Canada’s consumption of alcohol and junk food has gone up during the pandemic. On Sunday, the country’s top health official Theresa Tam expressed fears of the deteriorating mental health of Canadians.

Increased alcohol and junk food consumption, according to her, point to a bigger problem of mental fatigue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/stand-up-to-trump-canada-protestors-shout-to-trudeau-at-anti-racism-rally-303734" hreflang="en">'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally</a>

Canada claims to have passed the “worst of coronavirus”, with the number of infections dipping across the country. On Saturday, the death rate increased by 0.9 per cent. So far, 7,703 people have been killed.

Currently, the country has recorded 95,057 cases of coronavirus.

As the world reels from the economic fallout of lockdowns, most countries are abandoning the total closure approach in favour of precautionary lifestyles, asking people to restart working but while practicing all the needed restrictions.

<h6><img alt="Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam attends a news conference, as efforts continue to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada April 9, 2020." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed0f1a53-547c-44fd-be2e-b75c2107a4cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_1.jpg" /> 
A park worker paints circles to help visitors maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 28, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

 
All ten provinces across Canada are now in the process of reopening. Restrictions on social gatherings will also be lifted. Unemployment in the country has increased with analysts warning the recovery set to take years.

"I am concerned about Canadians' mental health ... more Canadians have increased their consumption of alcohol and junk food or sweets since the beginning of the pandemic," Tam said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/canada-to-promote-holidays-at-home-because-of-covid-19-border-closures-302144" hreflang="en">Canada to promote holidays at home because of COVID-19 border closures</a>

Tam referred to a survey conducted by Statistics Canada on the effects of the pandemic. The focus of the study was mental health, whereby almost 20 per cent respondents claimed to have been suffering from moderate or severe anxiety.

"While social interactions and activities might look different right now, Canadians should be actively looking for safe ways to socialize, engage in physical activity and make ... healthy food choices," she said.

The country witnessed an increase of 6.7 per cent in the sales of tobacco during February-March.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Canada’s consumption of alcohol and junk food has gone up during the pandemic. On Sunday, the country’s top health official Theresa Tam expressed fears of the deteriorating mental health of Canadians.

Canada’s consumption of alcohol and junk food has gone up during the pandemic. On Sunday, the country’s top health official Theresa Tam expressed fears of the deteriorating mental health of Canadians. Increased alcohol and junk food consumption, according to her, point to a bigger problem of mental fatigue. Also read: 'Stand up to Trump!' Canada protestors shout to Trudeau at anti-racism rally Canada claims to have passed the “worst of coronavirus”, with the number of infections dipping across the country. On Saturday, the death rate increased by 0.9 per cent. So far, 7,703 people have been killed. Currently, the country has recorded 95,057 cases of coronavirus. As the world reels from the economic fallout of lockdowns, most countries are abandoning the total closure approach in favour of precautionary lifestyles, asking people to restart working but while practicing all the needed restrictions. A park worker paints circles to help visitors maintain social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at Trinity Bellwoods park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada May 28, 2020 | Reuters All ten provinces across Canada are now in the process of reopening. Restrictions on social gatherings will also be lifted. Unemployment in the country has increased with analysts warning the recovery set to take years. "I am concerned about Canadians' mental health ... more Canadians have increased their consumption of alcohol and junk food or sweets since the beginning of the pandemic," Tam said in a statement. Also read: Canada to promote holidays at home because of COVID-19 border closures Tam referred to a survey conducted by Statistics Canada on the effects of the pandemic. The focus of the study was mental health, whereby almost 20 per cent respondents claimed to have been suffering from moderate or severe anxiety. "While social interactions and activities might look different right now, Canadians should be actively looking for safe ways to socialize, engage in physical activity and make ... healthy food choices," she said. The country witnessed an increase of 6.7 per cent in the sales of tobacco during February-March. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Canada's health chief fears for people's mental health as alcohol consumption spikes

North Korea claims it is producing 'functional vegetables' to improve people's diet & health. What exactly makes these vegetables special? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: What are North Korea's 'functional vegetables'?

"Stay safe, stay healthy", that's the mantra these days. And in North Korea, things are being done a little differently. There are vegetables and then there are "functional vegetables".

"Stay safe, stay healthy", that's the mantra these days. And in North Korea, things are being done a little differently. There are vegetables and then there are "functional vegetables". Sounds bizarre right? Also read: US secures 300 million doses of potential AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine In these strange times it seems like anything is possible. An institute in North Korea is reportedly producing various types of "functional vegetables" with the aim to improve people's diet and health. Also read: Cape Town turns coronavirus hotspot for the African continent A video by North Korea's official news agency KCNA gives a sneak peek. It claims to show workers at the Pyongyang vegetable science institute looking after plants like peppers and tomatoes. A researcher at Pyongyang vegetable science institute, Im Byong Sop, said: "In particular, Gynura Biocolor which was recently produced has 20 to 30 times the amount of iron than vegetables planted outside. It is the ideal vegetable for women who have just given birth or for people with anemia due to a lack of iron. We will continue to research ways to produce more kinds of vegetables and contribute to improving the health of the people." As per KCNA, the institute is equipped with bioengineering research facilities. It all sounds too good to be true for a country which has for years relied on regular supplies of UN Food Aid. Amid the pandemic, North Korea also claims to have zero COVID-19 cases. It shut its borders in January when cases surged in China but its claim of being COVID-19 free has been viewed with suspicion.

Now, North Korea produces 'functional vegetables' to improve people's diet

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bullish-market-in-nikes-michael-jordan-sneakers-after-the-blockbuster-series-release-online-296987" hreflang="en">Bullish market in Nike’s Michael Jordan sneakers after the blockbuster series release online</a>

Director Peter Wiggs' departure after just five weeks with the governing body follows former chief executive Raelene Castle's decision to leave last month as the sport battles internal divisions and a financial crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-face-damages-claim-in-high-court-over-bennell-abuse-296844" hreflang="en">Man City face damages claim in High Court over Bennell abuse</a>

"Peter has decided to step down from the board and I understand his reasons," chairman Paul McLean said in a statement.

"He has undertaken some very important work and has made a valuable contribution to the organisation, in a very short time, and we are thankful for his contribution."

McLean did not detail Wiggs' reasons for resigning but Australian media reported that he had demanded major concessions in return for becoming chairman, prompting fellow board members to revolt.

These included immediately appointing his preferred candidate as chief executive without going through a recruitment process and finding a place on the board for John O'Neill, the polarising former boss of the organisation.

Later on Wednesday Rugby Australia said it had appointed former Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke as interim CEO.

"The game is facing some unprecedented challenges and like all rugby supporters and people working within the game, I want to see Australian rugby get through this," said Clarke. Rugby Australia said he is not interested in taking on the job permanently.&nbsp;

Wiggs, whose background is in finance, had been expected to take over the chairman's role and focus on improving Rugby Australia's bottom line before his resignation.

The COVID-19 shutdown has exacerbated financial strains on RA, which was already struggling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star try-scorer Israel Folau over his sacking for homophobic comments.

It reported a provisional Aus$9.4 million ($6 million) operating deficit last year and has laid off 75 percent of staff to cut costs during the virus emergency, which has brought sport to a halt.

Castle was blamed by some sections of the rugby community, although McLean said after her resignation that the body's first female CEO had been subject to vitriolic attacks from "dark forces" on social media.

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members.

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members. Also read: Bullish market in Nike’s Michael Jordan sneakers after the blockbuster series release online Director Peter Wiggs' departure after just five weeks with the governing body follows former chief executive Raelene Castle's decision to leave last month as the sport battles internal divisions and a financial crisis. Also read: Man City face damages claim in High Court over Bennell abuse "Peter has decided to step down from the board and I understand his reasons," chairman Paul McLean said in a statement. "He has undertaken some very important work and has made a valuable contribution to the organisation, in a very short time, and we are thankful for his contribution." McLean did not detail Wiggs' reasons for resigning but Australian media reported that he had demanded major concessions in return for becoming chairman, prompting fellow board members to revolt. These included immediately appointing his preferred candidate as chief executive without going through a recruitment process and finding a place on the board for John O'Neill, the polarising former boss of the organisation. Later on Wednesday Rugby Australia said it had appointed former Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke as interim CEO. "The game is facing some unprecedented challenges and like all rugby supporters and people working within the game, I want to see Australian rugby get through this," said Clarke. Rugby Australia said he is not interested in taking on the job permanently. Wiggs, whose background is in finance, had been expected to take over the chairman's role and focus on improving Rugby Australia's bottom line before his resignation. The COVID-19 shutdown has exacerbated financial strains on RA, which was already struggling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star try-scorer Israel Folau over his sacking for homophobic comments. It reported a provisional Aus$9.4 million ($6 million) operating deficit last year and has laid off 75 percent of staff to cut costs during the virus emergency, which has brought sport to a halt. Castle was blamed by some sections of the rugby community, although McLean said after her resignation that the body's first female CEO had been subject to vitriolic attacks from "dark forces" on social media.

Rugby Australia director out as turmoil continues

The United Nations children’s agency Unicef said hundreds of thousands were at risk as lockdowns across South Asia halted immunisation drives and parents refrained from taking their children to doctors to be inoculated.

“While the Covid-19 virus does not appear to make many children seriously ill, the health of hundreds of thousands of children could be impacted by this disruption of regular immunisation services,” said Jean Gough, director of Unicef’s South Asia office.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-considering-coronavirus-checks-on-international-flights-trump-295404">Also read:&nbsp;US considering coronavirus checks on international flights: Trump</a>

“This is a very serious threat. Early action is key.” Bangladesh and Nepal have halted their measles and rubella campaigns while Pakistan and Afghanistan have suspended their polio drives since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unicef noted that “sporadic” outbreaks of preventable diseases that can be cured with vaccines, including the measles and diphtheria, have emerged in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal.

Vaccine stocks were also running low in some countries in the region thanks to lockdowns and travel bans which have disrupted supply chains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-outbreak-is-mumbai-turning-into-indias-new-york-city-295323">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City?</a>

“Unicef strongly recommends that, where immunisation campaigns are suspended, governments begin rigorous planning now to intensify immunisation activities once the Covid-19 pandemic is under control,” the agency said in a statement.

It added that as long as health workers take hygiene precautions, there was no reason for vaccinations not to continue.

The agency estimated that 4.5 million of South Asia’s children had already missed out on routine immunisations, even before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

The United Nations children’s agency Unicef said hundreds of thousands were at risk as lockdowns across South Asia halted immunisation drives and parents refrained from taking their children to doctors to be inoculated.

The United Nations children’s agency Unicef said hundreds of thousands were at risk as lockdowns across South Asia halted immunisation drives and parents refrained from taking their children to doctors to be inoculated. “While the Covid-19 virus does not appear to make many children seriously ill, the health of hundreds of thousands of children could be impacted by this disruption of regular immunisation services,” said Jean Gough, director of Unicef’s South Asia office. Also read: US considering coronavirus checks on international flights: Trump “This is a very serious threat. Early action is key.” Bangladesh and Nepal have halted their measles and rubella campaigns while Pakistan and Afghanistan have suspended their polio drives since the Covid-19 pandemic. Unicef noted that “sporadic” outbreaks of preventable diseases that can be cured with vaccines, including the measles and diphtheria, have emerged in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. Vaccine stocks were also running low in some countries in the region thanks to lockdowns and travel bans which have disrupted supply chains. Also read: COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City? “Unicef strongly recommends that, where immunisation campaigns are suspended, governments begin rigorous planning now to intensify immunisation activities once the Covid-19 pandemic is under control,” the agency said in a statement. It added that as long as health workers take hygiene precautions, there was no reason for vaccinations not to continue. The agency estimated that 4.5 million of South Asia’s children had already missed out on routine immunisations, even before the coronavirus pandemic struck.

South Asia may face new health crisis as children miss vaccinations: UN

A Chilean opera singer is keeping her neighbors entertained by singing classics from her window during the country's coronavirus quarantine.

Chilean soprano sings for neighbors during lockdown

A 12-year-old Mexican boy is doing his bit to help with reported shortages of masks and visors brought on by the coronavirus pandemic by making his own to give to medics.

Mexican boy, 12, donates visors he creates on 3D printer to doctors

World War Two veteran Ermando Piveta, aged 99, became the oldest Brazilian to recover from the coronavirus on Tuesday (April 14).

'Bigger than winning the war': WWII vet, aged 99, survives coronavirus in Brazil

The lockdown has left everyone restricted to our homes leading to lack physical activity. Here are simple yoga poses which will help improve immunity, achieve a stable mind and healthy body.

Quick yoga tricks to boost immunity and manage anxiety during lockdown

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned against the rising sales of counterfeit medicines across the world, especially in developing countries.

An investigation undertaken by the BBC found that such drugs were being sold across Africa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-retains-face-mask-ban-even-amid-covid-19-crisis-291687" hreflang="en">Hong Kong retains face mask ban even amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

The drugs could have “serious side effects” the WHO had warned. Juxtaposing it with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, health analysts warned that consumption of such drugs could trigger a parallel pandemic, triggered by counterfeit and dangerous drugs

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered stockpiling medicines across the globe, especially in the developing countries, where medicines are already not easily available.

Demand vs production

The world’s two largest producers of medical supplies - China and India, are unable to keep up with the global demand owing to the lockdowns enforced in the countries.

Last month, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Interpol arrested over 121 people across 90 countries in seven days. Owing to this, the agency was able to seize counterfeit drugs with $14 million.

Face masks and medicines which are not only fake, but also ineffective have been seized across Asia and Africa.

WHO recently claimed that the trade of illicit medicines may account for over $30 billion, especially in developing countries. This includes contaminated medicines, as well as meds containing the wrong ingredient.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32dfa04b-d5bc-4c3e-9b1d-130fefcb3f19" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_0.jpg" /> 
Handout photo released by the Bolivian Presidency of smuggled fake medicines seized by the police in La Paz on April 10, 2019. Bolivian authorities confirmed the existence of a net of falsification and smuggling of medicines from Peru which could also be related to Colombia and India | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The global pharmaceutical industry is worth over $1 trillion. Manufacturing mostly takes place in China and India, while packaging usually happens in Europe, South America.

BBC reported that companies in India are now running at 50-60 per cent of their normal capacity. India sends over 20 per cent of all basic medicines to Africa.

There’s an unhealthy relationship being set into motion owing to the pandemic: while the demand is increasing, the production is decreasing. And as panic stricken people stock up on medicines, the ones who need it the most may not have access at all.

Hydroxychloroquine?

The US President, Donald Trump recently endorsed hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug as a champion in the fight against COVID-19.

However, the WHO has repeatedly asserted that there is no evidence of the medicine assisting with the alleviation of coronavirus symptoms or the virus itself.

Owing to Trump’s claims, countries around the world have stepped up efforts to stock up on the medicine, with over 30 countries requesting India to ship the anti-malarial drug.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-from-covid-19-exceeds-90000-worldwide-291655" hreflang="en">Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide</a>

The BBC discovered that the counterfeit variation of the medicine is being widely sold across Africa, especially in Congo and Cameroon.

The medicine, which usually cost over $40 in Congo is now being sold for up to $250, and that too fake!

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/famous-tourist-spots-offering-virtual-tour-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-291499">Famous tourist spots offering virtual tour amid coronavirus pandemic</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned against the rising sales of counterfeit medicines across the world, especially in developing countries. An investigation undertaken by the BBC found that such drugs were being sold across Africa.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently warned against the rising sales of counterfeit medicines across the world, especially in developing countries. An investigation undertaken by the BBC found that such drugs were being sold across Africa. Also read: Hong Kong retains face mask ban even amid COVID-19 crisis The drugs could have “serious side effects” the WHO had warned. Juxtaposing it with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, health analysts warned that consumption of such drugs could trigger a parallel pandemic, triggered by counterfeit and dangerous drugs The coronavirus pandemic has triggered stockpiling medicines across the globe, especially in the developing countries, where medicines are already not easily available. Demand vs production The world’s two largest producers of medical supplies - China and India, are unable to keep up with the global demand owing to the lockdowns enforced in the countries. Last month, when COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Interpol arrested over 121 people across 90 countries in seven days. Owing to this, the agency was able to seize counterfeit drugs with $14 million. Face masks and medicines which are not only fake, but also ineffective have been seized across Asia and Africa. WHO recently claimed that the trade of illicit medicines may account for over $30 billion, especially in developing countries. This includes contaminated medicines, as well as meds containing the wrong ingredient. Handout photo released by the Bolivian Presidency of smuggled fake medicines seized by the police in La Paz on April 10, 2019. Bolivian authorities confirmed the existence of a net of falsification and smuggling of medicines from Peru which could also be related to Colombia and India | AFP The global pharmaceutical industry is worth over $1 trillion. Manufacturing mostly takes place in China and India, while packaging usually happens in Europe, South America. BBC reported that companies in India are now running at 50-60 per cent of their normal capacity. India sends over 20 per cent of all basic medicines to Africa. There’s an unhealthy relationship being set into motion owing to the pandemic: while the demand is increasing, the production is decreasing. And as panic stricken people stock up on medicines, the ones who need it the most may not have access at all. Hydroxychloroquine? The US President, Donald Trump recently endorsed hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug as a champion in the fight against COVID-19. However, the WHO has repeatedly asserted that there is no evidence of the medicine assisting with the alleviation of coronavirus symptoms or the virus itself. Owing to Trump’s claims, countries around the world have stepped up efforts to stock up on the medicine, with over 30 countries requesting India to ship the anti-malarial drug. Also read: Death toll from COVID-19 exceeds 90,000 worldwide The BBC discovered that the counterfeit variation of the medicine is being widely sold across Africa, especially in Congo and Cameroon. The medicine, which usually cost over $40 in Congo is now being sold for up to $250, and that too fake! In pics: Famous tourist spots offering virtual tour amid coronavirus pandemic

Is the COVID-19 crisis causing a dangerous spike in the circulation of counterfeit medicines?

The total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 3,577 on Sunday, according to Union Health Ministry data. The earlier data recorded a total of 3,374 confirmed cases.

Over 3,500 infected, 83 dead so far of COVID-19

India's officials from different concerned departments such as Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry; Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Home Ministry; Dr Gangakhedkar, ICMR Chief brief the media on pandemic COVID-19 status across the country.

Updates on Coronavirus: Health Ministry briefs media on COVID-19 status across the country

There are no signs of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases fall short in India as 472 new cases has been reported in last 24 hrs.

No signs of COVID-19 cases reduction in India, 472 cases reported in 24 hrs

India's Health ministry gave the latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India by briefing the media through press conference.

Health ministry give latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India

Researchers in Belgium have used 3D printing to develop plastic devices that can convert snorkel masks into medical face guards, to help stretched hospitals as they battle the coronavirus outbreak.

Belgians turn snorkelling masks into coronavirus face guards for medical staff

A Chilean company is promoting a reusable copper mask that can be manufactured in 3D printers they say will help alleviate the deficit of face masks in demand over the spread of the coronavirus.

Chileans make reusable copper masks to face coronavirus

Through war or through a coronavirus curfew, Syrian gym coaches Reem al-Shami and Fadi Barakat say they will never stop exercising.

Can't stop, won't stop: Syrian gym coaches stay fit

A Swiss distillery has converted its production of fruit-based spirits to make disinfectant hand gel for use against coronavirus, helping to ease supplies across the Alpine country.

Swiss distillery turns pear-mint liquor into hand sanitiser amid coronavirus outbreak

Israeli bride and groom Roni Ben-Ari and Yonatan Meushar, danced in the near-deserted hall on Wednesday (March 18) with most of their family and friends watching from their screens via livestream.

'Just the two of us': Love in the age of coronavirus

"Corona, corona" - is the catchy refrain from a music video produced by a high school teacher in northeastern Thailand and the catchy tune which stars the teacher in a batman costume aimes to spread awareness of the outbreak and how people can protect themselves from it.

Thai 'Batman' hopes to fend off virus with song and dance

Thousands of partying American university students who made their annual pilgrimage to Florida for spring break are having their celebrations interrupted as extraordinary measures to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus are taking effect.

Miami spring-breakers vow to keep partying despite coronavirus lockdown

ICMR holds a press conference to tell Indian people that they should not worry much. India yet not reach to the 3rd stage. Dr Balram Bhargava says, India will get test kits soon from WHO.

ICMR press briefing: India gets 1 million test kits from WHO soon

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Large gathering places &amp; schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. 
 
NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. 
 
We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes &amp; help clean public spaces.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) <a href="https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1237445848969117698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County.

Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/us-postpones-summit-with-asean-leaders-amid-coronavirus-fears-report-283438">US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report</a>

"We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said.

There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected.

Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine.

"You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-us-others-nations-tighten-curbs-on-travel-to-china-as-virus-toll-hits-213-277797">Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213</a>

"It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added.

"People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP.

"It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said.

Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean."

The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-economy-could-take-hit-from-coronavirus-284605">Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus</a>

His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected.

"As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health.

At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times.

The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-coronavirus-death-toll-us-taliban-deal-and-more-284966">Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, US-Taliban deal and more</a>

The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday.

New York is deploying National Guard troops for the first time in the coronavirus crisis to help contain the spread of the disease from an infection-hit suburb of New York City, the state's governor said Tuesday. Large gathering places & schools in this area will be closed for 2 wks, starting Thursday until March 25. NY is partnering with Northwell Health to open a satellite testing facility there. We will deploy the National Guard to deliver food to homes & help clean public spaces. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 10, 2020 × Andrew Cuomo said authorities would set up a one-mile radius "containment zone" around the epicentre of an outbreak in New Rochelle in suburban Westchester County. Cuomo explained that all facilities in the zone that hold large gatherings, such as schools and temples, would be closed for two weeks beginning Thursday. Also Read: US postpones summit with ASEAN leaders amid coronavirus fears: Report "We're also going to use the National Guard in the containment area to deliver food to homes, to help with the cleaning of public spaces," Cuomo said. There have been 173 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in New York state, including 108 in Westchester County, home to New Rochelle where the majority of infections have been detected. Cuomo told reporters that businesses in the containment zone will remain open and that people will be free to come and go as they wish, insisting there is no quarantine. "You're not containing people, it's facilities," he said. Also Read: Coronavirus outbreak: US, others nations tighten curbs on travel to China as virus toll hits 213 "It is a dramatic action, but it is the largest cluster in the country. This is literally a matter of life and death," Cuomo added. "People are scared, it's an unusual situation to be in," Miles Goldberg, who runs a New Rochelle bar, told AFP. "It makes people nervous to be around others, it makes people nervous to get inside into businesses and such," he said. Tim Eble, who manages a gym, said he intended to keep the facility open but take "extra precautions to keep things clean." The area is centred on a synagogue in New Rochelle -- a city of 80,000 inhabitants just north of New York City -- that was attended by a man who was the state's first case, a lawyer working in Manhattan. Also Read: Trump says US economy could take hit from coronavirus His wife, Adina Lewis Garbuz, posted Tuesday on Facebook that it had taken health officials "days" to figure out he was infected. "As many have asked, of course, he went to the doctor and did so many times. No one figured it out and it even took the hospital days to figure it out," she said, reporting that the rest of her family was in good health. At least one of the employees at the hospital where her husband was treated contracted the virus, and others, including doctors, were under quarantine, according to The New York Times. The hospital did not immediately respond for comment when contacted by AFP. Also Read: Morning News Brief: Coronavirus death toll, US-Taliban deal and more The United States has more than 950 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University. Twenty-eight people have died, 23 of those in Washington state, the other US virus epicentre. No one has died in New York.

New York deploys National Guard to fight coronavirus: United States

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-today-afghanistan-political-crisis-coronavirus-in-saudi-arabia-more-285317">Top 10 world news today: Afghanistan political crisis, coronavirus in Saudi Arabia &amp; more</a>

The five patients have been taken to an isolation ward and are being treated, the ministry said.

The previous four positive cases of the infection were registered in western Herat province of Afghanistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-today-afghan-peace-talks-coronavirus-severity-shrinks-libya-talks-and-more-283165">Top 10 world news today: Afghan peace talks, coronavirus Severity shrinks, Libya talks and more</a>

Herat borders neighbouring Iran, which is one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus outside of China, with more than 7,000 cases and dozens of deaths.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fear-and-panic-as-virus-threatens-afghanistan-pakistan-282928">&nbsp;'Fear and panic' as virus threatens Afghanistan, Pakistan</a>

On Sunday, public health minister of the country Ferozuddin Feroz said that a 200-bed hospital in Kabul, another hospital in Herat and the third one in Nimroz province has been established for the potential coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

He said more hospitals will be established in other provinces if needed.According to him, 30,000 kits have been provided by the United Arab Emirates for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and 20,000 are likely to arrive soon.

This comes as Herat`s refugees and repatriation directorate said on Tuesday that the number of Afghan refugees repatriated from Iran, a coronavirus hotspot, has doubled over the last two weeks, with "hundreds of thousands of refugees" crossing the border at Islam Qala every day.

 
&nbsp;

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported.

One positive case of the deadly coronavirus was registered in northern Samangan province, the Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday, which brings the total number of confirmed cases in Afghanistan to five, Tolo News reported. Also read: Top 10 world news today: Afghanistan political crisis, coronavirus in Saudi Arabia & more The five patients have been taken to an isolation ward and are being treated, the ministry said. The previous four positive cases of the infection were registered in western Herat province of Afghanistan. Also read: Top 10 world news today: Afghan peace talks, coronavirus Severity shrinks, Libya talks and more Herat borders neighbouring Iran, which is one of the countries worst affected by coronavirus outside of China, with more than 7,000 cases and dozens of deaths. Also read: 'Fear and panic' as virus threatens Afghanistan, Pakistan On Sunday, public health minister of the country Ferozuddin Feroz said that a 200-bed hospital in Kabul, another hospital in Herat and the third one in Nimroz province has been established for the potential coronavirus patients. He said more hospitals will be established in other provinces if needed.According to him, 30,000 kits have been provided by the United Arab Emirates for dealing with the coronavirus outbreak and 20,000 are likely to arrive soon. This comes as Herat`s refugees and repatriation directorate said on Tuesday that the number of Afghan refugees repatriated from Iran, a coronavirus hotspot, has doubled over the last two weeks, with "hundreds of thousands of refugees" crossing the border at Islam Qala every day.

Coronavirus cases rise to 5 in Afghanistan, confirms Health Ministry

health

Health, News on Health, stories on Health, articles on Health, Health stories at Wion, Health news, Health latest news