Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. &nbsp;

As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. &nbsp;

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Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. &nbsp;

In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). &nbsp;

The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/64-km-long-russian-military-convoy-heads-for-kyiv-show-satellite-images-457667">64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images</a>

But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. &nbsp;

"I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine.

Holding supposedly the world's biggest nuclear arsenal, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed strategic forces on high alert on Sunday as his forces are embroiled in conflict with Ukraine. On Monday, Russia's defence ministry said its nuclear missile forces and Northern and Pacific fleets had been placed on "enhanced" combat duty. The decision has been made in line with Putin’s order. As there is a fear of an outbreak of nuclear war, let’s get acquainted with the capabilities of Russia. Also Read: 'Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine' Russia has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world. It has 6,255 warheads, while the US commands 5,550. China follows behind with 350 and France has 290, said SIPRI, a research institute in Stockholm. In 2020, Russia spent $8 billion on the building and maintenance of nuclear arsenal, as per Nobel peace prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN). The Russian constitution grants control of the nuclear weapons to the president, but the transmission of any order for its use, and the authentication of it, also includes the defence minister and the chief of staff of armed forces. Also Read: 64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images But will the Russian president go for nuclear weapons? Or will the military implement the order, if it comes? Experts are still in doubt. "I personally don't think the Russian military elite will cheer at the idea of limited nuclear use in or about Ukraine," tweeted Kristin Ven Bruusgaard at Stanford University's Center for International Security and Cooperation. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia?  

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.&nbsp;

Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting.&nbsp;

On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;

The crisis has now become a war of endurance.

If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally.

We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states.

The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion

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Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack.&nbsp;

Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer.

In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise.

At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness.

While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use.&nbsp;

What are the potential dangers?

Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control.

Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern.

Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable.

Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders.

The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low.

What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries?

Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads.

Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.)&nbsp;

Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons.

This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries.

Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII.

When Russia first invaded Ukraine, war experts said that a nuclear strike would be unlikely, but nonetheless a matter of concern, considering that the invasion launched Europe's greatest military campaign since WWII. Fresh weaponry and other supplies continue to flow into Ukraine from both the European Union and the United States, allowing Ukrainian soldiers to continue fighting. On the ground, the balance of forces is not totally or perfectly equal, but what was originally a completely disproportioned asymmetry of forces has been steadily re-equilibrated in favour of Ukrainian troops. The crisis has now become a war of endurance. If you're worried about the present crisis in Ukraine, you're acting rationally. We are closer to a full-blown war than we have been since the early 1980s between the two greatest nuclear-armed states. The US and Russia are not exactly at odds, and President Joe Biden has sensibly decided against sending US troops to Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion Neither country would deliberately launch a "bolt-out-of-the-blue" nuclear attack. Putin's plan to employ tactical nuclear weapons does not seem that farfetched any longer. In reality, on Sunday, he raised the alert level for Russia's nuclear forces, but it was unclear what that meant in practise. At all times, Russia and the United States are assumed to keep their land-based and submarine-based nuclear missiles in high readiness. While they carefully select which instruments of coercion to use, they have both established "integrated deterrence" doctrines during the last decade that include nuclear weapons among the coercive alternatives they use. What are the potential dangers? Even if Putin's statement is intended as a warning rather than a declaration of war, there is always the potential for a mistake if one side misinterprets the other or events spiral out of control. Putin has become isolated and out of touch, with few of his advisers ready to tell him the truth, which is a source of concern. Some believe his judgement is becoming increasingly unpredictable. Some hope, though, that if he goes too far, others further up the line of command will refuse to carry out orders. The chances of a nuclear war have increased marginally, although they remain low. What is the state of Russia's nuclear arsenal? How does it compare to other countries? Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, with over 6,000 warheads. Most of those warheads were in reserve when Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, with just roughly 1,600 deployed as land, sea, and air-based weapons, such as missiles in silos or bombs dropped by planes. (Nuclear weapons were left on Ukrainian land when the USSR came apart at the conclusion of the Cold War, but Ukraine returned them to Russia.) Russia, United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Israel, North Korea, and Pakistan are known to possess nuclear weapons. This includes every permanent member of the United Nations Security Council who has worked for decades to update it's nuclear weapons, as well as three NATO countries. Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the overall number of weapons has decreased by nearly 80%, from an estimated 70,300 in 1986 to 12,700 in early 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs.&nbsp;

The relief material also includes pulse oximeters, swabs with VTM, specimen bags for swabs, PPE kits (surgical masks, gloves, N95 masks, shoe covers, hair caps) and emergency Covid medication supplies.

The Ministry claimed that this shows India’s commitment to providing "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support," as an early responder in the Pacific region. "India remains committed to extend full support to Kiribati’s national efforts in mitigating the challenges arising from the pandemic," the statement read.&nbsp;

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The Covid outbreak in Kiribati can be attributed to the low vaccination rate as only 33 per cent of 113,000 residents are fully vaccinated. Also, 59 per cent have received just one shot. &nbsp;

As per President Taneti Maamau the administration is using all of its resources to deal with the crisis. He also urged the citizens to get vaccinated.&nbsp;

There was no sign of an outbreak in the Pacific island because it was closed for two years. However, it reopened last month and this is when a jet transported 54 of the island nation's people back home.

Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America.

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs.

India has delivered medical supplies to Kiribati as the island is dealing with the Covid outbreak for the first time in two years. The government of India sent a consignment of medical supplies, containing PPEs and medications, states the Ministry of External Affairs. The relief material also includes pulse oximeters, swabs with VTM, specimen bags for swabs, PPE kits (surgical masks, gloves, N95 masks, shoe covers, hair caps) and emergency Covid medication supplies. The Ministry claimed that this shows India’s commitment to providing "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) support," as an early responder in the Pacific region. "India remains committed to extend full support to Kiribati’s national efforts in mitigating the challenges arising from the pandemic," the statement read. Also read | Remote Pacific island which had only 2 two cases until now goes into lockdown The Covid outbreak in Kiribati can be attributed to the low vaccination rate as only 33 per cent of 113,000 residents are fully vaccinated. Also, 59 per cent have received just one shot. As per President Taneti Maamau the administration is using all of its resources to deal with the crisis. He also urged the citizens to get vaccinated. There was no sign of an outbreak in the Pacific island because it was closed for two years. However, it reopened last month and this is when a jet transported 54 of the island nation's people back home. Kiribati is one of the most isolated islands in the world. It is some 5,000km (3,100 miles) from its nearest continent, North America.

India sends medical supplies to Kiribati as the island struggles with its first Covid outbreak

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak.

“Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot.

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None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals.

Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated.

Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said.

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The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine.

In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship.

None of the crew on the Navy combat ship USS Milwaukee who have been infected with the coronavirus have needed hospitalisation, the Guantánamo Bay base hospital said Sunday, two days after the Navy disclosed an outbreak among fully vaccinated sailors aboard the ship. The Milwaukee departed its home port in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 14 with a crew of 105 sailors, including a Navy helicopter combat crew and a Coast Guard law enforcement unit as part of the U.S. Southern Command’s efforts to fight drug trafficking in the Caribbean. It reached Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, on Monday for a refuelling and resupply stop and extended its stay there because of the outbreak. “Our medical and public health teams are in close contact with medical on board ship,” hospital spokesperson Dawn Grimes said Sunday. At the request of the ship, she added, the hospital was providing medical staff on board with COVID-19 vaccine booster doses “to administer to those” who want an extra shot. Also read | New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022 None of the Milwaukee’s crew members were permitted to leave the ship and adjoining pier after docking at the base, Cmdr. Kate Meadows said Saturday, sparing the 6,000 residents at Guantánamo Bay the risk of being exposed. The ship held its own open-air, socially distanced Christmas service on the pier, rather than attending services at the base chapel, and chefs on board prepared a holiday meal instead of joining Guantánamo personnel for their meals. Active-duty troops in the Army and Navy were fired this month over their refusal to get vaccinated after President Joe Biden in August mandated vaccination for the armed services. But there were only a small group of holdouts last week, with the Navy reporting that more than 98% of its members had been vaccinated. Only 85% of the residents of the base were fully vaccinated as of Sunday, Grimes said. Also read | Spanish minister says people should cut on eating meat to curb climate crisis The outbreak aboard the Milwaukee is the first significant COVID-related health crisis aboard a U.S. ship sailing for the Southern Command since April 2020, when the Navy sent the USS Kidd from similar drug-interdiction operations back to San Diego with dozens of infected sailors on board. That episode occurred before the development of a vaccine. In March 2020, one of the military’s first encounters with the virus occurred aboard the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt. The ship docked in Guam, in the South Pacific, and ended up stranded there for months after dozens of sailors were infected and one died. The ship’s commander at the time sent a letter to Navy officials pleading for help tackling the outbreak and criticising the Navy’s failure to provide the proper resources. He was later removed from command of the ship.

No sailors on a navy ship have needed hospitalisation after outbreak

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown.&nbsp;

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said that 26 Communist Party officials had been punished for "insufficient rigour in preventing and controlling the outbreak". Chinese officials who are believed to have failed in controlling the outbreak are regularly sacked or reprimanded.&nbsp;

As per the statement, the outbreak in Xi'an can be attributed to the negligent attitude of the officials.&nbsp;

A party discipline official said that the authorities would clamp down on "bureaucratic issues in disease control work such as shirking responsibility, not taking action, passing the buck and dealing with things in a negative way."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-puts-millions-under-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-in-xian-city-439025">Also read |&nbsp;China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city</a>

Under the new lockdown rules, only one household member will be allowed to go out of the house to purchase necessities. The authorities have also put restrictions on residents leaving the city.

In October, a party secretary in Inner Mongolia was sacked after his area was hit by multiple cases. Also, the head of Zhengzhou city's health commission was sacked in August after several cases were recorded.

This year, the country has reported one death due to the virus amid tough measures as the Xi regime continues to follow the "zero-Covid" strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown.

China's disciplinary body said that dozens of officials were punished in the locked-down city of Xi'an over a virus outbreak. After the city reported 52 new Covid cases on Wednesday, authorities ordered a strict lockdown. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said that 26 Communist Party officials had been punished for "insufficient rigour in preventing and controlling the outbreak". Chinese officials who are believed to have failed in controlling the outbreak are regularly sacked or reprimanded. As per the statement, the outbreak in Xi'an can be attributed to the negligent attitude of the officials. A party discipline official said that the authorities would clamp down on "bureaucratic issues in disease control work such as shirking responsibility, not taking action, passing the buck and dealing with things in a negative way." Also read | China puts millions under lockdown after virus outbreak in Xi'an city Under the new lockdown rules, only one household member will be allowed to go out of the house to purchase necessities. The authorities have also put restrictions on residents leaving the city. In October, a party secretary in Inner Mongolia was sacked after his area was hit by multiple cases. Also, the head of Zhengzhou city's health commission was sacked in August after several cases were recorded. This year, the country has reported one death due to the virus amid tough measures as the Xi regime continues to follow the "zero-Covid" strategy ahead of the Winter Olympics. (With inputs from agencies)

Multiple officials in China's X'ian city punished over virus outbreak

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.&nbsp;

The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised.&nbsp;

The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus.

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Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid."

Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children.

“There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection.

Vaccinations offer better protection against COVID-19 than immunity from a prior infection, health officials have said. A new study by CDC has concluded that unvaccinated people who had contracted the virus months earlier were five times more likely to contract it again than fully vaccinated people who did not have any prior infection. The study analysed data from nearly 190 hospitals in nine states. The researchers counted 7,000 adult patients who were hospitalised this year with respiratory illnesses or symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. It was concluded that about 6,000 of them had been fully vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines three to six months before getting hospitalised. The remaining 1,000 were unvaccinated but had been infected with the deadly virus. Also read | Documents Trump wants to shield from Capitol riots investigators revealed Dr Mike Saag, an infectious disease expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham who was not involved in the study was quoted by The Associated Press, "These data show, pretty strongly, that the vaccines are more protective against symptomatic Covid." Saag deemed the research as convincing. He also said that it is important information for parents as the government is now expanding its vaccination campaign to more children. “There have been many people who have advocated, ‘Well, let’s just let the kids get infected.’ I think these data support the notion that the vaccines work better in general, and likely work better for 5- to 11-year-olds,” Saag said.

Vaccines against coronavirus more protective than prior infection: Study

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-will-uphold-world-peace-says-xi-on-anniversary-of-return-to-un-423776" hreflang="en">China will uphold world peace, says Xi on anniversary of return to UN</a>

On Monday, China reported 39 new domestic infections. The cases are rising after an outbreak spread by a travelling group of tourists in the latest test of the country’s zero-tolerance approach with just over 100 days until the start of the Games. &nbsp;

Until further notice, Beijing marathon’s organisers have postponed the run “to prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading (and) effectively protect the health and safety of the majority of runners, staff and residents.” On October 31, some 30,000 people were expected to take part in the race.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-will-end-when-world-chooses-to-end-it-says-who-chief-423790" hreflang="en">Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief</a> &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Wuhan Marathon, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. &nbsp;

Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics.

With the rising Covid infections on the mind, organisers have postponed the weekend’s Beijing marathon in China. The country also seeks to return to zero cases ahead of the Winter Olympics. Also Read: China will uphold world peace, says Xi on anniversary of return to UN On Monday, China reported 39 new domestic infections. The cases are rising after an outbreak spread by a travelling group of tourists in the latest test of the country’s zero-tolerance approach with just over 100 days until the start of the Games. Until further notice, Beijing marathon’s organisers have postponed the run “to prevent the risk of the epidemic spreading (and) effectively protect the health and safety of the majority of runners, staff and residents.” On October 31, some 30,000 people were expected to take part in the race. Also Read: Pandemic will end when world chooses to end it, says WHO chief Meanwhile, the Wuhan Marathon, which was due to take place on Sunday, has been postponed due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, just ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Authorities have been making attempts to contain virus infections using mass testing of residents and targeted lockdowns. However, with a rise in cases, organisers of the Wuhan Marathon said in a statement released that they would postpone Sunday's event in the central Chinese city "to prevent the risk of epidemic spread". (With inputs from agencies)

With Covid outbreak on mind, organisers postpone Beijing marathon in China

More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico,&nbsp;according to US media reports.&nbsp;

But, no&nbsp;deaths have been reported so far.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one source of infections had been traced to onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc., also known as ProSource Produce, LLC, based in Hailey, Idaho.

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have asked people to throw away all unlabelled red, white and yellow onions.

“Interviews with sick people show that 75% of people ate or possibly ate raw onions or dishes likely containing raw onions before they became sick,” the CDC said in a statement.

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“Several ill people reported eating at the same restaurants, indicating they may be part of illness clusters.”

According to the FDA, most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal.

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The US agency urged restaurants, retailers and consumers not to eat, sell or serve red, yellow, and white onions supplied by ProSource Inc that were imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021, or products containing such onions.

ProSource has agreed to voluntarily recall all onions it imported from Chihuahua from July 1 through Aug. 27, Frank Yiannas, the Food and Drug Administration's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement.

The FDA has launched an investigation, along with the CDC and local authorities, Yiannas said.

“We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication. We will provide updates as we learn more,” Yiannas said.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico, according to US media reports.

More than 600 people have fallen sick and 129 hospitalised across 37 states in the US due to mass salmonella outbreak, which has been linked to onions imported from Mexico, according to US media reports. But, no deaths have been reported so far. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said one source of infections had been traced to onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico, and distributed by ProSource Inc., also known as ProSource Produce, LLC, based in Hailey, Idaho. The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have asked people to throw away all unlabelled red, white and yellow onions. “Interviews with sick people show that 75% of people ate or possibly ate raw onions or dishes likely containing raw onions before they became sick,” the CDC said in a statement. Also read | World's largest triceratops, 'Big John,' fetches nearly $8 million in auction “Several ill people reported eating at the same restaurants, indicating they may be part of illness clusters.” According to the FDA, most people with salmonellosis develop diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps. More severe cases of salmonellosis may include a high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, a rash, blood in the urine or stool, and in some cases may become fatal. Also read | Court rules Pablo Escobar's cocaine hippos are legally people The US agency urged restaurants, retailers and consumers not to eat, sell or serve red, yellow, and white onions supplied by ProSource Inc that were imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico from July 1, 2021 through August 27, 2021, or products containing such onions. ProSource has agreed to voluntarily recall all onions it imported from Chihuahua from July 1 through Aug. 27, Frank Yiannas, the Food and Drug Administration's deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said in a statement. The FDA has launched an investigation, along with the CDC and local authorities, Yiannas said. “We are issuing this update early in our investigation as part of our continued commitment to transparency and early communication. We will provide updates as we learn more,” Yiannas said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 600 in US fall sick due to salmonella outbreak linked to onion imports from Mexico

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington.

The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means&nbsp;the highest level of restrictions.

As per genome sequencing, the cluster has been linked to a returnee from Australia.

Ever since then, some of the cases that have emerged include a high school teacher, students at two more high schools, a nurse at Auckland City Hospital and an Air New Zealand cabin crew member.

On Friday, another 11 cases were announced, including a patient at Auckland’s North Shore Hospital.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-poses-a-greater-threat-new-zealand-pm-jacinda-ardern-defends-lockdown-call-406553">Also read |&nbsp;'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call</a>

This forced the emergency care and short-stay surgical care departments to close, and a postal worker.

A total of 19 of the cases are linked to the first case, which is a 58-year-old man.&nbsp;

The Air New Zealand worker is not linked, while the rest of the cases are yet to be genome-sequenced.

 
Initial investigations show they are likely to be connected to the first case.

On Friday afternoon, Jacinda Ardern said the infectious period of the emerging positive cases still reached back into the period before lockdown. She said, "Soon, that should stop being the case, and that will definitely help us get that outbreak under control. Until then, though, we just don’t quite know the full scale of this Delta outbreak.

“This tells us we need to continue to be cautious, and that we need more time before we have the complete picture.” 
&nbsp;

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington. The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means the highest level of restrictions.

New Zealand's coronavirus outbreak grew to 31 people and spread to capital Wellington. The first case in the outbreak emerged in Auckland on Tuesday as the government put the entire country into a level-4 lockdown, which means the highest level of restrictions. As per genome sequencing, the cluster has been linked to a returnee from Australia. Ever since then, some of the cases that have emerged include a high school teacher, students at two more high schools, a nurse at Auckland City Hospital and an Air New Zealand cabin crew member. On Friday, another 11 cases were announced, including a patient at Auckland’s North Shore Hospital. Also read | 'Delta poses a greater threat': New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern defends lockdown call This forced the emergency care and short-stay surgical care departments to close, and a postal worker. A total of 19 of the cases are linked to the first case, which is a 58-year-old man. The Air New Zealand worker is not linked, while the rest of the cases are yet to be genome-sequenced. Initial investigations show they are likely to be connected to the first case. On Friday afternoon, Jacinda Ardern said the infectious period of the emerging positive cases still reached back into the period before lockdown. She said, "Soon, that should stop being the case, and that will definitely help us get that outbreak under control. Until then, though, we just don’t quite know the full scale of this Delta outbreak. “This tells us we need to continue to be cautious, and that we need more time before we have the complete picture.”

New Zealand's COVID-19 outbreak spreads to capital Wellington

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus.

Health officials have been trying to determine how an Auckland man contracted the coronavirus this week, ending a six-month run of no community cases in New Zealand.

Tests showed the man had a version of the Delta strain found in Australia, and Ardern said investigations narrowed down the origin to a person who arrived from Sydney on August 7.

She said the traveller had been in quarantine and hospital since touching down, indicating the virus had not been in the community as long as initially feared.

"We believe we have uncovered the piece of the puzzle we were looking for," Ardern told reporters.

She said finding the outbreak's source also increased the "ability to circle the virus, lock it down and stamp it out".

Case numbers grew by 11 overnight to a total of 21, she said.

Ardern ordered a three-day national lockdown, New Zealand's first in 15 months, when the first case emerged on Tuesday, with Auckland and nearby Coromandel facing restrictions for a week.

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"We're all prepared for cases to get worse before they get better, that's always the pattern in these outbreaks," she said.

But she said there were grounds for cautious optimism "because we believe it wasn't here for long before it was found".

The infected traveller arrived from Sydney on a so-called "red zone" flight, arranged to bring back New Zealanders stranded when Wellington suspended a trans-Tasman travel bubble due to multiple outbreaks in Australia.

The person tested positive two days later and was hospitalised a week after that.

Officials said it was still unclear how the virus spread into the community and 1,000 close contacts of positive cases were being assessed.

A decision is due Friday on whether the three-day lockdown will be extended or end by Saturday.

'Covid zero' strategy

New Zealand has adopted a policy of eliminating the virus in the community, rather than containing it, which has resulted in only 26 deaths in a population of five million.

Neighbouring Australia has been pursuing a similar "Covid zero" strategy, but is struggling to contain outbreaks of the Delta variant.

Health authorities on Thursday urged mass COVID-19&nbsp;testing for an entire Outback town in far western New South Wales, where an outbreak that began in Sydney two months ago is spreading.

The area is grappling with Australia's first significant outbreak in Aboriginal communities, with specialist military health teams deployed this week to boost sluggish vaccination efforts.

Early in the pandemic, Wilcannia's roughly 750 residents put up signs on the town's limits asking travellers not to stop, fearing the virus could obliterate an already vulnerable community, where more than 60 percent identify as Indigenous.

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus.

New Zealand reported a breakthrough Thursday in tracing the source of a Covid-19 outbreak that plunged the nation into lockdown, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern saying it should help "stamp out" the virus. Health officials have been trying to determine how an Auckland man contracted the coronavirus this week, ending a six-month run of no community cases in New Zealand. Tests showed the man had a version of the Delta strain found in Australia, and Ardern said investigations narrowed down the origin to a person who arrived from Sydney on August 7. She said the traveller had been in quarantine and hospital since touching down, indicating the virus had not been in the community as long as initially feared. "We believe we have uncovered the piece of the puzzle we were looking for," Ardern told reporters. She said finding the outbreak's source also increased the "ability to circle the virus, lock it down and stamp it out". Case numbers grew by 11 overnight to a total of 21, she said. Ardern ordered a three-day national lockdown, New Zealand's first in 15 months, when the first case emerged on Tuesday, with Auckland and nearby Coromandel facing restrictions for a week. Also read | New wildfire explodes near California state capital "We're all prepared for cases to get worse before they get better, that's always the pattern in these outbreaks," she said. But she said there were grounds for cautious optimism "because we believe it wasn't here for long before it was found". The infected traveller arrived from Sydney on a so-called "red zone" flight, arranged to bring back New Zealanders stranded when Wellington suspended a trans-Tasman travel bubble due to multiple outbreaks in Australia. The person tested positive two days later and was hospitalised a week after that. Officials said it was still unclear how the virus spread into the community and 1,000 close contacts of positive cases were being assessed. A decision is due Friday on whether the three-day lockdown will be extended or end by Saturday. 'Covid zero' strategy New Zealand has adopted a policy of eliminating the virus in the community, rather than containing it, which has resulted in only 26 deaths in a population of five million. Neighbouring Australia has been pursuing a similar "Covid zero" strategy, but is struggling to contain outbreaks of the Delta variant. Health authorities on Thursday urged mass COVID-19 testing for an entire Outback town in far western New South Wales, where an outbreak that began in Sydney two months ago is spreading. The area is grappling with Australia's first significant outbreak in Aboriginal communities, with specialist military health teams deployed this week to boost sluggish vaccination efforts. Early in the pandemic, Wilcannia's roughly 750 residents put up signs on the town's limits asking travellers not to stop, fearing the virus could obliterate an already vulnerable community, where more than 60 percent identify as Indigenous.

New Zealand says it has solved COVID-19 outbreak 'puzzle'

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's president on Monday demoted the&nbsp;health&nbsp;minister&nbsp;who publicly endorsed sorcery and magic potions to battle&nbsp;COVID-19, as coronavirus infections and deaths hit record highs.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said Pavithra Wanniarachchi's&nbsp;health&nbsp;portfolio had been given to Media&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Keheliya Rambukwella who is also the government spokesman.

Wanniarachchi was in intensive care in January after contracting the virus despite publicly consuming and endorsing a "magic potion" against&nbsp;COVID-19 made by a sorcerer.

She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic in the island nation of 21 million people.

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministry under Wanniarachchi came under intense criticism last week for understating coronavirus infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

Despite the demotion, she will remain in the cabinet,&nbsp;the president gave her the less important transport ministry.

The number of daily virus deaths crossed 150 in the past week, overwhelming crematoriums.

Daily infections crossed 3,000, and with hospitals struggling to cope, even government&nbsp;health&nbsp;workers say the actual number of infections could be three times higher.

The government has so far rejected calls for a lockdown to contain the surge, but last week tightened restrictions.

Wedding and parties have been banned from Tuesday, while state ceremonies and public gatherings are also prohibited until September 1.

Shops, restaurants and officers will have to follow a night curfew from Monday.

In the cabinet reshuffle,&nbsp;Foreign Minister&nbsp;Dinesh Gunawardena and&nbsp;Education Minister&nbsp;Gamini Lakshman Peiris swapped their portfolios.

Sri Lanka's president on Monday demoted the health minister who publicly endorsed sorcery and magic potions to battle COVID-19, as coronavirus infections and deaths hit record highs.

Sri Lanka's president on Monday demoted the health minister who publicly endorsed sorcery and magic potions to battle COVID-19, as coronavirus infections and deaths hit record highs. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office said Pavithra Wanniarachchi's health portfolio had been given to Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who is also the government spokesman. Wanniarachchi was in intensive care in January after contracting the virus despite publicly consuming and endorsing a "magic potion" against COVID-19 made by a sorcerer. She also poured a pot of "blessed" water into a river in November after a self-styled god-man told her that it would end the pandemic in the island nation of 21 million people. Sri Lanka's health ministry under Wanniarachchi came under intense criticism last week for understating coronavirus infections. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday Despite the demotion, she will remain in the cabinet, the president gave her the less important transport ministry. The number of daily virus deaths crossed 150 in the past week, overwhelming crematoriums. Daily infections crossed 3,000, and with hospitals struggling to cope, even government health workers say the actual number of infections could be three times higher. The government has so far rejected calls for a lockdown to contain the surge, but last week tightened restrictions. Wedding and parties have been banned from Tuesday, while state ceremonies and public gatherings are also prohibited until September 1. Shops, restaurants and officers will have to follow a night curfew from Monday. In the cabinet reshuffle, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Education Minister Gamini Lakshman Peiris swapped their portfolios.

Sri Lanka axes health minister over COVID-19 misinformation as outbreak grows

As per new data published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about three-fourths of people infected in a Massachusetts COVID-19 outbreak were fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with four of them ending up in the hospital.

The new data reveals that fully vaccinated people who get infected carry as much of the virus in their noses as unvaccinated people. Also, they could spread it to other individuals.

CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a statement said, "This finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC’s updated mask recommendation".&nbsp;

She further added, "The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones.”

As per new data published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about three-fourths of people infected in a Massachusetts COVID-19 outbreak were fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with four of them ending up in the hospital.

As per new data published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, about three-fourths of people infected in a Massachusetts COVID-19 outbreak were fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus with four of them ending up in the hospital. The new data reveals that fully vaccinated people who get infected carry as much of the virus in their noses as unvaccinated people. Also, they could spread it to other individuals. CDC Director Dr Rochelle Walensky said in a statement said, "This finding is concerning and was a pivotal discovery leading to CDC’s updated mask recommendation". She further added, "The masking recommendation was updated to ensure the vaccinated public would not unknowingly transmit virus to others, including their unvaccinated or immunocompromised loved ones.”

CDC shows three-fourths of people infected in a Massachusetts COVID-19 outbreak were fully vaccinated

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday reported that there are outbreaks of a drug-resistant "superbug" fungus spread among patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities in Texas and Washington, D.C. Termed as Candida auris, the fungus preys on weak immune systems. As per the CDC, evidence suggests these cases involved person-to-person transmission, which would be a first for the US. However, the cluster in the two cities is completely unrelated to each other. The 30-day mortality in both outbreaks combined was 30 per cent, although other health conditions may also have played a role. Also read | India records more than 45,000 cases of 'black fungus' A total of 101 cases of fungus have been identified in Washington, D.C., from January to April 2021. Out of which, three were isolated as being resistant to all three major classes of anti-fungal medications. In Texas, there have been 22 cases, with two being resistant to all three antif-ungal medications, and five resistant to two of the medications. CDC's Dr. Meghan Lyman, an author of the report, was quoted by CBS saying, "This is really the first time we've started seeing clustering of resistance".

Outbreaks of a drug-resistant superbug fungus spread in two US cities

A new research has revealed that coronavirus may have swept across East Asia more than 20,000 years ago, leaving traces in the DNA of people in modern China, Japan and Vietnam.

A new research has revealed that coronavirus may have swept across East Asia more than 20,000 years ago, leaving traces in the DNA of people in modern China, Japan and Vietnam. The research found evidence of genetic adaptation to the coronavirus family of viruses in 42 genes in modern populations in the above regions. The coronavirus family also consists of related MERS and SARS viruses. Both of these have caused significant deadly outbreaks in the past 20 years. Also Read | UK's former finance minister Javid appointed as health minister after Matt Hancock quits In few decades, geneticists have devised powerful tools to uncover genetic traces of historical adaptation events that remain present within the genomes of people living today. These tools are now helping scientists to discover genes that mark adaptations for high-altitude living and the adult consumption of milk. As a part of the research, the team applied cutting-edge computational analyses to the genomes of more than 2,500 people from 26 populations around the world. The researchers then signatures of adaptation in 42 different human genes that encode VIPs. These VIP signals were present in only five populations. All of them came from East Asia. This is how the researchers concluded that the ancestors of modern East Asians were initially exposed to coronaviruses around 25,000 years ago. After further tests, it was revealed that the 42 VIPs are primarily expressed in the lungs. This is also the tissue most affected by COVID-19 symptoms. The researchers also confirmed that these VIPs interact directly with the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the current pandemic.

Coronavirus outbreak may have swept east Asia 20,000 years ago, reveals study

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. 
 
Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. 
 
China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. 
 
As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. 
 
Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

"I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying.

The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported.

However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading.

Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population.

(With inputs from agencies)

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday.

China reported 30 new coronavirus cases on the mainland for June 5, up from 24 cases a day earlier, the country's health authority said in a statement on Sunday. Of the new patients, 23 were imported, the National Health Commission said, and the seven local cases were all in southern Guangdong province. There were no new deaths. China also reported 18 new asymptomatic infections, compared with 28 a day earlier. China does not classify symptomless infections as confirmed cases. As of June 5, China had a total of 91,248 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Its death toll stood unchanged at 4,636. Meanwhile, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether COVID-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. "I would like to see the medical records of the three people, who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?" the report quoted Fauci as saying. The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first COVID-19 cases were reported. However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading. Financial Times reported that Fauci continues to believe the virus was first transmitted to humans through animals, pointing out that even if the lab researchers did have COVID-19, they could have contracted the disease from the wider population. (With inputs from agencies)

China reports 30 new coronavirus cases on June 5, up from previous day

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other.&nbsp;

This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab?

Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan.

When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019.

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&nbsp;

This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen.

This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak?

Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof&nbsp;that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe.

And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated.&nbsp;

Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities.

Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible.

Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab.

In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments.

This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question.

Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China.

In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin.

In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci.

Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research.

In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab.

And that's wishful thinking.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die.

The Wuhan virus came from a lab. This theory is as old as the pandemic. And after 17 months we still don't know if it's true or not. But the lab leak theory refuses to die. More arguments backing this claim keep coming up. And each one is better than the other. This time, a probe by the Republicans in America and a story from a prominent science writer are raising the same question: Is China trying to hide something about the Wuhan lab? Former US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has had no doubt that the virus escaped from a lab in Wuhan. When Pompeo was in charge of the state department, his office released a fact sheet that said researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology had become ill in the autumn of 2019. × This was well before China reported its first case. And all these months and investigations later, Pompeo still believes that a leak did happen. This claim is not new. But what about the evidence? Can anyone prove a lab leak? Republican lawmakers say there is circumstantial proof that merits a full and credible investigation. They have released a report asking the US government to put more pressure on China for a probe. And it's not just politicians. Many scientists and researchers agree that the lab theory must be investigated. Nicholas Wade, a prominent science writer, recently authored a detailed assessment for the bulletin of atomic sciences. The piece explores every angle, and assesses all possibilities. Wade believes that neither a natural outbreak, nor the lab theory should be ruled out. But going by the evidence that's available, a lab leak looks much more plausible. Wade lists several events that put a question mark on the role of the Wuhan lab. In his piece, he shares how researchers at the Wuhan lab collected hundreds of bat coronaviruses and how they were doing gain-of-function experiments. This is research designed to make coronaviruses infect human cells and humanised mice. Here is where the role of Peter Daszak comes into question. Daszak is the president of EcoHealth Alliance, an American organisation that funded research into coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab in China. In the early days of this pandemic, 27 prominent public health scientists had signed a letter. They rejected theories that suggested the Wuhan virus was not natural in its origin. In his piece, Nicolas Wade claims Daszak had organised and drafted this letter. And while doing so, he did not disclose his own links to the Wuhan lab. Daszak claims the charges against him are disingenuous and wildly erroneous. His organisation the EcoHealth Alliance received funding from America's National Institute of Health. The same body that is headed by Dr Anthony Fauci. Dr Fauci himself has recently faced questions over the funding that America gave to the Wuhan lab. While EcoHealth Alliance and the Wuhan lab did get American money, Fauci maintains that the funding wasn't for any gain of function research. In recent weeks, The fresh claims and new connections have caught the eye of more experts. 18 scientists have now written an open letter. Demanding a new probe into the origins of the Wuhan virus. The doubts can only be settled if China gives unfettered access to the Wuhan lab. And that's wishful thinking.

Origin of Wuhan virus needs to be found

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range.&nbsp;

In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. &nbsp;

Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. &nbsp;

According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday.

Some 77,000 chickens will be culled in the Japanese prefecture of Tochigi due to a new outbreak of highly pathogenic bird flu, Japanese media reported on Saturday. According to the news, a quarantine zone was established within a three-kilometre (1.9 miles) radius from the affected farm and a ban on the export of eggs and poultry products was introduced within a 10-kilometre range. In January, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said that the new outbreak of avian influenza, which started in November, has broken all records in terms of the number of chickens culled in one season. Seventeen out of Japan's 47 prefectures were affected by the outbreak. Bird flu outbreaks have also been detected in the prefectures of Chiba, Kagawa, Fukuoka, Hyogo, Miyazaki, Hiroshima, Nara, Oita, Wakayama, Okayama, Shiga, Kochi, Tokushima, Gifu, Kagoshima, Toyama and Ibaraki. According to the Ministry for Agriculture, some 9.7 million domestic birds have already been exterminated to prevent the spread of the disease. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to cull 77,000 chickens over new bird flu outbreak in Tochigi 

Iran has requested&nbsp;India to provide&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines.&nbsp;

India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis.

Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner."

In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis.&nbsp;

In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs).&nbsp;

Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines.

Iran has requested India to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the country. Local media in Iran on Wednesday reported that authorities in the country have given approval for use of AstraZeneca-oxford and Bharat Biotech vaccines. Now, Iran joins over 20 countries to request India for vaccines. India has so far supplied over 229.7 lakh doses of covid vaccines to the global community. Of these over 64 lakh doses have been supplied as grants while over 165 lakh doses have been supplied on a commercial basis. Last week in response to a question, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We will continue to take forward the global vaccine supply initiative and cover more countries in a phased manner." In West Asia, India has already supplied vaccines to Bahrain and Oman as a gift with 1 lakh doses, and Egypt (50000), Kuwait (2 Lakhs), and UAE (2 Lakhs) on a commercial basis. In fact, India has gifted vaccines to its entire neighbourhood. It has given vaccines to Bangladesh (20 Lakhs), Myanmar (17 Lakhs), Nepal (10 Lakhs), Bhutan (1.5 Lakhs), Maldives (1 Lakh), Mauritius (1 Lakh), Seychelles (50000),Sri Lanka ( 5 Lakhs), Afghanistan (5 Lakhs). Amid the covid pandemic, India reaffirmed its position as the pharma capital of the world by sending medicines to 150 countries.

Iran requests India to provide COVID-19 vaccines

UN has announced that it will provide 15 million dollars to help Guinea and Congo combat new outbreaks of Ebola. UN Spokesperson said this will help both the countries respond to the epidemic. This is the first time, an outbreak has been recorded in Guinea since an outbreak that ended in 2016. Guinea records 3 deaths and 4 fresh cases while Congo also recorded 4 fresh cases of Ebola.

UN releases $15 million to fight Ebola

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus.

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague. 
 
They referred to CA as the "perfect pathogen" for a much serious pandemic. The CDC claimed that if the fungus permeates one's bloodstream, it will most certainly become fatal. If it enters the body through catheters or other tube-based equipment in hospitals, it would be even more fatal.

Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/lsd-allows-brain-to-trespass-anatomical-rules-new-study-finds-360681" hreflang="en">LSD allows brain to trespass anatomical rules, new study finds</a> 
 
The fungus was initially identified in 2009, and remains largely triumphant in the face of antifungal drugs.

An epidemiologist from Imperial College, London - Johanna Rhodes said that the fungus can survive on surfaces for long periods. "One of the things that make Candida Auris so scary is the fact it can linger on inanimate surfaces for long periods and withstand whatever you throw at it," Rhodes told The Sun.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-decode-how-coronavirus-damages-lung-cells-within-hours-360434" hreflang="en">Scientists decode how coronavirus damages lung cells within hours</a>

Rhodes was one of the scientists involved in containing a fungus outbreak in the UK in 2016. The fungus was compared to the Black Plague only after a CDC doctor found that the fungal makeup resembled substances that are found in lagoons, and other areas brimming with bacteria.

"It is a creature from the black lagoon. It bubbled up and now it is everywhere," The Sun quoted CDC's Dr Tom Chiller as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/phases-of-moon-dictate-our-sleep-patterns-study-359785" hreflang="en">Phases of moon dictate our sleep patterns: Study</a> 
 
After COVID-19 emerged and brought to light the loopholes in global healthcare structures, scientists warned that many such pandemics could pop up in the coming years. Many have attributed it to human activity and the depletion of natural resources, with climate change also emerging as an important variable.

Now, scientists are warning global healthcare professionals to buckle up, and governments to invest more in healthcare and disease prevention to wade off potential pandemics, many of which could be more fatal than COVID-19.

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague.

While the world struggles to contain the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, scientists are warning of another one which is likely to come from a yeast-like fungus. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were cited by The Sun as saying that the next pandemic could be caused by "Candida Auris", a fungus which resembles the Black Plague. They referred to CA as the "perfect pathogen" for a much serious pandemic. The CDC claimed that if the fungus permeates one's bloodstream, it will most certainly become fatal. If it enters the body through catheters or other tube-based equipment in hospitals, it would be even more fatal. Also read: LSD allows brain to trespass anatomical rules, new study finds The fungus was initially identified in 2009, and remains largely triumphant in the face of antifungal drugs. An epidemiologist from Imperial College, London - Johanna Rhodes said that the fungus can survive on surfaces for long periods. "One of the things that make Candida Auris so scary is the fact it can linger on inanimate surfaces for long periods and withstand whatever you throw at it," Rhodes told The Sun. Also read: Scientists decode how coronavirus damages lung cells within hours Rhodes was one of the scientists involved in containing a fungus outbreak in the UK in 2016. The fungus was compared to the Black Plague only after a CDC doctor found that the fungal makeup resembled substances that are found in lagoons, and other areas brimming with bacteria. "It is a creature from the black lagoon. It bubbled up and now it is everywhere," The Sun quoted CDC's Dr Tom Chiller as saying. Also read: Phases of moon dictate our sleep patterns: Study After COVID-19 emerged and brought to light the loopholes in global healthcare structures, scientists warned that many such pandemics could pop up in the coming years. Many have attributed it to human activity and the depletion of natural resources, with climate change also emerging as an important variable. Now, scientists are warning global healthcare professionals to buckle up, and governments to invest more in healthcare and disease prevention to wade off potential pandemics, many of which could be more fatal than COVID-19.

Deadly fungus could cause a pandemic more fatal than COVID-19, scientists warn

South Korea which was once haled in successfully containing the coronavirus outbreak, overtime the reality has changed. On Tuesday south Korea has recorded its second highest spike in coronavirus infections. Seoul becomes the worst COVID-19 affected region.

South Korea battles its third COVID-19 surge, Moon Jae-in under fire for vaccine strategy

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans,&nbsp;United&nbsp;Nations&nbsp;experts said on Monday.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) jointly identified seven trends responsible for such diseases, known as zoonotic, calling on governments to take steps to stop future pandemics.

These are: rising demand for animal protein, extraction of natural resources and urbanization, intensive and unsustainable farming, exploitation of wildlife, increased travel and transportation, food supply changes and climate change, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/7-killer-viruses-that-emerged-in-china-and-ravaged-the-world-311142">In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world</a>

"The science is clear that if we keep exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems, then we can expect to see a steady stream of these diseases jumping from animals to humans in the years ahead," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

"Pandemics are devastating to our lives and our economies, and as we have seen over the past months, it is the poorest and the most vulnerable who suffer the most.

"To prevent future outbreaks, we must become much more deliberate about protecting our natural environment."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediterranean-marine-life-flourished-during-lockdown-italian-coastguard-311092" hreflang="en">Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard</a>

About 60 per cent&nbsp;of known infectious diseases in humans and 75 per cent&nbsp;of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, she said, largely due to the increased interaction between humans, animals and the environment.

The new coronavirus, which is most likely to have originated in bats, has infected more than 11 million people and killed over half a million people globally, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

But it is just one in a growing number of diseases – including Ebola, MERS, West Nile fever, Zika, SARS and Rift Valley fever – that have jumped from animal hosts into the human population in recent years, said the report.

Around two million people, mostly in developing&nbsp;nations, die from neglected zoonotic diseases every year. These outbreaks not only cause severe illness and deaths, but also result in major economic losses for some of the world's poorest.

In the last two decades alone, zoonotic diseases have caused economic losses of more than $100 billion. This does not include the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to reach $9 trillion over the next few years, said the report.

Most efforts to control zoonotic diseases have been reactive rather than proactive, say experts. They want governments to invest in public health, farm sustainability, end over-exploitation of wildlife and reduce climate change.

Africa - home to a large portion of the world’s remaining intact rainforests as well as fast-growing human population - is at high risk of the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases - but could also provide solutions, said experts.

"The situation on the continent today is ripe for intensifying existing zoonotic diseases and facilitating the emergence and spread of new ones," said ILRI Director General Jimmy Smith.

"But with their experiences with Ebola and other emerging diseases, African countries are demonstrating proactive ways to manage disease outbreaks."

He said some African&nbsp;nations&nbsp;had adopted a "One Health" approach - uniting public health, veterinary and environmental expertise which can help to identify and treat outbreaks in animals before they pass to humans.

The experts urged governments to provide incentives for sustainable land use and animal husbandry and to develop strategies for producing food that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and biodiversity.

Monday was&nbsp;World Zoonoses Day, which commemorates the work of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who successfully administered the first vaccine against rabies, a zoonotic disease, on July 6 1885.

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans, United Nations experts said on Monday.

Land degradation, wildlife exploitation, intensive farming and climate change are driving the rise in diseases that, like the coronavirus, are passed from animals to humans, United Nations experts said on Monday. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) jointly identified seven trends responsible for such diseases, known as zoonotic, calling on governments to take steps to stop future pandemics. These are: rising demand for animal protein, extraction of natural resources and urbanization, intensive and unsustainable farming, exploitation of wildlife, increased travel and transportation, food supply changes and climate change, it said. In pics: 7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world "The science is clear that if we keep exploiting wildlife and destroying our ecosystems, then we can expect to see a steady stream of these diseases jumping from animals to humans in the years ahead," said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. "Pandemics are devastating to our lives and our economies, and as we have seen over the past months, it is the poorest and the most vulnerable who suffer the most. "To prevent future outbreaks, we must become much more deliberate about protecting our natural environment." Also read: Mediterranean marine life flourished during lockdown: Italian coastguard About 60 per cent of known infectious diseases in humans and 75 per cent of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, she said, largely due to the increased interaction between humans, animals and the environment. The new coronavirus, which is most likely to have originated in bats, has infected more than 11 million people and killed over half a million people globally, according to the Johns Hopkins University. But it is just one in a growing number of diseases – including Ebola, MERS, West Nile fever, Zika, SARS and Rift Valley fever – that have jumped from animal hosts into the human population in recent years, said the report. Around two million people, mostly in developing nations, die from neglected zoonotic diseases every year. These outbreaks not only cause severe illness and deaths, but also result in major economic losses for some of the world's poorest. In the last two decades alone, zoonotic diseases have caused economic losses of more than $100 billion. This does not include the cost of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to reach $9 trillion over the next few years, said the report. Most efforts to control zoonotic diseases have been reactive rather than proactive, say experts. They want governments to invest in public health, farm sustainability, end over-exploitation of wildlife and reduce climate change. Africa - home to a large portion of the world’s remaining intact rainforests as well as fast-growing human population - is at high risk of the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases - but could also provide solutions, said experts. "The situation on the continent today is ripe for intensifying existing zoonotic diseases and facilitating the emergence and spread of new ones," said ILRI Director General Jimmy Smith. "But with their experiences with Ebola and other emerging diseases, African countries are demonstrating proactive ways to manage disease outbreaks." He said some African nations had adopted a "One Health" approach - uniting public health, veterinary and environmental expertise which can help to identify and treat outbreaks in animals before they pass to humans. The experts urged governments to provide incentives for sustainable land use and animal husbandry and to develop strategies for producing food that do not rely on the destruction of habitats and biodiversity. Monday was World Zoonoses Day, which commemorates the work of French biologist Louis Pasteur, who successfully administered the first vaccine against rabies, a zoonotic disease, on July 6 1885.

Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations

7 killer viruses that emerged in China and ravaged the world

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which continues to decimate economies and kill scores of population across the globe, a new kind of medical storm is brewing in a Central African country - Democratic Republic of Congo.

A new outbreak of Ebola was reported in the country’s northwestern areas, news agency AFP reported. The country is currently dealing with the coronavirus outbreak in the eastern parts. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/in-the-shadow-of-ebola-and-covid-19-measles-rips-through-congo-288051" hreflang="en">In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo</a>

This resurgence has taken the lives of four people in the city of Mbandaka, the Health Minister Eteni Longondo said in a press conference.

"The National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) has confirmed to me that samples from Mbandaka tested positive for Ebola... We will send them the vaccine and medicine very quickly" Longondo said.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e75563b2-561a-4a9f-a53d-6d8fe188a0d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_4.jpg" /> 
A girl is getting inoculated with an Ebola vaccine on November 22, 2019 in Goma | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Mbandaka is the capital of Congo’s Equateur province, which serves as a transport hub alongside the Congo river and houses over a million people.&nbsp;Ebola had hit the same province in the summer months of May and July in 2018, which claimed the lives of 33 people.

Since surfacing, the Ebola epidemic has killed 2,280 people in the country’s eastern region. The government was planning to announce the country Ebola free on June 25, but with new cases resurfacing, the country has to continue fighting it.&nbsp;A similar situation had&nbsp;come up in April this year when the country was three days away from declaring itself free of Ebola.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-much-much-worse-says-peter-piot-ebola-discoverer-286205" hreflang="en">Coronavirus much, much worse, says Peter Piot, Ebola discoverer</a>

"This is a province that has already experienced the disease. They know how to respond. They started the response at the local level yesterday (Sunday)," Longondo said.

If no cases are reported for 42 days in a row, the country would be able to declare itself free of ebola.

This marks the eleventh outbreak in the country since 1976.

Alongside ebola, the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 72 and infected over 3,000 so far.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which continues to decimate economies and kill scores of population across the globe, a new kind of medical storm is brewing in a Central African country - Democratic Republic of Congo.

Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which continues to decimate economies and kill scores of population across the globe, a new kind of medical storm is brewing in a Central African country - Democratic Republic of Congo. A new outbreak of Ebola was reported in the country’s northwestern areas, news agency AFP reported. The country is currently dealing with the coronavirus outbreak in the eastern parts. Also read: In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo This resurgence has taken the lives of four people in the city of Mbandaka, the Health Minister Eteni Longondo said in a press conference. "The National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) has confirmed to me that samples from Mbandaka tested positive for Ebola... We will send them the vaccine and medicine very quickly" Longondo said. A girl is getting inoculated with an Ebola vaccine on November 22, 2019 in Goma | AFP Mbandaka is the capital of Congo’s Equateur province, which serves as a transport hub alongside the Congo river and houses over a million people. Ebola had hit the same province in the summer months of May and July in 2018, which claimed the lives of 33 people. Since surfacing, the Ebola epidemic has killed 2,280 people in the country’s eastern region. The government was planning to announce the country Ebola free on June 25, but with new cases resurfacing, the country has to continue fighting it. A similar situation had come up in April this year when the country was three days away from declaring itself free of Ebola. Also read: Coronavirus much, much worse, says Peter Piot, Ebola discoverer "This is a province that has already experienced the disease. They know how to respond. They started the response at the local level yesterday (Sunday)," Longondo said. If no cases are reported for 42 days in a row, the country would be able to declare itself free of ebola. This marks the eleventh outbreak in the country since 1976. Alongside ebola, the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 72 and infected over 3,000 so far. (With inputs from AFP)

Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free

A neighbourhood in Indonesia's central Java province has deployed local 'ghosts' to patrol the streets and scare people into staying home in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"Ghost" volunteers scare Indonesians into staying home

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world into submission: from the biggest economy&nbsp;to the smallest - everything is now at a standstill!

When the first case was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, nobody expected it to infect the whole world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/coronavirus-spread-china-must-allow-global-probe-to-ascertain-origin-of-covid-19-291113" hreflang="en">Coronavirus spread: China must allow global probe to ascertain origin of COVID-19</a>

But one key ingredient of every pandemic was missed: early mitigation strategies. It was only in the last 30 days that countries scrambled to shut their own countries from the outside world.

Regardless, multiple theories have emerged amid the pandemic. Did the Chinese manufacture it? Did the US send it to China? Is it a Russian virus? Is North Korea behind it? Such discourses rooted in hyper-nationalism barely find any validation in the scientific community.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/around-3-lakh-coronavirus-patients-recovered-worldwide-326-cured-in-india-291110" hreflang="en">Around 3 lakh coronavirus patients recovered worldwide; 326 cured in India</a>

As the blame shifted from China to its wet markets that sell exotic animals, there still seems to be clarity on where it emerged from.

However, scientists are hard at work to find its origin. It is still widely believed that a bat-infected animal, perhaps a pangolin, infected the first human.

There’s one thing the scientists are sure of - that the virus did not develop among humans, but was contracted from an animal. In biological terms, this is called a “zoonotic spillover”.

A Chinese article published in February claimed that the COVID-19 disease is 96 per cent identical to a bat coronavirus in terms of its genomatic make-up.

Even then, there was no silencing conspiracy theories. A group of 27 scientists from the US wrote a letter in The Lancet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-asian-country-is-paying-75-wages-of-2-million-workers-this-month-to-beat-economic-slowdown-291074" hreflang="en">This Asian country is paying 75% wages of 2 million workers this month to beat economic slowdown</a>

"Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumours, and prejudice that jeopardise our global collaboration in the fight against this virus", it said.

They further ascertained, "this coronavirus originated in wildlife, as have so many other emerging pathogens."

The bat that flew away

Even with such striking similarities, the scientific community is focused on finding the cure and containing the disease, and has not been able to trace the bats that may be carrying the disease, which could resurface later on.

However, it’s not clear whether the virus directly jumped from a bat to human beings or whether it followed a chain of carriers who then gave it to humans, starting in Wuhan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

It is possible that an infected farm animal was brought to the wet market alive - the perfect breeding ground for any viral infection - and was then inadvertently transferred on to humans!

But can we be sure? The upcoming few months will decide!

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world into submission: from the biggest economy to the smallest - everything is now at a standstill! When the first case was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, nobody expected it to infect the whole world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world into submission: from the biggest economy to the smallest - everything is now at a standstill! When the first case was reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, nobody expected it to infect the whole world. Also read: Coronavirus spread: China must allow global probe to ascertain origin of COVID-19 But one key ingredient of every pandemic was missed: early mitigation strategies. It was only in the last 30 days that countries scrambled to shut their own countries from the outside world. Regardless, multiple theories have emerged amid the pandemic. Did the Chinese manufacture it? Did the US send it to China? Is it a Russian virus? Is North Korea behind it? Such discourses rooted in hyper-nationalism barely find any validation in the scientific community. Also read: Around 3 lakh coronavirus patients recovered worldwide; 326 cured in India As the blame shifted from China to its wet markets that sell exotic animals, there still seems to be clarity on where it emerged from. However, scientists are hard at work to find its origin. It is still widely believed that a bat-infected animal, perhaps a pangolin, infected the first human. There’s one thing the scientists are sure of - that the virus did not develop among humans, but was contracted from an animal. In biological terms, this is called a “zoonotic spillover”. A Chinese article published in February claimed that the COVID-19 disease is 96 per cent identical to a bat coronavirus in terms of its genomatic make-up. Even then, there was no silencing conspiracy theories. A group of 27 scientists from the US wrote a letter in The Lancet. Also read: This Asian country is paying 75% wages of 2 million workers this month to beat economic slowdown "Conspiracy theories do nothing but create fear, rumours, and prejudice that jeopardise our global collaboration in the fight against this virus", it said. They further ascertained, "this coronavirus originated in wildlife, as have so many other emerging pathogens." The bat that flew away Even with such striking similarities, the scientific community is focused on finding the cure and containing the disease, and has not been able to trace the bats that may be carrying the disease, which could resurface later on. However, it’s not clear whether the virus directly jumped from a bat to human beings or whether it followed a chain of carriers who then gave it to humans, starting in Wuhan. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! It is possible that an infected farm animal was brought to the wet market alive - the perfect breeding ground for any viral infection - and was then inadvertently transferred on to humans! But can we be sure? The upcoming few months will decide!

Where did coronavirus actually come from?

As the coronavirus pandemic cripples the global economy, analysts predicted that over 30 million global jobs will be lost. However, this estimate may be incorrect, for India alone will witness a job cut of over 30 million.

A few people on the planet will remain unaffected by the sudden decline in the job market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cities-facing-major-coronavirus-equipment-shortages-285-million-masks-needed-289072" hreflang="en">US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed</a>

Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest person is currently richer by $5.5 billion than he was at the beginning of the year.

Just Thursday, his fortune increased by $3.9 billion, the Guardian reported.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/your-story-jeff-bezos-buys-costliest-house-in-la-280739/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amazon just outperformed everybody and itself during the pandemic, as the company was able to recover all of its losses. Bezos currently owns over 12 per cent of Amazon shares.

Turns out Bezos had sold a big chunk of his Amazon shares in February, before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and shut down businesses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-289054" hreflang="en">The ozone layer is healing!</a>

As per regulatory filings, he sold $3.4 billion worth of Amazon shares in the first week of February.

Even though there is nothing fishy about this besides the timing, Bezos sold over three per cent of his total holding, which is a bigger chunk than he’s ever sold before.

As the coronavirus pandemic cripples the global economy, analysts predicted that over 30 million global jobs will be lost. However, this estimate may be incorrect, for India alone will witness a job cut of over 30 million.

As the coronavirus pandemic cripples the global economy, analysts predicted that over 30 million global jobs will be lost. However, this estimate may be incorrect, for India alone will witness a job cut of over 30 million. A few people on the planet will remain unaffected by the sudden decline in the job market. Also read: US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest person is currently richer by $5.5 billion than he was at the beginning of the year. Just Thursday, his fortune increased by $3.9 billion, the Guardian reported. Amazon just outperformed everybody and itself during the pandemic, as the company was able to recover all of its losses. Bezos currently owns over 12 per cent of Amazon shares. Turns out Bezos had sold a big chunk of his Amazon shares in February, before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and shut down businesses. Also read: The ozone layer is healing! As per regulatory filings, he sold $3.4 billion worth of Amazon shares in the first week of February. Even though there is nothing fishy about this besides the timing, Bezos sold over three per cent of his total holding, which is a bigger chunk than he’s ever sold before.

Did Jeff Bezos - the world's richest man, see the coronavirus pandemic coming?

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally.

However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US.

A recent survey in the US which asked states about their preparedness in the face of the virus made the grim reality clear. Almost 90 per cent of the US mayors claim that they do not have enough testing kits, face masks, and other protective equipment to deal with the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-ozone-layer-is-healing-289054" hreflang="en">The ozone layer is healing!</a>

An additional 85 per cent said that they simply do not have enough ventilators, the basic tool required to help with respiratory illnesses, like the COVID-19.

The survey, titled “US Conference of Mayors” was published on Friday and recorded data between March 20 and 24.&nbsp;

This data was collated from over 213 American cities spread across 41 states, with a combined population of 42 million.

The survey report claims that the shortage “has reached crisis proportions”.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e3ae3955-36f8-43b0-b195-7b8f1943997c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_26.jpg" /> 
Improvised hospital rooms are seen at the Jacob K&nbsp;Javits Convention Center, which will be partially converted into a hospital for patients affected by the coronavirus&nbsp;disease | AFP</h6>

“Despite their best efforts, most cities do not have and cannot obtain adequate equipment and supplies needed to protect their residents,” the report added.

&nbsp;“This is a life-threatening crisis that will continue unless the federal government does everything in its power to help us safeguard our first responders and health care workers — our first line of defence — and the millions of other public servants in our cities whose work today puts them at risk”, it further added.

The survey further found that there was little difference of shortage supply among cities and towns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-virus-cases-exceed-100000-doctors-decry-scarcity-of-drugs-and-equipment-289041" hreflang="en">As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment</a>

Even though many large cities claimed to have received supplies from state governments, almost two-thirds of the cities still haven’t received any help.

In all, US cities require 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million items of protection like gowns and gloves, 7.9 million testing kits, and over 139,000 ventilators.

Due to shortages, even distributors and sellers are compelled to increase the prices. A mask which earlier cost 97 cents now costs $5.

A group of doctors and medical workers have requested lawmakers to provide assistance worth $250 billion to cities that are experiencing a sharp shortage.

Recently, at one of the daily coronavirus briefings, President Donald Trump said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to distribute over 9 million N95 masks, 20 million surgical masks, and over 6,000 ventilators.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/help-us-after-deaths-on-coronavirus-hit-ship-guests-clamour-to-leave-289039" hreflang="en">'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave</a>

“I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they’re going to be,” Trump said recently in an interview with Fox.

New York state, which is one of the worst-hit places, has demanded 30,000 ventilators. Currently, the state has over 5,000 coronavirus patients.

Donald Trump does not believe they require 30,000 ventilators. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Trump said.&nbsp;

“You know, you go into major hospitals sometimes they’ll have two ventilators, and now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'”

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally. However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US.

The United States has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak which has infected over 500,000 people globally. However, the country is facing massive shortages of the paraphernalia required to treat the rising number of infections, which is about to reach 100,000 in the US. A recent survey in the US which asked states about their preparedness in the face of the virus made the grim reality clear. Almost 90 per cent of the US mayors claim that they do not have enough testing kits, face masks, and other protective equipment to deal with the pandemic. Also read: The ozone layer is healing! An additional 85 per cent said that they simply do not have enough ventilators, the basic tool required to help with respiratory illnesses, like the COVID-19. The survey, titled “US Conference of Mayors” was published on Friday and recorded data between March 20 and 24. This data was collated from over 213 American cities spread across 41 states, with a combined population of 42 million. The survey report claims that the shortage “has reached crisis proportions”. Improvised hospital rooms are seen at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center, which will be partially converted into a hospital for patients affected by the coronavirus disease | AFP “Despite their best efforts, most cities do not have and cannot obtain adequate equipment and supplies needed to protect their residents,” the report added. “This is a life-threatening crisis that will continue unless the federal government does everything in its power to help us safeguard our first responders and health care workers — our first line of defence — and the millions of other public servants in our cities whose work today puts them at risk”, it further added. The survey further found that there was little difference of shortage supply among cities and towns. Also read: As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment Even though many large cities claimed to have received supplies from state governments, almost two-thirds of the cities still haven’t received any help. In all, US cities require 28.5 million face masks, 24.4 million items of protection like gowns and gloves, 7.9 million testing kits, and over 139,000 ventilators. Due to shortages, even distributors and sellers are compelled to increase the prices. A mask which earlier cost 97 cents now costs $5. A group of doctors and medical workers have requested lawmakers to provide assistance worth $250 billion to cities that are experiencing a sharp shortage. Recently, at one of the daily coronavirus briefings, President Donald Trump said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency intends to distribute over 9 million N95 masks, 20 million surgical masks, and over 6,000 ventilators. Also read: 'Help us': After deaths on coronavirus-hit ship, guests clamour to leave “I have a feeling that a lot of the numbers that are being said in some areas are just bigger than they’re going to be,” Trump said recently in an interview with Fox. New York state, which is one of the worst-hit places, has demanded 30,000 ventilators. Currently, the state has over 5,000 coronavirus patients. Donald Trump does not believe they require 30,000 ventilators. “I don’t believe you need 40,000 or 30,000 ventilators,” Trump said. “You know, you go into major hospitals sometimes they’ll have two ventilators, and now all of a sudden they’re saying, ‘Can we order 30,000 ventilators?'”

US cities facing major coronavirus equipment shortages, 28.5 million masks needed

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 902, with the addition of over 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours.

The number of active cases right now stand at 800.

Maharashtra and Gujarat recorded six new cases each, with Madhya Pradesh adding four new cases.

Currently, there are 800 active cases in the country. Out of the total 902, 83 have recovered so far, with eight new recoveries in the last 24 hours.

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India has reportedly lost 19 people to the virus, with no deaths reported today.

27 states and union territories are currently affected throughout the country.

The country is currently in the fourth day of a 21-day-long nationwide lockdown, which has been enforced to tackle the rising number of infections in the country.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had said, “If developed countries with the best healthcare couldn’t effectively deal with the virus, how will we? Please stay at home and protect your loved ones, I request to you”, during a national briefing a few days ago.

Kerala currently has the most number of cases with 176, out of which 12 have recovered, with zero deaths reported in the state.

Maharashtra follows suit with 162 cases, with 25 cases of recovery recorded so far.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/situation-in-iran-remains-precarious-india-asks-citizens-to-stay-put-288787">Situation in Iran remains precarious, India asks citizens to stay put</a>

The capital city, New Delhi, currently has 33 active cases, with six recoveries reported so far.&nbsp;

The states of Manipur, Mizoram, alongside the union territory of Puducherry have so far recorded the least number of cases: one each!

In the border territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir as well as Ladakh, the number of cases has been rising rapidly. The former has 20 cases now, and the latter accounts for 13 of the nationwide cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 902, with the addition of over 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases right now stand at 800.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India have shot up to 902, with the addition of over 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases right now stand at 800. Maharashtra and Gujarat recorded six new cases each, with Madhya Pradesh adding four new cases. Currently, there are 800 active cases in the country. Out of the total 902, 83 have recovered so far, with eight new recoveries in the last 24 hours. Also read: India Lockdown: Kashmiri youths stuck in Haryana's Hisar, Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala extends help India has reportedly lost 19 people to the virus, with no deaths reported today. 27 states and union territories are currently affected throughout the country. The country is currently in the fourth day of a 21-day-long nationwide lockdown, which has been enforced to tackle the rising number of infections in the country. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had said, “If developed countries with the best healthcare couldn’t effectively deal with the virus, how will we? Please stay at home and protect your loved ones, I request to you”, during a national briefing a few days ago. Kerala currently has the most number of cases with 176, out of which 12 have recovered, with zero deaths reported in the state. Maharashtra follows suit with 162 cases, with 25 cases of recovery recorded so far. Also read: Situation in Iran remains precarious, India asks citizens to stay put The capital city, New Delhi, currently has 33 active cases, with six recoveries reported so far. The states of Manipur, Mizoram, alongside the union territory of Puducherry have so far recorded the least number of cases: one each! In the border territories of Jammu & Kashmir as well as Ladakh, the number of cases has been rising rapidly. The former has 20 cases now, and the latter accounts for 13 of the nationwide cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India records over 150 new COVID-19 cases over the last 24 hours

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Historic $2.2 trillion coronavirus bill passes US House, becomes law Google-parent Alphabet to donate $800 million in response to coronavirus crisis South Korea reports 146 new coronavirus cases, highest in a week Brazil's Bolsonaro questions coronavirus deaths, says 'sorry, some will die' Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment

Morning news brief: US House passes coronavirus law, 9000 deaths in Italy, and more!

People in greater Tokyo and the Osaka area in western Japan hunkered down on Saturday as officials urged citizens to stay indoors to prevent a potential emergency, but some were carrying on as normal.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's plea for the tens of millions of people in the capital and surrounding regions to avoid non-essential, non-urgent outings until April 12, and particularly this weekend, followed a surge in coronavirus infections this week, which she said puts Tokyo on the brink of a state of emergency.

Koike urged the public to avoid the national pastime of congregating to drink and watch the cherry blossoms as they hit their peak in the capital, saying on Friday, "The cherry blossoms will bloom again next year."

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"I realise it's the weekend, but just ask yourself whether or not you can delay what you think you need to do to another day," she said.

Infections in Japan have climbed to more than 1,400, with 47 deaths, excluding those from a cruise ship quarantined last month. Hit early by the coronavirus in its initial spread from China, Japan had seen a more gradual rise than the recent surge in much of Europe and the United States.

This week, however, saw an acceleration that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called "a national crisis".

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Infections on Friday rose by a daily record 102, said public broadcaster NHK. Tokyo reported 40 new cases on Friday, bringing its total to 299.

While those figures are not high for a city of nearly 14 million, with many millions more in neighbouring suburbs, experts warn of a high risk of an explosive rise in infections, since authorities have not been able to track all the contacts of more than half the newest cases.

The government has deployed the military to greater Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports to assist in virus screenings and the transport of people placed in quarantine, NHK said.

The voluntary calls by Koike and other Japanese leaders for people to stay at home compares with major cities in Italy, Britain, France, Spain, and the United States - the new global epicentre of the virus - where soaring infections have created ghost towns as governments put citizens on lockdown with severe measures restricting personal movement.

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Globally, infections have topped half a million with more than 20,000 deaths. Governments are struggling to decide how far they need to limit personal freedoms to contain the coronavirus, which has spread to more than 100 countries.

In a quiet neighbourhood close to the Japanese prime minister's private residence in central Tokyo, the scene was typical of a Saturday morning. Some people were jogging and walking their dogs. A few stopped to pray at a local shrine. Auto traffic was brisk on local roads.

"I'm a little worried, but I have an appointment today, which is why I'm outside," said a 41-year old man walking down the street, who declined to be named.

"It's not something that I can't cancel, but I do have to meet someone. I will be riding the train later."

People in greater Tokyo and the Osaka area in western Japan hunkered down on Saturday as officials urged citizens to stay indoors to prevent a potential emergency, but some were carrying on as normal.

People in greater Tokyo and the Osaka area in western Japan hunkered down on Saturday as officials urged citizens to stay indoors to prevent a potential emergency, but some were carrying on as normal. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike's plea for the tens of millions of people in the capital and surrounding regions to avoid non-essential, non-urgent outings until April 12, and particularly this weekend, followed a surge in coronavirus infections this week, which she said puts Tokyo on the brink of a state of emergency. Koike urged the public to avoid the national pastime of congregating to drink and watch the cherry blossoms as they hit their peak in the capital, saying on Friday, "The cherry blossoms will bloom again next year." Also read: Italy tops 9,000 coronavirus deaths, overtakes China in cases "I realise it's the weekend, but just ask yourself whether or not you can delay what you think you need to do to another day," she said. Infections in Japan have climbed to more than 1,400, with 47 deaths, excluding those from a cruise ship quarantined last month. Hit early by the coronavirus in its initial spread from China, Japan had seen a more gradual rise than the recent surge in much of Europe and the United States. This week, however, saw an acceleration that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called "a national crisis". Also read: As US virus cases exceed 100,000, doctors decry scarcity of drugs and equipment Infections on Friday rose by a daily record 102, said public broadcaster NHK. Tokyo reported 40 new cases on Friday, bringing its total to 299. While those figures are not high for a city of nearly 14 million, with many millions more in neighbouring suburbs, experts warn of a high risk of an explosive rise in infections, since authorities have not been able to track all the contacts of more than half the newest cases. The government has deployed the military to greater Tokyo's Narita and Haneda airports to assist in virus screenings and the transport of people placed in quarantine, NHK said. The voluntary calls by Koike and other Japanese leaders for people to stay at home compares with major cities in Italy, Britain, France, Spain, and the United States - the new global epicentre of the virus - where soaring infections have created ghost towns as governments put citizens on lockdown with severe measures restricting personal movement. Also read: Brazil's Bolsonaro questions coronavirus deaths, says 'sorry, some will die' Globally, infections have topped half a million with more than 20,000 deaths. Governments are struggling to decide how far they need to limit personal freedoms to contain the coronavirus, which has spread to more than 100 countries. In a quiet neighbourhood close to the Japanese prime minister's private residence in central Tokyo, the scene was typical of a Saturday morning. Some people were jogging and walking their dogs. A few stopped to pray at a local shrine. Auto traffic was brisk on local roads. "I'm a little worried, but I have an appointment today, which is why I'm outside," said a 41-year old man walking down the street, who declined to be named. "It's not something that I can't cancel, but I do have to meet someone. I will be riding the train later."

Tokyo restricts movement to combat virus, some folk carry on as usual

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