For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far.&nbsp;

"The amount of devastation is indescribable," Karol Yammine, a Lebanese journalist told WION as she gave a ground report from the capital city of Beirut.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fineprint-at-least-137-dead-5000-injured-in-beirut-blast-quarter-of-a-million-people-homeless-318673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The losses are more troubling because Lebanon is already in the middle of an economic crisis," she said adding that the hospitals are overwhelmed not just because of the blast, but also due to the coronavirus situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-pitch-new-political-deal-to-lebanon-leadership-says-macron-in-beirut-318627">Will pitch 'new political deal' to Lebanon leadership, says Macron in Beirut</a>

Yammine said that not just the hospitals, but a lot of businesses have also been affected due to the blast as Beirut is "the home to" a lot of things, including restaurants and nightlife. 
&nbsp; 
"It is the heart of Lebanon and was shot in the heart," the Lebanese journalist added.&nbsp;

Yammine also talked about the economic situation of the country that deteriorated even further due to the blast.

She said even those who have survived have their homes shattered and for those who struggle to get food, renovation work will add insult to their injuries.&nbsp;

Yammine said since hospitals are overburdened, people with minor injuries are being asked to not visit these facilities.&nbsp;

She said that however, the country is seeing a lot of donation from countries and a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron has also given people some hope.

But, Yammine says people don't trust the government, so will the administration use the aid received by France and other countries in the right manner is to be seen.

She also spoke on the volunteering efforts shown by Lebanese as they took to streets to clean rubble and wreckage.&nbsp;

For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far.

For the last many months, Lebanon is in the news for all terrible reasons and the massive blast on Tuesday at a Beirut port has made the situation even worse, with 137 fatalities and nearly 5,000 wounded so far. "The amount of devastation is indescribable," Karol Yammine, a Lebanese journalist told WION as she gave a ground report from the capital city of Beirut. Watch | "The losses are more troubling because Lebanon is already in the middle of an economic crisis," she said adding that the hospitals are overwhelmed not just because of the blast, but also due to the coronavirus situation. Also read | Will pitch 'new political deal' to Lebanon leadership, says Macron in Beirut Yammine said that not just the hospitals, but a lot of businesses have also been affected due to the blast as Beirut is "the home to" a lot of things, including restaurants and nightlife. "It is the heart of Lebanon and was shot in the heart," the Lebanese journalist added. Yammine also talked about the economic situation of the country that deteriorated even further due to the blast. She said even those who have survived have their homes shattered and for those who struggle to get food, renovation work will add insult to their injuries. Yammine said since hospitals are overburdened, people with minor injuries are being asked to not visit these facilities. She said that however, the country is seeing a lot of donation from countries and a visit from French President Emmanuel Macron has also given people some hope. But, Yammine says people don't trust the government, so will the administration use the aid received by France and other countries in the right manner is to be seen. She also spoke on the volunteering efforts shown by Lebanese as they took to streets to clean rubble and wreckage.

'Lebanon's heart was shot': WION's exclusive ground report from Beirut

In a super exclusive interview, Secretary-General of the 3rd largest organisation in world--the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland has spoken to WION on COVID crisis, India's response, India's role in the body. Speaking exclusively to Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from London, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, PM Modi "led from the very beginning" and "followed WHO guidelines really faithfully".

WION in conversation with Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian envoy to South Korea Sripriya Ranganathan said the aim is to "get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule".She also said that the Indian Foreign Secretary and Korean vice foreign minister along with members of other Indo Pacific countries are speaking on a weekly basis on how best they can work to tackle the crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1684-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-confirmed-cases-nationwide-at-23077-india-health-ministry-294534">1,684 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, confirmed cases nationwide at 23,077: India health ministry</a>

Sidhant Sibal: What is the role played by the Indian mission in South Korea in taking care of Indian citizens?

Sripriya Ranganathan: Our mission in Seoul has been constantly engaged with the community right from the start of the pandemic in Korea. We have about 13000 people that include, large number of students, and they are spread out all across the country. So what we have tried to do, taking in view the advice of the Korean government, that there should be social distancing and that we should refrain from unavoidable travel and so on. We have used video conferencing and we have also used our website and social media platforms to remain in constant touch with our community. My officers have been holding weekly video conferences with representatives of all our community association as well as with student body leaders so that we are able to inform them of the advice of the periodic update that has been coming from the Korean govt and we have also been able to hear from them the kind of difficulties they are facing. We have been able to reassure them we are there whenever they have any difficulties, I think this has been very effective, in that we have managed to give our people the confidence that there is no reason for them to panic and the very positive outcome has been we have not had a single case of a positive person being defected from amongst our own community in Korea and God willing that will remain the same. We have also been supporting those of our community in need by supplying masks and hand sanitizers through various community associations when they were finding it difficult to find them in the open market. 
&nbsp; 
SS: How India &amp; South Korea are cooperating to tackle the COVID-19 crisis?

SR: I think India and the Republic of Korea have a great deal to offer each other in this time of crisis. We already have had and are continuing to have regular conversations between our leadership, our Prime Minister and Korean President had spoken on April 9, in which they had apprised each other of the respective approaches, the solution they have devised for handling the crisis in India and in Korea respectively and had also agreed that all possible assistance will be extended by both our govt to each other at this time of need. Our foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister have been speaking on weekly basis along with other members of the Indo pacific countries, and we have been talking about how best we can pool our, thoughts and idea and work out the way forward to get out of the crisis at the earliest. In terms of medical supplies, we are finding that there is a lot of scope of sourcing our needs, in terms of COVID test kits as well as other protective clothing and so on from Korean companies who have created a niche for themself by way of quality and price competitiveness of what they have to offer. Our ICMR has already approved the products of some of the Korean companies and many of our agencies, both central govt, and state govt agencies placed orders for about 9.5 lakh test kits, we are expecting around 2 million tests kits to be sourced from Korea in the coming weeks, we are also hoping very much that Korean companies will be able to manufacture from India so that our needs for much needed medical supplies can be met from India. In fact, one of the Korean companies has made a beginning in this direction. Its Indian subsidiary has started manufacturing from its Manesar plant for COVID-19 test kits, this company has received its licence from ICMR on April 14 and it has started manufacturing from April 20. Looking ahead, I expect that Indian and Korean research institutions and scientists alike will be able to work together so that they are able the leverage the respective strengthens in coming up with innovative solutions that will help our govts in addressing this pandemic.&nbsp;

SS: What are we are purchasing in terms of PPE or ventilators from South Korea? 
SR: As I mentioned a short while ago, at the moment, we have negotiated for picking up of a large number of COVID-19 test kits from Korean companies, this has been possible because there are a number of Korean companies that have reoriented there manufacturing to start producing COVID-19 test kits, and also because these companies have got the requisite certification and so on and are also authorized to export by the Korean government, this apart, we have also been looking at how far Korean companies can meet our country's need of protective clothing, mask, gloves, ventilators and so on. What the embassy has been doing is to work on the basis of requirements that have been indicated to our ministry by ICMR, try to find the companies that are qualified and have the necessary background and experience to supply these items and are constantly keeping our ICMR informed of the products that are available here, the technical specifications, prices and so on and once ICMR works out what are the products that are most suitable, most required by our people, we are proceeding to negotiate further with those companies so that we are able to get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule from these companies. We have been working in constant coordination with our ministry, with the ICMR, with other central govt agencies, with various state govt agencies in this very important exercise.

SS: What do you think about the South Korea model and have we shared any Indian model? 
SR: I must say the South Korean Government's strategy, which is the 3-T strategy--testing, &nbsp;tracing and treating has been very very effective in enabling the govt to bring the outbreak under check. They have used a lot of technology in the efforts, which is focused on aggressive and early testing to the widest possible degree. They have used technology, which includes GPS data, CCTV data, credit card transactions data to map the movement of people who have been detected as COVID-19 positive, put this information out very widely through the messaging system, local district offices and social media platforms. As a result of this and as a result of the wholehearted cooperation, which the people of Korea have given to the govt in the effort they have really managed to bring down the number of new cases to an amazing degree and today cases of less than 10 are added per day, which I think is remarkable by any standards. At the same time, the kind of steps, we have taken in India which includes, the prime minister's call for a Janta curfew, the lockdown we have managed to implement in our country this has won respect in Korea for what we are trying to do, given the size of our population and the scale of operation we have to undertake and there is a lot of optimism that these measures will help us keep the virus under check in our own country. In so far, what we have in common, there is shared faith in the traditional system of medicines, traditional methods to build up immunity which will sit alongside conventional western methods of medicine. Just as we have a lot of faith in yoga and in turmeric, ginger and other such herbs in building up our immune systems in the overall psychological health of our people, the Koreans have a lot of faith in yoga and ginseng and turmeric has become quite a rage over here and in these aspects, we have a lot in common. As I have mentioned earlier, our PM has spoken to the president of Korea, our Foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister and other foreign secretaries of the Indo-Pacific countries are speaking on the regular basis and I have no doubt we will continue to share ideas, information and best practices that will enable us to work together to counter the pandemic.

SS: How are the Indian diplomats faring.. it hasn't been easy for diplomats too?

SR: It is certainly been an unusual time for all of us at the embassy, the usual methods that we used to reach out to Koreans and others in Korea have not been possible in this situation. We have been very very disciplined and clear that we have to follow the advice that has been given by Korean authorities from time to time so we have been practising social distancing and we have been rigorous in our use of hand sanitizers, mask and so on. As to the extent possible, our local staff have been encouraged to work from home, so that we are able to reduce the risk by use of public transport and enable them to continue the work while they remain safe at home. We have been using technology to do as much as we can so that we don't lose the momentum that we have gained with all our work in the past few months. This is something we have used not only in our interaction with the Indian community and others who are spread across the country but also with the people back home in India were people we have used video conference and telephone calls to keep up the momentum. This apart from our cultural centre has remained very vibrant. We have taken our yoga sessions, dance classes online, in fact, we are trying to do some experiments on providing classes on Indian cooking online. Our yoga teacher is also doing her bit to keep all off use at the embassy healthy. We have been doing our yoga every day just before lunch so that we build up our own immunity. Off course as I have mentioned earlier the embassy is continuing to work hard, to really serve as a bridge between agencies back home in India, our ministry, ICMR as well as our various state govt who are looking for support by way of sourcing of much-needed COVID-19 related material and the companies here in Korea which are qualified and certified to export many of these products. We have been liaising with people at both ends so that we are able to figure out what exactly is needed by our agencies in India and try to make the best possible match with what Koreans have to offer, so this is how we are adjusting to new COVID 19 realities. 
&nbsp;

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar.

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian envoy to South Korea Sripriya Ranganathan said the aim is to "get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule".She also said that the Indian Foreign Secretary and Korean vice foreign minister along with members of other Indo Pacific countries are speaking on a weekly basis on how best they can work to tackle the crisis. Also read | 1,684 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, confirmed cases nationwide at 23,077: India health ministry Sidhant Sibal: What is the role played by the Indian mission in South Korea in taking care of Indian citizens? Sripriya Ranganathan: Our mission in Seoul has been constantly engaged with the community right from the start of the pandemic in Korea. We have about 13000 people that include, large number of students, and they are spread out all across the country. So what we have tried to do, taking in view the advice of the Korean government, that there should be social distancing and that we should refrain from unavoidable travel and so on. We have used video conferencing and we have also used our website and social media platforms to remain in constant touch with our community. My officers have been holding weekly video conferences with representatives of all our community association as well as with student body leaders so that we are able to inform them of the advice of the periodic update that has been coming from the Korean govt and we have also been able to hear from them the kind of difficulties they are facing. We have been able to reassure them we are there whenever they have any difficulties, I think this has been very effective, in that we have managed to give our people the confidence that there is no reason for them to panic and the very positive outcome has been we have not had a single case of a positive person being defected from amongst our own community in Korea and God willing that will remain the same. We have also been supporting those of our community in need by supplying masks and hand sanitizers through various community associations when they were finding it difficult to find them in the open market. SS: How India & South Korea are cooperating to tackle the COVID-19 crisis? SR: I think India and the Republic of Korea have a great deal to offer each other in this time of crisis. We already have had and are continuing to have regular conversations between our leadership, our Prime Minister and Korean President had spoken on April 9, in which they had apprised each other of the respective approaches, the solution they have devised for handling the crisis in India and in Korea respectively and had also agreed that all possible assistance will be extended by both our govt to each other at this time of need. Our foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister have been speaking on weekly basis along with other members of the Indo pacific countries, and we have been talking about how best we can pool our, thoughts and idea and work out the way forward to get out of the crisis at the earliest. In terms of medical supplies, we are finding that there is a lot of scope of sourcing our needs, in terms of COVID test kits as well as other protective clothing and so on from Korean companies who have created a niche for themself by way of quality and price competitiveness of what they have to offer. Our ICMR has already approved the products of some of the Korean companies and many of our agencies, both central govt, and state govt agencies placed orders for about 9.5 lakh test kits, we are expecting around 2 million tests kits to be sourced from Korea in the coming weeks, we are also hoping very much that Korean companies will be able to manufacture from India so that our needs for much needed medical supplies can be met from India. In fact, one of the Korean companies has made a beginning in this direction. Its Indian subsidiary has started manufacturing from its Manesar plant for COVID-19 test kits, this company has received its licence from ICMR on April 14 and it has started manufacturing from April 20. Looking ahead, I expect that Indian and Korean research institutions and scientists alike will be able to work together so that they are able the leverage the respective strengthens in coming up with innovative solutions that will help our govts in addressing this pandemic. SS: What are we are purchasing in terms of PPE or ventilators from South Korea? SR: As I mentioned a short while ago, at the moment, we have negotiated for picking up of a large number of COVID-19 test kits from Korean companies, this has been possible because there are a number of Korean companies that have reoriented there manufacturing to start producing COVID-19 test kits, and also because these companies have got the requisite certification and so on and are also authorized to export by the Korean government, this apart, we have also been looking at how far Korean companies can meet our country's need of protective clothing, mask, gloves, ventilators and so on. What the embassy has been doing is to work on the basis of requirements that have been indicated to our ministry by ICMR, try to find the companies that are qualified and have the necessary background and experience to supply these items and are constantly keeping our ICMR informed of the products that are available here, the technical specifications, prices and so on and once ICMR works out what are the products that are most suitable, most required by our people, we are proceeding to negotiate further with those companies so that we are able to get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule from these companies. We have been working in constant coordination with our ministry, with the ICMR, with other central govt agencies, with various state govt agencies in this very important exercise. SS: What do you think about the South Korea model and have we shared any Indian model? SR: I must say the South Korean Government's strategy, which is the 3-T strategy--testing, tracing and treating has been very very effective in enabling the govt to bring the outbreak under check. They have used a lot of technology in the efforts, which is focused on aggressive and early testing to the widest possible degree. They have used technology, which includes GPS data, CCTV data, credit card transactions data to map the movement of people who have been detected as COVID-19 positive, put this information out very widely through the messaging system, local district offices and social media platforms. As a result of this and as a result of the wholehearted cooperation, which the people of Korea have given to the govt in the effort they have really managed to bring down the number of new cases to an amazing degree and today cases of less than 10 are added per day, which I think is remarkable by any standards. At the same time, the kind of steps, we have taken in India which includes, the prime minister's call for a Janta curfew, the lockdown we have managed to implement in our country this has won respect in Korea for what we are trying to do, given the size of our population and the scale of operation we have to undertake and there is a lot of optimism that these measures will help us keep the virus under check in our own country. In so far, what we have in common, there is shared faith in the traditional system of medicines, traditional methods to build up immunity which will sit alongside conventional western methods of medicine. Just as we have a lot of faith in yoga and in turmeric, ginger and other such herbs in building up our immune systems in the overall psychological health of our people, the Koreans have a lot of faith in yoga and ginseng and turmeric has become quite a rage over here and in these aspects, we have a lot in common. As I have mentioned earlier, our PM has spoken to the president of Korea, our Foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister and other foreign secretaries of the Indo-Pacific countries are speaking on the regular basis and I have no doubt we will continue to share ideas, information and best practices that will enable us to work together to counter the pandemic. SS: How are the Indian diplomats faring.. it hasn't been easy for diplomats too? SR: It is certainly been an unusual time for all of us at the embassy, the usual methods that we used to reach out to Koreans and others in Korea have not been possible in this situation. We have been very very disciplined and clear that we have to follow the advice that has been given by Korean authorities from time to time so we have been practising social distancing and we have been rigorous in our use of hand sanitizers, mask and so on. As to the extent possible, our local staff have been encouraged to work from home, so that we are able to reduce the risk by use of public transport and enable them to continue the work while they remain safe at home. We have been using technology to do as much as we can so that we don't lose the momentum that we have gained with all our work in the past few months. This is something we have used not only in our interaction with the Indian community and others who are spread across the country but also with the people back home in India were people we have used video conference and telephone calls to keep up the momentum. This apart from our cultural centre has remained very vibrant. We have taken our yoga sessions, dance classes online, in fact, we are trying to do some experiments on providing classes on Indian cooking online. Our yoga teacher is also doing her bit to keep all off use at the embassy healthy. We have been doing our yoga every day just before lunch so that we build up our own immunity. Off course as I have mentioned earlier the embassy is continuing to work hard, to really serve as a bridge between agencies back home in India, our ministry, ICMR as well as our various state govt who are looking for support by way of sourcing of much-needed COVID-19 related material and the companies here in Korea which are qualified and certified to export many of these products. We have been liaising with people at both ends so that we are able to figure out what exactly is needed by our agencies in India and try to make the best possible match with what Koreans have to offer, so this is how we are adjusting to new COVID 19 realities.

EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy

By Anshu Dubey

Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The video of the applaud went viral on social media in no time that exhibited an entourage of people driving their cars. Dr. Uma could also be seen standing in her front yard and waving at the parade.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-we-have-placed-order-of-95-lakhs-covid-19-test-kits-to-south-korea-indian-envoy-294667">EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy</a> 
&nbsp; 
In an exclusive chat with WION, Dr. Uma spoke about her experiences as a frontline warrior fighting day in and out against the pandemic, shared her fears, and a message to all healthcare workers fighting the battle in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Here are excerpts from the interview:

WION: In these times of stress and strife it was one of those visuals where humanity, reverence and gratitude all rolled into one which brought smiles to everyone who witnessed the video. What did you feel and what was going through your mind?

Dr. Uma: First of all I would like to thank the South Windsor town where I live who organised this for the frontline workers and I was fortunate to be one of them. It was really overwhelming, emotional and so much of gratitude, appreciation, love, and care for all of us and when this video went viral I was thinking why, but I did see that the same thing got replicated in one of the cities in India referring to this video and now I feel even more good about this. 
&nbsp; 
WION: The kind and scale of toll COVID-19 has taken, can you sum up your experience as an expert and the message that you have for people in India which is getting into seemingly the most critical and serious phase now? 
&nbsp; 
Dr. Uma: The effects of COVID-19 has been far-reaching on many levels. It has jeopardized the nation's health, economy, everything. So I would say social distancing is the way to go to contain this disease and also to be abiding by the govt rules of social distancing, handwashing and not touching the face, wearing masks. All of this is very important so that we can together prevent the spread of this disease.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Several frontline health workers would want to hear from you in India on how to cope and deal with this contagion and handle themselves and the patients under such stressful circumstances. Your message to them?

Dr. Uma: My message to the healthcare or the frontline workers would be that this is the stage that is filled with fear and anxiety but I feel we are the ones who are chosen to be in the frontline battle. Hence the most important thing is that we need to be confident about what we are doing. Protection is very important, so protect yourself with proper PPEs, handwashing, wearing masks and I would like to stress on emotional and mental health. Mental health is such a big component when we are going through this COVID-19 for all the frontline workers. For example, I work at Heart for Healthcare, we have a support system where we can call in since we can't express our feelings to our families, as they are stressed too for us going to work every day and returning. Hence we need a support system where we can share counselling, which may be a very big part at this point in time. Do exercises, yoga, watch TV, whatever you can de-stress with. It is very very important that we stay physically and mentally healthy to work as a team and come out strong.&nbsp;

It's not just about me, it's for all the frontline workers &nbsp;and it's a big shout out to all of them risking their lives on the frontline 
&nbsp;

By Anshu Dubey Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Anshu Dubey Dr. Uma Madhusudana a doctor hailing from Mysuru and practicing at the South Windsor Hospital in Connecticut, US made it to the headlines across the globe on Tuesday after she was given a 100-car salute by Americans for her extraordinary service rendered during the COVID-19 outbreak. The video of the applaud went viral on social media in no time that exhibited an entourage of people driving their cars. Dr. Uma could also be seen standing in her front yard and waving at the parade. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy In an exclusive chat with WION, Dr. Uma spoke about her experiences as a frontline warrior fighting day in and out against the pandemic, shared her fears, and a message to all healthcare workers fighting the battle in India. Here are excerpts from the interview: WION: In these times of stress and strife it was one of those visuals where humanity, reverence and gratitude all rolled into one which brought smiles to everyone who witnessed the video. What did you feel and what was going through your mind? Dr. Uma: First of all I would like to thank the South Windsor town where I live who organised this for the frontline workers and I was fortunate to be one of them. It was really overwhelming, emotional and so much of gratitude, appreciation, love, and care for all of us and when this video went viral I was thinking why, but I did see that the same thing got replicated in one of the cities in India referring to this video and now I feel even more good about this. WION: The kind and scale of toll COVID-19 has taken, can you sum up your experience as an expert and the message that you have for people in India which is getting into seemingly the most critical and serious phase now? Dr. Uma: The effects of COVID-19 has been far-reaching on many levels. It has jeopardized the nation's health, economy, everything. So I would say social distancing is the way to go to contain this disease and also to be abiding by the govt rules of social distancing, handwashing and not touching the face, wearing masks. All of this is very important so that we can together prevent the spread of this disease. WION: Several frontline health workers would want to hear from you in India on how to cope and deal with this contagion and handle themselves and the patients under such stressful circumstances. Your message to them? Dr. Uma: My message to the healthcare or the frontline workers would be that this is the stage that is filled with fear and anxiety but I feel we are the ones who are chosen to be in the frontline battle. Hence the most important thing is that we need to be confident about what we are doing. Protection is very important, so protect yourself with proper PPEs, handwashing, wearing masks and I would like to stress on emotional and mental health. Mental health is such a big component when we are going through this COVID-19 for all the frontline workers. For example, I work at Heart for Healthcare, we have a support system where we can call in since we can't express our feelings to our families, as they are stressed too for us going to work every day and returning. Hence we need a support system where we can share counselling, which may be a very big part at this point in time. Do exercises, yoga, watch TV, whatever you can de-stress with. It is very very important that we stay physically and mentally healthy to work as a team and come out strong. It's not just about me, it's for all the frontline workers and it's a big shout out to all of them risking their lives on the frontline

EXCLUSIVE: Indian origin doctor, who received grand reception in US, says health workers should remain 'confident'

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But, now when, major economies are struggling to contain the spread, South Korea has earned the praise of the World Health Organization as the daily infections reduced to 27 last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-need-to-be-tested-new-york-reports-774-deaths-in-24-hours-291862">'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 774 deaths in 24 hours</a>

In an exclusive chat, WION spoke to Dr. Jerome H Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute, who also led the US military's research program on the HIV vaccine. He is the author of over 250 publications and has 11 patents under his name.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-record-980-fatalities-8958-people-dead-291859">UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead</a>

So here's all that he said on South Korea's coronavirus story and a host of other issues related to COVID-19.

On Friday, South Korea reported 91 coronavirus cases. So is there a possibility of a second wave?

Kim said that when we look at the new cases, it's two weeks in the past. He said that South Korea is reporting cases between 50-100 from a number of days and fewer than 50 cases from the past few days and "that's a promising trend".&nbsp;

"We have to realise that we will never get rid of it completely," he said.&nbsp;

Kim said that the problem with other countries who are struggling to deal with COVID-19 pandemic is that they were not able to begin this process to test, track, isolate and treat COVID-19 early enough as South Korea did.&nbsp;In Italy, the US, governments were a bit late to fully institute this policy and as a result, a rather larger number of symptomatic people got infected and were able to spread this virus to others, he said.&nbsp;

When asked whether India could adopt a model like that of South Korea, he said that India is a large country and it has "to start looking at the model of China", to take necessary measures to contain the spread.&nbsp;

When it comes to how India is responding to the outbreak, Kim said, "India is in early days". &nbsp;

He said in India, "reporting of tests back to the central government is going to be a critical place where information can be gathered and shared and clear, concise decisions can be made to the people of India".

"This is a part of South Korea's success and of other countries that have duplicated."&nbsp;

"Clear, concise messaging from a single source."

Can hydroxychloroquine be the drug to treat COVID-19?

Kim said, "if we do nothing, 98 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 recover", adding that the key element to test vaccines is in a manner that it gives us answers. He said a lot of vaccines that are being talked about have side-effects.

He also said that India has to play a "big role" in this fight against COVID-19. He stressed that nearly 70 per cent of vaccine used around the world for extended immunisation programmes is made in India. "Almost every child in the world has received a vaccine made in India," Kim said.&nbsp;

Kim said once the vaccine is discovered, Indian companies have to produce nearly a billion a year in order to meet the requirements of the world. He also said that India has great universities and talented people in IT sector and all these people can be brought in to do their part to tackle this pandemic. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But, now when, major economies are struggling to contain the spread, South Korea has earned the praise of the World Health Organization as the daily infections reduced to 27 last week. Also read | 'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 774 deaths in 24 hours In an exclusive chat, WION spoke to Dr. Jerome H Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute, who also led the US military's research program on the HIV vaccine. He is the author of over 250 publications and has 11 patents under his name. Also read | UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead So here's all that he said on South Korea's coronavirus story and a host of other issues related to COVID-19. On Friday, South Korea reported 91 coronavirus cases. So is there a possibility of a second wave? Kim said that when we look at the new cases, it's two weeks in the past. He said that South Korea is reporting cases between 50-100 from a number of days and fewer than 50 cases from the past few days and "that's a promising trend". "We have to realise that we will never get rid of it completely," he said. Kim said that the problem with other countries who are struggling to deal with COVID-19 pandemic is that they were not able to begin this process to test, track, isolate and treat COVID-19 early enough as South Korea did. In Italy, the US, governments were a bit late to fully institute this policy and as a result, a rather larger number of symptomatic people got infected and were able to spread this virus to others, he said. When asked whether India could adopt a model like that of South Korea, he said that India is a large country and it has "to start looking at the model of China", to take necessary measures to contain the spread. When it comes to how India is responding to the outbreak, Kim said, "India is in early days". He said in India, "reporting of tests back to the central government is going to be a critical place where information can be gathered and shared and clear, concise decisions can be made to the people of India". "This is a part of South Korea's success and of other countries that have duplicated." "Clear, concise messaging from a single source." Can hydroxychloroquine be the drug to treat COVID-19? Kim said, "if we do nothing, 98 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 recover", adding that the key element to test vaccines is in a manner that it gives us answers. He said a lot of vaccines that are being talked about have side-effects. He also said that India has to play a "big role" in this fight against COVID-19. He stressed that nearly 70 per cent of vaccine used around the world for extended immunisation programmes is made in India. "Almost every child in the world has received a vaccine made in India," Kim said. Kim said once the vaccine is discovered, Indian companies have to produce nearly a billion a year in order to meet the requirements of the world. He also said that India has great universities and talented people in IT sector and all these people can be brought in to do their part to tackle this pandemic.

EXCLUSIVE: Indian vaccine manufacturers to play big role in fighting coronavirus, says ace S Korean Dr Jerome H Kim

Watch ITBP Spokesperson Vivek Pandey speaking exclusively to WION on coronavirus quarantine. ITBP is managing the quarantine camp at the Chhawla in Delhi which hosted the Italian tourist infected with virus. Earlier, the same camp had quarantined the evacuated Indians from Wuhan on January 31 and February 01.

ITBP Spokesperson Vivek Pandey speaks exclusively to WION on coronavirus quarantine

Watch WION from studios of VOA Live and Exclusive from New York .

Watch: WION from studios of VOA live and exclusive from New York

Ex Pak envoy Abdul Basit exclusively speaks to WION on abrogation of article 370.

Exclusive: Ex Pak envoy Abdul Basit speaks to WION

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics.&nbsp;

Be it dancing on the Punjabi tunes or singing the karaoke during the India Premier League (IPL) after-parties, Gayle always adds a distinctive flavour to the ambience.&nbsp;

Speaking exclusively to Zee Business, Gayle emphasised how entertainment has been equally important for him along with cricket.&nbsp;

''It's all about entertainment for me, and I was able to entertain on a consistent basis over the years,'' Gayle said.&nbsp;

He fondly refers to himself as the "Universe Boss" and even challenges people to find a better entertainer on the cricketing field than him.

''If anyone likes, they can do some research and tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer in cricket, then so be it," he said.

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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-kicked-me-out-of-rcb-relationship-is-spoiled-jokes-widies-cricketer-chris-gayle-234909">'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle</a>

The 39-year old, who played his last World Cup in England was seen having fun on the pitch on several occasions, doing the 'floss dance' as a warm-up or going for a fake DRS review to make even the umpire smile are to name a few.&nbsp;

"Yeah, without a doubt. I love to laugh, I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well,'' Gayle said.

"I just say stuff without actually thinking about it. Eventually, some people find it funny, others make a joke out of it," he added.

Watch:&nbsp;Chris Gayle on his career, India connect and Virat Kohli

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The prolific left-handed opener is currently the second-highest One-Day International run-getter for West Indies has accumulated 10,338, just 10 runs short of the legendary Brian Lara.

On being asked about how he reflects on his 20-year long career he said, "Well, I am already remembered as the greatest player of all time. What else do you want to be remembered as?''

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''There is nothing more I can ask for. There are a lot of stories... everybody has something to say about Chris Gayle. I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing,'' Gayle said.

Gayle had last month stated that he would call it quits after the ongoing World Cup but speaking to the media on the eve of the game against India in the World Cup, the left-hander said he has had a change of mind and would retire after India's tour of West Indies in August.&nbsp;

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics.

West Indies star all-rounder Chris Gayle loves being the centre of attention and has never failed to make headlines on and off the field for his fun-filled antics. Be it dancing on the Punjabi tunes or singing the karaoke during the India Premier League (IPL) after-parties, Gayle always adds a distinctive flavour to the ambience. Speaking exclusively to Zee Business, Gayle emphasised how entertainment has been equally important for him along with cricket. ''It's all about entertainment for me, and I was able to entertain on a consistent basis over the years,'' Gayle said. He fondly refers to himself as the "Universe Boss" and even challenges people to find a better entertainer on the cricketing field than him. ''If anyone likes, they can do some research and tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer in cricket, then so be it," he said. I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well × Also Read: 'Kohli kicked me out of RCB, relationship is spoiled,' jokes Windies cricketer Chris Gayle The 39-year old, who played his last World Cup in England was seen having fun on the pitch on several occasions, doing the 'floss dance' as a warm-up or going for a fake DRS review to make even the umpire smile are to name a few. "Yeah, without a doubt. I love to laugh, I love to say funny stuff and get people laughing as well,'' Gayle said. "I just say stuff without actually thinking about it. Eventually, some people find it funny, others make a joke out of it," he added. Watch: Chris Gayle on his career, India connect and Virat Kohli × The prolific left-handed opener is currently the second-highest One-Day International run-getter for West Indies has accumulated 10,338, just 10 runs short of the legendary Brian Lara. On being asked about how he reflects on his 20-year long career he said, "Well, I am already remembered as the greatest player of all time. What else do you want to be remembered as?'' I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing × ''There is nothing more I can ask for. There are a lot of stories... everybody has something to say about Chris Gayle. I have left a great legacy behind. I am saying that though I'm still playing,'' Gayle said. Gayle had last month stated that he would call it quits after the ongoing World Cup but speaking to the media on the eve of the game against India in the World Cup, the left-hander said he has had a change of mind and would retire after India's tour of West Indies in August.

'Tell me if I wasn't the greatest entertainer,' says Chris Gayle post World Cup blues

Wion's exclusive chat with Tahir Qadiry

Exclusive: In conversation with Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar

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WION EXCLUSIVE: Sanjiv Ranjan, Indian Ambassador to Argentina on G20 Summit

In conversation with Grenada PM , Keith Mitchell

In the latest update coming in from United Hospital in Dhaka, 30 security personnel were brought in for treatment following the attack this evening. Duty manager at the United Hospital, Dr Miraj, speaking exclusively to WION, has confirmed that two security personnel who were brought to the hospital have now been declared dead. 
 
According to Dr Miraj, the men brought in had suffered severe shrapnel injuries sustained in grenade attacks at the Holey Artisan Bakery. 
The most severe injuries being reported by medical staff at the United Hospital were caused by shrapnel from grenade attacks during the exchange of fire between the IS attackers and security personnel. 
 
The United Hospital is located barely 300 metres from the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan-2 diplomatic enclave in Dhaka. The embassies and High Commissions of Malaysia, Romania, Australia, Pakistan, Canada, and Russia are among those that are in this high security zone where the bakery is situated. 
 
No civilians have so far been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack. 
 
(WION)

So far, no civilians have been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack

In the latest update coming in from United Hospital in Dhaka, 30 security personnel were brought in for treatment following the attack this evening. Duty manager at the United Hospital, Dr Miraj, speaking exclusively to WION, has confirmed that two security personnel who were brought to the hospital have now been declared dead. According to Dr Miraj, the men brought in had suffered severe shrapnel injuries sustained in grenade attacks at the Holey Artisan Bakery. The most severe injuries being reported by medical staff at the United Hospital were caused by shrapnel from grenade attacks during the exchange of fire between the IS attackers and security personnel. The United Hospital is located barely 300 metres from the Holey Artisan Bakery in the Gulshan-2 diplomatic enclave in Dhaka. The embassies and High Commissions of Malaysia, Romania, Australia, Pakistan, Canada, and Russia are among those that are in this high security zone where the bakery is situated. No civilians have so far been brought to the United Hospital for treatment from the scene of the attack. (WION)

Exclusive: Doctor 300 metres away from Dhaka standoff speaks to WION

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