The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vande-bharat-india-kicks-off-biggest-repatriation-mission-amid-covid-19-crisis-297087">coronavirus</a> pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-covid-19-pandemic-china-wages-silent-war-in-international-waters-297079">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters</a>

According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years.

Governments are now more trusted than businesses, non-profits and the media. It was the only institution trusted by more than 62 per cent&nbsp;of the population.

Edelman has surveyed more than 13,000 people in 11 countries including the U., U., India and China.. The latest report contrasts with their January survey.

The January survey showed businesses as the most trusted institution while government and media tied as the least trusted. As per the new results, &nbsp;trust in government jumped nearly 11 per cent from 54 per cent&nbsp;in January to 65 per cent&nbsp;in April.

Public trust in government was highest in China, India and Saudi Arabia. In India, there has been a 6 per cent&nbsp;rise in people's trust in the government.

The countries where the trust was found lowest are France, the US and Japan.

The countries which witnessed a massive shift in public's trust were the UK, Canada, Germany and South Korea. These countries witnessed a double digit rise in public trust.

In the United States, 46 per cent respondents said that they trusted the federal government. While 66 per cent&nbsp;said they had trust in local or state government. Globally, a large majority of people even said that they wanted government to lead in multiple areas of the pandemic response. This includes containing the pandemic, informing the public and providing economic relief.

Since 2011, mistrust in governments has been on a rise. For the first time in years, the public is relying on the government to protect them in a manner not seen since World War II.

This kind of rise of trust is a classic example of what experts call "rallying around the flag".

The report seems to indicate that people trust strong and decisive leadership - may be even leaning towards authoritarianism. However, this could end up to be a dangerous precedent for the world.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high. Also Read: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years.

The coronavirus pandemic has seen a major shift in public sentiment, and it looks like trust in governments around the world is at an all-time high. Also Read: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, China wages 'silent war' in international waters According to the consultancy Edelman’s Trust Barometer report, individuals have started putting more trust in their government than any other institution for the first time in 20 years. Governments are now more trusted than businesses, non-profits and the media. It was the only institution trusted by more than 62 per cent of the population. Edelman has surveyed more than 13,000 people in 11 countries including the U., U., India and China.. The latest report contrasts with their January survey. The January survey showed businesses as the most trusted institution while government and media tied as the least trusted. As per the new results, trust in government jumped nearly 11 per cent from 54 per cent in January to 65 per cent in April. Public trust in government was highest in China, India and Saudi Arabia. In India, there has been a 6 per cent rise in people's trust in the government. The countries where the trust was found lowest are France, the US and Japan. The countries which witnessed a massive shift in public's trust were the UK, Canada, Germany and South Korea. These countries witnessed a double digit rise in public trust. In the United States, 46 per cent respondents said that they trusted the federal government. While 66 per cent said they had trust in local or state government. Globally, a large majority of people even said that they wanted government to lead in multiple areas of the pandemic response. This includes containing the pandemic, informing the public and providing economic relief. Since 2011, mistrust in governments has been on a rise. For the first time in years, the public is relying on the government to protect them in a manner not seen since World War II. This kind of rise of trust is a classic example of what experts call "rallying around the flag". The report seems to indicate that people trust strong and decisive leadership - may be even leaning towards authoritarianism. However, this could end up to be a dangerous precedent for the world.

Trust in governments rise amid coronavirus outbreak: Study

Tennis in the time of coronavirus serves up a new sort of court as World Club players take their game to Munich's now empty squares and boulevards.

Urban tennis conquers city squares in corona times

Germany has decided to open all shops and schools. Chancellor Angela Merkel has and states the government has agreed on a draft plan to ease lockdown. Watch report.

Germany plans to resume Bundesliga in May: Reopen shops and schools

Germany could only allow coronavirus antibody tests to help determine how freely people can move once it has advice from its ethics council

German ethics body to decide on antibody test

After weeks of lockdown put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, many countries in Europe started preparing to lift restrictions after a consistent drop in the number of cases and fatalities.&nbsp;

Italy, which has witnessed most deaths from coronavirus after the United States, will ease lockdown restrictions from Monday, where people would be allowed to stroll in parks and visit relatives. Takeaway services would be allowed in restaurants.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sees-1435-new-coronavirus-deaths-total-toll-over-66000-296326">US sees 1,435 new coronavirus deaths; total toll over 66,000</a>

Germany will continue to provide the relaxations at the start of the week, with schools in some places likely to reopen and France has said it will partially ease lockdown measures on May 11.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-cases-in-europe-top-15-million-report-296285">Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report</a>

In Hungary, some stores and museums, restaurants and hotels, beaches and baths can reopen from Monday, but restrictions will continue in the capital Budapest, which has reported nearly 70 per&nbsp;cent of the country's total cases.

In Spain, which has also been badly affected by the virus and witnessed one of the harshest lockdowns in the continent, there was joy and relief as the government allowed people to exercise and walk freely after seven weeks.&nbsp;

Over 242,000 people have lost their lives in coronavirus and with 3.4 million infected worldwide by the virus, half of humanity is under some form of lockdown. &nbsp;

However, since many health experts still warn of another wave of the virus, measures of social distancing, the use of masks, and more testing are encouraged in these European countries.&nbsp;

After weeks of lockdown put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, many countries in Europe started preparing to lift restrictions after a consistent drop in the number of cases and fatalities.

After weeks of lockdown put in place to contain the spread of coronavirus, many countries in Europe started preparing to lift restrictions after a consistent drop in the number of cases and fatalities. Italy, which has witnessed most deaths from coronavirus after the United States, will ease lockdown restrictions from Monday, where people would be allowed to stroll in parks and visit relatives. Takeaway services would be allowed in restaurants. Also read | US sees 1,435 new coronavirus deaths; total toll over 66,000 Germany will continue to provide the relaxations at the start of the week, with schools in some places likely to reopen and France has said it will partially ease lockdown measures on May 11. Also read | Coronavirus cases in Europe top 1.5 million: Report In Hungary, some stores and museums, restaurants and hotels, beaches and baths can reopen from Monday, but restrictions will continue in the capital Budapest, which has reported nearly 70 per cent of the country's total cases. In Spain, which has also been badly affected by the virus and witnessed one of the harshest lockdowns in the continent, there was joy and relief as the government allowed people to exercise and walk freely after seven weeks. Over 242,000 people have lost their lives in coronavirus and with 3.4 million infected worldwide by the virus, half of humanity is under some form of lockdown. However, since many health experts still warn of another wave of the virus, measures of social distancing, the use of masks, and more testing are encouraged in these European countries.

Amid signs of coronavirus spread slowing, European nations prepare easing restrictions

Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country will decide within days about schools and sports events as it eases its way out of lockdown.

Any further easing would depend on the rate of infection remaining low.

Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, warned that there was a risk of triggering a resurgence of the coronavirus if people dropped their guard and forgot about social distancing guidelines.

Germany has withstood the pandemic much better than other countries, courtesy widespread virus testing, an excellent healthcare system and strict lockdown measures introduced in mid-March.

Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have also passed a 750-billion-euro ($820 billion) rescue package to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. Her chief of staff Helge Braun said social distancing measures - the requirement to wear face masks while shopping and on public transport and stay at least 1.5 metres from other people -- would remain until at least May 10.

Germany's 16 federal states are also working on a plan to reopen bars and restaurants and allow some sport to take place. But larger events such as concerts and major sporting events would not be able to take place before August 31.

Germany has the sixth-highest number of confirmed infections, at over 1,62,000. The country has recorded 6,500 deaths from the virus.

Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Germany is set to reopen playgrounds, museums and churches from Monday to go with the small shops that reopened this week despite the risk of a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The country will decide within days about schools and sports events as it eases its way out of lockdown. Any further easing would depend on the rate of infection remaining low. Chancellor Angela Merkel, however, warned that there was a risk of triggering a resurgence of the coronavirus if people dropped their guard and forgot about social distancing guidelines. Germany has withstood the pandemic much better than other countries, courtesy widespread virus testing, an excellent healthcare system and strict lockdown measures introduced in mid-March. Merkel's conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) coalition partners have also passed a 750-billion-euro ($820 billion) rescue package to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. Her chief of staff Helge Braun said social distancing measures - the requirement to wear face masks while shopping and on public transport and stay at least 1.5 metres from other people -- would remain until at least May 10. Germany's 16 federal states are also working on a plan to reopen bars and restaurants and allow some sport to take place. But larger events such as concerts and major sporting events would not be able to take place before August 31. Germany has the sixth-highest number of confirmed infections, at over 1,62,000. The country has recorded 6,500 deaths from the virus.

Germany eases lockdown amid fear of second wave of infections

As Germany looked to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Chancellor Merkel said it was important to "stay disciplined". Shops were allowed to receive customers again. However, Merkel is yet to decide on opening schools and starting the coveted German football league - the Bundesliga with the government set to decide next week.

Angela Merkel eases lockdown restrictions in Germany

Germany is hailed for breaking the chain of infection in Europe. Now, doctors & nurses in the country are protesting nude to demand protective gear

Gravitas: German doctors bare it all for a cause

Germany has cut its estimate for gross domestic product growth in 2020 to -6.3% from +1.1% predicted in January, the economy ministry said on Wednesday. The minister predicted that the coronavirus pandemic would plunge Europe's largest economy into the deepest recession in its post-war history.

Germany has cut its estimate for gross domestic product growth in 2020 to -6.3% from +1.1% predicted in January, the economy ministry said on Wednesday. The minister predicted that the coronavirus pandemic would plunge Europe's largest economy into the deepest recession in its post-war history. It expects the recession to bottom out in the second quarter and economic activity to pick up again after that. For 2021, the government expects the economy to rebound with an expansion rate of +5.2%. The forecasts are based on the assumption that authorities can gradually unwind lockdown measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The German economy will contract by more than 6% this year, the DIW economic institute said on Wednesday, adding that the recession prompted by the coronavirus pandemic would be deeper than during the 2008 financial crisis. DIW said Europe's biggest economy likely contracted by 2% in the first quarter and will shrink by 10% in the April-June period as large sectors of the economy were brought to a standstill by the outbreak. (With inputs from Reuters)

Germany cuts GDP growth in 2020 to -6.3% from 1.1% predicted in January

Germany's COVID-19 infection rate rises after lockdown lifted | DW-WION Partnership The rate at which the coronavirus is spreading in Germany has increased following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Germany's COVID-19 infection rate rises after lockdown lifted | DW-WION Partnership

Tanja Nickel and Katharina Obladen were still in high school when they patented an idea to disinfect escalator handrails using UV light.

A decade later, their small German start-up UVIS can barely keep up with orders from around the world for their coronavirus-killing escalators and coatings for supermarket trolleys and elevator buttons.

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"Everybody wants it done yesterday," Obladen, 28, told AFP at the company's workshop in central Cologne.

"The pandemic has made businesses realise they need to invest in hygiene precautions for staff and customers. It's gone from nice-to-have to must-have."

As Germany begins to relax some lockdown restrictions, the start-up's five-person team has been inundated with requests from shops, offices and cafes eager to reopen to a public newly aware of the health risks lurking in shared spaces.

Contest&nbsp;

Friends since kindergarten, Nickel and Obladen were 17 and 18 years old when they entered an inventors' competition.&nbsp;

Worried about the swine flu pandemic at the time, they wanted to come up with something to make public places germ-free.

Inspired by New York City's use of ultraviolet radiation to sterilise drinking water, they designed a UV light box that can be built into escalators to disinfect handrails, with the radiation destroying the DNA of disease-causing micro-organisms.

They asked their families for help filing the patent.&nbsp;

"They knew us and knew we would stick with it," Obladen recalled.

After finishing university, the pair founded UVIS in 2016 with seed money from programmes for start-ups. They remain a rare example in Germany of women running an engineering firm.

This year, the duo added an antimicrobial coating to their line-up, not based on UV technology. The invisible coating can be sprayed onto surfaces to destroy mould, bacteria and viruses like the novel coronavirus, using the self-cleaning properties of titanium dioxide.

Dangerous&nbsp;

Europe's largest elevator and escalator makers -- Thyssenkrupp, Schindler, Otis and Kone -- were early customers, putting the women's ultraviolet light boxes, called Escalite modules, in escalators in malls, hospitals and train stations.

But the coronavirus has seen demand explode.

"We've already surpassed our revenue target for 2020," said 27-year-old Nickel, declining to give figures.

Interest has been especially strong in Europe and Asia. The start-up recently shipped over 30 escalator modules to Singapore.

Standing in the same workshop where her electrician grandfather used to tinker away and where his old hard hats still line the shelves, Obladen demonstrated how the light box works.

Three blue-glowing UVC lamps, emitting the strongest kind of UV beams and highly dangerous when exposed to skin and eyes, line the inside of a rectangular metal case.&nbsp;

The escalator's handrail passes through the case as it continually loops around, getting a full blast of germ-killing radiation.

The metal case, roughly the size of an adult arm, and an accompanying power box can be fitted into any escalator, which Obladen said was "the biggest challenge".

UV disinfection was already routinely used in the food industry and hospitals worldwide before COVID-19 spurred wider calls for the technology.

In China, where the virus first emerged, it has been used to clean buses and banknotes.

Obladen said they too were considering other ways to deploy UVC light, but that safety comes first.

US President Donald Trump recently suggested using UV rays on coronavirus patients, prompting stunned medical experts to warn it could cause burns and skin cancer.

The World Health Organization also warns against using UV lamps on skin.

New ideas&nbsp;

Obladen said joy at the company's boom has been "dampened" by concern over the pandemic and the struggles of friends in other start-ups.

Looking ahead, Obladen and Nickel plan to ramp up production capacity and expand their coating services.

They have already been busily spraying elevator panels, countertops, and seats for a range of soon-to-reopen businesses, as well as handles of supermarket trolleys.&nbsp;

"We're looking at other areas too, we've had a bank asking about using UV light to disinfect money in cash machines in combination with a coating for the touchscreen," Obladen said.

"It's exciting to think about new ways to use our know-how."

Tanja Nickel and Katharina Obladen were still in high school when they patented an idea to disinfect escalator handrails using UV light. A decade later, their small German start-up UVIS can barely keep up with orders from around the world for their coronavirus-killing escalators and coatings for supermarket trolleys and elevator buttons.

Tanja Nickel and Katharina Obladen were still in high school when they patented an idea to disinfect escalator handrails using UV light. A decade later, their small German start-up UVIS can barely keep up with orders from around the world for their coronavirus-killing escalators and coatings for supermarket trolleys and elevator buttons. Also read | Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue "Everybody wants it done yesterday," Obladen, 28, told AFP at the company's workshop in central Cologne. "The pandemic has made businesses realise they need to invest in hygiene precautions for staff and customers. It's gone from nice-to-have to must-have." As Germany begins to relax some lockdown restrictions, the start-up's five-person team has been inundated with requests from shops, offices and cafes eager to reopen to a public newly aware of the health risks lurking in shared spaces. Contest Friends since kindergarten, Nickel and Obladen were 17 and 18 years old when they entered an inventors' competition. Worried about the swine flu pandemic at the time, they wanted to come up with something to make public places germ-free. Inspired by New York City's use of ultraviolet radiation to sterilise drinking water, they designed a UV light box that can be built into escalators to disinfect handrails, with the radiation destroying the DNA of disease-causing micro-organisms. They asked their families for help filing the patent. "They knew us and knew we would stick with it," Obladen recalled. After finishing university, the pair founded UVIS in 2016 with seed money from programmes for start-ups. They remain a rare example in Germany of women running an engineering firm. This year, the duo added an antimicrobial coating to their line-up, not based on UV technology. The invisible coating can be sprayed onto surfaces to destroy mould, bacteria and viruses like the novel coronavirus, using the self-cleaning properties of titanium dioxide. Dangerous Europe's largest elevator and escalator makers -- Thyssenkrupp, Schindler, Otis and Kone -- were early customers, putting the women's ultraviolet light boxes, called Escalite modules, in escalators in malls, hospitals and train stations. But the coronavirus has seen demand explode. "We've already surpassed our revenue target for 2020," said 27-year-old Nickel, declining to give figures. Interest has been especially strong in Europe and Asia. The start-up recently shipped over 30 escalator modules to Singapore. Standing in the same workshop where her electrician grandfather used to tinker away and where his old hard hats still line the shelves, Obladen demonstrated how the light box works. Three blue-glowing UVC lamps, emitting the strongest kind of UV beams and highly dangerous when exposed to skin and eyes, line the inside of a rectangular metal case. The escalator's handrail passes through the case as it continually loops around, getting a full blast of germ-killing radiation. The metal case, roughly the size of an adult arm, and an accompanying power box can be fitted into any escalator, which Obladen said was "the biggest challenge". UV disinfection was already routinely used in the food industry and hospitals worldwide before COVID-19 spurred wider calls for the technology. In China, where the virus first emerged, it has been used to clean buses and banknotes. Obladen said they too were considering other ways to deploy UVC light, but that safety comes first. US President Donald Trump recently suggested using UV rays on coronavirus patients, prompting stunned medical experts to warn it could cause burns and skin cancer. The World Health Organization also warns against using UV lamps on skin. New ideas Obladen said joy at the company's boom has been "dampened" by concern over the pandemic and the struggles of friends in other start-ups. Looking ahead, Obladen and Nickel plan to ramp up production capacity and expand their coating services. They have already been busily spraying elevator panels, countertops, and seats for a range of soon-to-reopen businesses, as well as handles of supermarket trolleys. "We're looking at other areas too, we've had a bank asking about using UV light to disinfect money in cash machines in combination with a coating for the touchscreen," Obladen said. "It's exciting to think about new ways to use our know-how."

German start-up in global demand with anti-virus escalators

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life.

Protesters shouted "I want my life back" and held up signs with slogans such as "Protect constitutional rights", "Freedom isn't everything but without freedom, everything is nothing", and "Daddy, what is a kiss?"

Police said on Twitter they had arrested more than 100 people.

Some protesters tried to keep a distance from each other, sitting on the ground and wearing masks, but others clustered together.

Like dozens of countries around the globe, Germany has put in place strict curbs on public activity to slow transmission of COVID-19, imposing its lockdown on March 17.

The protesters handed out newspapers entitled "Democratic Resistance", which said the new coronavirus is an attempt to seize power by spreading fear. The papers quoted 127 doctors from around the world who question the need for strict lockdowns.

Police spokesman Thilo Cablitz said permission had been granted for a newspaper distribution campaign, but the health authorities had not granted permission for a public demonstration.

"During coronavirus times and according to containment regulations, we are obliged to prevent a gathering," Cablitz said, adding 180 police officers were on duty.

Germany's Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that people have the right to hold protests if they adhere to social distancing rules, after pro-democracy activists brought a case argued that the lockdown breaches freedom of assembly.

On Saturday, some protesters sat peacefully on the ground at a distance from each other, holding white roses in reference to the White Rose resistance movement against the Nazis.

"We are here today ... to stand up for our opinion. For the protection of constitutional rights, freedom, and above all freedom of speech," said a woman holding a rose who gave her name only as Sandra.

Germany has the fifth-highest COVID-19 case total behind the United States, Spain, Italy and France. However it has kept fatalities relatively low after early and extensive testing.

Encouraged by lower infection figures, the government allowed smaller stores to re-open on Monday, along with car and bicycle dealers and bookstores, but social distancing rules remain in place until May 3.

The country's confirmed cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438 and the death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration in both cases and deaths.

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life.

German police wearing riot gear and face masks tussled on Saturday with dozens of protesters demonstrating in central Berlin against the coronavirus lockdown on public life. Protesters shouted "I want my life back" and held up signs with slogans such as "Protect constitutional rights", "Freedom isn't everything but without freedom, everything is nothing", and "Daddy, what is a kiss?" Police said on Twitter they had arrested more than 100 people. Some protesters tried to keep a distance from each other, sitting on the ground and wearing masks, but others clustered together. Like dozens of countries around the globe, Germany has put in place strict curbs on public activity to slow transmission of COVID-19, imposing its lockdown on March 17. The protesters handed out newspapers entitled "Democratic Resistance", which said the new coronavirus is an attempt to seize power by spreading fear. The papers quoted 127 doctors from around the world who question the need for strict lockdowns. Police spokesman Thilo Cablitz said permission had been granted for a newspaper distribution campaign, but the health authorities had not granted permission for a public demonstration. "During coronavirus times and according to containment regulations, we are obliged to prevent a gathering," Cablitz said, adding 180 police officers were on duty. Germany's Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that people have the right to hold protests if they adhere to social distancing rules, after pro-democracy activists brought a case argued that the lockdown breaches freedom of assembly. On Saturday, some protesters sat peacefully on the ground at a distance from each other, holding white roses in reference to the White Rose resistance movement against the Nazis. "We are here today ... to stand up for our opinion. For the protection of constitutional rights, freedom, and above all freedom of speech," said a woman holding a rose who gave her name only as Sandra. Germany has the fifth-highest COVID-19 case total behind the United States, Spain, Italy and France. However it has kept fatalities relatively low after early and extensive testing. Encouraged by lower infection figures, the government allowed smaller stores to re-open on Monday, along with car and bicycle dealers and bookstores, but social distancing rules remain in place until May 3. The country's confirmed cases increased by 2,055 to 152,438 and the death toll rose by 179 to 5,500, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Saturday - a second day of deceleration in both cases and deaths.

I want my life back': Germans protest against lockdown

Countries that have criticised China for coronavirus response and demanded investigation

The number of new coronavirus cases in Germany as a 3-week low as of now. The country has started gradually lifting pandemic related lockdown measures. WION spoke to Isha Bhatia a news editor from DW from the city of Bonn. She gave us some perspective on Germany's approach. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Germany eases restrictions as COVID-19 cases near 3-week low | Isha Bhatiya on WION

Germany's vaccines regulator on Wednesday said in a statement that it has approved live human testing of a potential vaccine against the COVID-19 virus developed by German biotech company BioNTech.

Germany's vaccines regulator on Wednesday said in a statement that it has approved live human testing of a potential vaccine against the COVID-19 virus developed by German biotech company BioNTech. The trial, only the fourth worldwide of a preventive agent targeting the virus behind the global pandemic, will be conducted on 200 healthy people aged between 18 and 55 in the first stage, and on further people, including those at higher risk from the disease, in a second stage, according to a Reuters report. BioNTech said it was developing the vaccine candidate, named BNT162, together with its partner, pharma giant Pfizer. Tests of the vaccine were also planned in the United States, once regulatory approval for testing on humans had been secured there. (With inputs from Reuters)

Germany's vaccines regulator approves first trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate

Not just India, countries around the world are turning up the heat on China using different approaches.&nbsp;

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump flip-flopped his way through the crisis. First, he slammed China and then called coronavirus, China virus. And then forgot about it. Again yesterday, Trump blamed Beijing again and warned of consequences.&nbsp;

Both US and China want to shape the narrative of the outbreak

On Saturday, addressing a press conference, Trump declared that he was not happy with China and went after WHO again.&nbsp;

Trump questioned China's virus death numbers and blamed China for the outbreak.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US wanted to send an investigation team to Wuhan but China denied Trump's demand by playing the victim card.&nbsp;But, this was the first time perhaps that Beijing addressed the demand for repatriations and the demand to make China pay is growing.&nbsp;Lawsuits have been filed.

But shy Beijing chose to respond today?&nbsp;

Weeks ago, in a lawsuit in Florida, it demanded billions of dollars from China in damages. Now, the law firm behind it says that thousands have signed onto the lawsuit.

Meanwhile, a Germany newspaper Bild went one step further by sending an&nbsp;itemized invoice worth 149 billion euros. The newspaper has been caught in a rather bitter war of words with China.

The Chinese embassy in Beijing wrote a letter to the newspaper and said that they were unhappy with the critical coverage.

Last week, Bild editor in chief published an open letter addressed to Xi Jinping. The letter said that the Chinese President&nbsp;&nbsp;"Rules by surveillance".

Meanwhile, criticism against China is growing and the reparations threat may seem like a long shot. But, it is certainly on&nbsp;Beijing's mind.

Not just India, countries around the world are turning up the heat on China using different approaches. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump flip-flopped his way through the crisis.

Not just India, countries around the world are turning up the heat on China using different approaches. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump flip-flopped his way through the crisis. First, he slammed China and then called coronavirus, China virus. And then forgot about it. Again yesterday, Trump blamed Beijing again and warned of consequences. Both US and China want to shape the narrative of the outbreak On Saturday, addressing a press conference, Trump declared that he was not happy with China and went after WHO again. Trump questioned China's virus death numbers and blamed China for the outbreak. Meanwhile, the US wanted to send an investigation team to Wuhan but China denied Trump's demand by playing the victim card. But, this was the first time perhaps that Beijing addressed the demand for repatriations and the demand to make China pay is growing. Lawsuits have been filed. But shy Beijing chose to respond today? Weeks ago, in a lawsuit in Florida, it demanded billions of dollars from China in damages. Now, the law firm behind it says that thousands have signed onto the lawsuit. Meanwhile, a Germany newspaper Bild went one step further by sending an itemized invoice worth 149 billion euros. The newspaper has been caught in a rather bitter war of words with China. The Chinese embassy in Beijing wrote a letter to the newspaper and said that they were unhappy with the critical coverage. Last week, Bild editor in chief published an open letter addressed to Xi Jinping. The letter said that the Chinese President "Rules by surveillance". Meanwhile, criticism against China is growing and the reparations threat may seem like a long shot. But, it is certainly on Beijing's mind.

Pressure mounts on China as coronavirus deepens world's misery

China is following a tried and tested strategy as traditional ways to win influence are not working.&nbsp;

Beijing now wants to spend its way out of this mess because diplomacy is not working.

Chinese diplomats learnt this the hard way in Germany. On Sunday, a German newspaper reported that Chinese officials tried to influence the government. The newspaper reported about a confidential foreign ministry document which&nbsp;said that senior German officials were "Invited to speak in positive terms".

They wanted Germany to sing praises about China's management of the coronavirus, a&nbsp;request, that was flat out rejected.

Reportedly, Germany's foreign ministry issued a recommendation asking all government departments to reject any such requests.

China's foreign ministry was quick to deny these reports but it has not stopped Beijing's attempt to fix china's international image. The propaganda campaign went into overdrive in march. It began with Xi Jinping speaking to world leaders and promising aid. Soon enough, Beijing dispatched coronavirus supplies to worst-hit countries. The charm offensive backfired as Chinese supplies were faulty.

It all went downhill from here. Instead of deft diplomacy, Chinese diplomats began a stunning counterattack, especially on social media.

First, a Chinese diplomat blamed the US&nbsp;&nbsp;Army for the coronavirus outbreak. However, he backpedalled last week. The Chinese embassy in Brazil traded barbs with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's son --- Eduardo. He had blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak. Chinese diplomats were livid. They said Eduardo has contracted a "Mental virus."

The Chinese diplomats tried to use misinformation. They shared a story of Italians --- playing the Chinese national anthem. This video, however, was fake and now, the Chinese seemed to have miffed the Germans. China keeps committing the same mistakes again and again. They have tried this trick before.

Reportedly, a Chinese consulate approached the lawmakers in Wisconsin for a commendation. But, they came back with a resolution of criticism. Reports say that in March, the Chinese consulate had approached the Wisconsin senate president Roger Roth. They had written a resolution --- that of course, praised the communist party. It used words like "Transparent" and "Quick" for china's coronavirus response.

Roger Roth was approached twice. When the first email came, he thought this demand from China was a joke. However, when the request was made for the second time, Roth decided to respond. He put together a resolution --- exposing china. It says that that Chinese people are heirs of one of the greatest civilizations in human history. But for the last 70 years, the country has been held hostage by a brutal and oppressive regime. He meant&nbsp;the communist party.

China is following a tried and tested strategy as traditional ways to win influence are not working. Beijing now wants to spend its way out of this mess because diplomacy is not working.

China is following a tried and tested strategy as traditional ways to win influence are not working. Beijing now wants to spend its way out of this mess because diplomacy is not working. Chinese diplomats learnt this the hard way in Germany. On Sunday, a German newspaper reported that Chinese officials tried to influence the government. The newspaper reported about a confidential foreign ministry document which said that senior German officials were "Invited to speak in positive terms". They wanted Germany to sing praises about China's management of the coronavirus, a request, that was flat out rejected. Reportedly, Germany's foreign ministry issued a recommendation asking all government departments to reject any such requests. China's foreign ministry was quick to deny these reports but it has not stopped Beijing's attempt to fix china's international image. The propaganda campaign went into overdrive in march. It began with Xi Jinping speaking to world leaders and promising aid. Soon enough, Beijing dispatched coronavirus supplies to worst-hit countries. The charm offensive backfired as Chinese supplies were faulty. It all went downhill from here. Instead of deft diplomacy, Chinese diplomats began a stunning counterattack, especially on social media. First, a Chinese diplomat blamed the US Army for the coronavirus outbreak. However, he backpedalled last week. The Chinese embassy in Brazil traded barbs with Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's son --- Eduardo. He had blamed China for the coronavirus outbreak. Chinese diplomats were livid. They said Eduardo has contracted a "Mental virus." The Chinese diplomats tried to use misinformation. They shared a story of Italians --- playing the Chinese national anthem. This video, however, was fake and now, the Chinese seemed to have miffed the Germans. China keeps committing the same mistakes again and again. They have tried this trick before. Reportedly, a Chinese consulate approached the lawmakers in Wisconsin for a commendation. But, they came back with a resolution of criticism. Reports say that in March, the Chinese consulate had approached the Wisconsin senate president Roger Roth. They had written a resolution --- that of course, praised the communist party. It used words like "Transparent" and "Quick" for china's coronavirus response. Roger Roth was approached twice. When the first email came, he thought this demand from China was a joke. However, when the request was made for the second time, Roth decided to respond. He put together a resolution --- exposing china. It says that that Chinese people are heirs of one of the greatest civilizations in human history. But for the last 70 years, the country has been held hostage by a brutal and oppressive regime. He meant the communist party.

Germany rejects China's request to 'speak in positive terms' about its handling of COVID-19

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quarantine-measures-taken-according-to-law-says-china-amid-racism-row-against-africans-in-guangzhou-292296" hreflang="en">Quarantine measures taken according to law, says China amid racism row against Africans in Guangzhou</a>

The nation's Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommended Monday a gradual relaxing of restrictions in stages if new infections stabilise at a low level and personal hygiene measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus are maintained.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-united-kingdoms-johnson-recuperates-as-virus-lockdown-decision-looms-292302" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: United Kingdom's Johnson recuperates as virus lockdown decision looms</a>

The Academy's findings are to form the basis for a decision Wednesday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of Germany's 16 regions about whether to extend restrictions imposed in mid-March that are set to expire on Sunday.

The latest figures by the Robert Koch public health institute indicate new infections are indeed slowing, dropping to 2,537 on Monday, taking the total to 123,016.

With 2,799 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, Germany is far behind other big European nations.

Over the weekend, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn had already cued up a phased easing of restrictions that may vary by region.

He did not specify which sectors in Europe's largest economy could first see loosened restrictions.

For its part, the Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, recommended reopening schools as soon as possible, starting with primary and middle schools, although most child care facilities should remain closed. The academy includes social scientists as well as medical researchers among its team of experts.&nbsp;

It recommended reopening shops and restaurants as long as social distancing measures are rigorously respected, and for government offices to get back to work.

The head of the Academy, Gerald Haug, said these measures could only go forward accompanied by an obligation to wear a face mask while riding in public transport to prevent a resurgence of infections.

"Every citizen should in the future have this type of protection for their mouth and nose and wear it each time social distancing measures can't be respected," he told the weekly Der Spiegel.

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours.

Germany is moving towards a progressive lifting of restrictions linked to the coronavirus outbreak as new infections fall and the number of deaths remains far below its European neighbours. Also read: Quarantine measures taken according to law, says China amid racism row against Africans in Guangzhou The nation's Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommended Monday a gradual relaxing of restrictions in stages if new infections stabilise at a low level and personal hygiene measures to avoid the spread of the coronavirus are maintained. Also read: Coronavirus: United Kingdom's Johnson recuperates as virus lockdown decision looms The Academy's findings are to form the basis for a decision Wednesday by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of Germany's 16 regions about whether to extend restrictions imposed in mid-March that are set to expire on Sunday. The latest figures by the Robert Koch public health institute indicate new infections are indeed slowing, dropping to 2,537 on Monday, taking the total to 123,016. With 2,799 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, Germany is far behind other big European nations. Over the weekend, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn had already cued up a phased easing of restrictions that may vary by region. He did not specify which sectors in Europe's largest economy could first see loosened restrictions. For its part, the Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, recommended reopening schools as soon as possible, starting with primary and middle schools, although most child care facilities should remain closed. The academy includes social scientists as well as medical researchers among its team of experts. It recommended reopening shops and restaurants as long as social distancing measures are rigorously respected, and for government offices to get back to work. The head of the Academy, Gerald Haug, said these measures could only go forward accompanied by an obligation to wear a face mask while riding in public transport to prevent a resurgence of infections. "Every citizen should in the future have this type of protection for their mouth and nose and wear it each time social distancing measures can't be respected," he told the weekly Der Spiegel.

Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops

In Spain & France, the fatality rate is 10%. In Italy & UK fatality rate is about 12%, while in Germany it is just 2%. How has Germany achieved this? Watch this video to know.

Why is Germany winning the battle against coronavirus?

In Spain and France the fatality rate is 10%, In Italy and UK it is about 12% while in Germany it is just 2%. How has Germany achieved this? Watch this video to know.

Coronavirus Pandemic: The reason behind Germany's low fatality rate

Richard Mueller’s Easter bunnies are ready for the coronavirus crisis by wearing candy face masks with a toilet roll under their arm.

Chocolate maker creates Easter bunny dressed for quarantine times

April 9 in history: First public art exhibition, Germany invades Denmark and more

Germany will welcome up to 500 unaccompanied minors from Greek migrant camps in the coming weeks, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, while urging other EU countries to follow suit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-china-is-muzzling-voices-that-speak-against-president-xi-jinping-291386">How China is muzzling voices that speak against President Xi Jinping</a>

"We said (to the Greek authorities and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) that we want to take in between 350 and 500 children in the next few weeks," Maas said in an interview with the RTL/ntv broadcaster.&nbsp;

The minister said he hoped other countries would also take in young migrants. "We want to set an example here."

The German cabinet on Wednesday agreed to initially accept 50 children from overcrowded camps on the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios.

The "unaccompanied minors under the age of 14" will be placed in quarantine for two weeks in the state of Lower Saxony before relocating to different regions of the country, according to a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.&nbsp;

A test for the new coronavirus will also be carried out no more than three days before their arrival in Germany.

Transfers from the migrant camps could begin next week, an Interior Ministry statement said Tuesday.

Tens of thousands of asylum-seekers live in dire circumstances in Greek camps, and conditions have worsened recently due to outbreaks of the coronavirus.

Ten European countries have agreed to participate in an EU programme announced at the beginning of March to take in some of the 1,600 vulnerable minors in Greek camps.

However, most have yet to take any concrete action, with border restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis complicating the situation.

German Development Minister Gerd Mueller has called the camps a "disgrace", and urged Brussels to act to avert a "catastrophe".

"Apart from Luxembourg, we are the only ones who are still willing to accept minors," Maas said Wednesday.

Luxembourg has agreed to take in 12 minors.

Other countries that said they would participate are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Ireland, Lithuania and Portugal.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn has also called for more action.&nbsp;

"In recent weeks we have flown 300,000 EU citizens back to the European Union from all over the world because of the virus outbreak. Surely it should be possible to get several thousand young people out of Greece for humanitarian reasons," he said in an interview with German broadcaster RND.

Claudia Roth, a German Green party politician and vice-president of the Bundestag, told news agency DPA that the government decision to accept 50 minors was "long overdue and just a drop in the ocean".

German NGO Pro Asyl, meanwhile, said the plan was "completely insufficient" and called for the camps to be evacuated immediately.

Germany will welcome up to 500 unaccompanied minors from Greek migrant camps in the coming weeks, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, while urging other EU countries to follow suit.

Germany will welcome up to 500 unaccompanied minors from Greek migrant camps in the coming weeks, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Wednesday, while urging other EU countries to follow suit. Also read: How China is muzzling voices that speak against President Xi Jinping "We said (to the Greek authorities and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) that we want to take in between 350 and 500 children in the next few weeks," Maas said in an interview with the RTL/ntv broadcaster. The minister said he hoped other countries would also take in young migrants. "We want to set an example here." The German cabinet on Wednesday agreed to initially accept 50 children from overcrowded camps on the Greek islands of Lesbos and Chios. The "unaccompanied minors under the age of 14" will be placed in quarantine for two weeks in the state of Lower Saxony before relocating to different regions of the country, according to a spokesman for the Interior Ministry. A test for the new coronavirus will also be carried out no more than three days before their arrival in Germany. Transfers from the migrant camps could begin next week, an Interior Ministry statement said Tuesday. Tens of thousands of asylum-seekers live in dire circumstances in Greek camps, and conditions have worsened recently due to outbreaks of the coronavirus. Ten European countries have agreed to participate in an EU programme announced at the beginning of March to take in some of the 1,600 vulnerable minors in Greek camps. However, most have yet to take any concrete action, with border restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis complicating the situation. German Development Minister Gerd Mueller has called the camps a "disgrace", and urged Brussels to act to avert a "catastrophe". "Apart from Luxembourg, we are the only ones who are still willing to accept minors," Maas said Wednesday. Luxembourg has agreed to take in 12 minors. Other countries that said they would participate are Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Finland, France, Ireland, Lithuania and Portugal. Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn has also called for more action. "In recent weeks we have flown 300,000 EU citizens back to the European Union from all over the world because of the virus outbreak. Surely it should be possible to get several thousand young people out of Greece for humanitarian reasons," he said in an interview with German broadcaster RND. Claudia Roth, a German Green party politician and vice-president of the Bundestag, told news agency DPA that the government decision to accept 50 minors was "long overdue and just a drop in the ocean". German NGO Pro Asyl, meanwhile, said the plan was "completely insufficient" and called for the camps to be evacuated immediately.

Germany to take up to 500 children from Greek camps

As Thailand battles the Coronavirus outbreak, the Thai-king has chosen to self-isolate at an alpine resort in Germany. Accompanying the Thai king are 20 women. WION's Palki gets you a report on the king's entourage.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Thai King in self-isolation with 20 women | Gravitas

Germany has drafted a plan to scale back its coronavirus lockdown and allow a gradual return to public life

Germany to relax lockdown after April 19

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds.

"Like the European Central Bank in the monetary and financial sphere, the member states must now prove their joint decisive and innovative spirit," internal market commissioner Thierry Breton and economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) daily.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-proposes-sure-plan-worth-eu100-billion-to-save-jobs-amid-coronavirus-crisis-290430">EU proposes 'Sure plan' worth €100 billion to save jobs amid coronavirus crisis</a>

That could take the shape of "a European fund whose explicit function would make possible issuing long-term bonds," Breton and Gentiloni suggested.

"Strictly limited to collective investments for industrial revitalisation in the context of the current crisis," the instrument would be proof of "unshakeable solidarity" among EU nations, they argued.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-germany-is-winning-battle-against-the-coronavirus-outbreak-289784">How Germany is winning battle against the coronavirus outbreak</a>

A group of states including southern European heavyweights Italy, France and Spain have been imploring northerners like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands for common debt facilities to cushion the economic impact of the virus.

But conservative politicians in the north fear the plans would mean the eventual mutualisation of all sovereign debts and their taxpayers footing the bill for supposed southern profligacy.

Finance ministers from the 19 euro single currency member states will meet Tuesday to again seek a solution to the deadlock.

Germany's Olaf Scholz on Friday proposed a three-pronged scheme including cheap loans from the financial crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), cash from the European Investment Bank and an EU-wide unemployment reinsurance scheme, skirting the issue of joint debt.

And EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday promised a post-crisis "Marshall Plan" for the bloc funded through its existing joint budget, whose next seven-year period runs from 2021-27.

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds.

Two European Commissioners urged Germany on Monday to agree to the European Union issuing joint debt to fight the coronavirus crisis, as wealthy northern nations remain reluctant to back so-called coronabonds. "Like the European Central Bank in the monetary and financial sphere, the member states must now prove their joint decisive and innovative spirit," internal market commissioner Thierry Breton and economy commissioner Paolo Gentiloni wrote in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) daily. Also read: EU proposes 'Sure plan' worth €100 billion to save jobs amid coronavirus crisis That could take the shape of "a European fund whose explicit function would make possible issuing long-term bonds," Breton and Gentiloni suggested. "Strictly limited to collective investments for industrial revitalisation in the context of the current crisis," the instrument would be proof of "unshakeable solidarity" among EU nations, they argued. Also read: How Germany is winning battle against the coronavirus outbreak A group of states including southern European heavyweights Italy, France and Spain have been imploring northerners like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands for common debt facilities to cushion the economic impact of the virus. But conservative politicians in the north fear the plans would mean the eventual mutualisation of all sovereign debts and their taxpayers footing the bill for supposed southern profligacy. Finance ministers from the 19 euro single currency member states will meet Tuesday to again seek a solution to the deadlock. Germany's Olaf Scholz on Friday proposed a three-pronged scheme including cheap loans from the financial crisis-era European Stability Mechanism (ESM), cash from the European Investment Bank and an EU-wide unemployment reinsurance scheme, skirting the issue of joint debt. And EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday promised a post-crisis "Marshall Plan" for the bloc funded through its existing joint budget, whose next seven-year period runs from 2021-27.

European commissioners prod Germany over 'coronabonds'

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-worlds-richest-nations-have-deserted-the-poor-290230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Let's first look at Las Vegas in the United States. In the above video, you can see, homeless lying on open spaces with no mattresses, without any masks or hand gloves at a time when staying inside the home is the only way to contain the spread.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-near-a-million-death-toll-rises-to-50230-290148">Global coronavirus cases near a million; death toll rises to 50,230</a>

Some people were thrown out of their shelter homes after one member from their community was found infected with COVID-19. Now these homeless people have no place to go and the world's biggest economy doesn't bother.&nbsp;

Another US city San Franciso has a similar story to tell. About 8,000 people are homeless in San Francisco. The city's 30,000 hotel rooms are empty, out of which 11,000 have been offered to city officials. But the doors remain shut for the homeless.&nbsp;

These poor remain vulnerable to the novel coronavirus as their immune systems are week and are highly likely to be suffering from undetected ailments. &nbsp;

Germany, however, has a good story to tell.&nbsp;

The country has given shelter to poor in hotels.&nbsp;

"(The idea) was received really well. They (the homeless) are really happy that they have somewhere to stay for now..They stay in their rooms a lot, relax, watch TV and enjoy the time in which they can have a good night's sleep, " Johannes Jung, a hotel manager said.&nbsp;

Similar humanitarian gestures were seen in the United Kingdom too.&nbsp;

However, Italy, which is worst-hit by the coronavirus, is struggling to even provide basic supplies to the homeless. The Netherlands is also following a similar path.&nbsp;

On any given night, at least 70,000 people in Europe spend the night on the streets.&nbsp;

If this is the story of some of the advances economies, one can imagine, the situation of struggling nations.&nbsp;

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor.

The rich and developed countries are expected to take care of poor people when an outbreak as deadly as coronavirus strikes. This time, however, the world's richest countries deserted the poor. Watch | Let's first look at Las Vegas in the United States. In the above video, you can see, homeless lying on open spaces with no mattresses, without any masks or hand gloves at a time when staying inside the home is the only way to contain the spread. Also read | Global coronavirus cases near a million; death toll rises to 50,230 Some people were thrown out of their shelter homes after one member from their community was found infected with COVID-19. Now these homeless people have no place to go and the world's biggest economy doesn't bother. Another US city San Franciso has a similar story to tell. About 8,000 people are homeless in San Francisco. The city's 30,000 hotel rooms are empty, out of which 11,000 have been offered to city officials. But the doors remain shut for the homeless. These poor remain vulnerable to the novel coronavirus as their immune systems are week and are highly likely to be suffering from undetected ailments. Germany, however, has a good story to tell. The country has given shelter to poor in hotels. "(The idea) was received really well. They (the homeless) are really happy that they have somewhere to stay for now..They stay in their rooms a lot, relax, watch TV and enjoy the time in which they can have a good night's sleep, " Johannes Jung, a hotel manager said. Similar humanitarian gestures were seen in the United Kingdom too. However, Italy, which is worst-hit by the coronavirus, is struggling to even provide basic supplies to the homeless. The Netherlands is also following a similar path. On any given night, at least 70,000 people in Europe spend the night on the streets. If this is the story of some of the advances economies, one can imagine, the situation of struggling nations.

Coronavirus: Have rich countries disappointed the poor?

Measures taken by German officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus are starting to show effect, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control said on Friday.

"We are seeing that the spread of the virus is getting slower... it's working," said RKI president Lothar Wieler, stressing that restrictions on public life "need to be maintained" and it was too early to claim victory.

Wieler explained that each person who had caught the virus was now infecting only one person on average, where previously that number had been as high as seven.&nbsp;

"If the number is below one, then it means the epidemic is slowly easing up. That is our aim," he said.&nbsp;

"We know that we have pushed the number down to one with the measures, and we hope to push it down further."&nbsp;

Wieler nonetheless urged the public to keep observing government restrictions, which include a ban on public gatherings of more than two people and a requirement to stay at least 1.5 metres (five feet) from others at all times.&nbsp;

"I need to say very clearly: the measures need to be maintained. Keeping your distance and staying at home is imperative, otherwise we will not push the number under one," he said.

Federal states across the country have introduced penalties to crack down on those flouting the rules.

In the capital city Berlin, people risk being fined up to 500 euros ($540) for standing too close to each other.

Meanwhile, the RKI altered its recommendations on Friday to encourage citizens to wear self-made masks in public.&nbsp;

It was "important to understand" that such masks would not protect the wearer, but they could help to protect others, said Wieler.

He added that there was "not yet any scientific proof" that the masks would limit the spread of the virus, but it "seemed plausible".

According to RKI figures on Friday, Germany has recorded more than 79,000 cases of the novel coronavirus.

A total of 1,017 deaths have been recorded, though RKI president Wieler warned Friday that the actual number could be much higher.

"We won't manage to test every single person... I assume we will have more deaths than are officially recorded," he said.&nbsp;

Wieler also said that the mortality rate would "continue to rise" in Germany.&nbsp;

Latest figures showed that the death rate in Europe's largest economy had jumped to 1.2 percent, still considerably lower than that of neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Measures taken by German officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus are starting to show effect, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control said on Friday.

Measures taken by German officials to slow the spread of the coronavirus are starting to show effect, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for disease control said on Friday. "We are seeing that the spread of the virus is getting slower... it's working," said RKI president Lothar Wieler, stressing that restrictions on public life "need to be maintained" and it was too early to claim victory. Wieler explained that each person who had caught the virus was now infecting only one person on average, where previously that number had been as high as seven. "If the number is below one, then it means the epidemic is slowly easing up. That is our aim," he said. "We know that we have pushed the number down to one with the measures, and we hope to push it down further." Wieler nonetheless urged the public to keep observing government restrictions, which include a ban on public gatherings of more than two people and a requirement to stay at least 1.5 metres (five feet) from others at all times. "I need to say very clearly: the measures need to be maintained. Keeping your distance and staying at home is imperative, otherwise we will not push the number under one," he said. Federal states across the country have introduced penalties to crack down on those flouting the rules. In the capital city Berlin, people risk being fined up to 500 euros ($540) for standing too close to each other. Meanwhile, the RKI altered its recommendations on Friday to encourage citizens to wear self-made masks in public. It was "important to understand" that such masks would not protect the wearer, but they could help to protect others, said Wieler. He added that there was "not yet any scientific proof" that the masks would limit the spread of the virus, but it "seemed plausible". According to RKI figures on Friday, Germany has recorded more than 79,000 cases of the novel coronavirus. A total of 1,017 deaths have been recorded, though RKI president Wieler warned Friday that the actual number could be much higher. "We won't manage to test every single person... I assume we will have more deaths than are officially recorded," he said. Wieler also said that the mortality rate would "continue to rise" in Germany. Latest figures showed that the death rate in Europe's largest economy had jumped to 1.2 percent, still considerably lower than that of neighbouring countries.

Germany's coronavirus curbs are working, say experts

From the United States to Germany, thousands of people have been left on the streets in some of the world's richest nations. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the homeless are struggling for basic supplies.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: World's richest nations have deserted the poor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-launches-aarogyasetu-app-to-assess-alert-people-about-coronavirus-patient-290210" hreflang="en">India launches 'AarogyaSetu' app to assess, alert people about coronavirus patient</a>

A PMO release said that the two leaders discussed the situation in their respective countries relating to COVID 19 and shared views on inadequate availability of medicines and medical equipment required during the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-flights-resumption-after-april-15-subject-to-from-where-they-are-coming-aviation-minister-290166" hreflang="en">International flights resumption after April 15 subject to from where they are coming: Aviation minister</a>

They agreed to explore avenues of cooperation in this regard. The German Chancellor agreed with Prime Minister that the COVID-19 pandemic is an important turning point in modern history, and offers an opportunity to forge a new vision of globalisation focused on the shared interests of humanity as a whole.

The Prime Minister informed the German leader about recent Indian initiatives to disseminate simple yoga exercises and immunity-enhancing Ayurvedic remedies for people of the world.

The Chancellor agreed that such practices could be very beneficial for enhancing psychological and physical health, especially under the present lockdown conditions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday in which the two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of international collaboration to fight the health crisis. Also read: India launches 'AarogyaSetu' app to assess, alert people about coronavirus patient A PMO release said that the two leaders discussed the situation in their respective countries relating to COVID 19 and shared views on inadequate availability of medicines and medical equipment required during the pandemic. Also read: International flights resumption after April 15 subject to from where they are coming: Aviation minister They agreed to explore avenues of cooperation in this regard. The German Chancellor agreed with Prime Minister that the COVID-19 pandemic is an important turning point in modern history, and offers an opportunity to forge a new vision of globalisation focused on the shared interests of humanity as a whole. The Prime Minister informed the German leader about recent Indian initiatives to disseminate simple yoga exercises and immunity-enhancing Ayurvedic remedies for people of the world. The Chancellor agreed that such practices could be very beneficial for enhancing psychological and physical health, especially under the present lockdown conditions.

PM Modi, German Chancellor discuss COVID-19 situation, inadequate availability of medicines

There's nothing sweet about the corona pandemic but one Erfurt baker has found a way to take the edge off the harsh reality and give his customers something to smile about. Torsten Roth has drawn on his patissier skills to create a whole selection of corona cakes and candies.

If you can't beat it, eat it! Baker creates coronavirus-themed pralines

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