307301" hreflang="en">Beijing tests food and parcel couriers as coronavirus checks widen</a>

"On this basis, we've tested workers in restaurants, supermarkets, marketplaces, as well as residents in high-risk neighbourhoods. Food delivery workers and parcel couriers have also undergone large-scale testing”, Zhang added.

Over the 12 days since, 249 people have been infected in Beijing. This marks the worst coronavirus-related incident in the city since the infection began in Wuhan earlier.

As of now, the city can test 300,000 people everyday. This is way higher than 40,000 in March.

(With inputs from Reuters)

As China’s capital city Beijing continues to report new cases of coronavirus, the city is set to enter a “fast track” testing mode. The virus had reemerged in the city two weeks ago from a local food market.

As China’s capital city Beijing continues to report new cases of coronavirus, the city is set to enter a “fast track” testing mode. The virus had reemerged in the city two weeks ago from a local food market. Analysts believed that the virus came from a chopping board, infecting those who ate anything touching that board, and further those who set off a chain of contact. Also read: COVID 19: Beijing to test one million people daily Last week, the city’s municipal health officials had claimed to soon being able to possess the ability to be able to test 1 million people everyday. The Chinese capital city is home to 20 million people, and is the new hotspot of the virus, after two months of inactivity. Just between June 12 and June 22, Beijing had tested 2.95 million people. "The strategy of Beijing's nucleic acid screening is mainly based on the level of risk and on severity," Zhang, a health body official said. However, not everyone in the city will be tested. Those at higher risk and in risk zones will be the most aggressively tested subjects. "We'll give priority to testing high-risk groups in Xinfadi and other markets involved in the outbreak as well as surrounding communities," Zhang said. Also read: Beijing tests food and parcel couriers as coronavirus checks widen "On this basis, we've tested workers in restaurants, supermarkets, marketplaces, as well as residents in high-risk neighbourhoods. Food delivery workers and parcel couriers have also undergone large-scale testing”, Zhang added. Over the 12 days since, 249 people have been infected in Beijing. This marks the worst coronavirus-related incident in the city since the infection began in Wuhan earlier. As of now, the city can test 300,000 people everyday. This is way higher than 40,000 in March. (With inputs from Reuters)

Beijing to enter 'fast track' mode to contain coronavirus

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