A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.S. economy.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he was considering how to restart business life when a 15-day shutdown ends next week, even as the highly contagious virus spreads rapidly and poorly equipped hospitals struggle with a wave of deadly cases.

A Republican, Trump is seeking to win re-election in November on a promise of economic growth.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat whose state of New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak with 25,665 cases, strongly opposed allowing people to travel, socialize and get back to workplaces too quickly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cure-cant-be-worse-than-problem-announces-trump-as-he-vows-to-reopen-us-economy-amid-covid-19-crisis-288294" hreflang="en">'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

"If you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy, then it's no contest. No American is going to say accelerate the economy at the cost of human life," he said at a convention center in Manhattan that is being repurposed to fit beds for coronavirus patients.

Cuomo said the projected need for hospital beds in New York at the peak of the outbreak has jumped to 140,000, compared with the 53,000 that are available and that the apex of the outbreak could still be 14-21 days away

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, told CNN on Tuesday: "We don't think that we're going to be in any way ready to be out of this in five or six days or so, or whenever this 15 days is up from the time that they started this imaginary clock."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

More than 42,000 people in the United States have contracted COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and at least 620 have died. The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned that the United States has the potential to become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, citing a "very large acceleration" in infections.

Senior Pentagon leaders said on Tuesday that the outbreak could continue for months.

Trump issued guidelines last week that he said aimed to slow the spread of the disease over 15 days, including curbing unnecessary travel. Economic activity has ground to a halt in major states such as New York and California.

The coronavirus has shuttered thousands of U.S. businesses, thrown millions out of work and led state governors to order about 100 million people - nearly a third of the nation's population - to stay at home.

There were signs that nerves had begun fraying after days of people working from home, looking after children whose schools are shut and severely scaling back on everyday activities.

Steve Rubinstein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer dangling from his belt loop, was juggling his two small children as they played in a New York park. Both he and his wife are working from home.

"It's very challenging, my wife and I both work, we have fulltime jobs," he said. "But it's, yeah, it's nonstop, it's relentless," Rubinstein, 35, added about balancing work demands and keeping their children safe and entertained.

Trump told a White House news conference on Monday that "America will again and soon be open for business," saying the crisis should not "turn into a long-lasting financial problem."

Rapidly reopening the economy might backfire, with higher deaths and people remaining fearful of going out, according to investors who remain anxious about the coronavirus’ uncertain trajectory and its economic toll.

“Markets will react badly because they have learned that this approach doesn’t work,” Axel Merk, chief investment officer of Merk Investments, said. “From a medical point of view, you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-spreading-of-coronavirus-not-fault-of-asian-americans-288166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wall street jumps

After taking a beating for most days in recent weeks, Wall Street bounced from three-year lows on Tuesday amid signs that Washington was nearing a deal on a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from coronavirus. All three main U.S. stock indexes jumped more than 5%.

Negotiators predicted the U.S. Senate could pass the stimulus bill, which includes financial aid for ordinary Americans, small businesses and critically affected industries, as soon as Tuesday.

After criticism from Cuomo and others that Trump was not wielding special powers to force businesses to make medical equipment likes masks and ventilators, the federal government said on Tuesday it would use the Defense Production Act to procure 60,000 coronavirus test kits.

Peter Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, told CNN the Trump administration had decided to use the act because "there are some test kits we need to get our hands on." It would be the first time the act is being used for the coronavirus crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

For right now, Birx said people in the United States should continue to follow the guidelines of social distancing.

"What the president is doing is looking for the future ... not looking to change what we're doing now," she said.

Stephen Moore, an economic commentator said by Trump's aides to be influencing the president, told Reuters on Monday there was a re-examination in the White House of the wisdom of “a full scale … shutdown of the economy.”

He said there were some who thought that “if we go on too long with the economy shut down, the human toll for that could be greater than the risk of the virus."

Despite the huge changes to daily life, many Americans still say they are willing to make sacrifices.

Christine Schindler, 58, a former receptionist, was alone waiting for a bus on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Tuesday. She said she thought it was dangerous to lift the restrictions too early for the sake of the economy.

“It’s going to come back up anyway, really, once things hit the bottom,” she said. “This is supposed to be the number one economy in the world.”

A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.

A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.S. economy. President Donald Trump said on Monday he was considering how to restart business life when a 15-day shutdown ends next week, even as the highly contagious virus spreads rapidly and poorly equipped hospitals struggle with a wave of deadly cases. A Republican, Trump is seeking to win re-election in November on a promise of economic growth. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat whose state of New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak with 25,665 cases, strongly opposed allowing people to travel, socialize and get back to workplaces too quickly. Also read: 'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis "If you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy, then it's no contest. No American is going to say accelerate the economy at the cost of human life," he said at a convention center in Manhattan that is being repurposed to fit beds for coronavirus patients. Cuomo said the projected need for hospital beds in New York at the peak of the outbreak has jumped to 140,000, compared with the 53,000 that are available and that the apex of the outbreak could still be 14-21 days away Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, told CNN on Tuesday: "We don't think that we're going to be in any way ready to be out of this in five or six days or so, or whenever this 15 days is up from the time that they started this imaginary clock." Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? More than 42,000 people in the United States have contracted COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and at least 620 have died. The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned that the United States has the potential to become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, citing a "very large acceleration" in infections. Senior Pentagon leaders said on Tuesday that the outbreak could continue for months. Trump issued guidelines last week that he said aimed to slow the spread of the disease over 15 days, including curbing unnecessary travel. Economic activity has ground to a halt in major states such as New York and California. The coronavirus has shuttered thousands of U.S. businesses, thrown millions out of work and led state governors to order about 100 million people - nearly a third of the nation's population - to stay at home. There were signs that nerves had begun fraying after days of people working from home, looking after children whose schools are shut and severely scaling back on everyday activities. Steve Rubinstein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer dangling from his belt loop, was juggling his two small children as they played in a New York park. Both he and his wife are working from home. "It's very challenging, my wife and I both work, we have fulltime jobs," he said. "But it's, yeah, it's nonstop, it's relentless," Rubinstein, 35, added about balancing work demands and keeping their children safe and entertained. Trump told a White House news conference on Monday that "America will again and soon be open for business," saying the crisis should not "turn into a long-lasting financial problem." Rapidly reopening the economy might backfire, with higher deaths and people remaining fearful of going out, according to investors who remain anxious about the coronavirus’ uncertain trajectory and its economic toll. “Markets will react badly because they have learned that this approach doesn’t work,” Axel Merk, chief investment officer of Merk Investments, said. “From a medical point of view, you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies.” Wall street jumps After taking a beating for most days in recent weeks, Wall Street bounced from three-year lows on Tuesday amid signs that Washington was nearing a deal on a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from coronavirus. All three main U.S. stock indexes jumped more than 5%. Negotiators predicted the U.S. Senate could pass the stimulus bill, which includes financial aid for ordinary Americans, small businesses and critically affected industries, as soon as Tuesday. After criticism from Cuomo and others that Trump was not wielding special powers to force businesses to make medical equipment likes masks and ventilators, the federal government said on Tuesday it would use the Defense Production Act to procure 60,000 coronavirus test kits. Peter Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, told CNN the Trump administration had decided to use the act because "there are some test kits we need to get our hands on." It would be the first time the act is being used for the coronavirus crisis. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase For right now, Birx said people in the United States should continue to follow the guidelines of social distancing. "What the president is doing is looking for the future ... not looking to change what we're doing now," she said. Stephen Moore, an economic commentator said by Trump's aides to be influencing the president, told Reuters on Monday there was a re-examination in the White House of the wisdom of “a full scale … shutdown of the economy.” He said there were some who thought that “if we go on too long with the economy shut down, the human toll for that could be greater than the risk of the virus." Despite the huge changes to daily life, many Americans still say they are willing to make sacrifices. Christine Schindler, 58, a former receptionist, was alone waiting for a bus on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Tuesday. She said she thought it was dangerous to lift the restrictions too early for the sake of the economy. “It’s going to come back up anyway, really, once things hit the bottom,” she said. “This is supposed to be the number one economy in the world.”

States reject Trump talk of restarting US economy early

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. 
 
An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-coronavirus-cases-seen-10-times-higher-than-official-tally-288283" hreflang="en">Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally</a> 
 
Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. 
 
The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. 
 
King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a> 
 
Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. 
 
Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. 
 
Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iceland-confirms-first-death-from-coronavirus-288268" hreflang="en">Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. 
 
Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day. Also read: Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates. Also read: Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Saudi reports first coronavirus death as infections spike

The number of coronavirus cases in Italy is probably 10 times higher than the official tally, the head of the agency collating the data said on Tuesday as the government readied new measures to force people to stay at home.

Italy has seen more fatalities than any other country, with latest figures showing that 6,077 people have died from the infection in barely a month, while the number of confirmed cases has hit 64,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-ice-palace-to-become-a-temporary-morgue-as-coronavirus-kills-over-2600-288280" hreflang="en">Spain's 'Ice Palace' to become a temporary morgue as coronavirus kills over 2,600</a>

However, testing for the disease has often been limited to people seeking hospital care, meaning that thousands of infections have certainly gone undetected.

"A ratio of one certified case out of every 10 is credible," Angelo Borrelli, the head of the Civil Protection Agency, told La Repubblica newspaper, indicating he believed as many as 640,000 people could have been infected.

After four weeks of steep increases in deaths and cases, the growth rate has eased since Sunday, raising hopes that the most aggressive phase of the contagion might be over.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

"The official numbers of the last two days indicate a slowdown in the epidemic," said Giorgio Gori, the mayor of Bergamo, a small city in the northern region of Lombardy that has suffered the heaviest death toll in the country.

"I am being cautious because I do not want to delude myself, but at the same time I have a lot of hope that two whole weeks of lockdown plus increasingly restrictive measures are producing results," he told a group of foreign reporters.

The government has shut down all non-essential business until April 3 and the cabinet was due to meet later on Tuesday to tighten the screws still further, including hiking fines for people violating the shutdown to up to 4,000 euros ($4,300) from a maximum 206 euros at present.

Ventilators

The new directive under review, seen by Reuters, would also give the government the option to extend parts of the lockdown to July 31.

Gori said he did not see how business could remain shuttered for much longer, but indicated that the government might look to extend restrictions on those who have proved most vulnerable to the virus, especially the elderly.

The Civil Protection Agency said the biggest difficulty facing the country was a shortage of masks and ventilators - a problem that has dogged the health system since the contagion first surfaced in Lombardy on Feb&nbsp;21.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

Underscoring the problem, the regional governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, ordered the confiscation of ventilators at veterinaries, saying they could be converted to human use.

With other countries looking to hoard their own medical supplies, a consortium of Italian textile and fashion companies have converted their production lines and will soon be able to produce half the required amount of masks.

"(This) will give our system the ammunition that we need in order to fight this war and avoid our total dependence on imports," Domenico Arcuri, the national commissioner for the emergency, told reporters.

The government has said a number of industrial sectors, including medical suppliers, must keep operating during the crisis, but there is growing unhappiness amongst some unions who think the prescribed list of strategic concerns is too wide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-spain-virus-death-toll-rises-by-514-to-2696-288261" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Spain virus death toll rises by 514 to 2,696</a>

Workers in the metal, chemical, textile, rubber-plastic and paper industries are expected to go on strike on Wednesday, alarming the government, which is holding talks with unions to try to stave off the stoppages.

"The last thing that Italy can allow itself is industrial conflict in a situation of national emergency," deputy Economy Minister Antonio Misiani told SkyTG24 television.

The number of coronavirus cases in Italy is probably 10 times higher than the official tally, the head of the agency collating the data said on Tuesday as the government readied new measures to force people to stay at home.

The number of coronavirus cases in Italy is probably 10 times higher than the official tally, the head of the agency collating the data said on Tuesday as the government readied new measures to force people to stay at home. Italy has seen more fatalities than any other country, with latest figures showing that 6,077 people have died from the infection in barely a month, while the number of confirmed cases has hit 64,000. Also read: Spain's 'Ice Palace' to become a temporary morgue as coronavirus kills over 2,600 However, testing for the disease has often been limited to people seeking hospital care, meaning that thousands of infections have certainly gone undetected. "A ratio of one certified case out of every 10 is credible," Angelo Borrelli, the head of the Civil Protection Agency, told La Repubblica newspaper, indicating he believed as many as 640,000 people could have been infected. After four weeks of steep increases in deaths and cases, the growth rate has eased since Sunday, raising hopes that the most aggressive phase of the contagion might be over. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase "The official numbers of the last two days indicate a slowdown in the epidemic," said Giorgio Gori, the mayor of Bergamo, a small city in the northern region of Lombardy that has suffered the heaviest death toll in the country. "I am being cautious because I do not want to delude myself, but at the same time I have a lot of hope that two whole weeks of lockdown plus increasingly restrictive measures are producing results," he told a group of foreign reporters. The government has shut down all non-essential business until April 3 and the cabinet was due to meet later on Tuesday to tighten the screws still further, including hiking fines for people violating the shutdown to up to 4,000 euros ($4,300) from a maximum 206 euros at present. Ventilators The new directive under review, seen by Reuters, would also give the government the option to extend parts of the lockdown to July 31. Gori said he did not see how business could remain shuttered for much longer, but indicated that the government might look to extend restrictions on those who have proved most vulnerable to the virus, especially the elderly. The Civil Protection Agency said the biggest difficulty facing the country was a shortage of masks and ventilators - a problem that has dogged the health system since the contagion first surfaced in Lombardy on Feb 21. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Underscoring the problem, the regional governor of Veneto, Luca Zaia, ordered the confiscation of ventilators at veterinaries, saying they could be converted to human use. With other countries looking to hoard their own medical supplies, a consortium of Italian textile and fashion companies have converted their production lines and will soon be able to produce half the required amount of masks. "(This) will give our system the ammunition that we need in order to fight this war and avoid our total dependence on imports," Domenico Arcuri, the national commissioner for the emergency, told reporters. The government has said a number of industrial sectors, including medical suppliers, must keep operating during the crisis, but there is growing unhappiness amongst some unions who think the prescribed list of strategic concerns is too wide. Also read: COVID-19: Spain virus death toll rises by 514 to 2,696 Workers in the metal, chemical, textile, rubber-plastic and paper industries are expected to go on strike on Wednesday, alarming the government, which is holding talks with unions to try to stave off the stoppages. "The last thing that Italy can allow itself is industrial conflict in a situation of national emergency," deputy Economy Minister Antonio Misiani told SkyTG24 television.

Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far.

The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800&nbsp; in the state.

The World Health Organisation had recently warned that the US could become the next epicentre of the virus.

Within the US, New York continues to be the epicentre.&nbsp;Over 46,000 have been infected in the United States alone.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

Recently, the cases have increased tremendously owing to the improved testing mechanisms in the face of a rapid contraction rate.

By Monday, New York City had recorded over 12,300 cases. To begin proper containment measures, around 16,000 tests are being undertaken everyday.

New York City accounts for 25 per cent of all testing happening in the United States, as iterated by the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-self-medicates-with-chloroquine-against-coronavirus-in-us-man-dies-288245" hreflang="en">Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies</a>

While sharing these numbers with the public and media, Cuomo called for the need to increase hospital capacity in the state, especially in New York City.

“We have a lot of work to do to get that rate down and get the hospital capacity up”, he said during a briefing.

<h6><img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c29b3c5b-2b8d-4a01-ad3a-b3b986942197" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_46.jpg" /> 
An empty New York Subway car is seen on March 23, 2020 in New York City | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

So far, over 157 people have died in New York owing to the virus. Additionally, 2,653 have been hospitalised in the state. This represents 13 per cent of the total cases recorded in New York state.

Cuomo claimed that a quarter of these patients are under intensive care.

White House has been stepping up efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading nationally. Yesterday, over 400 ventilators were sent to New York by the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-dies-from-hantavirus-on-bus-in-china-other-passengers-tested-positive-288252" hreflang="en">Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive</a>

The Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio thanked the White House, but added that the city requires over thousands of ventilators, with 400 being a start.

New York currently has 53,000 hospital beds. However, to tackle and treat the coronavirus pandemic, the state requires over 113,000 beds.

The city has been struggling to increase its hospital capacity in the face of ever-growing cases. However, the mayor recently announced that Javits Centre and Coler Speciality Hospital will add beds very soon.

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far. The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800 in the state.

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far. The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800 in the state. The World Health Organisation had recently warned that the US could become the next epicentre of the virus. Within the US, New York continues to be the epicentre. Over 46,000 have been infected in the United States alone. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Recently, the cases have increased tremendously owing to the improved testing mechanisms in the face of a rapid contraction rate. By Monday, New York City had recorded over 12,300 cases. To begin proper containment measures, around 16,000 tests are being undertaken everyday. New York City accounts for 25 per cent of all testing happening in the United States, as iterated by the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. Also read: Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies While sharing these numbers with the public and media, Cuomo called for the need to increase hospital capacity in the state, especially in New York City. “We have a lot of work to do to get that rate down and get the hospital capacity up”, he said during a briefing. An empty New York Subway car is seen on March 23, 2020 in New York City | AFP So far, over 157 people have died in New York owing to the virus. Additionally, 2,653 have been hospitalised in the state. This represents 13 per cent of the total cases recorded in New York state. Cuomo claimed that a quarter of these patients are under intensive care. White House has been stepping up efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading nationally. Yesterday, over 400 ventilators were sent to New York by the Trump administration. Also read: Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive The Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio thanked the White House, but added that the city requires over thousands of ventilators, with 400 being a start. New York currently has 53,000 hospital beds. However, to tackle and treat the coronavirus pandemic, the state requires over 113,000 beds. The city has been struggling to increase its hospital capacity in the face of ever-growing cases. However, the mayor recently announced that Javits Centre and Coler Speciality Hospital will add beds very soon.

New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home.

Merkel decided to self-isolate as a precaution after learning on Sunday that a doctor who vaccinated her last Friday was infected with the novel coronavirus.

"The chancellor is doing well," her spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters.

Dialling in from her Berlin flat, Merkel, 65, led a cabinet meeting that decided on a major rescue package for virus-stricken companies and employees in Europe's top economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-in-self-quarantine-after-meeting-virus-infected-doctor-287953" hreflang="en">German Chancellor Angela Merkel in self-quarantine after meeting virus-infected doctor</a>

"She was tested today and now we are waiting for the results, and we'll see what comes out of that," Seibert said, adding that any next steps would be guided by advice from doctors and Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) disease control agency.

Seibert thanked everyone on Merkel's behalf for "the many, many well wishes and messages for the chancellor to stay healthy".

The spokesman declined to say whether Merkel's chemistry professor husband Joachim Sauer was quarantining with her, saying he would not share information about family members.

Asked if he himself, as a close Merkel staffer, should self-isolate, Seibert said he last met with the chancellor on Sunday afternoon but had stuck to the advice of keeping a safe physical distance from people.

News that Merkel was going into quarantine came shortly after she gave a press conference in Berlin where she showed no symptoms of ill health.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/germany-amid-coronavirus-fear-minister-rejects-handshake-with-chancellor-angela-merkel-284213" hreflang="en">Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel</a>

She used the press conference to announce fresh curbs on social interactions to contain a pandemic that has infected over 22,600 people in Germany and killed 86.

The latest measures include a ban on gatherings of more than two people, on top of last week's closures of schools, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants.

The head of the RKI, Lothar Wieler, on Monday said he was "optimistic" that the restrictions were paying off, noting that the outbreak's "exponential growth curve had started to flatten a bit".

He expected to have a clearer view of the trend by Wednesday.

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home.

Angela Merkel is "doing well" in self-imposed quarantine and awaiting the results of her coronavirus test, her spokesman said Monday, as the veteran chancellor joined millions of Germans in working from home. Merkel decided to self-isolate as a precaution after learning on Sunday that a doctor who vaccinated her last Friday was infected with the novel coronavirus. "The chancellor is doing well," her spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters. Dialling in from her Berlin flat, Merkel, 65, led a cabinet meeting that decided on a major rescue package for virus-stricken companies and employees in Europe's top economy. Also read: German Chancellor Angela Merkel in self-quarantine after meeting virus-infected doctor "She was tested today and now we are waiting for the results, and we'll see what comes out of that," Seibert said, adding that any next steps would be guided by advice from doctors and Germany's Robert Koch Institute (RKI) disease control agency. Seibert thanked everyone on Merkel's behalf for "the many, many well wishes and messages for the chancellor to stay healthy". The spokesman declined to say whether Merkel's chemistry professor husband Joachim Sauer was quarantining with her, saying he would not share information about family members. Asked if he himself, as a close Merkel staffer, should self-isolate, Seibert said he last met with the chancellor on Sunday afternoon but had stuck to the advice of keeping a safe physical distance from people. News that Merkel was going into quarantine came shortly after she gave a press conference in Berlin where she showed no symptoms of ill health. Also read: Germany: Amid coronavirus fear, minister rejects handshake with Chancellor Angela Merkel She used the press conference to announce fresh curbs on social interactions to contain a pandemic that has infected over 22,600 people in Germany and killed 86. The latest measures include a ban on gatherings of more than two people, on top of last week's closures of schools, non-essential shops, bars and restaurants. The head of the RKI, Lothar Wieler, on Monday said he was "optimistic" that the restrictions were paying off, noting that the outbreak's "exponential growth curve had started to flatten a bit". He expected to have a clearer view of the trend by Wednesday.

Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade.

The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches.

Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish.

"As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said.

The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings.

Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi.

"The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch.

"We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said.

Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures.

Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said.

"Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria. Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade. The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches. Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish. "As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said. The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings. Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi. "The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake." Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch. "We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said. Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures. Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said. "Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China." Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind.

Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus.

Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

"I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath.

Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable.

Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain.

Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention

Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight.

After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend.

"Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO).

Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit.

The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala.

Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat.

In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles.

During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range.

Tiny Graves

Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated.

Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient.

The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044" hreflang="en">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died.

It is unclear why the vaccines failed.

Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry.

But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting.

"There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping.

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind. Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus. Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers "I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath. Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable. Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain. Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight. After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend. "Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO). Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit. The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala. Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat. In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles. During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range. Tiny Graves Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated. Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient. The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died. It is unclear why the vaccines failed. Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry. But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting. "There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak.

Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-reports-third-coronavirus-death-287658" hreflang="en">Malaysia reports third coronavirus death</a>

"Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said.

As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-kills-over-5000-in-europe-number-likely-to-increase-overnight-287648" hreflang="en">Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight</a>

Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary.

Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home. Also read: Malaysia reports third coronavirus death "Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said. As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths. Also read: Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary. Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

Indonesian capital declares emergency over coronavirus

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens.&nbsp;

On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We&nbsp;have restrictions in terms of medical facilities"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/study-says-no-age-group-is-immune-from-coronavirus-287645" hreflang="en">Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus</a>

Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges.&nbsp;Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories".

The Indian mission in China&nbsp;helped evacuate&nbsp;723 Indian citizens&nbsp;and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was&nbsp;the pilot&nbsp;epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three&nbsp;evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February.

In Iran, the Indian Mission did&nbsp;not only evacuate&nbsp;but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country.&nbsp;More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-train-services-to-remain-closed-on-sunday-in-wake-of-pms-janta-curfew-call-287596" hreflang="en">Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call</a>

Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians.

As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over&nbsp;14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens. On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We have restrictions in terms of medical facilities" Also read: Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges. Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories". The Indian mission in China helped evacuate 723 Indian citizens and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was the pilot epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February. In Iran, the Indian Mission did not only evacuate but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country. More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far. Also read: Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians. As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over 14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported.

Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The most number of deaths were recorded in Italy, with over 3,405 fatalities.

In the last 24 hours, Europe has registered 1,034 new cases. Over 110,568 infections have been registered in the continent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-italian-medical-workers-on-their-toes-to-combat-covid-19-287524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-3d-printing-be-the-answer-to-coronavirus-induced-supply-shortages-287639" hreflang="en">Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages?</a>

With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported. Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus.

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported. Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus. The most number of deaths were recorded in Italy, with over 3,405 fatalities. In the last 24 hours, Europe has registered 1,034 new cases. Over 110,568 infections have been registered in the continent. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing. The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation. Also read: Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages? With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks. (With inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology.

Hewlett-Packard (HP), and other companies like the teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub are looking for ways to employ their preexisting 3D-printing technology to build medical supplies that are already running short across the world, as most countries have halted trade and are exercising self-protectionism in the face of the pandemic.

Reported first by CNET, HP is allegedly looking at "entirely new parts such as plastic door handle adaptors which enable easy elbow opening to prevent further spread of the virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-nasa-suspends-work-on-moon-rocket-287633" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket</a>

The paraphernalia in question involves ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps.

"We will make available any HP proprietary design files for these parts so they can be produced anywhere in the world and are also helping end-customers bridge potential supply chain interruptions by expanding distributed print-on-demand capabilities," HP announced in a press release.

3D printing has been for long employed in the orthodontic industry to provide accuracy. SmileDirectClub is one of the largest 3D-printing manufacturers in the United States. The company has recently started donating plastic to medical supply companies and health organisations to quickly fill the supply gap in terms of medical equipment.

<h6><img alt="ppppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bbe534c-157c-4376-a833-12dc4a187286" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_106.jpg" /> 
Kinds of 3D printing machines | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

3D printers can easily build ventilators and face masks, however the safety imbued in this process remains in question.

Printing most of the equipment requires special tools, with no clarity on the effectiveness of the products created using this technology.

In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing.

The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-out-of-ten-people-expected-to-contract-covid-19-in-spanish-capital-madrid-287607" hreflang="en">Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid</a>

With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months.&nbsp;

In the face of supply shortages, people have been hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes, and masks, which has, in turn created an endless cycle of shortages.

Leaders across the world have urged people not to stock on essential medical supplies as it could cause a problem for emergency responders who are most vulnerable to contracting the virus.&nbsp;

As per data released by The Society of Critical Care Medicine, nearly one million patients in the United States will need ventilators at some point in the near future. However, the country currently has only 200,000 machines.

Recently, Elon Musk’s Tesla also offered to build ventilators for countries facing shortages.

Even though 3D printing started a way to design prototypes, it is now being used to make finished products. The benefit of the technology is the fact that it uses lighter plastic, and is a viable alternative to heavy metals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565" hreflang="en">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

However, 3D printing may not be the definitive answer to supply shortages, as many items like face masks use complicated material. Additionally, 3D printers are slow and take hours to print designs. But printing relatively simpler items like valves would be easier.

The primary drawback of 3D printing is that it is capable of mass-production, if compared to the factory model of bulk production.

But this is not the end! Open Source Ventilator, a Facebook group aims to build ventilators using material which are already available. The group currently has 300 members, ranging from engineers to doctors. They have been able to conjure a prototype which could be approved for use in Ireland as soon as next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology.

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology. Hewlett-Packard (HP), and other companies like the teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub are looking for ways to employ their preexisting 3D-printing technology to build medical supplies that are already running short across the world, as most countries have halted trade and are exercising self-protectionism in the face of the pandemic. Reported first by CNET, HP is allegedly looking at "entirely new parts such as plastic door handle adaptors which enable easy elbow opening to prevent further spread of the virus." Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket The paraphernalia in question involves ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps. "We will make available any HP proprietary design files for these parts so they can be produced anywhere in the world and are also helping end-customers bridge potential supply chain interruptions by expanding distributed print-on-demand capabilities," HP announced in a press release. 3D printing has been for long employed in the orthodontic industry to provide accuracy. SmileDirectClub is one of the largest 3D-printing manufacturers in the United States. The company has recently started donating plastic to medical supply companies and health organisations to quickly fill the supply gap in terms of medical equipment. Kinds of 3D printing machines | AFP 3D printers can easily build ventilators and face masks, however the safety imbued in this process remains in question. Printing most of the equipment requires special tools, with no clarity on the effectiveness of the products created using this technology. In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing. The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation. Also read: Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. In the face of supply shortages, people have been hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes, and masks, which has, in turn created an endless cycle of shortages. Leaders across the world have urged people not to stock on essential medical supplies as it could cause a problem for emergency responders who are most vulnerable to contracting the virus. As per data released by The Society of Critical Care Medicine, nearly one million patients in the United States will need ventilators at some point in the near future. However, the country currently has only 200,000 machines. Recently, Elon Musk’s Tesla also offered to build ventilators for countries facing shortages. Even though 3D printing started a way to design prototypes, it is now being used to make finished products. The benefit of the technology is the fact that it uses lighter plastic, and is a viable alternative to heavy metals. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? However, 3D printing may not be the definitive answer to supply shortages, as many items like face masks use complicated material. Additionally, 3D printers are slow and take hours to print designs. But printing relatively simpler items like valves would be easier. The primary drawback of 3D printing is that it is capable of mass-production, if compared to the factory model of bulk production. But this is not the end! Open Source Ventilator, a Facebook group aims to build ventilators using material which are already available. The group currently has 300 members, ranging from engineers to doctors. They have been able to conjure a prototype which could be approved for use in Ireland as soon as next week. (With inputs from agencies)

Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel.

But each test for Covid-19 virus comes at a cost and it's not cheap. There is the infrastructure needed for testing so many people.

India so far has tested the lowest number of people per million.

But it can take a cue from South Korea the world leader in covid-19 testing.

But the high cost of testing is making it extremely difficult. Especially for middle and low-income countries.The WHO has urged world nations to increase the number of people being tested.

But not all nations have been able to scale up testing. India's efforts to carry out covid-19 tests have lagged far behind. The cost of a test on average is Rs 5000-6000.

Apart from its sheer size, India's is also facing a challenge in the density of its population. 420 people live on each square kilometre. That's nearly three times more than that of China.

With just 6 tests per 1 million people, India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world. Italy which is the worst-hit nation outside of China is testing over 1400 per million people. China is testing over 2800 people.

Countries like South Korea and Bahrain are currently doing the maximum number of tests. Clocking about 5000- 6000 per million people.

India has tested over 11000 people while it has 3 lakh diagnostic kits.&nbsp;

India's testing capabilities are underutilised. Only 3% of equipment is being used. Lack of voluntary testing and exclusion of private hospitals are also blamed for the low number of tests.

The central government of India has decided to allow accredited private labs to test for Covid-19.&nbsp;

But there are only about 50 to 60 private labs approved by the national accreditation board for laboratories.

How do we test enough number of people in a population of 1.3 billion? What should India do?&nbsp;

It can take a cue from South Korea which has one of the world's best testing models.

The country's government scaled up its testing services as soon as the outbreak started.&nbsp;

At least, 12,000 people are being tested daily. Not just that The government is even tracking potential carriers using satellite technology.

'Drive-thru' testing facilities have been set up across the country.&nbsp;

Testing takes 10 minutes and people receive test results within a few hours.&nbsp;

South Korea's daily testing rate is higher than India's total number of tests so far. The next 10 days are the most crucial. India faces the threat of being the next Covid-19 hotspot.

And the only way it can limit the damage is if it can find ways to test more and more people as soon as possible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel. But each test for Covid-19 virus comes at a cost and it's not cheap. There is the infrastructure needed for testing so many people. India so far has tested the lowest number of people per million. But it can take a cue from South Korea the world leader in covid-19 testing. But the high cost of testing is making it extremely difficult. Especially for middle and low-income countries.The WHO has urged world nations to increase the number of people being tested. But not all nations have been able to scale up testing. India's efforts to carry out covid-19 tests have lagged far behind. The cost of a test on average is Rs 5000-6000. Apart from its sheer size, India's is also facing a challenge in the density of its population. 420 people live on each square kilometre. That's nearly three times more than that of China. With just 6 tests per 1 million people, India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world. Italy which is the worst-hit nation outside of China is testing over 1400 per million people. China is testing over 2800 people. Countries like South Korea and Bahrain are currently doing the maximum number of tests. Clocking about 5000- 6000 per million people. India has tested over 11000 people while it has 3 lakh diagnostic kits. India's testing capabilities are underutilised. Only 3% of equipment is being used. Lack of voluntary testing and exclusion of private hospitals are also blamed for the low number of tests. The central government of India has decided to allow accredited private labs to test for Covid-19. But there are only about 50 to 60 private labs approved by the national accreditation board for laboratories. How do we test enough number of people in a population of 1.3 billion? What should India do? It can take a cue from South Korea which has one of the world's best testing models. The country's government scaled up its testing services as soon as the outbreak started. At least, 12,000 people are being tested daily. Not just that The government is even tracking potential carriers using satellite technology. 'Drive-thru' testing facilities have been set up across the country. Testing takes 10 minutes and people receive test results within a few hours. South Korea's daily testing rate is higher than India's total number of tests so far. The next 10 days are the most crucial. India faces the threat of being the next Covid-19 hotspot. And the only way it can limit the damage is if it can find ways to test more and more people as soon as possible.

Coronavirus outbreak: In a series of shifting epicentres, India needs to improve testing facility to limit the threat

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town.

The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government.

People who were earlier quarantined in Iran are being put in isolation again to minimise the risk of infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-scare-restaurants-in-karachi-close-dine-in-option-to-encourage-social-distancing-287006" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare: Restaurants in Karachi close dine-in option to encourage social distancing</a>

However, the area lacks many facilities. In fact, it was only last Thursday that the town set up a COVID-19 testing lab.

Most people were moved to provinces across the country before this facility was set up.&nbsp;

Out of the 197 active coronavirus cases in Pakistan, 153 are from Taftan. Patients were moved back-and-forth under the careful eye of the government.

The three places that are becoming the hubs of coronavirus cases in Pakistan are Sukkur with 119 positive cases, Dera Ghazi Khan with five cases, and Dera Ismail Khan with 15 cases.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72906b9e-a0ed-4631-9842-bf99aad81bd2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_15.jpg" /> 
Taftan is situated at the Pakistan-Iran border | Courtesy: Google Maps 
&nbsp;</h6>

It seems like Taftan border is becoming Pakistan's Achilles Heel in terms of the coronavirus outbreak. To put things into perspective, here is the distance between Taftan and the three aforementioned places:

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Sukkur to Taftan: 988 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h5>Dera Ghazi Khan to Tafan: 1,118 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h5>Dera Ismail Khan to Taftan: 1,180 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Considering the distance, the cases could have been easily isolated at their earlier locations, which would have kept the count in Pakistan low.

<h6> 
<img alt="ppppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a902d241-9af3-4e10-97ae-9ea48615ac18" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_17.jpg" /> 
Healthcare workers deliver food to people in camps | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Many pilgrims were allowed to return to their cities from Taftan. However, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sent the pilgrims to isolation facilities in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan where everybody was tested further before being allowed to travel.

Currently, Pakistan has 197 cases: 155 in Sindh, 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ten in Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan, two in Islamabad, and one in Punjab.

The Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah at a recent press conference said that people were not adequately quarantined in Taftan and that many pilgrims were kept together. If true, this could explain the sudden surge in the number of cases in Pakistan.

All states in Pakistan have shut down educational institutions until April 5 to clamp down on the virus before more people get infected.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-lack-healthcare-facilities-would-be-devastated-if-swamped-by-covid-19-imran-khan-287033">We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan</a>

In an interview, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources

Recently, the country has also shut down the western border with Afghanistan and Iran.&nbsp;

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected 182,405 people and killed at least 7, 154 people.

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town. The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government.

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town. The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government. People who were earlier quarantined in Iran are being put in isolation again to minimise the risk of infection. Also read: Coronavirus scare: Restaurants in Karachi close dine-in option to encourage social distancing However, the area lacks many facilities. In fact, it was only last Thursday that the town set up a COVID-19 testing lab. Most people were moved to provinces across the country before this facility was set up. Out of the 197 active coronavirus cases in Pakistan, 153 are from Taftan. Patients were moved back-and-forth under the careful eye of the government. The three places that are becoming the hubs of coronavirus cases in Pakistan are Sukkur with 119 positive cases, Dera Ghazi Khan with five cases, and Dera Ismail Khan with 15 cases. Taftan is situated at the Pakistan-Iran border | Courtesy: Google Maps It seems like Taftan border is becoming Pakistan's Achilles Heel in terms of the coronavirus outbreak. To put things into perspective, here is the distance between Taftan and the three aforementioned places: Sukkur to Taftan: 988 kilometres Dera Ghazi Khan to Tafan: 1,118 kilometres Dera Ismail Khan to Taftan: 1,180 kilometres Considering the distance, the cases could have been easily isolated at their earlier locations, which would have kept the count in Pakistan low. Healthcare workers deliver food to people in camps | AFP Many pilgrims were allowed to return to their cities from Taftan. However, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sent the pilgrims to isolation facilities in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan where everybody was tested further before being allowed to travel. Currently, Pakistan has 197 cases: 155 in Sindh, 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ten in Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan, two in Islamabad, and one in Punjab. The Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah at a recent press conference said that people were not adequately quarantined in Taftan and that many pilgrims were kept together. If true, this could explain the sudden surge in the number of cases in Pakistan. All states in Pakistan have shut down educational institutions until April 5 to clamp down on the virus before more people get infected. Also read: We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan In an interview, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources Recently, the country has also shut down the western border with Afghanistan and Iran. COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected 182,405 people and killed at least 7, 154 people.

Is Iran-bordering Taftan town Pakistan's Achilles heel in the battle against COVID-19?

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic.&nbsp;

India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency.

It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens.

January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported.&nbsp;

Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330.&nbsp;

All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region.

Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India.&nbsp;

Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries.&nbsp;

In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action.&nbsp;

India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home.&nbsp;

Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well.&nbsp;

Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches.

The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran.

An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast.&nbsp;

Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus.

The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2.&nbsp;

Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china.&nbsp;

Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well. The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic. India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency. It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens. January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported. Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330. All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region. Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India. Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries. In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action. India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home. Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well. Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches. The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran. An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast. Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus. The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2. Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china. Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

Coronavirus outbreak: India emerges as a proactive nation in fighting global health emergency

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak.

However, this helped create a new record!

On March 14, Air Tahiti Nui, a French airline undertook the longest ever passenger flight in terms of distance. The flight covered 15,715 kilometres from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia to the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-the-global-aviation-industry-survive-coronavirus-related-slowdown-286815" hreflang="en">Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown?</a>

CNN reported that this new record was a result of the travel restrictions in place, especially the ones set up by the United States.

Usually, this route involves a halt at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). 
 
If an aeroplane halts in the US, passengers have to undergo customs before continuing their journey.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1bc68b7-3a31-40e1-ace5-ee90e5f4b9f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_32.jpg" />

However, owing to current restrictions, this was impractical. So, the aircraft flew directly from Papeete airport to Paris and covered the journey in under 16 hours, making it the world's longest commercial flight, considering the distance which was covered.

The record was previously held by Singapore Airlines, which offers a flight between Singapore and Newark covering a distance of 15,343 kilometres.

An Australian carrier called Qantas tried something different last year. They undertook ''Project Sunrise'', whereby the aircraft flew for 19 hours non-stop between London and Sydney. However, no paying passengers were on board.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/aviation-industry-hit-by-coronavirus-286814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This flight, TN064 is also the world's longest scheduled domestic flight, for it travelled within French territory, from French Polynesia and mainland France.

The aircraft crew included four pilots, and ran the next-generation Boeing 787-9, CNN reported.

Media reports suggest that the aircraft was not at all full, and was able to undertake the full journey without refuelling.

The airline, however, said that these are one-off measures, only in place until the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. Most airlines around the world are trying to navigate across the contemporary aviation climate, whereby a lot of bans have crippled the scope of layovers and halts.

The International Air Transport Association has said that the revenue losses due to coronavirus could run as high as 113 billion dollars across the industry this year. 
&nbsp;

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak.

One of the biggest industries to be hit by the long-term repercussions of the coronavirus is aviation. Thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with stringent travel bans in place to contain the outbreak. However, this helped create a new record! On March 14, Air Tahiti Nui, a French airline undertook the longest ever passenger flight in terms of distance. The flight covered 15,715 kilometres from Papeete in Tahiti, French Polynesia to the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. Also read: Will the global aviation industry survive coronavirus-related slowdown? CNN reported that this new record was a result of the travel restrictions in place, especially the ones set up by the United States. Usually, this route involves a halt at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If an aeroplane halts in the US, passengers have to undergo customs before continuing their journey. However, owing to current restrictions, this was impractical. So, the aircraft flew directly from Papeete airport to Paris and covered the journey in under 16 hours, making it the world's longest commercial flight, considering the distance which was covered. The record was previously held by Singapore Airlines, which offers a flight between Singapore and Newark covering a distance of 15,343 kilometres. An Australian carrier called Qantas tried something different last year. They undertook ''Project Sunrise'', whereby the aircraft flew for 19 hours non-stop between London and Sydney. However, no paying passengers were on board. This flight, TN064 is also the world's longest scheduled domestic flight, for it travelled within French territory, from French Polynesia and mainland France. The aircraft crew included four pilots, and ran the next-generation Boeing 787-9, CNN reported. Media reports suggest that the aircraft was not at all full, and was able to undertake the full journey without refuelling. The airline, however, said that these are one-off measures, only in place until the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing. Most airlines around the world are trying to navigate across the contemporary aviation climate, whereby a lot of bans have crippled the scope of layovers and halts. The International Air Transport Association has said that the revenue losses due to coronavirus could run as high as 113 billion dollars across the industry this year.

Coronavirus helps set a new record: World's longest scheduled commercial flight ever!

A study undertaken by Chinese researchers claims that kids who contract COVID-19 might display mild symptoms, recover, but still carry the virus. This implies that kids remain active carriers of coronavirus even if their symptoms have subsided or even if they're simply asymptomatic.

The study was published in Nature Medicine on March 13&nbsp;and further reaffirmed the need to shut down schools globally in order to limit the contact of infected children with others.

In the United States, local school districts have suspended all classroom activity. This has been replaced by the online model of schooling.

According to this study, shutting down schools is in the best interests of the society for there's no clarity on whether children could pass the virus to others in the community.

The study was led by Huimin Xia, of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, in Guangzhou, China. All 745 subjects were babies and children.

The age-range stood between two months to 15 years, and the children were selected based on their "close contact with diagnosed [COVID-19] patients or were members of families with reported familial outbreaks".

<img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7a0e2e09-3bbc-4a30-9c85-56ca87fbe8ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_45.jpg" /> 
Image courtesy: AFP 
 
 
 
Out of the 745, only 10 tested positive for the virus and were admitted to a treatment facility, simply with the aim to protect others around them. It's imperative to note here that none of them showed any significant illness.

Additionally, none of the ten kids showed any severe symptoms. Even in the seven cases that developed fever, nobody exhibited a temperature of over 29 degrees Celsius.

"There were some instances of coughing, sore throat and nasal congestion," the journal news release noted, but "none of the other symptoms commonly seen in adult patients, such as muscle ache and headache."&nbsp;

Further tests like x-rays displayed no signs of pneumonia among the children.

However, children with mild symptoms or no symptoms may still be able to transfer the virus to vulnerable adults.

The worst part is that the kids may sustain the virus for way longer than expected, which makes them a harmful carrier group, especially towards the susceptible groups of populations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-our-healthcare-workers-safe-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-287036">Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic?</a>

This was ascertained by the researchers based on the swab results of the kids, which had come out negative. However, their stool still tested positive for the virus, suggesting that a minimal amount of virus might be able to sustain itself for longer inside children.

A peculiar case involved a child's stool testing positive 13 days after they were discharged from the hospital. The kid had tested negative for throat/nose swabs twice.

This brings into question the protocols in place for isolation. Most institutions suggest 14 days of the quarantine period.&nbsp; 
 
"Quarantine timings are currently assessed through the use of nose or throat swabs; however, these results suggest that gastrointestinal-tract testing may help to provide more accurate assessments of treatment effectiveness and recovery", the news release said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/attempting-to-disinfect-south-korean-church-officials-mistakenly-infect-people-with-covid-19-287013">Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19</a>

"It's important to understand that viral shedding [in stool samples] seen in this small study does not equate with the transmission," Glatter said. "While children may still shed virus in their stool, we don't know whether they may still be infectious and serve as a reservoir of ongoing transmission."

Still, "the report suggests that rectal swab testing may be a more sensitive indicator compared to nasal sampling regarding the effectiveness of treatment and when to end quarantine," Glatter added.

A study undertaken by Chinese researchers claims that kids who contract COVID-19 might display mild symptoms, recover, but still carry the virus. This implies that kids remain active carriers of coronavirus even if their symptoms have subsided or even if they're simply asymptomatic.

A study undertaken by Chinese researchers claims that kids who contract COVID-19 might display mild symptoms, recover, but still carry the virus. This implies that kids remain active carriers of coronavirus even if their symptoms have subsided or even if they're simply asymptomatic. The study was published in Nature Medicine on March 13 and further reaffirmed the need to shut down schools globally in order to limit the contact of infected children with others. In the United States, local school districts have suspended all classroom activity. This has been replaced by the online model of schooling. According to this study, shutting down schools is in the best interests of the society for there's no clarity on whether children could pass the virus to others in the community. The study was led by Huimin Xia, of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, in Guangzhou, China. All 745 subjects were babies and children. The age-range stood between two months to 15 years, and the children were selected based on their "close contact with diagnosed [COVID-19] patients or were members of families with reported familial outbreaks". Image courtesy: AFP Out of the 745, only 10 tested positive for the virus and were admitted to a treatment facility, simply with the aim to protect others around them. It's imperative to note here that none of them showed any significant illness. Additionally, none of the ten kids showed any severe symptoms. Even in the seven cases that developed fever, nobody exhibited a temperature of over 29 degrees Celsius. "There were some instances of coughing, sore throat and nasal congestion," the journal news release noted, but "none of the other symptoms commonly seen in adult patients, such as muscle ache and headache." Further tests like x-rays displayed no signs of pneumonia among the children. However, children with mild symptoms or no symptoms may still be able to transfer the virus to vulnerable adults. The worst part is that the kids may sustain the virus for way longer than expected, which makes them a harmful carrier group, especially towards the susceptible groups of populations. Also read: Are our healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic? This was ascertained by the researchers based on the swab results of the kids, which had come out negative. However, their stool still tested positive for the virus, suggesting that a minimal amount of virus might be able to sustain itself for longer inside children. A peculiar case involved a child's stool testing positive 13 days after they were discharged from the hospital. The kid had tested negative for throat/nose swabs twice. This brings into question the protocols in place for isolation. Most institutions suggest 14 days of the quarantine period. "Quarantine timings are currently assessed through the use of nose or throat swabs; however, these results suggest that gastrointestinal-tract testing may help to provide more accurate assessments of treatment effectiveness and recovery", the news release said. Also read: Attempting to disinfect, South Korean church officials mistakenly infect people with COVID-19 "It's important to understand that viral shedding [in stool samples] seen in this small study does not equate with the transmission," Glatter said. "While children may still shed virus in their stool, we don't know whether they may still be infectious and serve as a reservoir of ongoing transmission." Still, "the report suggests that rectal swab testing may be a more sensitive indicator compared to nasal sampling regarding the effectiveness of treatment and when to end quarantine," Glatter added.

Can asymptomatic kids sustain coronavirus for longer than adults?

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too. So far, over 132,000 have tested positive around the world, and there have been over 5,000 deaths.

In India, the level of counter-action is unprecedented for any disease that has afflicted this country in the past. Not only is a great deal being done, but with almost every media outlet obsessing over this virus, it is the main news item.

With a mortality rate of 3-4 per cent globally, India has however seen a lot worse in earlier famines, scourges and natural disasters, apart from the fatalities from accidents, even in recent times.

The domestic scenario has reported an infection statistic in just two digits, though some quarters have raised concern on the low number of some 52 testing centres. These are now being raised to 55, all government-controlled, but this could well be inadequate to assess the magnitude of the spread if it comes to that.

The number of infected people in India, including visiting tourists, mainly from Italy, is about 85 at present. This is commendable, if the number is correct, in a country with a teeming population of 1.4 billion people.&nbsp;

There is a good reason why India is not much affected. The prompt precautionary moves undertaken by the government have apparently been very effective. There has been elaborate official concern from the top levels of the government, evacuation of Indians at risk in other countries, &nbsp;emergency medical facilities, isolation wards and locations, quarantine protocols and screening of arrivals from abroad. All this work has been exemplary and timely. Old learning has taught the authorities that deadly viruses like this should not be allowed to spread unchecked.

All this action together will likely contain and vastly reduce the impact. In addition, a number of under-utilised flights to and from abroad have been cancelled by the airlines themselves. The government on its part has withheld all non-essential visas. Many land borders have also been closed. The popular IPL cricket and other sporting fixtures have been postponed. Schools, colleges, cinema halls, malls and other places where large numbers might gather have been closed for a spell across the country. Other emergency measures are being considered. Intense monitoring of the situation is in place.

Combined with a steady messaging on dos and donts, &nbsp;the squashing of rumours, the warming up of the weather as the country goes into summer, is also expected to help. The two fatalities so far have both been that of elders, with other underlying health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Young, reasonably fit people tend to recover, and 10 have done so in India already. In medical terms, the virus has also been isolated outside of the body in India. This in order to develop antibodies and vaccines in due course.

It can certainly be said that India has been doing well in terms of the preventive and other measures against this deadly virus that has only symptomatic treatments so far.

But the threats emerging from the Coronavirus has done considerable knock-on economic damage in various sectors already.

The silver lining, though largely unrelated, unless a fall in demand has triggered it, is the recent tumbling of petroleum prices. Saudi Arabia, with immense proven reserves, has decided to strongly increase its output in competition with all other producers. The price of a barrel of crude oil, down sharply, could fall to as little as $20, according to experts. This is greatly benefitting India that imports over 80 per cent of its oil.

The global situation economically has hit China and America hardest, with each country directly losing almost a billion dollars in foreign trade till now.

India too has lost a few hundred million dollars in its Indo-Chinese trade, but the domestic impact on tourism, hotels, related services, is very much higher.

Globally, the stock markets have been gyrating in panic. The US has lost almost all the gains, running into billions of dollars, made during the last four Trump administered years.

The Indian market has rewound to figures prevailing two years ago. The rupee has taken a beating, even as the Indian foreign exchange reserves are at nearly $500 billion. The debt market and gold bonds have held out well so far but all depends on how much longer this goes on.

The reactions to the pandemic and indeed the disease itself will inevitably fade in the not too distant future, leaving a lot of human misery and economic damage in its wake.

But at the same time, it will provide an opportunity to reassess the foundations of international business afresh. In a near reboot, not seen since the international economic crisis of 2008, there will be new opportunities, as well as significant realignments.

&nbsp;Will the Chinese economy, already plagued by low growth before this disease came along, be able to recover any time soon? Will its Belt and Road initiative already in trouble, and its blue water maritime hegemonic ambitions survive? Will the drastic losses in the global equity markets provide new get rich possibilities for intrepid investors wherever they maybe?

India could benefit from the reworking of the global economy in the aftermath, though it may not be mainly in terms of Chinese manufacturing relocating to India. This, desirable as it may be from the Indian point of view, is much talked about. But the notion still suffers from substantial infrastructure and utility bottlenecks in India compared to China that may take a few more years to address.

But there could well be a substantial fillip to defence and armaments related manufacturing here, under the Make in India programme.&nbsp; The negotiations in this regard with various contenders could gain momentum. India is still the second biggest arms and armaments importer in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia.

With recessionary conditions claiming the collaborating countries too, earlier objections to technology transfer, high pricing and the like could be removed and negotiations fast-tracked.

Defence manufacturing has the virtue of being very high unit-value while offering new, skilled jobs, to an estimated 1.5 lakh people. India has designated an ambitious defence manufacturing corridor in Uttar Pradesh that has been well received by prospective partners. It will shortly build roads and other infrastructure to serve it better.

The export potential of defence equipment too&nbsp;is now prominent in the minds of Indian planners. It has just climbed into the ranks of the top 25 armaments exporters in the world at a modest No. 23. Items such as Indian bullet-proof vests, missiles of various kinds, patrol boats, frigates, radar, missile shields, satellites and launching facilities, are now in demand.

In future, fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopter gunships, drones, machine guns and other items could come into play as well. &nbsp;This sector, therefore, is seen as a major enabler of India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024.

The hectic work and massive investment going into new and modernized infrastructure is part of the same thing. It is of the greatest importance when the GDP has otherwise slowed to under 5 per cent per annum, compared to the over 7 per cent&nbsp;it was at not so long ago, or even 9 per cent&nbsp;before that. Various sectors of the economy such as banking, real estate and even 60 per cent&nbsp;that comes from the all-sustaining service economy are suffering.

These, along with traditional agriculture or even food processing industries, other manufacturing including that of automobiles and electronics, are unlikely to be the prime movers in the near future.

But paying one-third of the earlier cost for India’s huge oil imports, with a robust, nearly $500 billion in foreign exchange reserves, will certainly help India rebuild its economy.

Manufacturing more of its military equipment needs here, another major import cost head, and exporting a portion of it, is the way forward. India aspires, after all, to be amongst the top three economies with more than $10 trillion in nominal terms by 2032.

While a situation brought on by the Coronavirus is far from desirable, the reworkings it may force upon the global economy may not be bad at all for India.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too.

The Covid-19 or Novel Coronavirus has found India well prepared. The global pandemic that began in Wuhan, China, is presently also raging in Europe and the US. The epicentre seems to have shifted to Northern Italy from China, though Iran’s Qom is a contender too. So far, over 132,000 have tested positive around the world, and there have been over 5,000 deaths. In India, the level of counter-action is unprecedented for any disease that has afflicted this country in the past. Not only is a great deal being done, but with almost every media outlet obsessing over this virus, it is the main news item. With a mortality rate of 3-4 per cent globally, India has however seen a lot worse in earlier famines, scourges and natural disasters, apart from the fatalities from accidents, even in recent times. The domestic scenario has reported an infection statistic in just two digits, though some quarters have raised concern on the low number of some 52 testing centres. These are now being raised to 55, all government-controlled, but this could well be inadequate to assess the magnitude of the spread if it comes to that. The number of infected people in India, including visiting tourists, mainly from Italy, is about 85 at present. This is commendable, if the number is correct, in a country with a teeming population of 1.4 billion people. There is a good reason why India is not much affected. The prompt precautionary moves undertaken by the government have apparently been very effective. There has been elaborate official concern from the top levels of the government, evacuation of Indians at risk in other countries, emergency medical facilities, isolation wards and locations, quarantine protocols and screening of arrivals from abroad. All this work has been exemplary and timely. Old learning has taught the authorities that deadly viruses like this should not be allowed to spread unchecked. All this action together will likely contain and vastly reduce the impact. In addition, a number of under-utilised flights to and from abroad have been cancelled by the airlines themselves. The government on its part has withheld all non-essential visas. Many land borders have also been closed. The popular IPL cricket and other sporting fixtures have been postponed. Schools, colleges, cinema halls, malls and other places where large numbers might gather have been closed for a spell across the country. Other emergency measures are being considered. Intense monitoring of the situation is in place. Combined with a steady messaging on dos and donts, the squashing of rumours, the warming up of the weather as the country goes into summer, is also expected to help. The two fatalities so far have both been that of elders, with other underlying health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. Young, reasonably fit people tend to recover, and 10 have done so in India already. In medical terms, the virus has also been isolated outside of the body in India. This in order to develop antibodies and vaccines in due course. It can certainly be said that India has been doing well in terms of the preventive and other measures against this deadly virus that has only symptomatic treatments so far. But the threats emerging from the Coronavirus has done considerable knock-on economic damage in various sectors already. The silver lining, though largely unrelated, unless a fall in demand has triggered it, is the recent tumbling of petroleum prices. Saudi Arabia, with immense proven reserves, has decided to strongly increase its output in competition with all other producers. The price of a barrel of crude oil, down sharply, could fall to as little as $20, according to experts. This is greatly benefitting India that imports over 80 per cent of its oil. The global situation economically has hit China and America hardest, with each country directly losing almost a billion dollars in foreign trade till now. India too has lost a few hundred million dollars in its Indo-Chinese trade, but the domestic impact on tourism, hotels, related services, is very much higher. Globally, the stock markets have been gyrating in panic. The US has lost almost all the gains, running into billions of dollars, made during the last four Trump administered years. The Indian market has rewound to figures prevailing two years ago. The rupee has taken a beating, even as the Indian foreign exchange reserves are at nearly $500 billion. The debt market and gold bonds have held out well so far but all depends on how much longer this goes on. The reactions to the pandemic and indeed the disease itself will inevitably fade in the not too distant future, leaving a lot of human misery and economic damage in its wake. But at the same time, it will provide an opportunity to reassess the foundations of international business afresh. In a near reboot, not seen since the international economic crisis of 2008, there will be new opportunities, as well as significant realignments. Will the Chinese economy, already plagued by low growth before this disease came along, be able to recover any time soon? Will its Belt and Road initiative already in trouble, and its blue water maritime hegemonic ambitions survive? Will the drastic losses in the global equity markets provide new get rich possibilities for intrepid investors wherever they maybe? India could benefit from the reworking of the global economy in the aftermath, though it may not be mainly in terms of Chinese manufacturing relocating to India. This, desirable as it may be from the Indian point of view, is much talked about. But the notion still suffers from substantial infrastructure and utility bottlenecks in India compared to China that may take a few more years to address. But there could well be a substantial fillip to defence and armaments related manufacturing here, under the Make in India programme. The negotiations in this regard with various contenders could gain momentum. India is still the second biggest arms and armaments importer in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia. With recessionary conditions claiming the collaborating countries too, earlier objections to technology transfer, high pricing and the like could be removed and negotiations fast-tracked. Defence manufacturing has the virtue of being very high unit-value while offering new, skilled jobs, to an estimated 1.5 lakh people. India has designated an ambitious defence manufacturing corridor in Uttar Pradesh that has been well received by prospective partners. It will shortly build roads and other infrastructure to serve it better. The export potential of defence equipment too is now prominent in the minds of Indian planners. It has just climbed into the ranks of the top 25 armaments exporters in the world at a modest No. 23. Items such as Indian bullet-proof vests, missiles of various kinds, patrol boats, frigates, radar, missile shields, satellites and launching facilities, are now in demand. In future, fighter aircraft, submarines, helicopter gunships, drones, machine guns and other items could come into play as well. This sector, therefore, is seen as a major enabler of India’s ambition to become a $5 trillion economy by 2024. The hectic work and massive investment going into new and modernized infrastructure is part of the same thing. It is of the greatest importance when the GDP has otherwise slowed to under 5 per cent per annum, compared to the over 7 per cent it was at not so long ago, or even 9 per cent before that. Various sectors of the economy such as banking, real estate and even 60 per cent that comes from the all-sustaining service economy are suffering. These, along with traditional agriculture or even food processing industries, other manufacturing including that of automobiles and electronics, are unlikely to be the prime movers in the near future. But paying one-third of the earlier cost for India’s huge oil imports, with a robust, nearly $500 billion in foreign exchange reserves, will certainly help India rebuild its economy. Manufacturing more of its military equipment needs here, another major import cost head, and exporting a portion of it, is the way forward. India aspires, after all, to be amongst the top three economies with more than $10 trillion in nominal terms by 2032. While a situation brought on by the Coronavirus is far from desirable, the reworkings it may force upon the global economy may not be bad at all for India. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

Little affected, most perturbed: India ably tackles coronavirus outbreak

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus.

Japan is in the process of transporting the infected people to a medical facility. According to Katsunobu Kato, the Health Minister of Japan said that around 3,700 people will continue to remain quarantined on-board the Carnival Corp ship for 14 days. 
 
"I want to take sufficient care of the health of passengers and crew and make every effort to prevent the spread of the virus," Kato said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

According to Kato, everybody on the ''Diamond Princess'' cruise had received initial health screening. As part of this process, 273 people were identified for testing. Out of these, 31 results had been confirmed, which revealed the 10 positive cases.

More samples are being taken, with Kato suggesting that remaining passengers and crew would continue to be tested to ensure the symptoms don't show.

According to sources, none of the infected people showed severe symptoms. And three out of the ten are Japanese nationals.

The origin point of the virus on-board has been traced to an 80-year-old Hong Kong man, who boarded the cruise last month and was later tested positive for the coronavirus. 
 
Images and visuals released by people on the cruise show health officials in masks and gowns screening the hallways of the cruise.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
検疫は8階にいた <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E3%83%80%E3%82%A4%E3%83%A4%E3%83%A2%E3%83%B3%E3%83%89%E3%83%97%E3%83%AA%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BB%E3%82%B9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ダイヤモンドプリンセス</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5ka0jT5Ip">pic.twitter.com/O5ka0jT5Ip</a>
— だぁ(ダイヤモンドプリンセス乗船中) (@daxa_tw) <a href="https://twitter.com/daxa_tw/status/1224508342527123457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Carnival Japan, a subsidiary of the British-American cruise operator, claimed that the ship was delayed by over 24 hours.

Additionally, the company said that the cruises that were set to depart from the Yokohama and Kobe ports this week could be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

With this update, the infection toll in Japan has reached 33. The epidemic had originated in Hubei province of China, and has killed hundreds of people, with more than 10,000 infected so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/latest-coronavirus-news-update-India-confirms-third-coronavirus-case-in-Kerala">India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala</a>

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus.

Japan today said that ten people on a cruise ship at the port of Yokohama have tested positive for coronavirus. The figure is expected to rise as more passengers and crew members are screened for the virus. Japan is in the process of transporting the infected people to a medical facility. According to Katsunobu Kato, the Health Minister of Japan said that around 3,700 people will continue to remain quarantined on-board the Carnival Corp ship for 14 days. "I want to take sufficient care of the health of passengers and crew and make every effort to prevent the spread of the virus," Kato said. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected According to Kato, everybody on the ''Diamond Princess'' cruise had received initial health screening. As part of this process, 273 people were identified for testing. Out of these, 31 results had been confirmed, which revealed the 10 positive cases. More samples are being taken, with Kato suggesting that remaining passengers and crew would continue to be tested to ensure the symptoms don't show. According to sources, none of the infected people showed severe symptoms. And three out of the ten are Japanese nationals. The origin point of the virus on-board has been traced to an 80-year-old Hong Kong man, who boarded the cruise last month and was later tested positive for the coronavirus. Images and visuals released by people on the cruise show health officials in masks and gowns screening the hallways of the cruise. 検疫は8階にいた #ダイヤモンドプリンセス pic.twitter.com/O5ka0jT5Ip — だぁ(ダイヤモンドプリンセス乗船中) (@daxa_tw) February 4, 2020 × Carnival Japan, a subsidiary of the British-American cruise operator, claimed that the ship was delayed by over 24 hours. Additionally, the company said that the cruises that were set to depart from the Yokohama and Kobe ports this week could be cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. With this update, the infection toll in Japan has reached 33. The epidemic had originated in Hubei province of China, and has killed hundreds of people, with more than 10,000 infected so far. Also read: India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala

Ten passengers aboard a cruise ship in Japan test positive for coronavirus

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage."

"While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London.

The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-says-online-anti-vaxxers-fuelling-samoa-measles-deaths-266415">U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths</a>

The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months.

Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said.

"Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak</a>

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday.

Up to 45 million children in seven developing countries will be immunised against measles in a series of major vaccination campaigns to try to halt a global surge in the viral disease, the GAVI vaccine alliance said on Wednesday. Measles cases have risen dramatically in all parts of the world in recent years. The World Health Organization said in December that measles had infected nearly 10 million people in 2018 and killed 140,000, mostly children, in what it described as "an outrage." "While the headlines might focus on rising cases in Europe and the United States, it is sadly still the case that the vast majority of measles deaths are happening in the world’s poorest countries," said Seth Berkley, GAVI's chief executive, who gave a briefing to reporters in London. The campaigns will be carried out by governments in Bangladesh, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nepal, Somalia and South Sudan and funded by partners including GAVI, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations children's fund UNICEF. Also read: U.N. says online anti-vaxxers fuelling Samoa measles deaths The aim is to reach some 45 million children in six months. Provisional data for 2019 up to November showed a three-fold increase in case numbers compared with the same period in 2018, the WHO said. "Measles cases rose alarmingly in 2019, affecting hundreds of thousands of children and claiming many young lives," said Henrietta Fore, UNICEF's executive director. "These measles outbreaks have taught us that we need to stay vigilant. We can't afford to wait and watch." Also read: Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

Measles vaccine drive aims to protect 45 million children in Africa, Asia

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus.

India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems.

The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/latest-india-news-suspected-case-of-coronavirus-admitted-to-isolation-ward-of-haryana-based-hospital-278783">Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital</a>

The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment.

According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China.

The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients.

There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications.

<h6><img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccef328c-4a3b-477e-8c15-eb415e50ee43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_30.jpg" /> 
Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for&nbsp;coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients.

The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China.

Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity.

The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-490-figure-expected-to-rise-278644" hreflang="en">China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected</a>

Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts.

A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar.

The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital.

A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-china-is-fighting-novel-war-on-coronavirus-through-twitter-278807">How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter</a>

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries.

As coronavirus continues to wreak havoc globally and has triggered a mass shutdown, India has also stepped up the efforts to contain the virus. India, the world's second most populated country provides dismal health infrastructure, making it more vulnerable to the outbreak than other countries. Additionally, given the fact that China and India share a long border, containing the virus could prove harder than it seems. The top health research agency in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is now working on standard treatment protocol to effectively deal with the coronavirus infections. Also read: Suspected case of coronavirus admitted to isolation ward of Haryana-based hospital The ICMR, after receiving approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has allowed a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir to be used if the coronavirus infections become a public health emergency in the country. The combination has been approved for AIDS treatment. According to medical sources, the standard treatment protocol will comprise a cocktail of antiretrovirals used to treat HIV/AIDS, similar to protocols being followed in China. The treatment protocol established in China and followed by physicians in Thailand shows that a combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir, along with flu medication Oseltamivir may be working on patients. There is no cure for the deadly Wuhan coronavirus but several big biotech companies are hoping they can treat the symptoms with existing antiviral medications. Ambulance workers in protective gears drive an ambulance which is believed to be carrying a person who was transferred from cruise ship Diamond Princess after ten people were tested positive for coronavirus, at a maritime police's base in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan | Reuters A pharmaceutical company named Gilead Sciences has introduced a type of medicine: Remdesivir, which can rapidly cure coronavirus infections in patients. The medicine is in clinical trial stage at the China-Japan friendship hospital in China. Meanwhile, after the third novel coronavirus case was reported in India, Kerala declared the epidemic a state calamity. The third person infected in India is another Keralite student who returned from Wuhan University on monday testing positive for the infection. Also read: China's coronavirus death toll rises to 490, over 24,000 infected Two earlier positive cases, also of students who came back from Wuhan were reported from Thrissur and Alappuzha districts. A new suspected case of coronavirus has been reported in Haryana's Hisar. The suspected patient, Mohan is pursuing MBBS from China and had recently returned from there. He is now admitted to an isolation ward of Hisar's Civil Hospital. A high-level group of ministers has been constituted on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the management of the outbreak. Also read: How China is fighting 'novel' war on coronavirus through Twitter

India settles on standard treatment protocol as third case of coronavirus confirmed

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-coronavirus-killed-more-people-than-sars-in-mainland-china-278354">Also read: Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China</a>

Fears of the virus have spurred people in the densely-populated country of 1.4 billion to stock up on single-use surgical masks, while frontline medical personnel at the centre of the outbreak have reported equipment shortages.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

"What China urgently needs at present are medical masks, protective suits, and safety goggles," the foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a press briefing.

At full capacity, China's factories are only able to produce around 20 million masks a day, according to the ministry of industry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-doctors-say-cocktail-of-flu-hiv-drugs-appears-to-help-fight-coronavirus-278168">Also Read:&nbsp;Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus</a>

The foreign ministry said countries including South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Hungary have donated medical supplies.

Tian Yulong of the industry ministry said earlier Monday that authorities were taking steps to bring in masks from Europe, Japan and the US, adding that supply and demand in China remained in "tight equilibrium" as factories returned to production after the Lunar New Year lull.

He said they were now operating at "between 60 and 70 per cent capacity".

In addition to Hubei, the province of more than 50 million people at the centre of the outbreak, several other provinces and cities across China have made it compulsory to wear masks in public as virus fears have grown.

These include Guangdong -- China's most populous province -- plus Sichuan, Jiangxi, Liaoning and the city of Nanjing, with a combined population of more than 300 million.

The death toll from the coronavirus soared past 360 on Monday, exceeding the 349 mainland fatalities from the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, although SARS killed a higher percentage of people infected.

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected.

China said Monday it "urgently needs" protective medical equipment as the death toll in the country from a highly contagious coronavirus passed that of the 2002 SARS crisis, with more than 17,000 infected. Also read: Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China Fears of the virus have spurred people in the densely-populated country of 1.4 billion to stock up on single-use surgical masks, while frontline medical personnel at the centre of the outbreak have reported equipment shortages. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines "What China urgently needs at present are medical masks, protective suits, and safety goggles," the foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in a press briefing. At full capacity, China's factories are only able to produce around 20 million masks a day, according to the ministry of industry. Also Read: Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus The foreign ministry said countries including South Korea, Japan, Kazakhstan and Hungary have donated medical supplies. Tian Yulong of the industry ministry said earlier Monday that authorities were taking steps to bring in masks from Europe, Japan and the US, adding that supply and demand in China remained in "tight equilibrium" as factories returned to production after the Lunar New Year lull. He said they were now operating at "between 60 and 70 per cent capacity". In addition to Hubei, the province of more than 50 million people at the centre of the outbreak, several other provinces and cities across China have made it compulsory to wear masks in public as virus fears have grown. These include Guangdong -- China's most populous province -- plus Sichuan, Jiangxi, Liaoning and the city of Nanjing, with a combined population of more than 300 million. The death toll from the coronavirus soared past 360 on Monday, exceeding the 349 mainland fatalities from the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, although SARS killed a higher percentage of people infected.

Battling shortage, China 'urgently needs' masks and medical equipment to tackle Coronavirus

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-coronavirus-rises-to-361-as-man-dies-in-philippines-278197">Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines</a>

During the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, the number of deaths in mainland China was 349 along with 5,327 cases of infections.

SARS, caused by a pathogen similar to the new coronavirus&nbsp;killed 774 people worldwide - with most of the other deaths in Hong Kong.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-doctors-say-cocktail-of-flu-hiv-drugs-appears-to-help-fight-coronavirus-278168">Also Read:&nbsp;Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus infection has already spread across China and to around two dozen nations. Yet, the zone hit hardest is the Hubei area, of which Wuhan is the provincial capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-news-chinese-authorities-ignored-early-reports-of-mysterious-coronavirus-by-doctor-report-278301">Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor</a>

A Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-medical-workers-strike-for-china-border-closure-278344/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-accuses-us-of-causing-panic-and-spreading-fear-over-coronavirus-278347/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, China is expecting other countries to make judgements and respond to the crisis reasonably and based on scientific evidence.&nbsp;

China recently claimed that the United States has created and spread fear about the coronavirus.

In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus, the United States became the first nation to suggest a partial withdrawal of its embassy staff. It was also the first country to impose a ban on Chinese travellers. These details were given out by Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak.

China's loss of life from coronavirus hopped over 360 on Monday to outperform the number of fatalities of its SARS emergency two decades back in 2003, with many individuals dying in Wuhan the epicentre of this outbreak. Also read: Death toll in coronavirus rises to 361 as man dies in Philippines During the 2002-03 SARS outbreak, the number of deaths in mainland China was 349 along with 5,327 cases of infections. SARS, caused by a pathogen similar to the new coronavirus killed 774 people worldwide - with most of the other deaths in Hong Kong. Also Read: Thai doctors say cocktail of flu, HIV drugs appears to help fight coronavirus The coronavirus infection has already spread across China and to around two dozen nations. Yet, the zone hit hardest is the Hubei area, of which Wuhan is the provincial capital. Also read: Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor A Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone. China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week. Meanwhile, China is expecting other countries to make judgements and respond to the crisis reasonably and based on scientific evidence. China recently claimed that the United States has created and spread fear about the coronavirus. In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus, the United States became the first nation to suggest a partial withdrawal of its embassy staff. It was also the first country to impose a ban on Chinese travellers. These details were given out by Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry.

Wuhan coronavirus killed more people than SARS in mainland China

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people.

China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic.

It has even received appreciation from the World Health Organisation for its efforts in containing the virus, which includes building hospitals from the ground within a one-week window.

However, the veracity of the information flowing in from China has been put to the test owing to a report by the New York Times.

According to the report, a Chinese doctor named Li Wenliang had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019.

The virus had not been identified then. But Wenliang understood the dangers it possessed.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="135778da-9bc5-479e-9e24-48285fed93b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_63.jpg" /> 
Passengers arrive at LAX from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, US</h6>

The report states that he tried to warn his medical school classmates in an online chat group.

The words used by the doctor to describe the virus were ''so frightening''. To which, one recipient replied with, ''Is SARS coming again?''

The mysterious disease was then identified as the coronavirus.

As per the report, the government tried to silence the doctor and bury the whole matter.

Officials from the Health Authority of Wuhan summoned Dr Wenliang and confronted him for sharing this information.

Wenliang was later ordered to sign a statement which labelled his warning as ''illegal behaviour''.

The report goes on to say that the government’s initial handling of the epidemic allowed the virus to gain a tenacious hold.

It blames the officials for choosing secrecy over openly confronting the growing crisis.

The report further alleges that this was done to avoid political embarrassment.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/did-china-hide-on-coronavirus-outbreak-earlier-278242/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The coronavirus is now on a relentless march outward from Wuhan, throughout the country and across the globe, killing at least 360 people in China, one in the Philippines and infecting more than 14,380 worldwide. In fact, a Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone.

China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-social-media-applications-tackling-false-claims-against-coronavirus-278258">Here's how social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus</a>

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people. China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic.

The mysterious coronavirus has fast-spread to four continents and has affected over 147,000 people. China, where the virus first emerged, has been taking steps to control the epidemic. It has even received appreciation from the World Health Organisation for its efforts in containing the virus, which includes building hospitals from the ground within a one-week window. However, the veracity of the information flowing in from China has been put to the test owing to a report by the New York Times. According to the report, a Chinese doctor named Li Wenliang had warned about a ''mysterious illness'' which had struck seven patients at a hospital on December 30 2019. The virus had not been identified then. But Wenliang understood the dangers it possessed. Passengers arrive at LAX from Shanghai, China, after a positive case of the coronavirus was announced in the Orange County suburb of Los Angeles, California, US The report states that he tried to warn his medical school classmates in an online chat group. The words used by the doctor to describe the virus were ''so frightening''. To which, one recipient replied with, ''Is SARS coming again?'' The mysterious disease was then identified as the coronavirus. As per the report, the government tried to silence the doctor and bury the whole matter. Officials from the Health Authority of Wuhan summoned Dr Wenliang and confronted him for sharing this information. Wenliang was later ordered to sign a statement which labelled his warning as ''illegal behaviour''. The report goes on to say that the government’s initial handling of the epidemic allowed the virus to gain a tenacious hold. It blames the officials for choosing secrecy over openly confronting the growing crisis. The report further alleges that this was done to avoid political embarrassment. The coronavirus is now on a relentless march outward from Wuhan, throughout the country and across the globe, killing at least 360 people in China, one in the Philippines and infecting more than 14,380 worldwide. In fact, a Hong Kong University study estimates that more than 75,000 people could be infected in Wuhan alone. China is now doing everything it can to control the outbreak. It has built a 1000-bed hospital in record time. Another special hospital is under construction and will be completed this week. Read more: Here's how social media apps are fighting misinformation surrounding coronavirus

Chinese authorities ignored early reports of 'mysterious' coronavirus by doctor: Report

The death toll from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-outbreak-kills-20-mostly-children-264050">measles outbreak</a> in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday&nbsp;in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus.

The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update.

Nineteen-year-old mother Elsie Lolesio lost her one-year-old daughter Noel, only three days apart from the death of her one-year-old nephew Fatau'u Junior. They are buried next to each other.

Lanuola Naseri buried her only son on Wednesday, with the help of donations that allowed her to purchase him a suit and shirt for his funeral.

There are now more than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/samoa-measles-vaccine-now-mandatory-to-limit-deadly-outbreak-262803">4,000 cases of measles</a> recorded in the island nation's deeply religious population of around 200,000.

Watch: Global measles cases three times higher than last year

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246340/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Neighbouring New Zealand and a number of other countries and organisations, including the UN&nbsp;agency UNICEF, have delivered thousands of vaccines, medical supplies and have sent medical personnel to help with the outbreak.

Measles, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-measles-cases-three-times-higher-than-last-year-who-246324">a highly contagious virus</a> that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, has been reported also in other Pacific nations, including Tonga and Fiji, but there have been no reports of deaths and the countries have greater vaccination coverage.

Tonga's ministry of health said in a statement late last week that there were 394 cases of suspected measles identified, but only eight people required hospitalisation.

Measles cases are rising worldwide, even in wealthy nations such as Germany and the United States, as parents shun immunisation for philosophical or religious reasons, or fears, debunked by doctors, that such vaccines could cause autism.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from a measles outbreak in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus. The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update.

The death toll from a measles outbreak in Samoa has risen to 60 on Wednesday in the latest flare-up of a global epidemic of the virus. The vast majority of deaths were of children, with 52 out of the 60 aged four or under dying from the disease, according to a government update. Nineteen-year-old mother Elsie Lolesio lost her one-year-old daughter Noel, only three days apart from the death of her one-year-old nephew Fatau'u Junior. They are buried next to each other. Lanuola Naseri buried her only son on Wednesday, with the help of donations that allowed her to purchase him a suit and shirt for his funeral. There are now more than 4,000 cases of measles recorded in the island nation's deeply religious population of around 200,000. Watch: Global measles cases three times higher than last year Neighbouring New Zealand and a number of other countries and organisations, including the UN agency UNICEF, have delivered thousands of vaccines, medical supplies and have sent medical personnel to help with the outbreak. Measles, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through coughing and sneezing, has been reported also in other Pacific nations, including Tonga and Fiji, but there have been no reports of deaths and the countries have greater vaccination coverage. Tonga's ministry of health said in a statement late last week that there were 394 cases of suspected measles identified, but only eight people required hospitalisation. Measles cases are rising worldwide, even in wealthy nations such as Germany and the United States, as parents shun immunisation for philosophical or religious reasons, or fears, debunked by doctors, that such vaccines could cause autism. (With inputs from agencies)

Samoan measles outbreak kills 60 including 52 children

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation.

At least six fatalities, including five children, have been linked to the outbreak of the virus, which has also hit other island states such as Tonga and Fiji.

Samoa is the worst affected with more than 700 cases reported from across all areas of the country, prompting the government on Friday to invoke emergency powers.

Declaring a state of emergency, the government said plans for compulsory measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations would be published on Monday.

"MMR vaccinations for members of the public who have not yet received a vaccination injection is now a mandatory legal requirement for all of Samoa," it said.

A national emergency operations centre to coordinate the measles response was opened on Monday.

However, no information was immediately available on how the vaccinations would be administered or whether those who were not immunised would face sanctions.

Children are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to blindness, brain damage and death.

Samoa has closed all schools, kindergartens and the country's only university in a bid to halt the virus' spread.

New Zealand, which is experiencing its own measles outbreak in the Auckland region, will this week send 12 nurses and 3,000 MMR doses to assist Samoa's public health response.

University of Auckland immunologist Helen Petousis-Harris said even though measles was already widespread, the mass rollout of vaccinations could help limit the number of cases and reduce the death count.

She said it was also important to boost Samoa's low levels of immunisation and help prevent future outbreaks.

"In Samoa, the proportion of people who are immune to measles is very, very low, one of the lowest in the world," she told AFP.

"So if they aren't able to improve that, this is going to happen again."

The country's vaccination programme was briefly suspended last year when two babies died shortly after being given a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).

Subsequent investigations found the problem was not the widely used vaccine but the fact that the nurses administering prepared it incorrectly.

Neighbouring Tonga last week announced government primary schools and kindergartens would be closed until later this month as the number of measles cases in the kingdom approaches 200.

Fiji has reported four cases but says they are contained to a township west of the capital Suva.

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation.

Samoa was finalising plans for a compulsory measles vaccination programme Monday, after declaring a state of emergency as a deadly epidemic sweeps the Pacific nation. At least six fatalities, including five children, have been linked to the outbreak of the virus, which has also hit other island states such as Tonga and Fiji. Samoa is the worst affected with more than 700 cases reported from across all areas of the country, prompting the government on Friday to invoke emergency powers. Declaring a state of emergency, the government said plans for compulsory measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisations would be published on Monday. "MMR vaccinations for members of the public who have not yet received a vaccination injection is now a mandatory legal requirement for all of Samoa," it said. A national emergency operations centre to coordinate the measles response was opened on Monday. However, no information was immediately available on how the vaccinations would be administered or whether those who were not immunised would face sanctions. Children are the most vulnerable to measles, which typically causes a rash and fever but can also lead to blindness, brain damage and death. Samoa has closed all schools, kindergartens and the country's only university in a bid to halt the virus' spread. New Zealand, which is experiencing its own measles outbreak in the Auckland region, will this week send 12 nurses and 3,000 MMR doses to assist Samoa's public health response. University of Auckland immunologist Helen Petousis-Harris said even though measles was already widespread, the mass rollout of vaccinations could help limit the number of cases and reduce the death count. She said it was also important to boost Samoa's low levels of immunisation and help prevent future outbreaks. "In Samoa, the proportion of people who are immune to measles is very, very low, one of the lowest in the world," she told AFP. "So if they aren't able to improve that, this is going to happen again." The country's vaccination programme was briefly suspended last year when two babies died shortly after being given a vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). Subsequent investigations found the problem was not the widely used vaccine but the fact that the nurses administering prepared it incorrectly. Neighbouring Tonga last week announced government primary schools and kindergartens would be closed until later this month as the number of measles cases in the kingdom approaches 200. Fiji has reported four cases but says they are contained to a township west of the capital Suva.

Samoa: Measles vaccine now mandatory to limit deadly outbreak

Pig carcasses were found in rivers and lakes on Wednesday (November 6) in the Indonesian province of North Sumatra, after more than 4,000 pigs died following an outbreak of swine fever.

Indonesia swine fever outbreak kills more than 4,000 pigs

Four new outbreaks of African swine fever have been reported in China's provinces of Jiangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan as well as the municipality of Shanghai, the agriculture ministry said on Saturday.

Ten pigs had died from the disease and 10 others had fallen ill on a farm with 150 hogs in the southeastern province of Jiangxi, the ministry said on its website. Another 348 pigs will be slaughtered in Yunnan province in the southwest, it added.

A farm with 314 pigs in the Jinshan district of Shanghai was affected, the ministry reported. Eleven of the hogs had died while another 50 were infected, it said.

Four new outbreaks of African swine fever have been reported in China's provinces of Jiangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan as well as the municipality of Shanghai, the agriculture ministry said on Saturday.

Four new outbreaks of African swine fever have been reported in China's provinces of Jiangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan as well as the municipality of Shanghai, the agriculture ministry said on Saturday. Ten pigs had died from the disease and 10 others had fallen ill on a farm with 150 hogs in the southeastern province of Jiangxi, the ministry said on its website. Another 348 pigs will be slaughtered in Yunnan province in the southwest, it added. A farm with 314 pigs in the Jinshan district of Shanghai was affected, the ministry reported. Eleven of the hogs had died while another 50 were infected, it said.

China reports new outbreaks of African swine fever in Jiangxi, Yunnan, Sichuan and Shanghai

Going beyond the call of duty, a doctor here performed the role of a pall bearer to conduct the last rites of some of those who lost their lives to the deadly Nipah virus.

With close relatives staying away due to fear of contracting Nipah, Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him.

"I was a pall bearer for 3 bodies and performed their last rites too," the 41-year-old Gopakumar told PTI.

Nipah virus has claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in neighbouring Malappuram since its outbreak last month.

Yesterday, the state government had updated the toll to 17 after including the death of Mohammed Sabith, the first victim, whose samples had not been tested for Nipah.

Gopakumar said he performed the last rites of a 17-year-old boy who died of Nipah as his mother was in the isolation ward for suspected virus infection.

She could not even see her son for one last time and permitted Dr Gopakumar to perform the exequies.

"I was saddened that during his last journey there was none of his dear ones to perform last rites. I did not have to think twice.. And I decided to perform all Hindu rites for the boy as I wanted him to go on his final journey with all the dignity. It was my duty...," he said.

After relatives of a 53-year-old man, who died of Nipah, informed him that they were not participating in the funeral, he conducted the final rites for him too.

Another last journey which tugged his heart was when he assisted the husband of a 19-year-old woman.

The woman, who had allegedly consumed poison, had been brought to a hospital here from Karnataka when some persons who were later found to be positive for Nipah, were treated near her bed.

However, the woman's samples were found to be negative later.

Extreme care and standing operating procedures laid down by the experts of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were followed for handling Nipah affected bodies during the cremation and burial as exposure to Nipah virus (NiV) is highly hazardous.

Secretion and excretion from a deceased person are considered equally infectious like that of a living infected person.

As part of the standard procedures, the bodies should not be sprayed, washed or embalmed and personnel handling remains have to wear protective equipment like gloves, gowns, N95 masks, eye protection shield and shoe cover.

Gopakumar said he had overseen the funeral of of 61 year-old Moosa, whose two sons and brother's wife had fallen prey to Nipah virus.

It is suspected that during the ritual of bathing of Sabith's body, Moosa and his younger son might have contracted the virus, he said.

A 10-feet pit was dug and 5 kg of bleaching powder was spread inside the pit. The body was packed in an air-tight plastic double body bag and then lowered into the pit.

Dr Reshma Sahay, Scientist from the National Virology Institute, Pune was present as she had handled Ebola cases earlier.

"We followed Ebola protocol for the burial," Dr Gopakumar said.

Of the 12 bodies, 8 were Nipah positive cases and four were suspected cases which later turned out to be negative.

Patients' relatives performed rites for nine of the bodies.

There were situations when the staff in Kozhikode crematorium refused to perform the last rites of some Nipah victims due to fear.

The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus.

The body was in the ambulance for few hours after which people from Ivor madom, who conduct funeral rites on the banks of Bharatha puzha, had to be called to do the final rites, he said.

The issue was discussed by the Kerala Assembly yesterday and Health minister, K K Shylaja was all praise for the selfless service of Dr Gopakumar.&nbsp

Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him

Going beyond the call of duty, a doctor here performed the role of a pall bearer to conduct the last rites of some of those who lost their lives to the deadly Nipah virus. With close relatives staying away due to fear of contracting Nipah, Dr R S Gopakumar, Health Officer of Kozhikode corporation, took the responsibility of handling 12 bodies, whose final journey was supervised by him. "I was a pall bearer for 3 bodies and performed their last rites too," the 41-year-old Gopakumar told PTI. Nipah virus has claimed 17 lives -- 14 in Kozhikode and 3 in neighbouring Malappuram since its outbreak last month. Yesterday, the state government had updated the toll to 17 after including the death of Mohammed Sabith, the first victim, whose samples had not been tested for Nipah. Gopakumar said he performed the last rites of a 17-year-old boy who died of Nipah as his mother was in the isolation ward for suspected virus infection. She could not even see her son for one last time and permitted Dr Gopakumar to perform the exequies. "I was saddened that during his last journey there was none of his dear ones to perform last rites. I did not have to think twice.. And I decided to perform all Hindu rites for the boy as I wanted him to go on his final journey with all the dignity. It was my duty...," he said. After relatives of a 53-year-old man, who died of Nipah, informed him that they were not participating in the funeral, he conducted the final rites for him too. Another last journey which tugged his heart was when he assisted the husband of a 19-year-old woman. The woman, who had allegedly consumed poison, had been brought to a hospital here from Karnataka when some persons who were later found to be positive for Nipah, were treated near her bed. However, the woman's samples were found to be negative later. Extreme care and standing operating procedures laid down by the experts of National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were followed for handling Nipah affected bodies during the cremation and burial as exposure to Nipah virus (NiV) is highly hazardous. Secretion and excretion from a deceased person are considered equally infectious like that of a living infected person. As part of the standard procedures, the bodies should not be sprayed, washed or embalmed and personnel handling remains have to wear protective equipment like gloves, gowns, N95 masks, eye protection shield and shoe cover. Gopakumar said he had overseen the funeral of of 61 year-old Moosa, whose two sons and brother's wife had fallen prey to Nipah virus. It is suspected that during the ritual of bathing of Sabith's body, Moosa and his younger son might have contracted the virus, he said. A 10-feet pit was dug and 5 kg of bleaching powder was spread inside the pit. The body was packed in an air-tight plastic double body bag and then lowered into the pit. Dr Reshma Sahay, Scientist from the National Virology Institute, Pune was present as she had handled Ebola cases earlier. "We followed Ebola protocol for the burial," Dr Gopakumar said. Of the 12 bodies, 8 were Nipah positive cases and four were suspected cases which later turned out to be negative. Patients' relatives performed rites for nine of the bodies. There were situations when the staff in Kozhikode crematorium refused to perform the last rites of some Nipah victims due to fear. The natural host of the virus is believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, Pteropus genus. The body was in the ambulance for few hours after which people from Ivor madom, who conduct funeral rites on the banks of Bharatha puzha, had to be called to do the final rites, he said. The issue was discussed by the Kerala Assembly yesterday and Health minister, K K Shylaja was all praise for the selfless service of Dr Gopakumar.

With relatives staying away, Kerala doctor performs last rites of Nipah virus victims

Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda on Tuesday downplayed the Nipah virus outbreak, assuring that the situation was under control.

"Within 12 hours of the Nipah virus outbreak, a team of doctors reached Kerala, discussed the disease's management and controlled it in a time-bound manner. Health Ministry and I are personally monitoring the situation. There is no need to panic," said Nadda.

Earlier, Nadda had claimed that the outbreak of the virus was a result of "tampering with nature".

Nadda further noted that scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak.

Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 17 have died while two are recovering well.&nbsp;

Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has banned frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala amid concerns over the deadly Nipah virus outbreak.

The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis - a dangerous swelling of the brain - and common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, the Gulf News reported on Monday.

The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. UAE officials announced that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was prohibited from entry.

He further noted that scientists from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak

Union Minister for Health, JP Nadda on Tuesday downplayed the Nipah virus outbreak, assuring that the situation was under control. "Within 12 hours of the Nipah virus outbreak, a team of doctors reached Kerala, discussed the disease's management and controlled it in a time-bound manner. Health Ministry and I are personally monitoring the situation. There is no need to panic," said Nadda. Earlier, Nadda had claimed that the outbreak of the virus was a result of "tampering with nature". Nadda further noted that scientists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Safdarjung Hospital, National Institute of Virology in Pune and doctors from the National Centre for Disease Control are supporting health authorities in Kerala in managing the outbreak. Eighteen people have so far contracted the Nipah virus in Kerala. Of them, 17 have died while two are recovering well. Over 2,000 people who it is thought may have contracted the virus are currently being monitored in Kerala. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has banned frozen and processed fruit and vegetable imports from Kerala amid concerns over the deadly Nipah virus outbreak. The Nipah virus itself can cause encephalitis - a dangerous swelling of the brain - and common symptoms vary from none to elevated fevers, cough, headache, shortness of breath and confusion, the Gulf News reported on Monday. The UAE had on May 29 banned the import of fresh fruits and vegetables from Kerala. UAE officials announced that 100 tonnes of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce that was to be imported from Kerala was prohibited from entry.

Nipah virus controlled within 12 hours, no need to panic: Union Health Minister

The Democratic Republic of Congo joined with world agencies and neighbouring countries on Friday in boosting the response to an Ebola outbreak in the sprawling country's northwest, as the toll mounted.

The health ministry declared it had activated an "action plan" in the city of Mbandaka after a case of Ebola occurred there.

After visiting the Mbandaka and launching a coordination centre there, Health Minister Oly Ilunga announced on television that all health care would be free.

"Financial hurdles should not in any way be a brake to having access to health care, especially at a time of epidemic," Ilunga said.

In Geneva, a World Health Organization (WHO) emergency panel met to determine whether the outbreak should be categorised as "a public health event of international concern" -- a move that would step up global action.

The death toll rose by two to 25 out of 45 cases, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters. Fourteen of the cases have been confirmed in laboratory tests.

Alarm bells sounded on Thursday after the outbreak, previously reported in a remote rural area, notched up its first confirmed case in a city -- bad news for rolling back the notorious virus.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A4-BZCKX6sE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

"The confirmed case in Mbandaka, a large urban centre located on major national and international river, road and domestic air routes increases the risk of spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries," the WHO said.

"WHO has therefore revised the assessment of public health risk to very high at the national level and high at the regional level," it said.

"At the global level, the risk is currently low. As further information becomes available, the risk assessment will be reviewed."

Separately, the UN's migration agency said it was helping DRC's health ministry to send disease-tracking experts and medical staff to monitor travellers at 16 border points.

The operation was enabled by funding of $75,000 (almost 64,000 euros) from Japan and $100,000 of internal funds, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said.

A regional bloc, the East African Community -- five of whose six members have borders with the DRC -- said it was on "high alert" over the outbreak and had put in place measures to screen travellers arriving from that country.

The DRC branch of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had mobilised more than 200 volunteers.

Many challenges

The fresh outbreak, publicly declared on May 8, was first reported in Bikoro, a rural part of Equateur Province, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Mbandaka.

Ebola is both lethal and highly contagious, which makes it difficult to contain -- especially in urban environments where people are mobile and come into more contact with others.&nbsp;

Lacking an arsenal of drugs to treat the virus, doctors isolate patients and trace people who have been in contact with them.

This is a major task even for medical services in rich countries, but the DRC is one of the world's poorest countries.

Four times the size of France, the country has been chronically unstable and episodically racked by violence since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960.&nbsp;

Hospitals, roads and electricity are all major problems, especially in remote areas.

In Mbandaka, an AFP reporter who visited the city's river ports on Friday found staff had been issued with infrared pistol thermometers to check travellers for high temperatures, soap and basins of water, as well as logbooks for writing down travellers' names and addresses.

Police also stepped up deployment at key intersections in the city, whose population is estimated at up to 1.2 million.

But several people who spoke to AFP said the city's safety net had many holes in it.

"What kind of 'action plan' is this?" asked local resident Gaston Bongonga.

"Delegations come here and then go, but on the ground, you don't see any change. They were all unable to hold back Ebola in Bikoro because they don't do anything effective."

"I come from Bikoro," a man called Abraham told AFP.

"There are only two checkpoints on more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of road in the villages of Kalamba and Ndenga.

"This isn't effective because many people travelling by motorbike or on foot evade inspection."

Worst outbreak

Ebola is notorious for its high fatality rate and extreme symptoms, which can include internal and external bleeding.

The current outbreak -- the ninth to hit the DRC since Ebola was identified in 1976 -- involves the same strain of the virus that struck three West African countries in 2013-15 and sparked an international panic.

It went on to kill more than 11,300 people, in the deadliest ever Ebola epidemic.

The WHO was fiercely criticised over its handling of the epidemic and has pledged to improve its emergency response.

There is no licensed drug to treat or prevent Ebola, although an experimental vaccine arrived in the DRC on Wednesday and has been cleared for use by the Kinshasa government. 
&nbsp;

The WHO was fiercely criticised over its handling of the epidemic and has pledged to improve its emergency response

The Democratic Republic of Congo joined with world agencies and neighbouring countries on Friday in boosting the response to an Ebola outbreak in the sprawling country's northwest, as the toll mounted. The health ministry declared it had activated an "action plan" in the city of Mbandaka after a case of Ebola occurred there. After visiting the Mbandaka and launching a coordination centre there, Health Minister Oly Ilunga announced on television that all health care would be free. "Financial hurdles should not in any way be a brake to having access to health care, especially at a time of epidemic," Ilunga said. In Geneva, a World Health Organization (WHO) emergency panel met to determine whether the outbreak should be categorised as "a public health event of international concern" -- a move that would step up global action. The death toll rose by two to 25 out of 45 cases, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters. Fourteen of the cases have been confirmed in laboratory tests. Alarm bells sounded on Thursday after the outbreak, previously reported in a remote rural area, notched up its first confirmed case in a city -- bad news for rolling back the notorious virus. "The confirmed case in Mbandaka, a large urban centre located on major national and international river, road and domestic air routes increases the risk of spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries," the WHO said. "WHO has therefore revised the assessment of public health risk to very high at the national level and high at the regional level," it said. "At the global level, the risk is currently low. As further information becomes available, the risk assessment will be reviewed." Separately, the UN's migration agency said it was helping DRC's health ministry to send disease-tracking experts and medical staff to monitor travellers at 16 border points. The operation was enabled by funding of $75,000 (almost 64,000 euros) from Japan and $100,000 of internal funds, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said. A regional bloc, the East African Community -- five of whose six members have borders with the DRC -- said it was on "high alert" over the outbreak and had put in place measures to screen travellers arriving from that country. The DRC branch of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it had mobilised more than 200 volunteers. Many challenges The fresh outbreak, publicly declared on May 8, was first reported in Bikoro, a rural part of Equateur Province, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) from Mbandaka. Ebola is both lethal and highly contagious, which makes it difficult to contain -- especially in urban environments where people are mobile and come into more contact with others. Lacking an arsenal of drugs to treat the virus, doctors isolate patients and trace people who have been in contact with them. This is a major task even for medical services in rich countries, but the DRC is one of the world's poorest countries. Four times the size of France, the country has been chronically unstable and episodically racked by violence since it gained independence from Belgium in 1960. Hospitals, roads and electricity are all major problems, especially in remote areas. In Mbandaka, an AFP reporter who visited the city's river ports on Friday found staff had been issued with infrared pistol thermometers to check travellers for high temperatures, soap and basins of water, as well as logbooks for writing down travellers' names and addresses. Police also stepped up deployment at key intersections in the city, whose population is estimated at up to 1.2 million. But several people who spoke to AFP said the city's safety net had many holes in it. "What kind of 'action plan' is this?" asked local resident Gaston Bongonga. "Delegations come here and then go, but on the ground, you don't see any change. They were all unable to hold back Ebola in Bikoro because they don't do anything effective." "I come from Bikoro," a man called Abraham told AFP. "There are only two checkpoints on more than 100 kilometres (60 miles) of road in the villages of Kalamba and Ndenga. "This isn't effective because many people travelling by motorbike or on foot evade inspection." Worst outbreak Ebola is notorious for its high fatality rate and extreme symptoms, which can include internal and external bleeding. The current outbreak -- the ninth to hit the DRC since Ebola was identified in 1976 -- involves the same strain of the virus that struck three West African countries in 2013-15 and sparked an international panic. It went on to kill more than 11,300 people, in the deadliest ever Ebola epidemic. The WHO was fiercely criticised over its handling of the epidemic and has pledged to improve its emergency response. There is no licensed drug to treat or prevent Ebola, although an experimental vaccine arrived in the DRC on Wednesday and has been cleared for use by the Kinshasa government.

DR Congo triggers 'action plan' as Ebola toll mounts

Congo's Ebola outbreak has entered "a new phase" after a case of the deadly virus was detected for the first time in the northwest city of Mbandaka, with a population of about 1 million people, the health minister said late on Wednesday.

So far, the 23 deaths believed to have been caused by Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak had been detected in more isolated areas, giving authorities a better chance of ring-fencing the virus.

The first urban case to be announced threatens to change that. The World Health Organization, which on Wednesday deployed the first experimental vaccines in the vast central African country, had expressed concern about the disease reaching Mbandaka, which would make the outbreak far harder to tackle.

Adding to concerns is the city's location on the banks of the Congo River, a major thoroughfare for trade and transport into the capital, Kinshasa. The Congo Republic is on the other side of the river.

"We are entering a new phase of the Ebola outbreak that is now affecting three health zones, including an urban health zone," Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga said in a statement. "Since the announcement of the alert in Mbandaka, our epidemiologists are working in the field to identify people who have been in contact with suspected cases."

He said authorities would intensify population tracing at all air, river and road routes out of the city.

It is the ninth time Ebola has been recorded in Congo since the disease made its first known appearance near its northern Ebola river in the 1970s.

Ebola is most feared for the internal and external bleeding it can cause in victims owing to damage done to blood vessels.

Before Wednesday's announcement, there had been only two cases of the virus confirmed by lab tests.

First vaccine batch

The first batch of over 4,000 Ebola vaccines was sent by the WHO to Kinshasa on Wednesday. The Health Ministry said vaccinations would start by early next week, the first time the vaccine would come into use since it was developed two years ago.

The vaccine, developed by Merck and Co Inc, is still not licensed but proved effective during limited trials in West Africa in the biggest-ever outbreak of Ebola, which killed 11,300 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016.

Before the latest confirmed case, Peter Salama, the WHO's deputy director-general for emergency preparedness and response, said the current number of suspected, probable or confirmed cases stood at 42, with 23 deaths attributed to the outbreak. He said another 4,000-vaccine batch was expected soon.

Health workers have recorded confirmed, probable and suspected cases of Ebola in three health zones of Congo's Equateur province, and have identified 432 people who may have had contact with the disease, the WHO said.

Supplies sent to Congo included more than 300 body bags for safe burials in affected communities. The vaccine will be reserved for people suspected of coming into contact with the disease, as well as health workers.

The vaccine requires storage at a temperature between -60 and -80 degrees C, tricky in a country with unreliable electricity.

"We are now tracing more than 4,000 contacts of patients and they have spread out all over the region of northwest Congo, so they have to be followed up and the only way to reach them is motorcycles," Salama said.

So far, the 23 deaths believed to have been caused by Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak had been detected in more isolated areas

Congo's Ebola outbreak has entered "a new phase" after a case of the deadly virus was detected for the first time in the northwest city of Mbandaka, with a population of about 1 million people, the health minister said late on Wednesday. So far, the 23 deaths believed to have been caused by Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak had been detected in more isolated areas, giving authorities a better chance of ring-fencing the virus. The first urban case to be announced threatens to change that. The World Health Organization, which on Wednesday deployed the first experimental vaccines in the vast central African country, had expressed concern about the disease reaching Mbandaka, which would make the outbreak far harder to tackle. Adding to concerns is the city's location on the banks of the Congo River, a major thoroughfare for trade and transport into the capital, Kinshasa. The Congo Republic is on the other side of the river. "We are entering a new phase of the Ebola outbreak that is now affecting three health zones, including an urban health zone," Health Minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga said in a statement. "Since the announcement of the alert in Mbandaka, our epidemiologists are working in the field to identify people who have been in contact with suspected cases." He said authorities would intensify population tracing at all air, river and road routes out of the city. It is the ninth time Ebola has been recorded in Congo since the disease made its first known appearance near its northern Ebola river in the 1970s. Ebola is most feared for the internal and external bleeding it can cause in victims owing to damage done to blood vessels. Before Wednesday's announcement, there had been only two cases of the virus confirmed by lab tests. First vaccine batch The first batch of over 4,000 Ebola vaccines was sent by the WHO to Kinshasa on Wednesday. The Health Ministry said vaccinations would start by early next week, the first time the vaccine would come into use since it was developed two years ago. The vaccine, developed by Merck and Co Inc, is still not licensed but proved effective during limited trials in West Africa in the biggest-ever outbreak of Ebola, which killed 11,300 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone from 2014 to 2016. Before the latest confirmed case, Peter Salama, the WHO's deputy director-general for emergency preparedness and response, said the current number of suspected, probable or confirmed cases stood at 42, with 23 deaths attributed to the outbreak. He said another 4,000-vaccine batch was expected soon. Health workers have recorded confirmed, probable and suspected cases of Ebola in three health zones of Congo's Equateur province, and have identified 432 people who may have had contact with the disease, the WHO said. Supplies sent to Congo included more than 300 body bags for safe burials in affected communities. The vaccine will be reserved for people suspected of coming into contact with the disease, as well as health workers. The vaccine requires storage at a temperature between -60 and -80 degrees C, tricky in a country with unreliable electricity. "We are now tracing more than 4,000 contacts of patients and they have spread out all over the region of northwest Congo, so they have to be followed up and the only way to reach them is motorcycles," Salama said.

Congo warns of 'new phase' in Ebola outbreak after first urban case

outbreak

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