On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Since then, millions have died, and even more millions infected. This was the biggest health crisis in a century and spared no one. So what went wrong in the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic? WION Decodes the story for you.

COVID pandemic anniversary: How a virus led to collapse of global health system | WION Decodes

Are you ready for new bat viruses? China, the birthing ground of the covid-19 pandemic, might be on track to create yet another global health crisis. More than 9 million square kilometres on earth have suitable conditions for a bat-borne virus to spill over. These areas are termed "jump zones". Molly Gambhir reports.

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Monkeypox simulation results: Fictional nation, terror group and massive outbreak

Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg. 
 
The film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, portrays high school teachers in various stages of midlife crisis who test alcohol`s ability to improve their lives. It won the Oscar for best international feature film on Sunday. 
 
"I find that alcohol in the movie is a symbol for something larger than just drinking," Vinterberg, 51, told Reuters in an interview. 
 
"Our existence has been threatened by the pandemic, but there`s an element of rejoicing in this movie, with people sharing bottles, hugging and celebrating life. I think there`s been an enormous desire towards the uncontrollable," he said. 
 
"I guess it`s about putting yourself at risk ... getting out of your safety zone a little bit," Vinterberg added. 
 
Mikkelsen, whose character finds a brief boost and enlightenment from drinking, performs an extended drunken dance at the end of the film and is frozen in time in the final scene as he throws himself off a wharf in Copenhagen. 
 
"Some people think he`s flying in the end scene, and others perceive that he`s falling," Vinterberg said. 
 
"To me, the ending carries an element of ecstasy, the element of weightlessness, but it also carries the grief of the character having lost his best friend." 
 
In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Vinterberg dedicated the Academy Award to his late daughter Ida, 19, who was to have had a role in the film but was killed in an automobile accident. 
 
"When my daughter died four days into shooting this film, a free fall began towards insanity," he said in the interview. 
 
"Continuing with this movie was filled with a little bit of purpose, if we made the movie for her, a purpose of honouring her memory," he said. 
 
"What happened yesterday (on Sunday) was the ultimate way of raising a monument for my daughter. It was filled with a lot of emotion because I miss her, but it was also filled with satisfaction." 
 
 
&nbsp;

Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg.

Danish Oscar-winning comedy-drama "Another Round" has found a global audience because it celebrates life at a time when the pandemic has threatened our existence, according to director Thomas Vinterberg. The film, starring Mads Mikkelsen, portrays high school teachers in various stages of midlife crisis who test alcohol`s ability to improve their lives. It won the Oscar for best international feature film on Sunday. "I find that alcohol in the movie is a symbol for something larger than just drinking," Vinterberg, 51, told Reuters in an interview. "Our existence has been threatened by the pandemic, but there`s an element of rejoicing in this movie, with people sharing bottles, hugging and celebrating life. I think there`s been an enormous desire towards the uncontrollable," he said. "I guess it`s about putting yourself at risk ... getting out of your safety zone a little bit," Vinterberg added. Mikkelsen, whose character finds a brief boost and enlightenment from drinking, performs an extended drunken dance at the end of the film and is frozen in time in the final scene as he throws himself off a wharf in Copenhagen. "Some people think he`s flying in the end scene, and others perceive that he`s falling," Vinterberg said. "To me, the ending carries an element of ecstasy, the element of weightlessness, but it also carries the grief of the character having lost his best friend." In his acceptance speech on Sunday, Vinterberg dedicated the Academy Award to his late daughter Ida, 19, who was to have had a role in the film but was killed in an automobile accident. "When my daughter died four days into shooting this film, a free fall began towards insanity," he said in the interview. "Continuing with this movie was filled with a little bit of purpose, if we made the movie for her, a purpose of honouring her memory," he said. "What happened yesterday (on Sunday) was the ultimate way of raising a monument for my daughter. It was filled with a lot of emotion because I miss her, but it was also filled with satisfaction."

Global pandemic makes Oscar-winner 'Another Round' more relevant, director says

Not long before Christmas, as the pandemic was taking a devastating toll in rural Iowa, Rebecca Tinti was visiting some neighbors who had fallen ill.

At the family’s farm, she found seven of them, including a newborn baby, bedridden with sickness, leaving a 6-year-old girl to take care of everyone else.

Tinti stepped in to help, but she couldn’t avert tragedy.

“The mister had been waiting on the rest till he had a relapse and kept on getting worse, till he died a week later,” she wrote in a letter dated January 1919. “I stayed till the funeral, which was the day before Christmas.”

Tinti’s letters are now in the hands of her goddaughter’s daughter Ruth M. Lux, 72, of Lidderdale, Iowa. Lux has dozens of old family letters, which were passed down from her mother and her grandmother.

“I call my house the Lidderdale branch of the National Archives,” she said.

Those letters — updates about corn harvests and slaughtered hogs, interspersed with reports of illness and death — are dispatches from the domestic front of a pandemic in which millions of Americans were sickened and 675,000 died, among at least 50 million deaths worldwide. It has been attributed to an H1N1 virus that originated in birds.

That pandemic, like the coronavirus today, seemed to roll across the United States in waves. The winter holidays in 1918 were marked by grievous loss. They came during a relative lull after the deadliest wave, in the fall. Another, smaller surge would peak shortly after New Year’s Day.

But the national conversation around private family gatherings appeared to have been less charged in 1918 than it is today, as many weary from months of restrictions bristle at guidance from health agencies to stay home.

“Hundreds of thousands of people lost loved ones,” said J. Alexander Navarro, a medical historian at the University of Michigan and an editor of the online Influenza Encyclopedia. “But by the time of Thanksgiving, there really wasn’t much debate about whether or not they should get together.”

So they did, often with an empty chair at the table.

At the time, another major event was stealing newspaper headlines: the end of World War I. Soldiers were returning to their homes, and the Allied victory was a cause for celebration.

“This year we have special and moving cause to be grateful and to rejoice,” President Woodrow Wilson said in a Thanksgiving proclamation, which did not mention the pandemic. “God has in His good pleasure given us peace.”

And although soldiers’ domestic and international travels played a major part in spreading the flu, news reports from the time suggest that the risk of infection did not stop people from celebrating the Allied victory in person.

On Christmas Eve 1918, The New York Times reported that thousands of soldiers would be welcomed into homes in New York City and invited to attend dances and feasts. At one event at the 71st Regiment Armory on Park Avenue in Manhattan, “besides the fun and the dancing there will be 300 pounds of chocolate fudge made by pretty girls, and ever so many pounds of iced cake, mostly made by their mothers,” the report said.

Other celebrations were more subdued. For many people in the United States, the Christmas holiday was centered around the home, said Penne L. Restad, a historian with the University of Texas at Austin who is an expert on holidays.

Holiday travel was less common in 1918 than it is today, in part because families tended to live closer together, Restad said. The practice of dragging an evergreen tree indoors to decorate it was in fashion. So were gifts for children, delivered by Santa Claus.

For many, church services were also a part of the holiday season. And in 1918, Lux’s great-grandmother Caroline Schumacher was sad to miss them.

“I suppose you’ve seen that the town is quarantined,” she said in a letter from Carroll, Iowa, dated Dec. 29. “Don’t know how long it will be closed yet. It is terrible when there is no church. It didn’t seem like Christmas at all.”

Because personal letters relayed the details of daily life, they sometimes preserved pieces of history that the newspapers overlooked, Restad said.

“Domestic culture, and to a large degree consumer culture, is often recorded by women,” she added.

Lux’s family letters, some of which are hard to read because of wispy handwriting or irregular spelling and grammar, were transcribed in 2014 by Julia Evans, who was then studying history at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and now manages museum exhibits.

Newspapers covered the pandemic, too, and reports from across the United States showed a patchwork of officials’ responses to the spread of the influenza.

In Hamilton, Montana, The Ravalli Republican reported that a monthslong, citywide shutdown was lifted in late December 1918 — just in time for churches and movie theaters to open on Christmas Day.

In Lodi, California, “owing to the presence of influenza here, Christmas celebrations have been greatly curtailed, though merchants report a good holiday business,” The Sacramento Bee reported on Christmas Eve. “There will be no municipal tree this year.”

And shortly after Christmas, The Chicago Defender published reports about families who had gathered for family visits or church services across Illinois. The reports were interspersed with notices about people who had fallen ill or died of influenza.

This year, with coronavirus cases rising and health professionals girding for a surge in infections associated with holiday travel, Lux plans to stay home alone on Christmas. But her family letters from a century ago told of gatherings, as well as grave diggings.

“I was for three weeks busy doing the neighbors’ chores and burying the dead,” one relative, John Tinti, wrote in February 1919. “I helped lay away more people this winter than I ever did in all my life. It sure was awful.”

Margaret Hamilton, another relative, wrote that she nearly died herself.

“My heart almost refused to work and my lips and nails were a purplish black,” she said in a March 1919 letter. “Sure almost went over.”

Lux was most impressed with Rebecca Tinti, the great-godmother whose letters told of multiple trips to take care of friends and neighbors who were gravely ill.

“This lady was literally the Florence Nightingale of Adair County,” Lux said.

So on a windy day in April — the same month the global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 200,000 — Lux traveled about 60 miles from Lidderdale to Casey, Iowa, to see the spot where Tinti was buried almost 90 years ago.

The grave was easy to find, in a small cemetery at the top of a hill.

“I thought, ‘No one has put anything on these graves for decades and decades,’” Lux said.

She laid down a bouquet of silk flowers before driving back home.

Not long before Christmas, as the pandemic was taking a devastating toll in rural Iowa, Rebecca Tinti was visiting some neighbors who had fallen ill. At the family’s farm, she found seven of them, including a newborn baby, bedridden with sickness, leaving a 6-year-old girl to take care of everyone else.

Not long before Christmas, as the pandemic was taking a devastating toll in rural Iowa, Rebecca Tinti was visiting some neighbors who had fallen ill. At the family’s farm, she found seven of them, including a newborn baby, bedridden with sickness, leaving a 6-year-old girl to take care of everyone else. Tinti stepped in to help, but she couldn’t avert tragedy. “The mister had been waiting on the rest till he had a relapse and kept on getting worse, till he died a week later,” she wrote in a letter dated January 1919. “I stayed till the funeral, which was the day before Christmas.” Tinti’s letters are now in the hands of her goddaughter’s daughter Ruth M. Lux, 72, of Lidderdale, Iowa. Lux has dozens of old family letters, which were passed down from her mother and her grandmother. “I call my house the Lidderdale branch of the National Archives,” she said. Those letters — updates about corn harvests and slaughtered hogs, interspersed with reports of illness and death — are dispatches from the domestic front of a pandemic in which millions of Americans were sickened and 675,000 died, among at least 50 million deaths worldwide. It has been attributed to an H1N1 virus that originated in birds. That pandemic, like the coronavirus today, seemed to roll across the United States in waves. The winter holidays in 1918 were marked by grievous loss. They came during a relative lull after the deadliest wave, in the fall. Another, smaller surge would peak shortly after New Year’s Day. But the national conversation around private family gatherings appeared to have been less charged in 1918 than it is today, as many weary from months of restrictions bristle at guidance from health agencies to stay home. “Hundreds of thousands of people lost loved ones,” said J. Alexander Navarro, a medical historian at the University of Michigan and an editor of the online Influenza Encyclopedia. “But by the time of Thanksgiving, there really wasn’t much debate about whether or not they should get together.” So they did, often with an empty chair at the table. At the time, another major event was stealing newspaper headlines: the end of World War I. Soldiers were returning to their homes, and the Allied victory was a cause for celebration. “This year we have special and moving cause to be grateful and to rejoice,” President Woodrow Wilson said in a Thanksgiving proclamation, which did not mention the pandemic. “God has in His good pleasure given us peace.” And although soldiers’ domestic and international travels played a major part in spreading the flu, news reports from the time suggest that the risk of infection did not stop people from celebrating the Allied victory in person. On Christmas Eve 1918, The New York Times reported that thousands of soldiers would be welcomed into homes in New York City and invited to attend dances and feasts. At one event at the 71st Regiment Armory on Park Avenue in Manhattan, “besides the fun and the dancing there will be 300 pounds of chocolate fudge made by pretty girls, and ever so many pounds of iced cake, mostly made by their mothers,” the report said. Other celebrations were more subdued. For many people in the United States, the Christmas holiday was centered around the home, said Penne L. Restad, a historian with the University of Texas at Austin who is an expert on holidays. Holiday travel was less common in 1918 than it is today, in part because families tended to live closer together, Restad said. The practice of dragging an evergreen tree indoors to decorate it was in fashion. So were gifts for children, delivered by Santa Claus. For many, church services were also a part of the holiday season. And in 1918, Lux’s great-grandmother Caroline Schumacher was sad to miss them. “I suppose you’ve seen that the town is quarantined,” she said in a letter from Carroll, Iowa, dated Dec. 29. “Don’t know how long it will be closed yet. It is terrible when there is no church. It didn’t seem like Christmas at all.” Because personal letters relayed the details of daily life, they sometimes preserved pieces of history that the newspapers overlooked, Restad said. “Domestic culture, and to a large degree consumer culture, is often recorded by women,” she added. Lux’s family letters, some of which are hard to read because of wispy handwriting or irregular spelling and grammar, were transcribed in 2014 by Julia Evans, who was then studying history at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and now manages museum exhibits. Newspapers covered the pandemic, too, and reports from across the United States showed a patchwork of officials’ responses to the spread of the influenza. In Hamilton, Montana, The Ravalli Republican reported that a monthslong, citywide shutdown was lifted in late December 1918 — just in time for churches and movie theaters to open on Christmas Day. In Lodi, California, “owing to the presence of influenza here, Christmas celebrations have been greatly curtailed, though merchants report a good holiday business,” The Sacramento Bee reported on Christmas Eve. “There will be no municipal tree this year.” And shortly after Christmas, The Chicago Defender published reports about families who had gathered for family visits or church services across Illinois. The reports were interspersed with notices about people who had fallen ill or died of influenza. This year, with coronavirus cases rising and health professionals girding for a surge in infections associated with holiday travel, Lux plans to stay home alone on Christmas. But her family letters from a century ago told of gatherings, as well as grave diggings. “I was for three weeks busy doing the neighbors’ chores and burying the dead,” one relative, John Tinti, wrote in February 1919. “I helped lay away more people this winter than I ever did in all my life. It sure was awful.” Margaret Hamilton, another relative, wrote that she nearly died herself. “My heart almost refused to work and my lips and nails were a purplish black,” she said in a March 1919 letter. “Sure almost went over.” Lux was most impressed with Rebecca Tinti, the great-godmother whose letters told of multiple trips to take care of friends and neighbors who were gravely ill. “This lady was literally the Florence Nightingale of Adair County,” Lux said. So on a windy day in April — the same month the global death toll from the coronavirus surpassed 200,000 — Lux traveled about 60 miles from Lidderdale to Casey, Iowa, to see the spot where Tinti was buried almost 90 years ago. The grave was easy to find, in a small cemetery at the top of a hill. “I thought, ‘No one has put anything on these graves for decades and decades,’” Lux said. She laid down a bouquet of silk flowers before driving back home.

Holidays in a pandemic? Here’s what happened in 1918

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-quarantine-travellers-from-spain-sunday-times-315992" hreflang="en">UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus.

And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis.

There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus.

Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone".&nbsp;

"While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday.

Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday.

The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west.

<h2>Bolsonaro tests negative&nbsp;</h2>

As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations.

Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation.

"In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy.

One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7.

Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative.

In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials.

Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities.

Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021.

<h2>Fresh clusters&nbsp;</h2>

Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia.

South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days.

Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee.

That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic.

Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count.

Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus.

Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life.

Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans.&nbsp;

"If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier.

In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations.

But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered.

Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets.

And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on&nbsp;travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row.

A survey released Saturday showed governments are fast losing support for their handling of the coronavirus pandemic, as health officials recorded a surge of more than 280,000 new cases globally two days in a row. Also read: UK to quarantine travellers from Spain: Sunday Times Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, widely criticised for his handling of the crisis there, appeared to credit an unproven treatment for his recovery from the virus. And in the streets of Jerusalem and other cities, thousands called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign, in part for his management of the coronavirus crisis. There were more than 280,000 new cases recorded globally on both Thursday and Friday, the highest daily rises since the virus emerged in China late last year, according to an AFP count based on official sources -- an alarming uptick in the spread of the virus. Nearly a third of the world's 15.8 million infections have been registered since July 1, while the total death toll nears 640,000. The World Health Organization said more than a million cases had been recorded in each of the last five weeks, "with over 280,000 being reported on July 24 alone". "While no country is unaffected, this rise is driven by high transmission in large and populous countries in the Americas and South Asia," it said in a statement on Saturday. Brazil and India had recently reported their highest daily increases, it added, while the figures remained worryingly high in the United States and South Africa -- where Trade Minister Ebrahim Patel tested positive for the virus Saturday. The US, still the hardest-hit nation, on Friday reported its second straight day of more than 70,000 new cases and over 1,000 deaths as the virus surges in the south and west. Bolsonaro tests negative As governments worldwide struggle to contain the virus despite long and economically crippling lockdowns imposed on millions of people, a new survey suggested that faith in authorities is dwindling in six rich nations. Populations in France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Sweden and the US widely believed death and infection figures to be higher than recorded, according to the study, which polled 1,000 people in each nation. "In most countries this month, support for national governments is falling," said the report by the Kekst CNC communications consultancy. One world leader widely criticised over his handling of the pandemic is Brazil's Bolsonaro, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on July 7. Bolsonaro, who has downplayed what he calls "a little flu", announced on Twitter Saturday that he had finally tested negative. In an photo accompanying the statement, he was pictured holding a packet of hydroxychloroquine, whose effectiveness against COVID-19 has not been demonstrated in clinical trials. Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo on Saturday said it was indefinitely postponing its 2021 carnival. Hours later, Rio de Janeiro cancelled its New Year's Eve festivities. Thousands of Israelis protested Saturday in Jerusalem and other cities including Tel Aviv, demanding Netanyahu's resignation over his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. They were also objecting to a new law that gives the government special powers to fight the spread of the virus until the end of 2021. Fresh clusters Fresh clusters, meanwhile, were emerging across Asia. South Korea on Saturday reported its highest infections figure in nearly four months, while Vietnam recorded its first locally transmitted case in nearly 100 days. Officials in China said they would introduce fresh measures and testing in the port city of Dalian, home to about six million people, after detecting fresh infections thee. That did not prevent the Chinese Super League kicking off behind closed doors on Saturday. Players of Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua observed a minute's silence for the victims of the pandemic. Europe remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for a fifth of the world's case count. Belgium said Saturday it could further tighten its restrictions following the death of a three-year-old girl, the country's youngest victim of the virus. Recent outbreaks in the Spanish regions of Aragon and Catalonia have led to fresh curbs on daily life. Many tourists were nevertheless reluctant to cancel their plans. "If we cancelled our holiday, which has been planned since February, we would lose the rental money," said Fanny Lievens, on route with her family to Catalonia from the southern French city of Montpellier. In France, where infections have been rising, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on-the-spot testing for travellers arriving from 16 high-risk nations. But he told Nice Matin newspaper he wanted above all else to avoid returning to a full lockdown because of the economic damage it did -- and the psychological harm that many people suffered. Britain meanwhile has made it compulsory to wear a face covering in shopping centres, banks, takeaway outlets, sandwich shops and supermarkets. And it announced Saturday it was reimposing two weeks of self-isolation on travellers arriving from Spain after a surge in cases there.

Public losing faith in governments, says survey, amid surge in virus cases

Watch the world's top Editors talk about covering and coping with the Coronavirus pandemic. Palki Sharma Upadhyay in conversation with Gallagher Fenwick, Aluf Benn, Alexandru Giboi.

Global Editors Summit: When the Frontline comes to the Newsroom

Venezuela reported its first coronavirus death on Thursday after a 47-year-old man with a pre-existing lung disease died, the government said. 
 
The man from the northern Aragua state had previously suffered from an "occupational disease in the lungs," Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez said in a television address. 
 
The patient had been admitted to a private clinic suffering from pneumonia and three days later tested positive for COVID-19, Rodriguez said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-73-new-cases-second-wave-of-coronavirus-hits-singapore-288777" hreflang="en">With 73 new cases, second wave of coronavirus hits Singapore</a> 
 
The South American country has now reported 107 coronavirus cases. 
 
It is under a total lockdown with businesses and schools closed and its borders closed to commercial flights, although cargo arrivals are still allowed. 
 
The pandemic is causing particular concern in Venezuela because its economy has collapsed, with people already suffering shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine, and the breakdown of public services such as water, electricity and transport. 
 
Meanwhile a "special flight" organized by several European countries left Caracas with more than 360 passengers on board, including 139 Spaniards, 56 Italians, 44 Germans and 26 French nationals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-to-be-prosecuted-under-terrorism-law-if-they-intentionally-spread-coronavirus-us-justice-dept-288775" hreflang="en">People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept</a> 
 
They had been visiting Venezuela for business or tourism but got stuck by the government lockdown. 
 
Peru, which on Thursday extended its lockdown and border closures until April 12, likewise authorized the departure of tourists on especially arranged flights. 
 
Around 400 Canadians and more than 300 Americans are due to be repatriated from Thursday, their embassies in Peru announced.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-chinese-propaganda-factory-has-global-franchises-288772" hreflang="en">How Chinese propaganda factory has global franchises</a> 
 
Some 200 Canadians queued outside the country's diplomatic mission in the capital Lima waiting to board buses to take them to the city's military hospital, from where they were due to board a flight to take them home. 
 
Peru has recorded 580 coronavirus cases and nine deaths. 
 
It has closed schools and universities, imposed a nighttime curfew and a ban on all road traffic.

Venezuela reported its first coronavirus death on Thursday after a 47-year-old man with a pre-existing lung disease died, the government said. The man from the northern Aragua state had previously suffered from an "occupational disease in the lungs," Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez said in a television address.

Venezuela reported its first coronavirus death on Thursday after a 47-year-old man with a pre-existing lung disease died, the government said. The man from the northern Aragua state had previously suffered from an "occupational disease in the lungs," Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez said in a television address. The patient had been admitted to a private clinic suffering from pneumonia and three days later tested positive for COVID-19, Rodriguez said. Also read: With 73 new cases, second wave of coronavirus hits Singapore The South American country has now reported 107 coronavirus cases. It is under a total lockdown with businesses and schools closed and its borders closed to commercial flights, although cargo arrivals are still allowed. The pandemic is causing particular concern in Venezuela because its economy has collapsed, with people already suffering shortages of basic necessities such as food and medicine, and the breakdown of public services such as water, electricity and transport. Meanwhile a "special flight" organized by several European countries left Caracas with more than 360 passengers on board, including 139 Spaniards, 56 Italians, 44 Germans and 26 French nationals. Also read: People to be prosecuted under terrorism law, if they intentionally spread coronavirus: US Justice Dept They had been visiting Venezuela for business or tourism but got stuck by the government lockdown. Peru, which on Thursday extended its lockdown and border closures until April 12, likewise authorized the departure of tourists on especially arranged flights. Around 400 Canadians and more than 300 Americans are due to be repatriated from Thursday, their embassies in Peru announced. Also read: How Chinese propaganda factory has global franchises Some 200 Canadians queued outside the country's diplomatic mission in the capital Lima waiting to board buses to take them to the city's military hospital, from where they were due to board a flight to take them home. Peru has recorded 580 coronavirus cases and nine deaths. It has closed schools and universities, imposed a nighttime curfew and a ban on all road traffic.

Venezuela records first coronavirus death

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle.

A group of medical, public health, and research organisations constitute the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network. They’re collectively trying to understand how the infection is spreading virally in the region by taking nasal swabs from people across King County and Seattle.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-to-hire-100000-workers-as-online-orders-surge-on-coronavirus-worries-286971" hreflang="en">Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries</a>

One of the worst coronavirus-hit places in the US includes King County in the state of Washington.

The CDC or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 33,453 positive cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday. Earlier, there were 18,185 cases of coronavirus in the country.&nbsp;

The death toll has also increased from 199 to 400.

The infrastructure and logistical support will be provided to employees by Amazon Care, which is responsible for medical care, Reuters reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-former-amazon-executive-turns-off-alexa-smart-speaker-when-he-needs-privacy-281316" hreflang="en">Former Amazon executive says he turns off Alexa when he needs privacy</a>

Such shipments require special handling, which only&nbsp;United Parcel Service and FedEx can undertake in the US. Such parcels require temperature control. However, Reuters reported that there is no clarity of a partnership with either of the logistical conglomerates.

According to media reports, this move shall remain limited to Amazon Care and will not extend to the wider delivery network.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle.

Amazon Inc and a research programme run by Bill Gates are joining hands to pick up and deliver coronavirus testing kits in the largest city in the US state of Washington - Seattle. A group of medical, public health, and research organisations constitute the Seattle Coronavirus Assessment Network. They’re collectively trying to understand how the infection is spreading virally in the region by taking nasal swabs from people across King County and Seattle. Also read: Amazon to hire 100,000 workers as online orders surge on coronavirus worries One of the worst coronavirus-hit places in the US includes King County in the state of Washington. The CDC or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 33,453 positive cases of coronavirus in the country on Monday. Earlier, there were 18,185 cases of coronavirus in the country. The death toll has also increased from 199 to 400. The infrastructure and logistical support will be provided to employees by Amazon Care, which is responsible for medical care, Reuters reported. Also read: Former Amazon executive says he turns off Alexa when he needs privacy Such shipments require special handling, which only United Parcel Service and FedEx can undertake in the US. Such parcels require temperature control. However, Reuters reported that there is no clarity of a partnership with either of the logistical conglomerates. According to media reports, this move shall remain limited to Amazon Care and will not extend to the wider delivery network. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazon partners with research group backed by Bill Gates to deliver COVID-19 testing kits

The third fight between British boxer Tyson Fury and American Deontay Wilder has been postponed due to the on-going global pandemic of the novel coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/too-heavy-for-me-deontay-wilder-blames-his-costume-for-loss-wants-rematch-282576">'Too heavy for me': Deontay Wilder blames his costume for loss, wants rematch</a>

Britain's Fury is set to defend his crown after defeating WBC Champion Wilder after knocking him out in seven rounds.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tyson-fury-vs-deontay-wilder-iii-to-be-held-later-this-year-says-furys-promoter-283876">Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III to be held later this year, says Fury's promoter</a>

The bout was set to take place on July 18 in Las Vegas. Promoter Bob Arum told&nbsp;ESPN that the bout is rescheduled to&nbsp;October now. He said: "It's part of what's happening in the world. So possibly the fight will be in early October."

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tyson-fury-defeats-deontay-wilder-in-title-rematch-282365#super-fight-282355">Tyson Fury defeats Deontay Wilder in title rematch</a>

Arum said that delaying the much-hyped match was the only option after travel restrictions were set by US and UK, whereas, Vegas has shut down all its casinos amid COVID-19 scare.&nbsp;

"You could not guarantee the fighters that the event would take place on that date. We couldn't convince them or ourselves," Arum said.&nbsp;

"Where were they going to train for it? It just made no sense. You just have to take a step back. How are you going to sell tickets?&nbsp;

"It's ridiculous to say the fight is on when the Brits can't even get there."

Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended all combat sports in the state.&nbsp;

"Everybody has to take a step back. Boxing is not isolated," Arum said.&nbsp;

This will be the third fight for both heavyweight boxers. The first match was fought in 2018, which ended in a controversial draw. Fury then went on to stun everyone after thumping Wilder down in seven rounds in the second match conducted earlier this year.&nbsp;

The third fight between British boxer Tyson Fury and American Deontay Wilder has been postponed due to the on-going global pandemic of the novel coronavirus. Also read: 'Too heavy for me': Deontay Wilder blames his costume for loss, wants rematch Britain's Fury is set to defend his crown after defeating WBC Champion Wilder after knocking him out in seven rounds.

The third fight between British boxer Tyson Fury and American Deontay Wilder has been postponed due to the on-going global pandemic of the novel coronavirus. Also read: 'Too heavy for me': Deontay Wilder blames his costume for loss, wants rematch Britain's Fury is set to defend his crown after defeating WBC Champion Wilder after knocking him out in seven rounds. Also read: Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III to be held later this year, says Fury's promoter The bout was set to take place on July 18 in Las Vegas. Promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that the bout is rescheduled to October now. He said: "It's part of what's happening in the world. So possibly the fight will be in early October." In pics: Tyson Fury defeats Deontay Wilder in title rematch Arum said that delaying the much-hyped match was the only option after travel restrictions were set by US and UK, whereas, Vegas has shut down all its casinos amid COVID-19 scare. "You could not guarantee the fighters that the event would take place on that date. We couldn't convince them or ourselves," Arum said. "Where were they going to train for it? It just made no sense. You just have to take a step back. How are you going to sell tickets? "It's ridiculous to say the fight is on when the Brits can't even get there." Nevada State Athletic Commission has suspended all combat sports in the state. "Everybody has to take a step back. Boxing is not isolated," Arum said. This will be the third fight for both heavyweight boxers. The first match was fought in 2018, which ended in a controversial draw. Fury then went on to stun everyone after thumping Wilder down in seven rounds in the second match conducted earlier this year.

Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder III postponed amid coronavirus pandemic

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases?

Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>

The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions.

They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell.

For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points.

Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-high-temperature-may-reduce-its-spread-but-wont-kill-coronavirus-covid-19-your-story-288290/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus.

As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days.&nbsp;

During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly.

Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach.

The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius.

The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest.

The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus.

Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no!

Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases? Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions. They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell. For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points. Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points. Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus. As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days. During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly. Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach. The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius. The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest. The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus. Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no! Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Heat kills coronavirus, after all!

How much will the IPL 2020 lose if it gets shelved due to COVID-19?

A 64-year-old patient died to coronavirus in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital today. It is the third death due to COVID-19 in India. It is the first death due to the virus in Maharashtra.

Third death due to coronavirus in India, 64-year-old dies in Mumbai

At the age of 21, Francisco Garcia, the coach of the youth team at Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta died of the novel coronavirus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/were-being-treated-like-guinea-pigs-wayne-rooney-slams-fa-for-delayed-decisions-during-coronavirus-286663" hreflang="en">'Were being treated like guinea pigs', Wayne Rooney slams FA for delayed decisions during coronavirus</a>

Garcia was suffering from an unknown pre-existing health condition, he suffered from a form of leukaemia (blood cancer) which made his battle against coronavirus difficult. The young Spaniard was informed about cancer after going into the hospital with the symptoms of coronavirus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/five-members-of-valencia-fc-doing-well-after-testing-positive-for-covid-19-286632" hreflang="en">Five members of Valencia FC 'doing well' after testing positive for COVID-19</a>

According to a local Spanish newspaper, Garcia, who found it difficult to breathe, was initially told that he had coronavirus and pneumonia and was asked to take further medical assistance. Later on, he was told that he had leukaemia.

According to his doctors, Francisco would have survived if he had not been suffering from leukaemia.

The club released a statement paying tribute to its former coach: "We want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and close friends of our coach Francisco Garcia who has left us, unfortunately. Now, what do we do without you, Francis? How are we going to continue conquering ... in the league? We don't know how, but we will surely do it for you. We will not forget you, rest in peace, phenomenon. Until forever."

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La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks after Spanish club Real Madrid's players were put in quarantine.

Garcia is possibly the youngest victim in Europe to die of the global pandemic, the youngest individual to die in Italy was a 38-year-old man who died last week, while China’s youngest victim was a 36-year-old male.

Spain has been the second-worst hit European nation with deaths over 300.

Spain is Europe's second most coronavirus-affected country after Italy and the latest jump in cases came after the government imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown, prohibiting people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or purchase food.

At the age of 21, Francisco Garcia, the coach of the youth team at Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta died of the novel coronavirus. Also read: 'Were being treated like guinea pigs', Wayne Rooney slams FA for delayed decisions during coronavirus Garcia was suffering from an unknown pre-existing health condition, he suffered from a form of leukaemia (blood cancer) which made his battle against coronavirus difficult.

At the age of 21, Francisco Garcia, the coach of the youth team at Malaga-based club Atletico Portada Alta died of the novel coronavirus. Also read: 'Were being treated like guinea pigs', Wayne Rooney slams FA for delayed decisions during coronavirus Garcia was suffering from an unknown pre-existing health condition, he suffered from a form of leukaemia (blood cancer) which made his battle against coronavirus difficult. The young Spaniard was informed about cancer after going into the hospital with the symptoms of coronavirus. Also read: Five members of Valencia FC 'doing well' after testing positive for COVID-19 According to a local Spanish newspaper, Garcia, who found it difficult to breathe, was initially told that he had coronavirus and pneumonia and was asked to take further medical assistance. Later on, he was told that he had leukaemia. According to his doctors, Francisco would have survived if he had not been suffering from leukaemia. The club released a statement paying tribute to its former coach: "We want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and close friends of our coach Francisco Garcia who has left us, unfortunately. Now, what do we do without you, Francis? How are we going to continue conquering ... in the league? We don't know how, but we will surely do it for you. We will not forget you, rest in peace, phenomenon. Until forever." Desde el Atlético Portada Alta queremos manifestar nuestro más profundo pésame a la familia, amigos y allegados de... Posted by Atlético Portada Alta on Sunday, 15 March 2020 × La Liga announced Spain's top two divisions will be suspended for at least two weeks after Spanish club Real Madrid's players were put in quarantine. Garcia is possibly the youngest victim in Europe to die of the global pandemic, the youngest individual to die in Italy was a 38-year-old man who died last week, while China’s youngest victim was a 36-year-old male. Spain has been the second-worst hit European nation with deaths over 300. Spain is Europe's second most coronavirus-affected country after Italy and the latest jump in cases came after the government imposed a near-total nationwide lockdown, prohibiting people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or purchase food.

Coronavirus: Spanish youth team coach Francisco Garcia dies at 21

Pakistan reports one death due to Covid 19 in Lahore. Punjab health minister Dr, Yasmin Rashid said that the number of coronavirus cases in the province has risen.

One death in Pakistan due to Coronvirus

Around the world scientists and pandemic, forecasters are working frantically to predict how Covid-19 will pan out and when will it peak. A new model suggests that even if cases dip during the hotter summer months, the numbers can rise again once winters set in.

Coronavirus: When will COVID 19 Outbreak Peak ?

The total number of cases in India has now risen to 73. Kerala is the worst hit state with 17 cases, we have learnt two of these patients are in critical condition.

Coronavirus Outbreak : Total number of cases in India reaches 73

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