Pilgrims will begin to arrive in the Muslim holy city of&nbsp;Mecca&nbsp;on Saturday for the second downsized hajj staged during the coronavirus pandemic with only fully vaccinated residents permitted to participate.

The kingdom seeks to repeat last year's success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual but nonetheless caused resentment among Muslims abroad.

It is allowing 60,000 residents of Saudi Arabia to participate through a lottery, higher than in 2020 but drastically lower than in normal times. Religious rites will begin on Sunday.

Among the chosen ones was Ameen, a 58-year-old Indian oil contractor based in the eastern city of Dammam, who was picked for the ritual along with his wife and three adult children.

"We are overjoyed," said Ameen, who only gave his first name.

"So many of our friends and relatives were rejected," he told AFP.

In 2019, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual hajj -- a key pillar of Islam that is a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-proposes-second-phase-of-studies-into-the-origins-of-covid-19-in-china-398556">Also read |&nbsp;WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China</a>

Earlier this month, the hajj ministry said it was working on the "highest levels of health precautions" in light of the pandemic and the emergence of new variants.

Like the other countries of the Gulf, Saudi Arabia is home to significant expatriate populations from South Asia, the Far East, Africa as well as the Middle East.

"I feel like I won a lottery," Egyptian pharmacist Mohammed El Eter said after being selected.

"This is a special, unforgettable moment in one's life. I thank God for granting me this chance, to be accepted among a lot of people who applied," the 31-year-old told AFP.

'Restrict exposure'

Workers were shown on the Al-Ekhbariya news channel disinfecting the area in the Grand Mosque around the Kaaba -- the focal point of Islam, towards which all Muslims pray -- in anticipation of the start of rituals.

On Saturday the faithful will begin circling the Kaaba before officially starting the hajj on Sunday.

Chosen from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, the event is confined to those who have been fully vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, according to the hajj ministry.

Pilgrims will be divided into groups of just 20 "to restrict any exposure to only those 20, limiting the spread of infection", ministry undersecretary Mohammad al-Bijawi told official media.

Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 507,000 coronavirus infections, including over 8,000 deaths.

More than 20 million vaccine doses against coronavirus have been administered in the country of over 34 million people.&nbsp;

The hajj went ahead last year on the smallest scale in modern history, with authorities initially saying only 1,000 pilgrims would be allowed before local media said up to 10,000 took part.

No infections were reported as authorities set up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater for the pilgrims, who were taken to the religious sites in small batches.

In normal years, the pilgrimage packs large crowds into congested religious sites, but even this year's downscaled events are seen as a potential mechanism for contagion.

'Biggest challenge'

"The biggest challenge of this hajj season will be for it to pass off without any Covid-19 infections," a doctor working at a hospital in&nbsp;Mecca&nbsp;told AFP by phone.

Worshippers were last year given amenity kits including sterilised pebbles for the "stoning of Satan" ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, a traditional seamless white hajj garment, made from a bacteria-resistant material.&nbsp;

Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy.&nbsp;

But barring overseas pilgrims has caused resentment and deep disappointment among Muslims worldwide, who typically save for years to take part.

The hajj ministry received anguished queries on Twitter from rejected applicants about the tightly controlled government lottery.

"We are still anxiously waiting to be accepted, as though we're facing an exam," wrote one Twitter user.

And in addition to the many virus-related obstacles, the price of participating in this year's hajj, including official taxes, is 12,000 riyals ($3,200).

Pilgrims will begin to arrive in the Muslim holy city of Mecca on Saturday for the second downsized hajj staged during the coronavirus pandemic with only fully vaccinated residents permitted to participate.

Pilgrims will begin to arrive in the Muslim holy city of Mecca on Saturday for the second downsized hajj staged during the coronavirus pandemic with only fully vaccinated residents permitted to participate. The kingdom seeks to repeat last year's success that saw no virus outbreak during the five-day ritual but nonetheless caused resentment among Muslims abroad. It is allowing 60,000 residents of Saudi Arabia to participate through a lottery, higher than in 2020 but drastically lower than in normal times. Religious rites will begin on Sunday. Among the chosen ones was Ameen, a 58-year-old Indian oil contractor based in the eastern city of Dammam, who was picked for the ritual along with his wife and three adult children. "We are overjoyed," said Ameen, who only gave his first name. "So many of our friends and relatives were rejected," he told AFP. In 2019, some 2.5 million Muslims from around the world participated in the annual hajj -- a key pillar of Islam that is a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime. Also read | WHO proposes second phase of studies into the origins of COVID-19 in China Earlier this month, the hajj ministry said it was working on the "highest levels of health precautions" in light of the pandemic and the emergence of new variants. Like the other countries of the Gulf, Saudi Arabia is home to significant expatriate populations from South Asia, the Far East, Africa as well as the Middle East. "I feel like I won a lottery," Egyptian pharmacist Mohammed El Eter said after being selected. "This is a special, unforgettable moment in one's life. I thank God for granting me this chance, to be accepted among a lot of people who applied," the 31-year-old told AFP. 'Restrict exposure' Workers were shown on the Al-Ekhbariya news channel disinfecting the area in the Grand Mosque around the Kaaba -- the focal point of Islam, towards which all Muslims pray -- in anticipation of the start of rituals. On Saturday the faithful will begin circling the Kaaba before officially starting the hajj on Sunday. Chosen from more than 558,000 applicants through an online vetting system, the event is confined to those who have been fully vaccinated and are aged 18-65 with no chronic illnesses, according to the hajj ministry. Pilgrims will be divided into groups of just 20 "to restrict any exposure to only those 20, limiting the spread of infection", ministry undersecretary Mohammad al-Bijawi told official media. Saudi Arabia has so far recorded more than 507,000 coronavirus infections, including over 8,000 deaths. More than 20 million vaccine doses against coronavirus have been administered in the country of over 34 million people. The hajj went ahead last year on the smallest scale in modern history, with authorities initially saying only 1,000 pilgrims would be allowed before local media said up to 10,000 took part. No infections were reported as authorities set up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater for the pilgrims, who were taken to the religious sites in small batches. In normal years, the pilgrimage packs large crowds into congested religious sites, but even this year's downscaled events are seen as a potential mechanism for contagion. 'Biggest challenge' "The biggest challenge of this hajj season will be for it to pass off without any Covid-19 infections," a doctor working at a hospital in Mecca told AFP by phone. Worshippers were last year given amenity kits including sterilised pebbles for the "stoning of Satan" ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, a traditional seamless white hajj garment, made from a bacteria-resistant material. Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy. But barring overseas pilgrims has caused resentment and deep disappointment among Muslims worldwide, who typically save for years to take part. The hajj ministry received anguished queries on Twitter from rejected applicants about the tightly controlled government lottery. "We are still anxiously waiting to be accepted, as though we're facing an exam," wrote one Twitter user. And in addition to the many virus-related obstacles, the price of participating in this year's hajj, including official taxes, is 12,000 riyals ($3,200).

Pilgrims head to Mecca for second hajj during pandemic

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant.

As per the WHO classification, the Delta variant has been designated as a variant of concern due to increased transmission and higher immune evasion, whereas the other two sublineages of B.1.617 namely B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 with E484Q are grouped in VUI[25].

"B.1.617 variant and its lineage B.1.617.2 were primarily responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra state. Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) was detected among 60 per cent of the clinical specimens of the COVID-19 cases collected from Maharashtra during January and February 2021." according to the study.

"The rapid rise in the daily infection was observed in India with the dominance of Delta variant which accounted for &gt;99 per cent of all sequenced genomes in April 2021," it further stated.

Talking about the infections after vaccination, the study said, "The present study revealed the infection among breakthrough cases predominantly occurred through Delta variant indicating its high community transmission during this period followed by Alpha and Kappa variants. In our study, 67 cases (9.8 per cent) required hospitalisation and fatality was observed in only three cases (0.4 per cent)."

This clearly suggests that vaccination reduces the severity of disease, hospitalization and mortality, said the study. Therefore, enhancing the vaccination drive and immunizing the populations quickly would be the most important strategy to prevent further deadly waves of the COVID-19 and would reduce the burden on the health care system, it added.

The study is a preprint and it was approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Committee of ICMR-NIV, Pune.

It was conducted with intramural funding for 'Molecular epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in different regions of India' of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi provided to ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune.

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant.

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on variants responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 has revealed that the major strain responsible for the breakthrough is the Delta variant. As per the WHO classification, the Delta variant has been designated as a variant of concern due to increased transmission and higher immune evasion, whereas the other two sublineages of B.1.617 namely B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.3 with E484Q are grouped in VUI[25]. "B.1.617 variant and its lineage B.1.617.2 were primarily responsible for the surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra state. Delta (B.1.617.2) and Kappa (B.1.617.1) was detected among 60 per cent of the clinical specimens of the COVID-19 cases collected from Maharashtra during January and February 2021." according to the study. "The rapid rise in the daily infection was observed in India with the dominance of Delta variant which accounted for >99 per cent of all sequenced genomes in April 2021," it further stated. Talking about the infections after vaccination, the study said, "The present study revealed the infection among breakthrough cases predominantly occurred through Delta variant indicating its high community transmission during this period followed by Alpha and Kappa variants. In our study, 67 cases (9.8 per cent) required hospitalisation and fatality was observed in only three cases (0.4 per cent)." This clearly suggests that vaccination reduces the severity of disease, hospitalization and mortality, said the study. Therefore, enhancing the vaccination drive and immunizing the populations quickly would be the most important strategy to prevent further deadly waves of the COVID-19 and would reduce the burden on the health care system, it added. The study is a preprint and it was approved by the Institutional Human Ethics Committee of ICMR-NIV, Pune. It was conducted with intramural funding for 'Molecular epidemiological analysis of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in different regions of India' of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi provided to ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune.

Delta major variant responsible for infections during second wave of COVID in India: ICMR study

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk.

The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. 
 
WATCH | Gravitas: COVID control measures — Bizarre to unscientific

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-control-measures-bizarre-to-unscientific-398345/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-exclusive-chinese-virologist-beijing-tried-to-cover-up-wuhan-virus-and-who-is-very-much-part-of-it-chinese-virologist-dr-li-meng-yan-329467">WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan</a>

Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years.

Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died.

Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them.

(With inputs from agencies)

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet.

One in every two persons hospitalised with COVID-19 had developed at least one problem affecting key organs of the body, according to research published in The Lancet. Though difficulties were most likely in persons over the age of 50, the study discovered that younger people were also at risk. The sickness had impacted the kidney, heart, and lungs of patients who had to attend hospitalisation after being infected with the virus, according to a survey of more than 70,000 people in 302 UK hospitals. Age of comorbidity was not a prominent factor in these cases. WATCH | Gravitas: COVID control measures — Bizarre to unscientific “This work contradicts current narratives that COVID-19 is only dangerous in people with existing comorbidities and the elderly. Dispelling and contributing to the scientific debate around such narratives has become increasingly important,” Calum Semple, chief investigator of the study and a professor at the University of Liverpool, UK, said in a statement. WION exclusive | Beijing tried to cover-up Wuhan virus and WHO is very much part of it: Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan Sixty-six per cent of the 73,197 patients tested were men, 81% had an underlying health condition, 74% were Caucasian, and the average age of the cohort was 71 years. Over 12% of those questioned were under the age of 49. Almost one-third of the study's participants died. Overall, 50% of all individuals experienced problems, with 44% of those who survived experiencing them. (With inputs from agencies)

Half of hospitalised COVID-19 patients develop organ complications irrespective of age: Study

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months,&nbsp;British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom',&nbsp;Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact&nbsp;and the instruction to work from home&nbsp;earlier this week.

The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." 
 
"Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." 
 
Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. 
 
Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. 
 
The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up.

(With inputs from agencies)

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19.

Despite a spike in cases to levels unseen for months, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will urge caution on Monday as he is expected to confirm plans to remove nearly all the coronavirus restrictions in England from July 19. On what he calls a 'one-way road to freedom', Johnson set out proposals to eliminate rules on mask-wearing and social contact and the instruction to work from home earlier this week. The PM will announce his final decision at a news conference on Monday. In a statement released late on Sunday, he said, "The global pandemic is not over yet." "Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress." Britain has implemented one of the world's fastest vaccination programmes, with more than 87% of adults having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 66% having received two. Nevertheless, recent weeks have seen a striking surge of infections, to rates unseen since the winter. The government argues that even though cases have surged, deaths and hospitalisations remain far lower than before, proof that the vaccines are saving lives and it is safer to open up. (With inputs from agencies)

As England set for rule easing, PM Johnson warns pandemic not over

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said.

"We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added.

So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August.

"If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge".

With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address.

On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists.

Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament.

The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal.

The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious.

"Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk.

Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

A panel of scientists who advise the French government on health warned Friday that as many as 95 percent of people might need to be vaccinated to dam the spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19. With cases rising, "a fourth wave linked to the Delta variant could hit swiftly, with repercussions for the health system despite high levels of vaccination", the Scientific Council said. "We can't get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of people are vaccinated or infected," they added. So far only around half of French people have received a first dose and 40 percent two shots, with the government aiming to get two-thirds -- 35 million -- fully protected by the end of August. "If people wait until after the summer holidays to get vaccinated, it will be too late," epidemiologist and Scientific Council member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL, recalling that the shots are "very effective and free of charge". With case numbers rising after a series of reopening steps, President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline next moves in managing the pandemic in a Monday evening TV address. On the agenda at a meeting of France's defence council earlier Monday is whether to make vaccination compulsory for health workers, one of the key recommendations from the scientists. Ministers could agree on a draft law as early as Tuesday before sending it to parliament. The Scientific Council also urged strengthening the country's track and trace programme and highlighted rising numbers of hospitalisations due to the Delta variant -- first detected in India -- in England, Scotland, Ireland and Portugal. The strain already accounts for half of new infections in France and is believed to be around 60 percent more infectious. "Without infection control measures, there could be a similar peak in hospitalisations to the one in autumn 2020," the Pasteur Institute research organisation warned, adding that unvaccinated over-60s remained especially at risk. Other scientific advice included reducing the number of people allowed to attend events, localised restrictions and reducing the time between the first and second doses of mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna from six to three or four weeks.

COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

"15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet.&nbsp;

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15 countries in EU now recognize <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVISHIELD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVISHIELD</a> for travelers <a href="https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt">https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1413482639009402880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday.

Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas.&nbsp;

"Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted.

Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination.

Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers.&nbsp; 
 
"On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said.

He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII).

Soumya Swaminathan, the top scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced on Friday that 15 European Union (EU) countries officially recognise Covishield, a vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII). "15 countries in the EU now recognise COVISHIELD for tourists," Swaminathan stated in a tweet. 15 countries in EU now recognize #COVISHIELD for travelers https://t.co/fb56AEOvOt — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) July 9, 2021 × Swaminathan's comments follow Belgium's acceptance of the Covishield vaccination on Friday. Arnaud Lion, Charge d'affaires of the Belgian Embassy in India, said on Friday that his country's recognition of Covishield will benefit everyone obtaining the vaccine injection in India and overseas. "Belgium recognises Covishield, the AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India and distributed by COVAX. An important decision for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh in the fight against vaccine inequality," the embassy’s official handle tweeted. Switzerland, Iceland, Austria, Bulgaria, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden are among the 14 European countries that have approved the Covishield vaccination. Meanwhile, Estonia has stated that the vaccine will only be recognised for Indian travellers. "On July 7, the inter-ministerial conference in Belgium decided to recognize the Covishield vaccination, which will have a positive impact I hope for everyone in India and outside India being vaccinated with Covishield," Lion said. He said Covishield is one of the main vaccines, which is and will be used under the COVAX facility. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: 15 countries in European Union recognise India-made Covishield vaccine

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.&nbsp;

The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-95-may-need-to-be-vaccinated-to-stop-delta-variant-warns-french-scientists-397151">Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists</a> 
 
In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality.&nbsp;

"In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes.

On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice.

As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions.&nbsp;

The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%.

The deadly coronavirus pandemic isn't slowing down, according to WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Cases are increasing in five of the six WHO regions, and the fatality rate in Africa has increased by over 40%. The fast-spreading Delta variant, pandemic fatigue, weakening of safety measures such as physical distance restrictions, and sluggish vaccination rollouts globally are all contributing factors, according to her. Also read | COVID-19: 95% may need to be vaccinated to stop Delta variant, warn French scientists In an interview with Bloomberg Television, WHO's Soumya Swaminathan explained that while vaccination levels in some countries are reducing severe cases and hospitalisations, significant regions of the world face oxygen shortages, a lack of hospital beds, and increased mortality. "In the last 24 hours, close to 500,000 new cases have been reported and about 9,300 deaths -- now that’s not a pandemic that’s slowing down," Swaminathan said. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned nations this week to be vigilant when reopening borders to avoid jeopardising previous successes. On July 19, remaining legislative restrictions in England will be lifted, and measures like wearing masks will become a personal choice. As cases declined, the United States and many of Europe similarly eased restrictions. The pandemic death toll reached a grim benchmark, surpassing 4 million reported deaths across the globe. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: WHO chief scientist lists four reasons for pandemic not slowing down

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1.

Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down.

"No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday.

The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections.

Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day.

Reckless rule-breakers

The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones.

Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements.

"A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said.

"But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future."

Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine.

While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation.

"I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said.

Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders.

"My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said.

"Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job".

Fiji has announced plans to make the coronavirus vaccine compulsory for all workers as it battles a runaway outbreak of the Delta variant, with the prime minister issuing a blunt message: "no jabs, no job". Frank Bainimarama said all public servants in the South Pacific nation of 930,000 must go on leave if they have not had their first injection by August 15 and would be dismissed if they did not receive their second by November 1. Private sector employees must have their first jab by August 1, with individuals facing hefty fines if they fail to comply and companies threatened with being shut down. "No jabs, no job -- that is what the science tells us is safest and that is now the policy of the government and enforced through the law," Bainimarama said in a national address late Thursday. The hardline policy comes amid government frustration at the widespread flouting of virus safety measures such as social distancing and wearing masks, blamed in part for a huge spike in infections. Until April, Fiji had recorded no community cases for a year but a quarantine breach saw the highly contagious Delta variant, first detected in India, rapidly gain a foothold, with the country now recording 700-plus new cases a day. Reckless rule-breakers The under-resourced health system has been stretched to breaking point, with the country's largest hospital in Suva this week saying its mortuary was at capacity and urging the families of virus victims to collect their loved ones. Bainimarama has resisted calls to lock down the entire country, citing the economic cost and the practicalities of enforcing such a move in densely-populated squatter settlements. "A hard lockdown, as some are calling for, cannot be strictly enforced everywhere in Fiji and our experts tell us it would not kill off the virus," he said. "But it would kill jobs and it could kill our country's future." Instead, Bainimarama has imposed localised lockdowns in infection hotspots, including the capital Suva, while rolling out the Astra Zeneca vaccine. While almost 340,000 adults have received their first injection, Bainimarama said online misinformation was discouraging some people, assuring them he had experienced no side effects from the inoculation. "I have not been magnetised or micro-chipped by the vaccine, I have not received the mark of the beast or any other creature -- the vaccine does not do that to anyone," he said. Bainimarama said spot fines were being introduced for "reckless rule-breakers" who did not wear marks, attended social gatherings or violated quarantine orders. "My fellow Fijians, the end of this ordeal will come," he said. "Until it does, we must remain vigilant until more of us are protected -- get vaccinated, wear your mask, and maintain physical distance from others."

No jabs, no jobs: This country is making COVID-19 vaccine compulsory for all workers

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanate's official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced. The decision was taken as part of the country's measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it said.

The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil.

The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24.

Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235.

The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far.

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

Oman on Thursday indefinitely suspended passengers flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as part of the Gulf nation's efforts to arrest the spread of the coronavirus. The flights have been suspended until further notice, the sultanate's official Twitter account for countering COVID-19 announced. The decision was taken as part of the country's measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic, it said. The other countries on the list include the UK, Tunisia, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Guinea, Colombia, Argentina and Brazil. The ban on arrivals from some of these countries has already been in place since April 24. Oman on Wednesday reported 1,675 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 280,235. The country has reported 3,356 coronavirus-related deaths so far.

COVID-19: Oman suspends flights from 24 countries, including India, Pakistan

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19.

In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight. Bangladesh extended the lockdown, a day after the daily coronavirus deaths reached a record high.

On Sunday, the health authorities reported 153 deaths in a single day, the highest since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh last year. With the latest tally, the countrywide death toll now stands at 15,065, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, another 8,661 people tested positive over the 24-hour period, raising the total caseload in the country to 944,917.The daily test positivity rate in the country now stands at 28.99 per cent, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Earlier on June 30, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification imposing a number of restrictions as part of the lockdown measure from July 1 to July 7.

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19. In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight.

Bangladesh on Monday again extended the ongoing ‘strict’ nationwide lockdown until July 14 in order to control the spread of COVID-19. In a notification, the Cabinet Division said that the ongoing restrictions will remain effective until July 14 midnight. Bangladesh extended the lockdown, a day after the daily coronavirus deaths reached a record high. On Sunday, the health authorities reported 153 deaths in a single day, the highest since the pandemic broke out in Bangladesh last year. With the latest tally, the countrywide death toll now stands at 15,065, Dhaka Tribune reported. Meanwhile, another 8,661 people tested positive over the 24-hour period, raising the total caseload in the country to 944,917.The daily test positivity rate in the country now stands at 28.99 per cent, Dhaka Tribune reported. Earlier on June 30, the Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification imposing a number of restrictions as part of the lockdown measure from July 1 to July 7.

COVID-19: Bangladesh extends 'strict' nationwide lockdown till July 14

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations.&nbsp;

The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases.

According to a study published in the Financial Times, it currently accounts for approximately 80% of new infections in Peru and has spread to about 27 nations in the last month.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lambda-new-variant-of-covid-19-that-is-affecting-29-countries-392308">Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries</a> 
 
A study at the University of Chile, Santiago, looked into the effect of Lambda on workers who had received two doses of China's CoronaVac Vaccine. 
 
Watch | Coronavirus Origin: Do museum bat collections hold the clue

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-origin-do-museum-bat-collections-hold-the-clue-395790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Results suggest Lambda is more infectious than Gamma and Alpha and is better able to escape the antibodies produced by vaccines.

According to the World Health Organization, the strain contains a variety of changes that could have resulted in greater transmissibility or resistance to neutralising antibodies.&nbsp;

The spike protein used by Lambda to infect human cells has a unique pattern of seven mutations.&nbsp;

According to the data, about 10% of those who are infected die, with a death rate of nearly 600 for every 100,000 citizens, almost double that of the next country, Hungary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations. The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases.

Scientists are concerned that a highly contagious new COVID-19 strain devastating Peru might be immune to vaccinations. The C.37 strain, known as the Lambda variant, was first found in Peru in December 2020, accounting for fewer than 1% of all new cases. According to a study published in the Financial Times, it currently accounts for approximately 80% of new infections in Peru and has spread to about 27 nations in the last month. Also read | Lambda: New variant of COVID-19 that is affecting 29 countries A study at the University of Chile, Santiago, looked into the effect of Lambda on workers who had received two doses of China's CoronaVac Vaccine. Watch | Coronavirus Origin: Do museum bat collections hold the clue Results suggest Lambda is more infectious than Gamma and Alpha and is better able to escape the antibodies produced by vaccines. According to the World Health Organization, the strain contains a variety of changes that could have resulted in greater transmissibility or resistance to neutralising antibodies. The spike protein used by Lambda to infect human cells has a unique pattern of seven mutations. According to the data, about 10% of those who are infected die, with a death rate of nearly 600 for every 100,000 citizens, almost double that of the next country, Hungary. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains

Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The honour has only been bestowed collectively twice before, and only once by the queen.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the award was a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-get-me-wrong-covid-19-has-not-been-vanquished-us-president-joe-biden-395818https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-get-me-wrong-covid-19-has-not-been-vanquished-us-president-joe-biden-395818">Also read |&nbsp;Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden&nbsp;</a>

“NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand,” Johnson, who was treated by the NHS in intensive care with COVID-19 last year, said.

“I know the whole of the UK is behind me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS has done for us, not only in the last year, but since its inception.”

The NHS was established in 1948 as the centrepiece of social reforms following World War Two, with a mission to provide state-funded comprehensive universal healthcare.

NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said the honour recognised the skill, compassion and fortitude of staff right across the service in responding to the worst pandemic in a century.

“Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional,” he said.

“In the face of adversity we have seen extraordinary team work, not just across the NHS but involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers, millions of carers, key workers and the British public who have played an indispensable role in helping the health service to look after many hundreds of thousands of seriously ill patients with coronavirus.”

The George Cross was first bestowed collectively to the people of Malta in 1942 by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the queen in 1999.

Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth has awarded Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) the George Cross - the highest civilian gallantry award - in recognition of 73 years of dedicated service, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. The honour has only been bestowed collectively twice before, and only once by the queen. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the award was a symbol of the nation’s gratitude. Also read | Don't get me wrong, COVID-19 has not been vanquished: US President Joe Biden “NHS staff have cared for us and our friends and family on the frontline of a pandemic for over a year, and I have witnessed their courage first-hand,” Johnson, who was treated by the NHS in intensive care with COVID-19 last year, said. “I know the whole of the UK is behind me in paying tribute and giving thanks for everything the NHS has done for us, not only in the last year, but since its inception.” The NHS was established in 1948 as the centrepiece of social reforms following World War Two, with a mission to provide state-funded comprehensive universal healthcare. NHS Chief Executive Simon Stevens said the honour recognised the skill, compassion and fortitude of staff right across the service in responding to the worst pandemic in a century. “Out of those dark times have come the best of what it means to be a carer and a health professional,” he said. “In the face of adversity we have seen extraordinary team work, not just across the NHS but involving hundreds of thousands of volunteers, millions of carers, key workers and the British public who have played an indispensable role in helping the health service to look after many hundreds of thousands of seriously ill patients with coronavirus.” The George Cross was first bestowed collectively to the people of Malta in 1942 by Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, and to the Royal Ulster Constabulary by the queen in 1999.

Queen Elizabeth honours Britain's health service for pandemic work

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished."

Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus.

"Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring&nbsp;our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers.

"We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant."

Biden&nbsp;paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-hit-ship-thinking-its-owned-by-israeli-who-had-already-sold-stake-395914">Also read |&nbsp;Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake</a>

But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together."

"Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "We are about to see our brightest future."

Partying like pre-Covid

Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror.

During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations.

Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated.

The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed.

And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses.

That lag comes as the highly contagious&nbsp;Delta variant continues to spread.

Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming.&nbsp;

Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths.&nbsp;

Summer agenda

The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer.

Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans.&nbsp;

The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence.&nbsp;

In his speech on the South Lawn,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world."

American Dream

The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration.

And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence.&nbsp;Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by&nbsp;The Washington Post&nbsp;and ABC News give&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic.

Images of&nbsp;a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows.

On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay.&nbsp;

California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream."

"The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished.

President Joe Biden celebrated US Independence Day on Sunday with an upbeat assessment of a country he said is roaring back to post-pandemic life, even if Covid-19 has yet to be fully "vanquished." Speaking before a festive crowd of 1,000 guests on the White House South Lawn, Biden drew a comparison between the declaration of independence from the British Empire in 1776 and today's rapid recovery from the coronavirus. "Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we are closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus," he told the crowd of invited military members and essential workers. "We’ve gained the upper hand against this virus," he said. But he added, "Don't get me wrong: Covid-19 has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant." Biden paid tribute to those who have lost their lives, with the staggering number of deaths in the United States now at more than 600,000. Also read | Iran hit ship thinking it's owned by Israeli who had already sold stake But he struck an overwhelmingly optimistic note, suggesting that under his leadership the country -- bitterly and at times violently divided during the Donald Trump presidency -- was "coming back together." "Over the last year, we have lived through some of our darkest days," Biden said. "We are about to see our brightest future." Partying like pre-Covid Large crowds packed the National Mall for a huge fireworks display in yet another sign that the United States is looking to its July 4th holiday as a moment to put the virus in the rearview mirror. During last year's holiday, with the pandemic near its summer peak and towns across America reeling from anti-racism and anti-police protests, Washington and other big cities held only muted celebrations. Despite the atmosphere of Sunday's victory party, the Biden administration says it is concerned about the large numbers of people who have still not got vaccinated. The heavily promoted White House goal of getting seven in 10 adults their first shot by Independence Day has narrowly failed. And when it comes to full vaccinations, only 46 per cent of Americans have taken the two doses. That lag comes as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to spread. Public health officials are eying swaths of rural America where hospitals are starting to fill up again, especially in Utah, Missouri, Arkansas and Wyoming. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, told NBC unvaccinated people now account for 99.2 percent of Covid-19 deaths. Summer agenda The fireworks smoke will have barely cleared before Biden has to return to a complex political fight for the survival of his legislative agenda this summer. Negotiations continue on a bipartisan infrastructure deal and fractious debate within his Democratic Party looms on a much broader spending package that has no support from Republicans. The president visited a cherry farm in Michigan on Saturday to tout a positive June employment report hailed as a sign of America's economic resurgence. In his speech on the South Lawn, Biden said the country was on the move again. "We're seeing record job creation and record economic growth -- the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world." American Dream The administration also sent cabinet secretaries and other officials to sports events, cookouts and festivals nationwide as part of its "America's Back Together" celebration. And the White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence. Six in 10 respondents in a new poll by The Washington Post and ABC News give Biden positive ratings for his handling of the pandemic. Images of a crowded South Lawn were echoed in scenes of celebration across the country, with New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and other cities all putting on their own shows. On the west coast, San Diego was readying to stage one of the largest July 4 parties in the country, with fireworks discharged from four barges around the bay. California Senator Alex Padilla called Independence Day "a reminder of the American dream." "The best way to celebrate Independence Day is by taking a moment to acknowledge all the hard work that it took to get here," he said.

Biden marks 'independence' from Covid, but pandemic remains a threat

Container shipping prices have reached record highs some 18 months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted maritime logistics chains and drove demand sky-high.

"We are basically running out of vessels and of empty containers," Alan Murphy, head of the consultancy Sea Intelligence, told AFP.

"There's been a massive shortage of empty containers, they are in the wrong place, they are stuck in ports and not in Asia ready to be loaded."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-orders-investigation-into-ransomware-attack-that-targetted-1000-businesses-395642">Also read |&nbsp;Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses</a>

The Freightos Baltic Index, a benchmark for major shipping routes, has more than tripled in a year to nearly $7,000 (5,900 euros) for a trip from China to the west coast of the United States.

A trip to Europe has exceeded $10,000, compared with just $1,600 at the same time last year.Murphy said the unprecedented situation compounded the troubles of the last 10 years, which he said had been "really bad for the shipping lines".

Blighted by overcapacity in the sector, he said the firms "were losing money every time they were moving a container".

'Unprecedented drop'

The Covid-19 pandemic, which initially brought global shipping to a virtual standstill, did not bode well for the industry and led to "an unprecedented drop in demand", said Didier Rabattu, of Lombard Odier Investment Managers.

But this did not account for the trends among US and European consumers who during lockdown stopped spending in restaurants and theatres or going on holiday and instead used their money to purchase material goods -- many of them imported from Asia.

"Imagine how many televisions you can buy if you don't go skiing for a week with four people?" said Paul Tourret, director of France's Higher&nbsp;Institute&nbsp;of&nbsp;Maritime&nbsp;Economics (ISEMAR).

Disruptions to loading and unloading operations, from dockers falling ill and Covid restrictions to unforseen events like the shipping backlog caused the blockage of the Suez Canal in March, have only exacerbated the trend.

As a result, ship owners have never been in better shape.

The Marseille-based CMA CGM container and shipping company for example posted a net profit of more than $2 billion for the first quarter of 2021 alone, 40 times more than the previous year.

Its Danish competitor AP Moller-Maersk announced an even higher net profit of $2.7 billion for the first three months of the year -- 13 times what it saw last year.

'Reached a peak'

"It is true that shipowners are making a lot of money at the moment," Tourret said.

"But it is also a way for them to renew their fleets and accelerate their liquefied natural gas (LNG) programmes," he added.

CMA CGM placed an order in April for 22 container ships, more than half of which are LNG-powered.

Maritime transport is "one of the main emitters of sulphur dioxide", the French expert said, adding that although figures were favourable for each tonne transported, the sector nevertheless emitted levels of CO2 "comparable to Germany".

The price of container transport depends on the level of demand, but also on the supply-side capacity to meet it.

"Whether or not shipowners decide to wage a trade war is a major factor," Tourret said.

"None of them has any interest in driving prices down. Their collective discipline today must be not to sell out," he added.

The situation could last, Tourret said, driven in part by the need to transport perishable goods.&nbsp;

"If you are carrying perishable goods that will be worth nothing if they don't move, how much are you prepared to pay?" he asked.

Jean-Marc Lacave, the executive officer of the body for France's maritime service professionals, Armateurs de France, said he did not expect things to return to normal before the first quarter of 2022.

"I think we have reached a peak," he said. "If demand continues to rise, there is a not-insignificant risk that prices could rise again, but we are more or less at the top of the curve," he added.

Container shipping prices have reached record highs some 18 months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted maritime logistics chains and drove demand sky-high.

Container shipping prices have reached record highs some 18 months after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic which disrupted maritime logistics chains and drove demand sky-high. "We are basically running out of vessels and of empty containers," Alan Murphy, head of the consultancy Sea Intelligence, told AFP. "There's been a massive shortage of empty containers, they are in the wrong place, they are stuck in ports and not in Asia ready to be loaded." Also read | Joe Biden orders investigation into ransomware attack that targetted 1,000 businesses The Freightos Baltic Index, a benchmark for major shipping routes, has more than tripled in a year to nearly $7,000 (5,900 euros) for a trip from China to the west coast of the United States. A trip to Europe has exceeded $10,000, compared with just $1,600 at the same time last year.Murphy said the unprecedented situation compounded the troubles of the last 10 years, which he said had been "really bad for the shipping lines". Blighted by overcapacity in the sector, he said the firms "were losing money every time they were moving a container". 'Unprecedented drop' The Covid-19 pandemic, which initially brought global shipping to a virtual standstill, did not bode well for the industry and led to "an unprecedented drop in demand", said Didier Rabattu, of Lombard Odier Investment Managers. But this did not account for the trends among US and European consumers who during lockdown stopped spending in restaurants and theatres or going on holiday and instead used their money to purchase material goods -- many of them imported from Asia. "Imagine how many televisions you can buy if you don't go skiing for a week with four people?" said Paul Tourret, director of France's Higher Institute of Maritime Economics (ISEMAR). Disruptions to loading and unloading operations, from dockers falling ill and Covid restrictions to unforseen events like the shipping backlog caused the blockage of the Suez Canal in March, have only exacerbated the trend. As a result, ship owners have never been in better shape. The Marseille-based CMA CGM container and shipping company for example posted a net profit of more than $2 billion for the first quarter of 2021 alone, 40 times more than the previous year. Its Danish competitor AP Moller-Maersk announced an even higher net profit of $2.7 billion for the first three months of the year -- 13 times what it saw last year. 'Reached a peak' "It is true that shipowners are making a lot of money at the moment," Tourret said. "But it is also a way for them to renew their fleets and accelerate their liquefied natural gas (LNG) programmes," he added. CMA CGM placed an order in April for 22 container ships, more than half of which are LNG-powered. Maritime transport is "one of the main emitters of sulphur dioxide", the French expert said, adding that although figures were favourable for each tonne transported, the sector nevertheless emitted levels of CO2 "comparable to Germany". The price of container transport depends on the level of demand, but also on the supply-side capacity to meet it. "Whether or not shipowners decide to wage a trade war is a major factor," Tourret said. "None of them has any interest in driving prices down. Their collective discipline today must be not to sell out," he added. The situation could last, Tourret said, driven in part by the need to transport perishable goods. "If you are carrying perishable goods that will be worth nothing if they don't move, how much are you prepared to pay?" he asked. Jean-Marc Lacave, the executive officer of the body for France's maritime service professionals, Armateurs de France, said he did not expect things to return to normal before the first quarter of 2022. "I think we have reached a peak," he said. "If demand continues to rise, there is a not-insignificant risk that prices could rise again, but we are more or less at the top of the curve," he added.

Pandemic drives sea freight prices to record high

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> figures have soared since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots.

Russia on Sunday announced 25,142 new infections, the highest figure since January 2 when Russia was emerging from a second wave of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-another-covid-record-as-world-battles-delta-variant-395710">Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant</a>

This week Russia reported record numbers of coronavirus deaths for five days in a row, registering 697 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday.

On Sunday, the official tally showed 663 people dying of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours.

Some experts say that Russia vastly under-reports coronavirus fatalities, counting only cases when the virus was found to be the primary cause of death after the autopsy.

Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 7,624 new cases and 111 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-record-covid-deaths-for-fifth-straight-day-395544">Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day</a>

The government has ruled out a nationwide lockdown but this week President Vladimir Putin once again urged Russians to get vaccinated and "listen to experts" rather than rumours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">Vaccine</a> hesitancy has been a huge challenge for the Russian authorities, and Moscow has become the first Russian city to introduce mandatory vaccinations.

City authorities said at least 60 per cent of service industry workers should be fully inoculated by mid-August.

So far 137,925 people have died among 5.6 million infected in Russia, according to official figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-wants-a-lockdown-coronavirus-related-deaths-spike-in-russia-395375">'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia</a>

On Sunday, neighbouring Kazakhstan reported 3,003 new virus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic.

Another Central Asian country, Tajikistan, in June admitted having coronavirus cases for the first time in more than five months.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Tajikistan made vaccines mandatory for citizens aged 18 and older.

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant.

Russia on Sunday reported more than 25,000 new coronavirus cases, the highest number of daily infections since early January as the country battles the surging Delta variant. The coronavirus figures have soared since mid-June against a background of reluctance among many to get vaccinated and suspicion of home-grown shots. Russia on Sunday announced 25,142 new infections, the highest figure since January 2 when Russia was emerging from a second wave of the pandemic. Also read | Russia sets another Covid record as world battles Delta variant This week Russia reported record numbers of coronavirus deaths for five days in a row, registering 697 COVID-19 fatalities on Saturday. On Sunday, the official tally showed 663 people dying of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. Some experts say that Russia vastly under-reports coronavirus fatalities, counting only cases when the virus was found to be the primary cause of death after the autopsy. Moscow, the biggest virus hotspot nationwide, recorded 7,624 new cases and 111 deaths. Also read | Russia reports record Covid deaths for fifth straight day The government has ruled out a nationwide lockdown but this week President Vladimir Putin once again urged Russians to get vaccinated and "listen to experts" rather than rumours. Vaccine hesitancy has been a huge challenge for the Russian authorities, and Moscow has become the first Russian city to introduce mandatory vaccinations. City authorities said at least 60 per cent of service industry workers should be fully inoculated by mid-August. So far 137,925 people have died among 5.6 million infected in Russia, according to official figures. Also read | 'Nobody wants a lockdown': Coronavirus related deaths spike in Russia On Sunday, neighbouring Kazakhstan reported 3,003 new virus cases, a record since the start of the pandemic. Another Central Asian country, Tajikistan, in June admitted having coronavirus cases for the first time in more than five months. On Saturday, Tajikistan made vaccines mandatory for citizens aged 18 and older.

Russia posts highest number of virus cases since early January

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will celebrate America's defeat of&nbsp;Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges.

About 1,000 guests -- emergency service and essential workers, military members and their families -- are set to pour into the White House grounds for the kind of party unimaginable a year ago when the country was under lockdown.

The Independence Day bash on the South Lawn, followed by a thunderous fireworks display on the National Mall, will allow&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;to mark what he's calling "independence from this virus."

Biden's To-Do list features a staggering number of crises and headaches, ranging from climate change to handling a desperately divided Congress and a vengeful Donald Trump.

At least for one humid Washington evening, though, the 78-year-old&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;will be able to kick back and celebrate.

After leading the world in&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;deaths -- more than 600,000 -- the United States has emerged as a model for getting the novel coronavirus under control and the economy back on track.

Much of that is down to&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;reversing Trump's chaotic response with a focused campaign to encourage mask-wearing and vaccinations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-report-of-china-building-more-than-100-nuclear-missile-silos-concerning-395234">Also Read |&nbsp;US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning'</a>

He also got Congress to approve a historic $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, super-charging economic recovery and protecting the most vulnerable.

There are however some hefty wrinkles.

Biden's much-promoted goal of having 70 per cent of US adults receive at least one dose of vaccine by July 4 will narrowly miss.

And celebratory White House statements tend to dodge emerging threats from the highly contagious Delta variant.

"If you've been vaccinated, the message we're conveying is you're safe," was press secretary Jen Psaki's response, when asked about the wisdom of staging a South Lawn party.

Now the hard&nbsp;part?

But the global&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;wasn't the only unprecedented test for&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on January 20, when he became the oldest president to take office in US history.

"He faced really the most daunting challenge of an incoming first term president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1933" during the Great Depression, said American University history professor Allan Lichtman.

Biden&nbsp;"had an economic crisis, he had a still raging&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;on his hands -- you've never quite had that kind of combination."

That was before throwing in an ex-president disputing the election result, a razor-thin congressional majority, an explosive racial divide, the perilous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and international tensions stretching from China to Russia.

Covid&nbsp;and economic rescue were "probably the least daunting of the tasks," Lichtman said.

Sunny figure&nbsp;

Despite all that,&nbsp;Biden's genteel manners and pleas for unity stand out in a town inundated during the Trump years by partisan fighting, impeachments, and startling breaches of presidential decorum.

The veteran politician in aviator sunglasses epitomizes the Washington archetype of the "happy warrior."

From now on, though, he'll have his work cut out to keep smiling.

With Republicans looking to take over Congress in November 2022 midterm elections, and opponents like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- not to mention Trump -- exploring 2024 presidential challenges, storm clouds are thickening.

Biden's immediate battle is with both Republicans and the left of his Democratic party on a giant infrastructure spending package.

Win there this summer and&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;may get political capital for even more, like voting rights protection, police reforms and other key planks of his platform.

Fail on infrastructure, however, and the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;balloon&nbsp;could&nbsp;deflate.

And while the strengthening economy is a huge plus, inflation is an increasingly politically damaging worry.

A cute White House press release Thursday about the "Hot Dog" economy -- graphics showed price drops for July 4th lemonade, hamburger meat and ice cream -- is unlikely to persuade many.

The government's "core personal consumption" price index rose 3.4 per cent in May, compared to last year, the steepest increase since 1992.

The White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence.

June polls showed a dip in support for&nbsp;Biden, yet he retains approval ratings solidly over 50 per cent, something Trump never achieved.

He's also making new ground. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll in June showed six in 10 Republicans support a $1.2 trillion version of the infrastructure spending proposals.

Numbers like these appear to be fueling&nbsp;Biden's ultimate bet: that Americans are hungry for big solutions -- as big as the mountainous problems facing their country.

Writing about that infrastructure plan on Yahoo! this week,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said the real issue was about so much more than roads and bridges.

"It is a signal to ourselves, and to the world," he said. "That American democracy can work and deliver for the people."

President Joe Biden will celebrate America's defeat of Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges.

President Joe Biden will celebrate America's defeat of Covid-19 with a July 4th barbecue this Sunday, but the fireworks smoke will barely clear before the Democrat has to confront maybe even tougher challenges. About 1,000 guests -- emergency service and essential workers, military members and their families -- are set to pour into the White House grounds for the kind of party unimaginable a year ago when the country was under lockdown. The Independence Day bash on the South Lawn, followed by a thunderous fireworks display on the National Mall, will allow Biden to mark what he's calling "independence from this virus." Biden's To-Do list features a staggering number of crises and headaches, ranging from climate change to handling a desperately divided Congress and a vengeful Donald Trump. At least for one humid Washington evening, though, the 78-year-old Biden will be able to kick back and celebrate. After leading the world in Covid deaths -- more than 600,000 -- the United States has emerged as a model for getting the novel coronavirus under control and the economy back on track. Much of that is down to Biden reversing Trump's chaotic response with a focused campaign to encourage mask-wearing and vaccinations. Also Read | US calls report of China building more than 100 nuclear missile silos 'concerning' He also got Congress to approve a historic $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, super-charging economic recovery and protecting the most vulnerable. There are however some hefty wrinkles. Biden's much-promoted goal of having 70 per cent of US adults receive at least one dose of vaccine by July 4 will narrowly miss. And celebratory White House statements tend to dodge emerging threats from the highly contagious Delta variant. "If you've been vaccinated, the message we're conveying is you're safe," was press secretary Jen Psaki's response, when asked about the wisdom of staging a South Lawn party. Now the hard part? But the global pandemic wasn't the only unprecedented test for Biden on January 20, when he became the oldest president to take office in US history. "He faced really the most daunting challenge of an incoming first term president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1933" during the Great Depression, said American University history professor Allan Lichtman. Biden "had an economic crisis, he had a still raging pandemic on his hands -- you've never quite had that kind of combination." That was before throwing in an ex-president disputing the election result, a razor-thin congressional majority, an explosive racial divide, the perilous withdrawal from Afghanistan, and international tensions stretching from China to Russia. Covid and economic rescue were "probably the least daunting of the tasks," Lichtman said. Sunny figure Despite all that, Biden's genteel manners and pleas for unity stand out in a town inundated during the Trump years by partisan fighting, impeachments, and startling breaches of presidential decorum. The veteran politician in aviator sunglasses epitomizes the Washington archetype of the "happy warrior." From now on, though, he'll have his work cut out to keep smiling. With Republicans looking to take over Congress in November 2022 midterm elections, and opponents like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- not to mention Trump -- exploring 2024 presidential challenges, storm clouds are thickening. Biden's immediate battle is with both Republicans and the left of his Democratic party on a giant infrastructure spending package. Win there this summer and Biden may get political capital for even more, like voting rights protection, police reforms and other key planks of his platform. Fail on infrastructure, however, and the Biden balloon could deflate. And while the strengthening economy is a huge plus, inflation is an increasingly politically damaging worry. A cute White House press release Thursday about the "Hot Dog" economy -- graphics showed price drops for July 4th lemonade, hamburger meat and ice cream -- is unlikely to persuade many. The government's "core personal consumption" price index rose 3.4 per cent in May, compared to last year, the steepest increase since 1992. The White House -- at least outwardly -- continues to brim with confidence. June polls showed a dip in support for Biden, yet he retains approval ratings solidly over 50 per cent, something Trump never achieved. He's also making new ground. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll in June showed six in 10 Republicans support a $1.2 trillion version of the infrastructure spending proposals. Numbers like these appear to be fueling Biden's ultimate bet: that Americans are hungry for big solutions -- as big as the mountainous problems facing their country. Writing about that infrastructure plan on Yahoo! this week, Biden said the real issue was about so much more than roads and bridges. "It is a signal to ourselves, and to the world," he said. "That American democracy can work and deliver for the people."

Biden celebrates pandemic victory, but Covid could be the easy part

Fireworks-related injuries and deaths in the United States jumped in 2020 compared with the previous year, according to a report that cites the pandemic as a likely factor in the increase.

Eighteen people died in 2020 after episodes that involved fireworks, compared with 12 people the previous year — a 50% increase — according to the report, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 15,600 people went to emergency rooms because of fireworks injuries in 2020, a 56% increase from the 10,000 injured in 2019. The increase came at a time when many hospitals across the country were overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases.

About 66% of the fireworks-related injuries last year occurred from June 21 to July 21, and the two leading sources for the injuries year-round were firecrackers and sparklers, the report found.

The number of injuries last year was the highest since at least 2001, the earliest year for which data are available on the agency’s website.

Patty Davis, a spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said it was difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for the increase but said it was most likely tied to the pandemic.

“Many cities cancelled July 4 public fireworks displays during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may have spurred consumers to use fireworks in their own backyards,” Davis said in an interview.

Los Angeles was among the cities that cancelled all fireworks shows last year, causing some residents to put on their own amateur, and more dangerous, shows, said Erik Scott, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. On July 4 alone, the city received 429 more emergency calls than it would on an average day, he said, and many involved fireworks.

“The kids are the ones that we see that are frequently injured, statistically,” Scott said.

Children younger than 14 made up 24% of all fireworks-related injuries in the country from June 21 through July 21, 2020, according to the report.

But the biggest increase in injuries was among those 20 to 24 years old, Davis said. They accounted for about 50 episodes in 2019 but about 400 in 2020, a 700% increase. The cancellation of fireworks shows last year may have accounted for the increase, Davis said.

For some in New York City — where fireworks are illegal to buy, sell or ignite — setting off colourful and loud explosions into the wee hours of the morning last year was an escape from the weariness and boredom that came from staying at home. For others, the fireworks were a way to show defiance against law enforcement at a time when millions across the country were protesting police brutality.

Of the 18 people in the country who died last year as a result of fireworks, eight of them had used drugs or alcohol beforehand, the report states.

One death happened in Mount Healthy, Ohio, about 10 miles north of Cincinnati. It occurred a day after July 4 festivities, when a 63-year-old man was fatally struck in the head by fireworks, authorities said.

“It was an extremely busy day,” said Sgt. Greg Nolte of the Mount Healthy Police Department. “We definitely got some calls last year. And what people get worried about is fireworks on their house, on their property, on their trees.”

A man in Jersey City, New Jersey, died last year after being hit in the neck by fireworks on July 4, NJ.com reported.

In Las Vegas, there were so many 911 calls last year about fireworks on July 4 that it temporarily crashed the city’s emergency dispatch system, said Tim Szymanski, spokesman for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.

“You could go anywhere in the city and just stand on a hill someplace, and you could see all the people using the fireworks,” Szymanski said. “I think everybody was confined to a hole because of the pandemic, but they wanted to do something, so they got their fireworks.”

As people prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Davis said, they should never allow children to use fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

People should also keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, she said, in case of emergencies.

“We are hoping since public fireworks displays are on again this year as the COVID-19 pandemic eases, people will take advantage of those,” Davis said. “That’s the safest way to watch fireworks.”

Fireworks-related injuries and deaths in the United States jumped in 2020 compared with the previous year, according to a report that cites the pandemic as a likely factor in the increase.

Fireworks-related injuries and deaths in the United States jumped in 2020 compared with the previous year, according to a report that cites the pandemic as a likely factor in the increase. Eighteen people died in 2020 after episodes that involved fireworks, compared with 12 people the previous year — a 50% increase — according to the report, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About 15,600 people went to emergency rooms because of fireworks injuries in 2020, a 56% increase from the 10,000 injured in 2019. The increase came at a time when many hospitals across the country were overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases. About 66% of the fireworks-related injuries last year occurred from June 21 to July 21, and the two leading sources for the injuries year-round were firecrackers and sparklers, the report found. The number of injuries last year was the highest since at least 2001, the earliest year for which data are available on the agency’s website. Patty Davis, a spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said it was difficult to pinpoint an exact reason for the increase but said it was most likely tied to the pandemic. “Many cities cancelled July 4 public fireworks displays during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this may have spurred consumers to use fireworks in their own backyards,” Davis said in an interview. Los Angeles was among the cities that cancelled all fireworks shows last year, causing some residents to put on their own amateur, and more dangerous, shows, said Erik Scott, spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department. On July 4 alone, the city received 429 more emergency calls than it would on an average day, he said, and many involved fireworks. “The kids are the ones that we see that are frequently injured, statistically,” Scott said. Children younger than 14 made up 24% of all fireworks-related injuries in the country from June 21 through July 21, 2020, according to the report. But the biggest increase in injuries was among those 20 to 24 years old, Davis said. They accounted for about 50 episodes in 2019 but about 400 in 2020, a 700% increase. The cancellation of fireworks shows last year may have accounted for the increase, Davis said. For some in New York City — where fireworks are illegal to buy, sell or ignite — setting off colourful and loud explosions into the wee hours of the morning last year was an escape from the weariness and boredom that came from staying at home. For others, the fireworks were a way to show defiance against law enforcement at a time when millions across the country were protesting police brutality. Of the 18 people in the country who died last year as a result of fireworks, eight of them had used drugs or alcohol beforehand, the report states. One death happened in Mount Healthy, Ohio, about 10 miles north of Cincinnati. It occurred a day after July 4 festivities, when a 63-year-old man was fatally struck in the head by fireworks, authorities said. “It was an extremely busy day,” said Sgt. Greg Nolte of the Mount Healthy Police Department. “We definitely got some calls last year. And what people get worried about is fireworks on their house, on their property, on their trees.” A man in Jersey City, New Jersey, died last year after being hit in the neck by fireworks on July 4, NJ.com reported. In Las Vegas, there were so many 911 calls last year about fireworks on July 4 that it temporarily crashed the city’s emergency dispatch system, said Tim Szymanski, spokesman for Las Vegas Fire and Rescue. “You could go anywhere in the city and just stand on a hill someplace, and you could see all the people using the fireworks,” Szymanski said. “I think everybody was confined to a hole because of the pandemic, but they wanted to do something, so they got their fireworks.” As people prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Davis said, they should never allow children to use fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. People should also keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby, she said, in case of emergencies. “We are hoping since public fireworks displays are on again this year as the COVID-19 pandemic eases, people will take advantage of those,” Davis said. “That’s the safest way to watch fireworks.”

Fireworks related injuries and deaths jumped during pandemic, report shows

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chastised top ruling party officials for failures in anti-epidemic work that led to an unspecified 'great crisis' and put the safety of the country and people at risk, state media reported on Wednesday. 
 
The report by state news agency KCNA did not elaborate on what happened, or how it put people at risk. 
 
North Korea has not officially confirmed any COVID-19 cases, a claim questioned by South Korean and US&nbsp;officials. But the reclusive country has imposed strict anti-virus measures, including border closures and domestic travel curbs. 
 
Kim called a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea politburo to address some party executives' neglect of duty, including failing to implement important long-term measures to fight the pandemic, KCNA said. 
 
"He mentioned that senior officials in charge of important state affairs neglected the implementation of the important decisions of the Party ... and thus caused a crucial case of creating a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people and entailed grave consequences," the report said. 
 
Several politburo members, secretaries of the central committee, and officials of several state agencies were replaced at the meeting, though KCNA did not specify if the shakeups were related to the neglect of pandemic-related duty.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chastised top ruling party officials for failures in anti-epidemic work that led to an unspecified 'great crisis' and put the safety of the country and people at risk, state media reported on Wednesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un chastised top ruling party officials for failures in anti-epidemic work that led to an unspecified 'great crisis' and put the safety of the country and people at risk, state media reported on Wednesday. The report by state news agency KCNA did not elaborate on what happened, or how it put people at risk. North Korea has not officially confirmed any COVID-19 cases, a claim questioned by South Korean and US officials. But the reclusive country has imposed strict anti-virus measures, including border closures and domestic travel curbs. Kim called a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea politburo to address some party executives' neglect of duty, including failing to implement important long-term measures to fight the pandemic, KCNA said. "He mentioned that senior officials in charge of important state affairs neglected the implementation of the important decisions of the Party ... and thus caused a crucial case of creating a great crisis in ensuring the security of the state and safety of the people and entailed grave consequences," the report said. Several politburo members, secretaries of the central committee, and officials of several state agencies were replaced at the meeting, though KCNA did not specify if the shakeups were related to the neglect of pandemic-related duty. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Kim chides officials for unspecified pandemic lapse

Citing a Supreme Court-appointed audit panel`s report, the Delhi BJP leaders on Friday held Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responsible for deaths due to oxygen shortage in the national capital. 
 
Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Many people have lost their lives due to the oxygen shortage in Delhi`s hospitals and Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for these deaths. 
 
We hope the Supreme Court will hold Kejriwal accountable and punish him for the crime he has committed." 
 
Patra alleged that the Kejriwal government completely failed in managing the second wave of Covid in the national capital. 
 
"Arvind Kejriwal`s works on only one formula: 100 per cent advertising and zero per cent Covid management. Kejriwal has spent Rs 1,000 crore only on advertising. The biggest thing is he has lied four times about oxygen shortage," he said. 
 
The said report claimed that the Delhi government inflated its Oxygen demand by four times during the peak of the second wave of Covid which affected supply to 12 states. 
 
"Due to Kejriwal`s lies, oxygen supplies were reduced to 12 states to meet the demand of Delhi. Had this oxygen been used in other states, many lives could have been saved. This is a heinous crime committed by Kejriwal," Patra said. 
 
The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the report exposed that the Kejriwal was doing politics on oxygen requirements to defame the Union government for this they inflated oxygen demand by four times. 
 
Referring to the report, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan tweeted, "Skeletons of misdeeds in the midst of a pandemic falling out of Aam Aadmi Party`s closet. Highly deplorable of Arvind Kejriwal and company to misuse a critical situation to grab eyeballs, deflect responsibility and corner invaluable resources for no good reason." 
 
In a tweet, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "The SC Sub-group report shows how Delhi government proved to be a complete failure in managing Covid crisis. Gross miscalculation of oxygen requirement at variance with laid down norms also suggest a sinister motive to discredit India`s Covid pushback."

Citing a Supreme Court-appointed audit panel`s report, the Delhi BJP leaders on Friday held Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responsible for deaths due to oxygen shortage in the national capital.

Citing a Supreme Court-appointed audit panel`s report, the Delhi BJP leaders on Friday held Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal responsible for deaths due to oxygen shortage in the national capital. Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "Many people have lost their lives due to the oxygen shortage in Delhi`s hospitals and Arvind Kejriwal is responsible for these deaths. We hope the Supreme Court will hold Kejriwal accountable and punish him for the crime he has committed." Patra alleged that the Kejriwal government completely failed in managing the second wave of Covid in the national capital. "Arvind Kejriwal`s works on only one formula: 100 per cent advertising and zero per cent Covid management. Kejriwal has spent Rs 1,000 crore only on advertising. The biggest thing is he has lied four times about oxygen shortage," he said. The said report claimed that the Delhi government inflated its Oxygen demand by four times during the peak of the second wave of Covid which affected supply to 12 states. "Due to Kejriwal`s lies, oxygen supplies were reduced to 12 states to meet the demand of Delhi. Had this oxygen been used in other states, many lives could have been saved. This is a heinous crime committed by Kejriwal," Patra said. The BJP spokesperson also claimed that the report exposed that the Kejriwal was doing politics on oxygen requirements to defame the Union government for this they inflated oxygen demand by four times. Referring to the report, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan tweeted, "Skeletons of misdeeds in the midst of a pandemic falling out of Aam Aadmi Party`s closet. Highly deplorable of Arvind Kejriwal and company to misuse a critical situation to grab eyeballs, deflect responsibility and corner invaluable resources for no good reason." In a tweet, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said, "The SC Sub-group report shows how Delhi government proved to be a complete failure in managing Covid crisis. Gross miscalculation of oxygen requirement at variance with laid down norms also suggest a sinister motive to discredit India`s Covid pushback."

Delhi govt 'inflated' oxygen demand during Covid peak, claims BJP citing SC panel report

As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin scrambled to save faltering markets at the start of the pandemic last year, America’s top economic officials were in near-constant contact with a Wall Street executive whose firm stood to benefit financially from the rescue.

Laurence Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, was in frequent touch with Mnuchin and Powell in the days before and after many of the Fed’s emergency rescue programs were announced in late March. Emails obtained by The New York Times through a records request, along with public releases, underscore the extent to which Fink planned alongside the government for parts of a financial rescue that his firm referred to in one message as “the project” that he and the Fed were “working on together.”

While some conversations were previously disclosed, the newly released emails, together with public calendar records, show the extent to which economic policymakers worked with a private company as they were drawing up a response to the financial meltdown and how intertwined BlackRock has become with the federal government.

Mnuchin held 60 recorded calls over the frantic Saturday and Sunday leading up to the Fed’s unveiling on March 23, 2020, of a policy package that included its first-ever program to buy corporate bonds, which were becoming nearly impossible to sell as investors sprinted to convert their holdings to cash.

Mnuchin spoke to Fink five times that weekend, more than anyone other than the Fed chair, whom he spoke with nine times. Fink joined Mnuchin, Powell and Larry Kudlow, who was the White House National Economic Council director, for a brief call at 7:25 the evening before the Fed’s big announcement, based on Mnuchin’s calendars.

The records reveal how often federal officials engaged with a Wall Street executive at a moment of crisis, as they strategized about how to turn around markets that were descending into chaos.

Fink’s firm is a huge player across many stock and debt markets and its advisory arm helped to execute some of the Fed’s crisis response during the 2008 financial meltdown. That market insight and experience got him a front-row seat at a pivotal moment, one that may have put him in a position to influence a rescue with huge ramifications for households, businesses and the entire U.S. economy.

“They’re about as close to a government arm as you can be, without being the Federal Reserve,” said William Birdthistle, a professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law and the author of a book on funds.

On March 24, the New York Fed announced that it had again hired BlackRock’s advisory arm, which operates separately from the company’s asset-management business but which Fink oversees, this time to carry out the Fed’s purchases of commercial mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds.

BlackRock’s ability to directly profit from its regular contact with the government during rescue planning was limited. The firm signed a nondisclosure agreement with the New York Fed on March 22, restricting involved officials from sharing information about the coming programs.

But how the Fed and Treasury devised their rescue package mattered to BlackRock. The company makes a profit by managing money for clients in an array of funds, generally charging a preset fee. It earns more when it grows its assets under management. In the early days of the coronavirus crisis, as people converted financial holdings into cash, parts of its asset base were contracting and its business outlook hinged on what happened in certain markets.

While the Fed and Treasury consulted with many financial firms as they drew up their response — and practically all of Wall Street and much of Main Street benefited — no other company was as front and center.

Simply being in touch throughout the government’s planning was good for BlackRock, potentially burnishing its image over the longer run, Birdthistle said. BlackRock would have benefited through “tons of information, tons of secondary financial benefits,” he said.

Mnuchin could not be reached for comment. Asked whether top Fed officials discussed program details with Fink before his firm had signed the nondisclosure agreement, the Fed said that Powell and Randal Quarles, a Fed vice chair who also appears in the emails, “have no recollection of discussing the terms of either facility with Mr. Fink.”

“Nor did they have any reason to do so because the Federal Reserve Bank of New York handled the process with great care and transparency,” the central bank added in its statement.

Brian Beades, a spokesman for BlackRock, highlighted that the firm had “stringent information barriers in place that ensure separation between BlackRock Financial Markets Advisory and the firm’s investment business” and said it was “proud to have been in a position to assist the Federal Reserve in addressing the severe downturn in financial markets during the depths of the crisis.”

The disclosed emails between Fed and BlackRock officials — 11 in all across March and early April — do not make clear whether the company knew about any of the Fed and Treasury programs’ designs or whether they were simply providing market information.

Emails indicate that Powell spoke with Fink on March 23, hours after the Fed announced its corporate bond program.

“Larry Fink is available to speak today regarding the project you will be working on together,” an email from Fink’s assistant directly to Powell said. “Please let us know if there is a convenient time for you.”

“Now is good,” Powell replied.

The call does not appear on the Fed chair’s official schedule from last March. Those calendars generally track scheduled events, and may have missed meetings in early 2020 when staffers were frantically working on the market rescue and the Fed was shifting to work from home, a central bank spokesman said.

Powell’s calendars did show that he talked to Fink in March, April and May, and he has previously answered questions about those discussions.

“I can’t recall exactly what those conversations were, but they would have been about what he is seeing in the markets and things like that, to generally exchanging information,” Powell said at a July 2020 news conference, adding that it wasn’t “very many” conversations. “He’s typically trying to make sure that we are getting good service from the company that he founded and leads.”

BlackRock’s connections to Washington are not new. It was a critical player in the 2008 crisis response, when the New York Fed retained the firm’s advisory arm to manage the mortgage assets of the insurance giant American International Group and Bear Stearns.

Several former BlackRock employees have been named to top roles in President Joe Biden’s administration, including Brian Deese, who heads the White House National Economic Council, and Wally Adeyemo, who was Fink’s chief of staff and is now the No. 2 official at the Treasury.

The firm has grown rapidly: Its assets under management swelled from $1.3 trillion in early 2009 to $7.4 trillion in 2019. By the end of last year, they were $8.7 trillion.

As it expanded, it has stepped up its lobbying. In 2004, BlackRock Inc. registered two lobbyists and spent less than $200,000 on its efforts. By 2019 it had 20 lobbyists and spent nearly $2.5 million, though that declined slightly last year, based on OpenSecrets data. Campaign contributions tied to the firm also jumped, touching $1.7 million in 2020 (80% to Democrats, 20% to Republicans) from next to nothing as recently as 2004.

In March 2020, as some of BlackRock’s own offerings were being rocked at the pandemic’s onset in the United States, the firm reached out to Powell and Quarles, the emails show. In one or two cases, BlackRock appears to have had phone calls with Quarles. In others, Powell and Quarles did not reply, based on the released records.

The firm’s representatives also talked to Treasury policymakers other than Mnuchin in March, the emails show. One former official said such calls were part of routine information-gathering from a big market participant at a time when markets were rapidly falling apart.

BlackRock operates in short-term debt markets that came under intense stress as people and companies scrambled to move all of their holdings into cash. And problems were brewing in the corporate debt market, including in exchange-traded funds, which track bundles of corporate debt and other assets but trade like stocks.

Corporate bonds were difficult to trade and near impossible to issue in mid-March 2020. Prices on some high-grade corporate debt ETFs, including one of BlackRock’s, were out of whack relative to the values of the underlying assets, which is unusual.

People could still pull their money from ETFs, which both the industry and several outside academics have heralded as a sign of their resiliency. But investors would have had to take a financial hit to do so, relative to the quoted value of the underlying bonds. That could have bruised the product’s reputation in the eyes of some retail savers.

“This was the first time that ETFs came under stress in a really systemic way,” said Gregg Gelzinis, associate director for Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress.

The Fed’s programs helped to turn that around. The central bank supported the corporate bond market on March 23, 2020, by pledging to buy both already issued debt and new bonds. The program for existing bonds promised to also buy ETFs, because they are a quick way to get access to a wide swath of the market. The bond market and fund recovery was nearly instant.

When the New York Fed retained BlackRock’s advisory arm to make the purchases, it rapidly disclosed details of those contracts to the public. The firm did the program cheaply for the government, waiving fees for exchange-traded fund buying and rebating fees from its own iShares ETFs back to the New York Fed.

The Fed has explained the decision to hire the advisory side of the house in terms of practicality.

“We hired BlackRock for their expertise in these markets,” Powell has since said in defense of the rapid move. “It was done very quickly due to the urgency and need for their expertise.”

As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin scrambled to save faltering markets at the start of the pandemic last year, America’s top economic officials were in near-constant contact with a Wall Street executive whose firm stood to benefit financially from the rescue.

As Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin scrambled to save faltering markets at the start of the pandemic last year, America’s top economic officials were in near-constant contact with a Wall Street executive whose firm stood to benefit financially from the rescue. Laurence Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, was in frequent touch with Mnuchin and Powell in the days before and after many of the Fed’s emergency rescue programs were announced in late March. Emails obtained by The New York Times through a records request, along with public releases, underscore the extent to which Fink planned alongside the government for parts of a financial rescue that his firm referred to in one message as “the project” that he and the Fed were “working on together.” While some conversations were previously disclosed, the newly released emails, together with public calendar records, show the extent to which economic policymakers worked with a private company as they were drawing up a response to the financial meltdown and how intertwined BlackRock has become with the federal government. Mnuchin held 60 recorded calls over the frantic Saturday and Sunday leading up to the Fed’s unveiling on March 23, 2020, of a policy package that included its first-ever program to buy corporate bonds, which were becoming nearly impossible to sell as investors sprinted to convert their holdings to cash. Mnuchin spoke to Fink five times that weekend, more than anyone other than the Fed chair, whom he spoke with nine times. Fink joined Mnuchin, Powell and Larry Kudlow, who was the White House National Economic Council director, for a brief call at 7:25 the evening before the Fed’s big announcement, based on Mnuchin’s calendars. The records reveal how often federal officials engaged with a Wall Street executive at a moment of crisis, as they strategized about how to turn around markets that were descending into chaos. Fink’s firm is a huge player across many stock and debt markets and its advisory arm helped to execute some of the Fed’s crisis response during the 2008 financial meltdown. That market insight and experience got him a front-row seat at a pivotal moment, one that may have put him in a position to influence a rescue with huge ramifications for households, businesses and the entire U.S. economy. “They’re about as close to a government arm as you can be, without being the Federal Reserve,” said William Birdthistle, a professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law and the author of a book on funds. On March 24, the New York Fed announced that it had again hired BlackRock’s advisory arm, which operates separately from the company’s asset-management business but which Fink oversees, this time to carry out the Fed’s purchases of commercial mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds. BlackRock’s ability to directly profit from its regular contact with the government during rescue planning was limited. The firm signed a nondisclosure agreement with the New York Fed on March 22, restricting involved officials from sharing information about the coming programs. But how the Fed and Treasury devised their rescue package mattered to BlackRock. The company makes a profit by managing money for clients in an array of funds, generally charging a preset fee. It earns more when it grows its assets under management. In the early days of the coronavirus crisis, as people converted financial holdings into cash, parts of its asset base were contracting and its business outlook hinged on what happened in certain markets. While the Fed and Treasury consulted with many financial firms as they drew up their response — and practically all of Wall Street and much of Main Street benefited — no other company was as front and center. Simply being in touch throughout the government’s planning was good for BlackRock, potentially burnishing its image over the longer run, Birdthistle said. BlackRock would have benefited through “tons of information, tons of secondary financial benefits,” he said. Mnuchin could not be reached for comment. Asked whether top Fed officials discussed program details with Fink before his firm had signed the nondisclosure agreement, the Fed said that Powell and Randal Quarles, a Fed vice chair who also appears in the emails, “have no recollection of discussing the terms of either facility with Mr. Fink.” “Nor did they have any reason to do so because the Federal Reserve Bank of New York handled the process with great care and transparency,” the central bank added in its statement. Brian Beades, a spokesman for BlackRock, highlighted that the firm had “stringent information barriers in place that ensure separation between BlackRock Financial Markets Advisory and the firm’s investment business” and said it was “proud to have been in a position to assist the Federal Reserve in addressing the severe downturn in financial markets during the depths of the crisis.” The disclosed emails between Fed and BlackRock officials — 11 in all across March and early April — do not make clear whether the company knew about any of the Fed and Treasury programs’ designs or whether they were simply providing market information. Emails indicate that Powell spoke with Fink on March 23, hours after the Fed announced its corporate bond program. “Larry Fink is available to speak today regarding the project you will be working on together,” an email from Fink’s assistant directly to Powell said. “Please let us know if there is a convenient time for you.” “Now is good,” Powell replied. The call does not appear on the Fed chair’s official schedule from last March. Those calendars generally track scheduled events, and may have missed meetings in early 2020 when staffers were frantically working on the market rescue and the Fed was shifting to work from home, a central bank spokesman said. Powell’s calendars did show that he talked to Fink in March, April and May, and he has previously answered questions about those discussions. “I can’t recall exactly what those conversations were, but they would have been about what he is seeing in the markets and things like that, to generally exchanging information,” Powell said at a July 2020 news conference, adding that it wasn’t “very many” conversations. “He’s typically trying to make sure that we are getting good service from the company that he founded and leads.” BlackRock’s connections to Washington are not new. It was a critical player in the 2008 crisis response, when the New York Fed retained the firm’s advisory arm to manage the mortgage assets of the insurance giant American International Group and Bear Stearns. Several former BlackRock employees have been named to top roles in President Joe Biden’s administration, including Brian Deese, who heads the White House National Economic Council, and Wally Adeyemo, who was Fink’s chief of staff and is now the No. 2 official at the Treasury. The firm has grown rapidly: Its assets under management swelled from $1.3 trillion in early 2009 to $7.4 trillion in 2019. By the end of last year, they were $8.7 trillion. As it expanded, it has stepped up its lobbying. In 2004, BlackRock Inc. registered two lobbyists and spent less than $200,000 on its efforts. By 2019 it had 20 lobbyists and spent nearly $2.5 million, though that declined slightly last year, based on OpenSecrets data. Campaign contributions tied to the firm also jumped, touching $1.7 million in 2020 (80% to Democrats, 20% to Republicans) from next to nothing as recently as 2004. In March 2020, as some of BlackRock’s own offerings were being rocked at the pandemic’s onset in the United States, the firm reached out to Powell and Quarles, the emails show. In one or two cases, BlackRock appears to have had phone calls with Quarles. In others, Powell and Quarles did not reply, based on the released records. The firm’s representatives also talked to Treasury policymakers other than Mnuchin in March, the emails show. One former official said such calls were part of routine information-gathering from a big market participant at a time when markets were rapidly falling apart. BlackRock operates in short-term debt markets that came under intense stress as people and companies scrambled to move all of their holdings into cash. And problems were brewing in the corporate debt market, including in exchange-traded funds, which track bundles of corporate debt and other assets but trade like stocks. Corporate bonds were difficult to trade and near impossible to issue in mid-March 2020. Prices on some high-grade corporate debt ETFs, including one of BlackRock’s, were out of whack relative to the values of the underlying assets, which is unusual. People could still pull their money from ETFs, which both the industry and several outside academics have heralded as a sign of their resiliency. But investors would have had to take a financial hit to do so, relative to the quoted value of the underlying bonds. That could have bruised the product’s reputation in the eyes of some retail savers. “This was the first time that ETFs came under stress in a really systemic way,” said Gregg Gelzinis, associate director for Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress. The Fed’s programs helped to turn that around. The central bank supported the corporate bond market on March 23, 2020, by pledging to buy both already issued debt and new bonds. The program for existing bonds promised to also buy ETFs, because they are a quick way to get access to a wide swath of the market. The bond market and fund recovery was nearly instant. When the New York Fed retained BlackRock’s advisory arm to make the purchases, it rapidly disclosed details of those contracts to the public. The firm did the program cheaply for the government, waiving fees for exchange-traded fund buying and rebating fees from its own iShares ETFs back to the New York Fed. The Fed has explained the decision to hire the advisory side of the house in terms of practicality. “We hired BlackRock for their expertise in these markets,” Powell has since said in defense of the rapid move. “It was done very quickly due to the urgency and need for their expertise.”

Top US officials consulted with BlackRock as markets melted down

As the Philippines faces one of Asia's worst outbreaks, with over 1.3 million infections and over 23,000 deaths, President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to imprison those who refuse to be vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.&nbsp;

“If you’re a person who’s not vaccinated and a potential carrier, to protect the people, I have to sequester you in jail,” Duterte said late Monday. Village leaders should keep a list of those who refused to be vaccinated, he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/uk-study-indicates-covid-resulting-in-long-term-loss-of-grey-matter-392567">Also read | UK study indicates Covid resulting in long-term loss of grey matter</a>

If carried out, Duterte's warning could be one of the most extreme methods taken to increase vaccinations in a country where the majority of people are sceptical of or refuse vaccines. Indonesia took steps earlier this year to penalise those who refuse vaccinations by imposing penalties or delaying aid.&nbsp;

Duterte's remarks contradict those of his health officials who have said that while people are urged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it was voluntary.

"Don't get me wrong, there is a crisis in this country," Duterte said. "I'm just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government."

“The first wave has really depleted the resources of government,” Duterte said. “Another one would be disastrous for this country. That is why the stricter you are, the better.”

The Philippine president postponed plans to resume physical education lessons and insisted on the use of face shields.

After lawyers in the central province of Cebu questioned the national task force's testing and quarantine protocols, Duterte warned he will not heed the courts on how to control the pandemic.

As the Philippines faces one of Asia's worst outbreaks, with over 1.3 million infections and over 23,000 deaths, President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to imprison those who refuse to be vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus.

As the Philippines faces one of Asia's worst outbreaks, with over 1.3 million infections and over 23,000 deaths, President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to imprison those who refuse to be vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus. “If you’re a person who’s not vaccinated and a potential carrier, to protect the people, I have to sequester you in jail,” Duterte said late Monday. Village leaders should keep a list of those who refused to be vaccinated, he said. Also read | UK study indicates Covid resulting in long-term loss of grey matter If carried out, Duterte's warning could be one of the most extreme methods taken to increase vaccinations in a country where the majority of people are sceptical of or refuse vaccines. Indonesia took steps earlier this year to penalise those who refuse vaccinations by imposing penalties or delaying aid. Duterte's remarks contradict those of his health officials who have said that while people are urged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, it was voluntary. "Don't get me wrong, there is a crisis in this country," Duterte said. "I'm just exasperated by Filipinos not heeding the government." “The first wave has really depleted the resources of government,” Duterte said. “Another one would be disastrous for this country. That is why the stricter you are, the better.” The Philippine president postponed plans to resume physical education lessons and insisted on the use of face shields. After lawyers in the central province of Cebu questioned the national task force's testing and quarantine protocols, Duterte warned he will not heed the courts on how to control the pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccine or jail, Duterte tells Filipinos: ‘You choose’

"People who refuse to get vaccinated will be arrested," said Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during a pre-recorded televised public address.

"Go to India if you want, or somewhere else, to America," he advised the vaccine decliners.

In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's hardest-hit countries.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-or-jail-duterte-tells-filipinos-you-choose-393038">Also read | COVID-19 vaccine or jail, Duterte tells Filipinos: ‘You choose’</a> 
 
“So all you Filipinos listening, watch out. Don’t force my hand into it. I have a strong arm for that. Nobody likes it. But if you won’t get vaccinated, leave the Philippines. Go to India if you want or somewhere — to America. But as long as you are here and you are a human being that can carry the virus, get yourself vaccinated,” Duterte, known for his flamboyant and controversial remarks,&nbsp;added. 
 
Watch | Philippines president threatens to jail those who refuse COVID-19 vaccine

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Further detailing how unvaccinated persons pose a threat to other people's safety by being virus carriers in the country, the leader issued another warning, stating that those who refuse to get vaccinated will be injected with ivermectin, an anti-parasite used on animals.&nbsp;

The Philippines is one of the worst-hit countries in Southeast Asia with more than one million cases and over 20,000 deaths linked to COVID-19.

According to studies cited in local media, more than half of Filipinos are unwilling to get vaccinated against COVID-19 over fears the shots are not safe.

The Philippines is one of the heavily populated countries in Southeast Asia with a population of 110 million people. And according to a report by ANI news agency, the current confirmed Covid cases in the country has reached a whopping number of 13,72,232, while the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) recently reported 4,353 new COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

"People who refuse to get vaccinated will be arrested," said Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during a pre-recorded televised public address. "Go to India if you want, or somewhere else, to America," he advised the vaccine decliners.

"People who refuse to get vaccinated will be arrested," said Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during a pre-recorded televised public address. "Go to India if you want, or somewhere else, to America," he advised the vaccine decliners. In the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, the Philippines is one of Southeast Asia's hardest-hit countries. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine or jail, Duterte tells Filipinos: ‘You choose’ “So all you Filipinos listening, watch out. Don’t force my hand into it. I have a strong arm for that. Nobody likes it. But if you won’t get vaccinated, leave the Philippines. Go to India if you want or somewhere — to America. But as long as you are here and you are a human being that can carry the virus, get yourself vaccinated,” Duterte, known for his flamboyant and controversial remarks, added. Watch | Philippines president threatens to jail those who refuse COVID-19 vaccine Further detailing how unvaccinated persons pose a threat to other people's safety by being virus carriers in the country, the leader issued another warning, stating that those who refuse to get vaccinated will be injected with ivermectin, an anti-parasite used on animals. The Philippines is one of the worst-hit countries in Southeast Asia with more than one million cases and over 20,000 deaths linked to COVID-19. According to studies cited in local media, more than half of Filipinos are unwilling to get vaccinated against COVID-19 over fears the shots are not safe. The Philippines is one of the heavily populated countries in Southeast Asia with a population of 110 million people. And according to a report by ANI news agency, the current confirmed Covid cases in the country has reached a whopping number of 13,72,232, while the Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) recently reported 4,353 new COVID-19 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

'Go to India or US': Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warns anti-vaxxers

The COVID-19 Delta variant, first identified in India, now accounts for more than 20 per cent of coronavirus infections in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday.

"The Delta variant is currently the greatest threat in the US to our attempt to eliminate COVID-19," Dr Anthony Fauci, the country`s top infectious disease expert, warned at a White House briefing. "Good news: Our vaccines are effective against the Delta variant."

The variant makes up more than 50 per cent of new infections in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

With the Delta variant spreading rapidly among younger populations, Biden`s White House is urging 18 to 26-year-olds to get vaccinated. Fauci lists under-vaccinated regions as the country`s main "obstacles" to crushing the virus.

"If you look at the growing threat of what we`re all concerned about: the Delta variant. What do we know about that variant? The transmissibility is unquestionably greater than the wild-type SARS-CoV-2, as well as the Alpha variant. It is associated with increased disease severity, as reflected by hospitalisation risk, compared to Alpha," Fauci said.

Fauci pointed to an Imperial College study of over 100,000 homes which found that youth were driving the UK surge. The results showed a fivefold higher positivity among children 5 to 12 and young adults 18 to 24, versus people older than 65 years old.

He then went on to list the "good news": vaccine effectiveness. "Two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech -- was 88 per cent effective against the Delta and 93 per cent effective against the Alpha when you`re dealing with symptomatic disease," Fauci said.

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca shots have shown between 92 and 96 per cent effectiveness against hospitalisations.

"We have the tools, so let`s use them and crush the outbreak," Fauci said.

At this time, the US is just short of vaccinating 70 per cent of all American adults with at least one shot by Independence Day - July 4. More than 150 million are fully vaccinated, as of Monday. Among those aged 30 and above, 70 per cent have at least one shot. For those over 40 years, 75 per cent have received at least one shot. Biden`s COVID-19 response team thinks the country will hit the 70 per cent target for ages 27 and over once the data for the July 4th weekend is in.

US COVID-19 caseloads and deaths are at their lowest levels since the pandemic exploded here last year. The country is now averaging about 11,000 new infections and less than 300 deaths per day. The virus has so far killed more than 602,000 people in the US alone.

The COVID-19 Delta variant, first identified in India, now accounts for more than 20 per cent of coronavirus infections in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 Delta variant, first identified in India, now accounts for more than 20 per cent of coronavirus infections in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday. "The Delta variant is currently the greatest threat in the US to our attempt to eliminate COVID-19," Dr Anthony Fauci, the country`s top infectious disease expert, warned at a White House briefing. "Good news: Our vaccines are effective against the Delta variant." The variant makes up more than 50 per cent of new infections in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. With the Delta variant spreading rapidly among younger populations, Biden`s White House is urging 18 to 26-year-olds to get vaccinated. Fauci lists under-vaccinated regions as the country`s main "obstacles" to crushing the virus. "If you look at the growing threat of what we`re all concerned about: the Delta variant. What do we know about that variant? The transmissibility is unquestionably greater than the wild-type SARS-CoV-2, as well as the Alpha variant. It is associated with increased disease severity, as reflected by hospitalisation risk, compared to Alpha," Fauci said. Fauci pointed to an Imperial College study of over 100,000 homes which found that youth were driving the UK surge. The results showed a fivefold higher positivity among children 5 to 12 and young adults 18 to 24, versus people older than 65 years old. He then went on to list the "good news": vaccine effectiveness. "Two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech -- was 88 per cent effective against the Delta and 93 per cent effective against the Alpha when you`re dealing with symptomatic disease," Fauci said. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca shots have shown between 92 and 96 per cent effectiveness against hospitalisations. "We have the tools, so let`s use them and crush the outbreak," Fauci said. At this time, the US is just short of vaccinating 70 per cent of all American adults with at least one shot by Independence Day - July 4. More than 150 million are fully vaccinated, as of Monday. Among those aged 30 and above, 70 per cent have at least one shot. For those over 40 years, 75 per cent have received at least one shot. Biden`s COVID-19 response team thinks the country will hit the 70 per cent target for ages 27 and over once the data for the July 4th weekend is in. US COVID-19 caseloads and deaths are at their lowest levels since the pandemic exploded here last year. The country is now averaging about 11,000 new infections and less than 300 deaths per day. The virus has so far killed more than 602,000 people in the US alone.

COVID-19 Delta variant now in 20% of US cases

A spiked drink, a puff of dust, missing memories, and an empty bank account.&nbsp;

Hong Kong's entertainment district Wanchai has been battered by a coronavirus-driven collapse in tourism and as times get desperate, several men have seen their night out turn into a nightmare.

It took days for Stuart to recall a crucial memory. But after speaking with another victim, it suddenly came flooding back.

A woman trying to spark a conversation outside a bar, and then a man approaching with a determined look in his eye.

"I thought he was going to punch me but he just blew something in my face," he recalled. "I laughed. But that was it. No memories after that."

It was a breakthrough for Stuart who, like the other victims interviewed for this piece, asked to use a pseudonym.

He had been trying to figure out why post-match drinks with his cricket buddies in Wanchai, a popular hangout for white-collar foreign workers, had turned into one big blackout following his encounter outside the bar.

Hours were missing alongside HK$80,000 ($10,300) -- taken in six separate transactions from nearby ATMs.

"It was a joint account with my missus and we have a baby on the way," the 36-year-old Brit, who moved to Hong Kong 18 months ago, told AFP.&nbsp;

"Police said maybe I was just drunk, but why would I empty that account? It wouldn't be worth my life doing that."

Opportunistic crime

WhatsApp groups used by Wanchai bar owners and regulars have lit up in recent months with similar stories.&nbsp;

Most targets have no memory and awake to find accounts emptied by scammers who have drugged their unwitting victims -- largely by tampering with their drinks -- to keep them pliable and obtain their pin numbers.

Victims have dubbed the scam "Devil's Breath" attacks -- technically the nickname for the powerful anti-nausea drug scopolamine but in this case used more as a catch-all descriptor.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-relying-on-chinese-vaccines-reporting-covid-19-surge-report-393242">Also Read |&nbsp;Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report</a>

Spiked drinks have previously posed a small risk in Hong Kong, a largely safe city, but the pandemic has exacerbated the issue.

"It's become a huge problem," one bar owner, who declined to be named, told AFP, saying multiple regulars had become victims.

"The police are up and down here all night, checking our licenses, making sure we abide by pandemic restrictions. But this seems to be something they just don't, or won't, tackle," he added.

The jump in cases tracks with a general rise in opportunistic crime as Hong Kong experiences its worst recession in decades.

Crime figures from last year showed a 26 per cent increase in robberies, a 237 per cent jump in blackmail and an 89 per cent rise in deception.&nbsp;

The latter two categories include phone and online scams, which have filled local media in recent months. Cybercrime was up 55 per cent last year.&nbsp;

In a series of pandemic-themed reports the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime detailed how the coronavirus has transformed crime trends.

Widespread lockdowns and travel restrictions, for example, have made break-ins and international drug smuggling harder but the pandemic has been a boon for human trafficking, extortion, counterfeiting and cybercrime.

Police and bar owners in Hong Kong say the vast majority of robberies are carried out by teams of sex workers, an already vulnerable group, sometimes with the help of male accomplices.&nbsp;

"We've all struggled during the pandemic and that includes the girls," another Wanchai bar owner said. "That doesn't excuse the crime, but it helps explain why."

'Psychological damage'

Three people interviewed by AFP, including Stuart, reported the robberies but said it was a struggle to get officers to treat them as victims.

"When I reported it, the officer sighed and said he already had some 90 case files on his desk," recalled James, a 41-year-old British school teacher who had HK$64,000 lifted from his account. "I was like 'Well now you have 91 cases mate'."

All three said they struggled to get crucial data from their bank HSBC to give to police. HSBC did not respond to multiple requests for comment.&nbsp;

Police said such crimes had risen during the pandemic and that the force had ramped up operations, including deploying intelligence teams and specialist anti-triad officers.

"I think you can rest assured that we are putting a lot of resources now to fight these kinds of crimes," Acting Assistant District Commander Glenn Ho Siu-tung told AFP.

He conceded there may be room for improvement on how police treat victims.

"I think we will have to spend some time educating frontline officers," Ho said, adding drinkers need to remain vigilant and not leave out any details when reporting crimes.&nbsp;

Victims, meanwhile, say the trauma of what they experienced is worse than the lost money.

"It's the psychological damage it does to you," said Stuart.&nbsp;"You just can't fathom how you could be so compliant".

A spiked drink, a puff of dust, missing memories, and an empty bank account. Hong Kong's entertainment district Wanchai has been battered by a coronavirus-driven collapse in tourism and as times get desperate, several men have seen their night out turn into a nightmare.

A spiked drink, a puff of dust, missing memories, and an empty bank account. Hong Kong's entertainment district Wanchai has been battered by a coronavirus-driven collapse in tourism and as times get desperate, several men have seen their night out turn into a nightmare. It took days for Stuart to recall a crucial memory. But after speaking with another victim, it suddenly came flooding back. A woman trying to spark a conversation outside a bar, and then a man approaching with a determined look in his eye. "I thought he was going to punch me but he just blew something in my face," he recalled. "I laughed. But that was it. No memories after that." It was a breakthrough for Stuart who, like the other victims interviewed for this piece, asked to use a pseudonym. He had been trying to figure out why post-match drinks with his cricket buddies in Wanchai, a popular hangout for white-collar foreign workers, had turned into one big blackout following his encounter outside the bar. Hours were missing alongside HK$80,000 ($10,300) -- taken in six separate transactions from nearby ATMs. "It was a joint account with my missus and we have a baby on the way," the 36-year-old Brit, who moved to Hong Kong 18 months ago, told AFP. "Police said maybe I was just drunk, but why would I empty that account? It wouldn't be worth my life doing that." Opportunistic crime WhatsApp groups used by Wanchai bar owners and regulars have lit up in recent months with similar stories. Most targets have no memory and awake to find accounts emptied by scammers who have drugged their unwitting victims -- largely by tampering with their drinks -- to keep them pliable and obtain their pin numbers. Victims have dubbed the scam "Devil's Breath" attacks -- technically the nickname for the powerful anti-nausea drug scopolamine but in this case used more as a catch-all descriptor. Also Read | Countries relying on Chinese vaccines reporting COVID-19 surge: Report Spiked drinks have previously posed a small risk in Hong Kong, a largely safe city, but the pandemic has exacerbated the issue. "It's become a huge problem," one bar owner, who declined to be named, told AFP, saying multiple regulars had become victims. "The police are up and down here all night, checking our licenses, making sure we abide by pandemic restrictions. But this seems to be something they just don't, or won't, tackle," he added. The jump in cases tracks with a general rise in opportunistic crime as Hong Kong experiences its worst recession in decades. Crime figures from last year showed a 26 per cent increase in robberies, a 237 per cent jump in blackmail and an 89 per cent rise in deception. The latter two categories include phone and online scams, which have filled local media in recent months. Cybercrime was up 55 per cent last year. In a series of pandemic-themed reports the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime detailed how the coronavirus has transformed crime trends. Widespread lockdowns and travel restrictions, for example, have made break-ins and international drug smuggling harder but the pandemic has been a boon for human trafficking, extortion, counterfeiting and cybercrime. Police and bar owners in Hong Kong say the vast majority of robberies are carried out by teams of sex workers, an already vulnerable group, sometimes with the help of male accomplices. "We've all struggled during the pandemic and that includes the girls," another Wanchai bar owner said. "That doesn't excuse the crime, but it helps explain why." 'Psychological damage' Three people interviewed by AFP, including Stuart, reported the robberies but said it was a struggle to get officers to treat them as victims. "When I reported it, the officer sighed and said he already had some 90 case files on his desk," recalled James, a 41-year-old British school teacher who had HK$64,000 lifted from his account. "I was like 'Well now you have 91 cases mate'." All three said they struggled to get crucial data from their bank HSBC to give to police. HSBC did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Police said such crimes had risen during the pandemic and that the force had ramped up operations, including deploying intelligence teams and specialist anti-triad officers. "I think you can rest assured that we are putting a lot of resources now to fight these kinds of crimes," Acting Assistant District Commander Glenn Ho Siu-tung told AFP. He conceded there may be room for improvement on how police treat victims. "I think we will have to spend some time educating frontline officers," Ho said, adding drinkers need to remain vigilant and not leave out any details when reporting crimes. Victims, meanwhile, say the trauma of what they experienced is worse than the lost money. "It's the psychological damage it does to you," said Stuart. "You just can't fathom how you could be so compliant".

COVID-19: Pandemic sparks surge in Hong Kong 'devil's breath' cash druggings

The Wuhan laboratory in China, which is suspected of leaking COVID-19, has been nominated for China's top science award.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences has nominated the Wuhan Institute of Virology for its Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize in 2021, according to reports.

Shi Zhengli, head of Wuhan Institute of Virology, dubbed as batwoman, also received a special mention from the academy. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab

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According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the controversial lab has been nominated for the award for conducting "the most comprehensive and systematic identification research on the aetiology of COVID-19."

In medical context, aetiology refers to the investigation or attribution of the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition.

"The project's results have laid an important foundation and platform for the follow-up research on the origin, epidemiology, and pathogenic mechanism of the COVID-19 virus," said the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-was-chinas-batwoman-up-to-at-the-wuhan-lab-391738/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Wuhan Institute of Virology's research also contributed to the containment of the coronavirus pandemic and the development of COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the academy.

Dr Zhengli, the lab's director, has been accused of conducting "gain-of-function" (GOF) experiments, in which scientists boost the strength of a virus to better analyse its effects on hosts.

Many scientists think the coronavirus slipped out of Dr Zhengli's lab.

Dr Zhengli, on the other hand, refuted all accusations regarding the virus breach from the lab, adding, "How on earth can I bring up evidence for something where there is no evidence?"&nbsp;

The Wuhan laboratory in China, which is suspected of leaking COVID-19, has been nominated for China's top science award. The Chinese Academy of Sciences has nominated the Wuhan Institute of Virology for its Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize in 2021, according to reports.

The Wuhan laboratory in China, which is suspected of leaking COVID-19, has been nominated for China's top science award. The Chinese Academy of Sciences has nominated the Wuhan Institute of Virology for its Outstanding Science and Technology Achievement Prize in 2021, according to reports. Shi Zhengli, head of Wuhan Institute of Virology, dubbed as batwoman, also received a special mention from the academy. Watch | Gravitas: Caught On Camera: Bats locked up inside the Wuhan lab According to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the controversial lab has been nominated for the award for conducting "the most comprehensive and systematic identification research on the aetiology of COVID-19." In medical context, aetiology refers to the investigation or attribution of the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition. "The project's results have laid an important foundation and platform for the follow-up research on the origin, epidemiology, and pathogenic mechanism of the COVID-19 virus," said the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Watch | Gravitas: What was China's Batwoman up to at the Wuhan lab? The Wuhan Institute of Virology's research also contributed to the containment of the coronavirus pandemic and the development of COVID-19 vaccinations, according to the academy. Dr Zhengli, the lab's director, has been accused of conducting "gain-of-function" (GOF) experiments, in which scientists boost the strength of a virus to better analyse its effects on hosts. Many scientists think the coronavirus slipped out of Dr Zhengli's lab. Dr Zhengli, on the other hand, refuted all accusations regarding the virus breach from the lab, adding, "How on earth can I bring up evidence for something where there is no evidence?"

Wuhan lab suspected of leaking COVID-19 nominated for top science award in China

Five years on from Britain's shock decision to quit the European Union, the wounds opened by Brexit have yet to heal, and analysts say its far-reaching changes are only just beginning.

The coronavirus pandemic has masked the economic dislocation caused by the referendum verdict, which backed severing five decades of integration with the European mainland.

British trade with the EU collapsed at the start of the year, when Brexit's full effects came into force, but against a backdrop of much deeper damage wrought by Covid-19.

And the benefits promised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a newly invigorated "Global Britain" remain a work in progress, while the country's very cohesion is at risk from an emboldened nationalist movement in pro-EU Scotland.

Johnson was upbeat on the effects of Brexit in comments marking the anniversary of the June 23, 2016 referendum.

"Now as we recover from this pandemic, we will seize the true potential of our regained sovereignty to unite and level up our whole United Kingdom," the prime minister said.

"With control over our regulations and subsidies, and with freeports driving new investment, we will spur innovation, jobs and renewal across every part of our country," he added.

"This Government got Brexit done and we've already reclaimed our money, laws, borders and waters."

&nbsp;

'Slow puncture'

Johnson also hailed trade deals negotiated with the EU and 68 other countries as well as the start of negotiations to join the $9 trillion Pacific trade area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-likely-to-soon-face-antitrust-claims-over-play-store-from-us-states-sources-393249">Also Read |&nbsp;Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from US states: Sources</a>

In the area which recorded Britain's highest pro-Brexit vote -- Boston, in eastern England -- musician Stephen Clark, 60, was also optimistic about the future.&nbsp;

"I think that whatever happens, whether it's going to be good or it's bad, I think it's better to have our future in our own destiny," he said.

For most Britons, the fuller effects remain to be felt with coronavirus restrictions curbing travel to their favourite holiday destinations this summer.&nbsp;

For the first time in generations, Britons no longer have unrestricted entry to Europe.

In Britain, at least 5.3 million long-resident Europeans have applied for settlement status to ensure their pre-Brexit rights are preserved -- well above the government's estimate of 3.4 million.

Any remaining Europeans have until June 30 to apply, raising the threat of new battles with Brussels if some slip through the net, after London was accused of harshly treating EU citizens trying to enter the country legitimately.

The sheer numbers involved amount to a "massive" demographic change, said King's College London economics professor Jonathan Portes.

It "will have very long-running social, cultural, political consequences long, long after Brexit and free movement are over", he said.

Portes said Brexit would give Britain's economy a "slow puncture", with a "significant but not catastrophic, persistent drag on growth of a quarter-to-half percent a year for the foreseeable future".

&nbsp;

The Northern Ireland problem

Johnson has adopted an uncompromising stance towards the EU after Britain left the bloc's single market on January 1, following years of post-referendum political paralysis and a repeatedly extended transition period.

Northern Ireland has borne the brunt of confrontation, where pro-UK unionists feel betrayed by the intricate compromises Brexit necessitated to preserve its fragile peace.

But Anand Menon, director of the think-tank UK in a Changing Europe, said frayed tempers on show between EU leaders and Johnson at the recent G7 summit also made clear "just how many big global issues the UK and the EU are going to need to work together on".

Underlining the inescapable fact of geographical proximity, Britain and the EU will remain bound by a host of committees envisioned under their last-gasp Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed on December 24.

They cover everything from financial services to trade in organic products and motor vehicles/parts, while Cambridge University law professor Catherine Barnard said EU-era laws "will affect our lives for decades and decades to come".

&nbsp;

Culture war

Johnson owes his position in power to Brexit, which put paid to his two predecessors, and is unabashed in wanting to escape the drudgery of committee negotiations to focus on the "sunlit meadows" he sees on the horizon for a post-EU Britain.

Politically, he has translated the cultural fissures revealed by the referendum campaign into an ongoing "war on woke" on behalf of supposedly marginalised working-class communities.

"Though it's happening on a wider terrain, that terrain is still being fought over," polling expert John Curtice said, noting how Brexit had fed directly into Johnson's "levelling up" agenda for forgotten parts of England.

In the final week of campaigning before the June 23, 2016 referendum, an average of polls gave a 52-48 edge to the "Remain" side.

The actual result was the exact opposite in favour of "Leave", prompting wild celebrations among Johnson and his supporters but tearful dismay for many Remainers, and consternation among Britain's allies in Europe and beyond.

Five years on, Curtice said, recent polling shows the Remain/Leave camps are split 50-50.

But Britain appears on balance resigned to its fate, with 46 percent wanting to rejoin the EU and 54 percent in favour of staying out.

Five years on from Britain's shock decision to quit the European Union, the wounds opened by Brexit have yet to heal, and analysts say its far-reaching changes are only just beginning.

Five years on from Britain's shock decision to quit the European Union, the wounds opened by Brexit have yet to heal, and analysts say its far-reaching changes are only just beginning. The coronavirus pandemic has masked the economic dislocation caused by the referendum verdict, which backed severing five decades of integration with the European mainland. British trade with the EU collapsed at the start of the year, when Brexit's full effects came into force, but against a backdrop of much deeper damage wrought by Covid-19. And the benefits promised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson for a newly invigorated "Global Britain" remain a work in progress, while the country's very cohesion is at risk from an emboldened nationalist movement in pro-EU Scotland. Johnson was upbeat on the effects of Brexit in comments marking the anniversary of the June 23, 2016 referendum. "Now as we recover from this pandemic, we will seize the true potential of our regained sovereignty to unite and level up our whole United Kingdom," the prime minister said. "With control over our regulations and subsidies, and with freeports driving new investment, we will spur innovation, jobs and renewal across every part of our country," he added. "This Government got Brexit done and we've already reclaimed our money, laws, borders and waters." 'Slow puncture' Johnson also hailed trade deals negotiated with the EU and 68 other countries as well as the start of negotiations to join the $9 trillion Pacific trade area. Also Read | Google likely to soon face antitrust claims over Play store from US states: Sources In the area which recorded Britain's highest pro-Brexit vote -- Boston, in eastern England -- musician Stephen Clark, 60, was also optimistic about the future. "I think that whatever happens, whether it's going to be good or it's bad, I think it's better to have our future in our own destiny," he said. For most Britons, the fuller effects remain to be felt with coronavirus restrictions curbing travel to their favourite holiday destinations this summer. For the first time in generations, Britons no longer have unrestricted entry to Europe. In Britain, at least 5.3 million long-resident Europeans have applied for settlement status to ensure their pre-Brexit rights are preserved -- well above the government's estimate of 3.4 million. Any remaining Europeans have until June 30 to apply, raising the threat of new battles with Brussels if some slip through the net, after London was accused of harshly treating EU citizens trying to enter the country legitimately. The sheer numbers involved amount to a "massive" demographic change, said King's College London economics professor Jonathan Portes. It "will have very long-running social, cultural, political consequences long, long after Brexit and free movement are over", he said. Portes said Brexit would give Britain's economy a "slow puncture", with a "significant but not catastrophic, persistent drag on growth of a quarter-to-half percent a year for the foreseeable future". The Northern Ireland problem Johnson has adopted an uncompromising stance towards the EU after Britain left the bloc's single market on January 1, following years of post-referendum political paralysis and a repeatedly extended transition period. Northern Ireland has borne the brunt of confrontation, where pro-UK unionists feel betrayed by the intricate compromises Brexit necessitated to preserve its fragile peace. But Anand Menon, director of the think-tank UK in a Changing Europe, said frayed tempers on show between EU leaders and Johnson at the recent G7 summit also made clear "just how many big global issues the UK and the EU are going to need to work together on". Underlining the inescapable fact of geographical proximity, Britain and the EU will remain bound by a host of committees envisioned under their last-gasp Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed on December 24. They cover everything from financial services to trade in organic products and motor vehicles/parts, while Cambridge University law professor Catherine Barnard said EU-era laws "will affect our lives for decades and decades to come". Culture war Johnson owes his position in power to Brexit, which put paid to his two predecessors, and is unabashed in wanting to escape the drudgery of committee negotiations to focus on the "sunlit meadows" he sees on the horizon for a post-EU Britain. Politically, he has translated the cultural fissures revealed by the referendum campaign into an ongoing "war on woke" on behalf of supposedly marginalised working-class communities. "Though it's happening on a wider terrain, that terrain is still being fought over," polling expert John Curtice said, noting how Brexit had fed directly into Johnson's "levelling up" agenda for forgotten parts of England. In the final week of campaigning before the June 23, 2016 referendum, an average of polls gave a 52-48 edge to the "Remain" side. The actual result was the exact opposite in favour of "Leave", prompting wild celebrations among Johnson and his supporters but tearful dismay for many Remainers, and consternation among Britain's allies in Europe and beyond. Five years on, Curtice said, recent polling shows the Remain/Leave camps are split 50-50. But Britain appears on balance resigned to its fate, with 46 percent wanting to rejoin the EU and 54 percent in favour of staying out.

Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK

Mongolia promised its people a “COVID-free summer.” Bahrain said there would be a “return to normal life.” The tiny island nation of the Seychelles aimed to jump-start its economy.

All three put their faith, at least in part, in easily accessible Chinese-made vaccines, which would allow them to roll out ambitious inoculation programs at a time when much of the world was going without.

But instead of freedom from the coronavirus, all three countries are now battling a surge in infections.

China kicked off its vaccine diplomacy campaign last year by pledging to provide a shot that would be safe and effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19. Less certain at the time was how successful it and other vaccines would be at curbing transmission.

Now, examples from several countries suggest that the Chinese vaccines may not be very effective at preventing the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants. The experiences of those countries lay bare a harsh reality facing a post-pandemic world: The degree of recovery may depend on which vaccines governments give to their people.

In the Seychelles, Chile, Bahrain and Mongolia, 50% to 68% of the populations have been fully inoculated, outpacing the United States, according to Our World in Data, a data tracking project. All four ranked among the top 10 countries with the worst COVID outbreaks as recently as last week, according to data from The New York Times. And all four are mostly using shots made by two Chinese vaccine makers, Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech.

“If the vaccines are sufficiently good, we should not see this pattern,” said Jin Dongyan, a virus expert at the University of Hong Kong. “The Chinese have a responsibility to remedy this.”

Scientists don’t know for certain why some countries with relatively high inoculation rates are suffering new outbreaks. Variants, social controls that are eased too quickly and careless behavior after only the first of a two-shot regimen are possibilities. But the breakthrough infections could have lasting consequences.

In the United States, about 45% of the population is fully vaccinated, mostly with doses made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Cases have dropped 94% over six months.

Israel provided shots from Pfizer and has the second-highest vaccination rate in the world, after the Seychelles. The number of new daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Israel is now around 4.95 per million.

In the Seychelles, which relied mostly on Sinopharm, that number is more than 716 cases per million.

Disparities such as these could create a world in which three types of countries emerge from the pandemic — the wealthy nations that used their resources to secure Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots, the poorer countries that are far away from immunizing a majority of citizens, and then those that are fully inoculated but only partly protected.

China, as well as the more than 90 nations that have received the Chinese shots, may end up in the third group, contending with rolling lockdowns, testing and limits on day-to-day life for months or years to come. Economies could remain held back. And as more citizens question the efficacy of Chinese doses, persuading unvaccinated people to line up for shots may also become more difficult.

One month after receiving his second dose of Sinopharm, Otgonjargal Baatar fell ill and tested positive for COVID-19. The 31-year-old miner spent nine days in a hospital in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. He said he was now questioning the usefulness of the shot. “People were convinced that if we were vaccinated, the summer will be free of COVID,” he said. “Now it turns out that it’s not true.”

Beijing saw its vaccine diplomacy as an opportunity to emerge from the pandemic as a more influential global power. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, pledged to deliver a Chinese shot that could be easily stored and transported to millions of people around the world. He called it a “global public good.”

Mongolia was a beneficiary, jumping at the chance to score millions of Sinopharm shots. The small country quickly rolled out an inoculation program and eased restrictions. It has now vaccinated 52% of its population. But on Sunday, it recorded 2,400 new infections, a quadrupling from a month before.

In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said it did not see a link between the recent outbreaks and its vaccines. It cited the World Health Organization as saying that vaccination rates in certain countries had not reached sufficient levels to prevent future outbreaks, and that countries needed to continue to maintain controls.

“Relevant reports and data also show that many countries that use Chinese-made vaccines have expressed that they are safe and reliable, and have played a good role in their epidemic prevention efforts,” the ministry said. China has also emphasized that its vaccines target severe disease rather than transmission.

No vaccine fully prevents transmission and people can still fall ill after being inoculated, but the relatively low efficacy rates of Chinese shots have been identified as a possible cause of the recent outbreaks.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have efficacy rates of more than 90%. A variety of other vaccines — including AstraZeneca and Johnson &amp; Johnson — have efficacy rates of around 70%. The Sinopharm vaccine developed with the Beijing Institute of Biological Products has an efficacy rate of 78.1%; the Sinovac vaccine has an efficacy rate of 51%.

The Chinese companies have not released much clinical data to show how their vaccines work at preventing transmission. On Monday, Shao Yiming, a public health researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that China needed to fully vaccinate 80% to 85% of its population to achieve herd immunity, revising a previous official estimate of 70%.

Data on breakthrough infections has not been made available either, though a Sinovac study out of Chile showed that the vaccine was less effective than those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna at preventing infection among vaccinated individuals.

A representative from Sinopharm hung up the phone when reached for comment. Sinovac did not respond to a request for comment.

William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University, said the efficacy rates of Chinese shots could be low enough “to sustain some transmission, as well as create illness of a substantial amount in the highly vaccinated population, even though it keeps people largely out of the hospital.”

Despite the spike in cases, officials in both the Seychelles and Mongolia have defended Sinopharm, saying it is effective in preventing severe cases of the disease.

Batbayar Ochirbat, head researcher of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies at Mongolia’s Ministry of Health, said that Mongolia had made the right decision to go with the Chinese-made shot, in part because it had helped keep the mortality rate low in the country. Data from Mongolia showed that the Sinopharm vaccine was actually more protective than the doses developed by AstraZeneca and Sputnik, a Russian vaccine, according to the health ministry.

The reason for the surge in Mongolia, Batbayar said, is that the country reopened too quickly, and many people believed they were protected after only one dose. “I think you could say Mongolians celebrated too early,” he said. “My advice is the celebrations should start after the full vaccinations, so this is the lesson learned. There was too much confidence.”

Some health officials and scientists are less confident.

Nikolai Petrovsky, a professor at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University in Australia, said that with all of the evidence, it would be reasonable to assume the Sinopharm vaccine has minimal effect on curbing transmission. A major risk with the Chinese inoculation is that vaccinated people may have few or no symptoms and still spread the virus to others, he said.

“I think that this complexity has been lost on most decision-makers around the world.”

In Indonesia, where a new variant is spreading, more than 350 doctors and health care workers recently came down with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated with Sinovac, according to the risk mitigation team of the Indonesian Medical Association. Across the country, 61 doctors died between February and June 7. Ten of them had taken the Chinese-made vaccine, the association said.

The numbers were enough to make Kenneth Mak, Singapore’s director of medical services, question the use of Sinovac. “It’s not a problem associated with Pfizer,” said Mak at a news conference on Friday. “This is actually a problem associated with the Sinovac vaccine.”

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were the first two countries to approve the Sinopharm shot, even before late-stage clinical trial data was released. Since then, there have been extensive reports of vaccinated people falling ill in both countries. In a statement, the Bahraini government’s media office said the kingdom’s vaccine rollout had been “efficient and successful to date.”

Still, last month officials from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced they would offer a third booster shot. The choices: Pfizer or more Sinopharm.

Mongolia promised its people a “COVID-free summer.” Bahrain said there would be a “return to normal life.” The tiny island nation of the Seychelles aimed to jump-start its economy.

Mongolia promised its people a “COVID-free summer.” Bahrain said there would be a “return to normal life.” The tiny island nation of the Seychelles aimed to jump-start its economy. All three put their faith, at least in part, in easily accessible Chinese-made vaccines, which would allow them to roll out ambitious inoculation programs at a time when much of the world was going without. But instead of freedom from the coronavirus, all three countries are now battling a surge in infections. China kicked off its vaccine diplomacy campaign last year by pledging to provide a shot that would be safe and effective at preventing severe cases of COVID-19. Less certain at the time was how successful it and other vaccines would be at curbing transmission. Now, examples from several countries suggest that the Chinese vaccines may not be very effective at preventing the spread of the virus, particularly the new variants. The experiences of those countries lay bare a harsh reality facing a post-pandemic world: The degree of recovery may depend on which vaccines governments give to their people. In the Seychelles, Chile, Bahrain and Mongolia, 50% to 68% of the populations have been fully inoculated, outpacing the United States, according to Our World in Data, a data tracking project. All four ranked among the top 10 countries with the worst COVID outbreaks as recently as last week, according to data from The New York Times. And all four are mostly using shots made by two Chinese vaccine makers, Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech. “If the vaccines are sufficiently good, we should not see this pattern,” said Jin Dongyan, a virus expert at the University of Hong Kong. “The Chinese have a responsibility to remedy this.” Scientists don’t know for certain why some countries with relatively high inoculation rates are suffering new outbreaks. Variants, social controls that are eased too quickly and careless behavior after only the first of a two-shot regimen are possibilities. But the breakthrough infections could have lasting consequences. In the United States, about 45% of the population is fully vaccinated, mostly with doses made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. Cases have dropped 94% over six months. Israel provided shots from Pfizer and has the second-highest vaccination rate in the world, after the Seychelles. The number of new daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Israel is now around 4.95 per million. In the Seychelles, which relied mostly on Sinopharm, that number is more than 716 cases per million. Disparities such as these could create a world in which three types of countries emerge from the pandemic — the wealthy nations that used their resources to secure Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots, the poorer countries that are far away from immunizing a majority of citizens, and then those that are fully inoculated but only partly protected. China, as well as the more than 90 nations that have received the Chinese shots, may end up in the third group, contending with rolling lockdowns, testing and limits on day-to-day life for months or years to come. Economies could remain held back. And as more citizens question the efficacy of Chinese doses, persuading unvaccinated people to line up for shots may also become more difficult. One month after receiving his second dose of Sinopharm, Otgonjargal Baatar fell ill and tested positive for COVID-19. The 31-year-old miner spent nine days in a hospital in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. He said he was now questioning the usefulness of the shot. “People were convinced that if we were vaccinated, the summer will be free of COVID,” he said. “Now it turns out that it’s not true.” Beijing saw its vaccine diplomacy as an opportunity to emerge from the pandemic as a more influential global power. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, pledged to deliver a Chinese shot that could be easily stored and transported to millions of people around the world. He called it a “global public good.” Mongolia was a beneficiary, jumping at the chance to score millions of Sinopharm shots. The small country quickly rolled out an inoculation program and eased restrictions. It has now vaccinated 52% of its population. But on Sunday, it recorded 2,400 new infections, a quadrupling from a month before. In a statement, China’s Foreign Ministry said it did not see a link between the recent outbreaks and its vaccines. It cited the World Health Organization as saying that vaccination rates in certain countries had not reached sufficient levels to prevent future outbreaks, and that countries needed to continue to maintain controls. “Relevant reports and data also show that many countries that use Chinese-made vaccines have expressed that they are safe and reliable, and have played a good role in their epidemic prevention efforts,” the ministry said. China has also emphasized that its vaccines target severe disease rather than transmission. No vaccine fully prevents transmission and people can still fall ill after being inoculated, but the relatively low efficacy rates of Chinese shots have been identified as a possible cause of the recent outbreaks. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have efficacy rates of more than 90%. A variety of other vaccines — including AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson — have efficacy rates of around 70%. The Sinopharm vaccine developed with the Beijing Institute of Biological Products has an efficacy rate of 78.1%; the Sinovac vaccine has an efficacy rate of 51%. The Chinese companies have not released much clinical data to show how their vaccines work at preventing transmission. On Monday, Shao Yiming, a public health researcher with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that China needed to fully vaccinate 80% to 85% of its population to achieve herd immunity, revising a previous official estimate of 70%. Data on breakthrough infections has not been made available either, though a Sinovac study out of Chile showed that the vaccine was less effective than those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna at preventing infection among vaccinated individuals. A representative from Sinopharm hung up the phone when reached for comment. Sinovac did not respond to a request for comment. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University, said the efficacy rates of Chinese shots could be low enough “to sustain some transmission, as well as create illness of a substantial amount in the highly vaccinated population, even though it keeps people largely out of the hospital.” Despite the spike in cases, officials in both the Seychelles and Mongolia have defended Sinopharm, saying it is effective in preventing severe cases of the disease. Batbayar Ochirbat, head researcher of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies at Mongolia’s Ministry of Health, said that Mongolia had made the right decision to go with the Chinese-made shot, in part because it had helped keep the mortality rate low in the country. Data from Mongolia showed that the Sinopharm vaccine was actually more protective than the doses developed by AstraZeneca and Sputnik, a Russian vaccine, according to the health ministry. The reason for the surge in Mongolia, Batbayar said, is that the country reopened too quickly, and many people believed they were protected after only one dose. “I think you could say Mongolians celebrated too early,” he said. “My advice is the celebrations should start after the full vaccinations, so this is the lesson learned. There was too much confidence.” Some health officials and scientists are less confident. Nikolai Petrovsky, a professor at the College of Medicine and Public Health at Flinders University in Australia, said that with all of the evidence, it would be reasonable to assume the Sinopharm vaccine has minimal effect on curbing transmission. A major risk with the Chinese inoculation is that vaccinated people may have few or no symptoms and still spread the virus to others, he said. “I think that this complexity has been lost on most decision-makers around the world.” In Indonesia, where a new variant is spreading, more than 350 doctors and health care workers recently came down with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated with Sinovac, according to the risk mitigation team of the Indonesian Medical Association. Across the country, 61 doctors died between February and June 7. Ten of them had taken the Chinese-made vaccine, the association said. The numbers were enough to make Kenneth Mak, Singapore’s director of medical services, question the use of Sinovac. “It’s not a problem associated with Pfizer,” said Mak at a news conference on Friday. “This is actually a problem associated with the Sinovac vaccine.” Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were the first two countries to approve the Sinopharm shot, even before late-stage clinical trial data was released. Since then, there have been extensive reports of vaccinated people falling ill in both countries. In a statement, the Bahraini government’s media office said the kingdom’s vaccine rollout had been “efficient and successful to date.” Still, last month officials from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates announced they would offer a third booster shot. The choices: Pfizer or more Sinopharm.

They relied on Chinese vaccines, now they’re battling outbreaks

The&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;has helped rebuild a little of the confidence lost in the&nbsp;media, and pushed news companies even more towards digital, according to the annual Reuters Institute&nbsp;report&nbsp;published Wednesday.

The 10th edition of the&nbsp;report&nbsp;on digital news found that confidence in news reporting had risen six points to 44 per cent since the start of the crisis.

The figures were based on a series of opinion polls conducted by YouGov in 46 countries, with more than 92,000 participants in total.

The highest rates of&nbsp;trust&nbsp;remained in Finland (65 per cent) while the United States fell to the lowest among the countries covered, at just 29 per cent.&nbsp;

France was a little better at 30 per cent despite an increase of seven points.&nbsp;

"The focus on factual reporting during the Covid-19 crisis may have made the news seem more straightforward, while the story has also had the effect of squeezing out more partisan political news," said lead author Nic Newman.

"This may be a temporary effect, but in almost all countries we see audiences placing a greater premium on accurate and reliable news sources."

Shift to digital

The Reuters Institute, based at the Britain's University of Oxford, found&nbsp;increased&nbsp;consumption of mainstream news particularly in countries with "strong and independent public service&nbsp;media".&nbsp;

But it also said printed&nbsp;media&nbsp;remained in steep decline, worsened by the impact on sales and advertising revenue of the&nbsp;pandemic.

This has accelerated the shift towards digital subscriptions, especially in countries where physical sales had stayed relatively high like Germany, Austria and Switzerland.&nbsp;

However, in the roughly 20 countries where newspapers were actively developing their digital sales, only 17 per cent of respondents said they paid for news online, up to two points on last year's&nbsp;report&nbsp;and five compared to 2016.&nbsp;

The number of people paying for news was highest in wealthier countries with traditions of subscribing to physical newspapers, such as Norway (45 per cent) and Sweden (30).&nbsp;

The numbers were lower for the US (21 per cent), France (11), Germany (9) and Britain (8).

"Subscriptions are beginning to work for some publishers but it won't work for all publishers and most importantly, it won't work for all consumers," said co-author Rasmus Kleis Nielsen.&nbsp;

"Given abundant access to free news, publishers will need to develop compelling options to bundle publications or more ways of paying a smaller amount for limited access."

Misinformation

Meanwhile,&nbsp;trust&nbsp;in news shared on social&nbsp;media&nbsp;remained very low at 24 per cent.&nbsp;

There has been a gradual increase in concern over misinformation, though it varies greatly between countries, from 82 per cent in Brazil to 37 per cent in Germany.&nbsp;

A large majority still want&nbsp;media&nbsp;to be impartial (74 per cent) and believe opposing views should be given a balanced hearing (72 per cent).

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;also found younger generations had weak links to traditional&nbsp;media&nbsp;and were more likely to get their news from social&nbsp;media, aggregators and notifications.&nbsp;

Facebook has lost ground to its subsidiaries WhatsApp and Instagram as a source of news.&nbsp;

It said TikTok has become an increasingly popular source of news, particularly among younger audiences, in the wake of the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;and race protests of 2020, as well as becoming a key way to mobilise political protests in places like Peru, Indonesia and Thailand.&nbsp;

The pandemic has helped rebuild a little of the confidence lost in the media, and pushed news companies even more towards digital, according to the annual Reuters Institute report published Wednesday.

The pandemic has helped rebuild a little of the confidence lost in the media, and pushed news companies even more towards digital, according to the annual Reuters Institute report published Wednesday. The 10th edition of the report on digital news found that confidence in news reporting had risen six points to 44 per cent since the start of the crisis. The figures were based on a series of opinion polls conducted by YouGov in 46 countries, with more than 92,000 participants in total. The highest rates of trust remained in Finland (65 per cent) while the United States fell to the lowest among the countries covered, at just 29 per cent. France was a little better at 30 per cent despite an increase of seven points. "The focus on factual reporting during the Covid-19 crisis may have made the news seem more straightforward, while the story has also had the effect of squeezing out more partisan political news," said lead author Nic Newman. "This may be a temporary effect, but in almost all countries we see audiences placing a greater premium on accurate and reliable news sources." Shift to digital The Reuters Institute, based at the Britain's University of Oxford, found increased consumption of mainstream news particularly in countries with "strong and independent public service media". But it also said printed media remained in steep decline, worsened by the impact on sales and advertising revenue of the pandemic. This has accelerated the shift towards digital subscriptions, especially in countries where physical sales had stayed relatively high like Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, in the roughly 20 countries where newspapers were actively developing their digital sales, only 17 per cent of respondents said they paid for news online, up to two points on last year's report and five compared to 2016. The number of people paying for news was highest in wealthier countries with traditions of subscribing to physical newspapers, such as Norway (45 per cent) and Sweden (30). The numbers were lower for the US (21 per cent), France (11), Germany (9) and Britain (8). "Subscriptions are beginning to work for some publishers but it won't work for all publishers and most importantly, it won't work for all consumers," said co-author Rasmus Kleis Nielsen. "Given abundant access to free news, publishers will need to develop compelling options to bundle publications or more ways of paying a smaller amount for limited access." Misinformation Meanwhile, trust in news shared on social media remained very low at 24 per cent. There has been a gradual increase in concern over misinformation, though it varies greatly between countries, from 82 per cent in Brazil to 37 per cent in Germany. A large majority still want media to be impartial (74 per cent) and believe opposing views should be given a balanced hearing (72 per cent). The report also found younger generations had weak links to traditional media and were more likely to get their news from social media, aggregators and notifications. Facebook has lost ground to its subsidiaries WhatsApp and Instagram as a source of news. It said TikTok has become an increasingly popular source of news, particularly among younger audiences, in the wake of the pandemic and race protests of 2020, as well as becoming a key way to mobilise political protests in places like Peru, Indonesia and Thailand.

Pandemic has increased trust in media: Report

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection.

The WHO said in a monitoring report on Tuesday that North Korea's testing figures included 733 people, who were tested during June 4-10, of which 149 were with influenza-like illnesses or severe respiratory infections.

Experts widely doubt North Korea's claim that it has not had a single case of the virus, given its poor health infrastructure and porous border with China, its major ally and economic lifeline.

Describing its anti-virus efforts as a 'matter of national existence',&nbsp;the North has banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely restricted cross-border traffic and trade. The self-imposed lockdown has caused further strain on an economy already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over the country's nuclear weapons programme.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a political conference last week called for officials to brace for prolonged COVID-19 restrictions, indicating that the country isn't ready to open its borders anytime soon.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection.

North Korea has told the World Health Organization that it tested more than 30,000 people for the coronavirus through June 10, but has yet to find a single infection. The WHO said in a monitoring report on Tuesday that North Korea's testing figures included 733 people, who were tested during June 4-10, of which 149 were with influenza-like illnesses or severe respiratory infections. Experts widely doubt North Korea's claim that it has not had a single case of the virus, given its poor health infrastructure and porous border with China, its major ally and economic lifeline. Describing its anti-virus efforts as a 'matter of national existence', the North has banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely restricted cross-border traffic and trade. The self-imposed lockdown has caused further strain on an economy already battered by decades of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over the country's nuclear weapons programme. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a political conference last week called for officials to brace for prolonged COVID-19 restrictions, indicating that the country isn't ready to open its borders anytime soon. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea tells WHO it has detected no virus cases

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. 
 
In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. 
 
Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. 
 
People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. 
 
A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. 
 
The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. 
 
The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday.

In a significant development, India`s cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 28 crores on Sunday, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said on Monday. In its latest provisional report till 7 a.m. on Monday, the Ministry said a total of 28,00,36,898 vaccine doses have been administered through 38,24,408 sessions, however, 30,39,996 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. Of the total vaccination, 1,01,25,143 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) have received their first dose while 70,72,595 have been administered the second dose. Similarly, 1,71,73,646 Frontline Workers (FLWs) have been inoculated with the first dose while 90,51,173 have received their second dose. People aged between 18 and 44 years who received their first dose are 5,59,54,551 while 12,63,242 have been inoculated the second dose. A total of 8,07,11,132 people aged between 45 and 59 have received their first dose and 1,27,56,299 have been administered the second dose. A total of 6,47,77,302 people aged over 60 years have received their first dose while 2,11,51,815 have been inoculated with the second dose. The inputs came when India started free coronavirus vaccines to states for vaccination of all above the age of 18 from today (June 21), as per the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The move to provide free vaccines against Covid-19 to all adults in India is expected to give a boost to the vaccination drive. The government pushing vaccination which is an integral pillar of its comprehensive strategy for containment and management of the Covid-19 pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

India's cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crosses 280 million mark

India on Monday began a nationwide campaign of free COVID-19 shots for all adults after weeks of criticism that a chaotic rollout had caused acute shortages and intensified a deadly second wave that killed hundreds of thousands in April and May. 
 
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reversed a policy under which states made their own purchases from drug makers and along with private hospitals were administering doses to people aged 18-45. 
 
And as most states shut down vaccination centres for the younger population citing shortages, a majority turned to private hospitals that charged between $9-$24 a dose and supply gaps widened between urban and rural areas. 
 
The country is using domestically made doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and Indian company Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin. The Indian government is attempting to secure foreign vaccines such as Pfizer and has waived strict rules to allow quicker imports. 
 
Experts have warned of a potential third wave as only about 5% of all 950 million eligible people are fully inoculated with two doses even as daily infections have fallen this month. 
 
Over the last 24 hours, India reported 53,256 infections, the lowest since March 24. Infections hit a peak of about 400,000 a day in May and deaths soared to around 170,000 in April-May. 
 
And as most cities have begun lifting lockdown curbs, experts have cautioned that a swift reopening could complicate a vaccination programme that needs to be at least four times faster. 
 
India`s daily vaccinations hit a peak of 4.5 million shots on April 5 but have since fallen sharply. In the last 30 days, India has been administering an average of 2.7 million doses a day. 
 
In the western state of Maharashtra, hardest hit by the second wave, authorities said older age groups between 30-45 would be a priority as supplies were scarce. 
 
"We have enough stock that will hopefully last us for the next three to four days but have no visibility on stock supplies after that," Santosh Revankar, a senior health official in Mumbai`s civic body, told Reuters. 
 
The state has allowed some businesses to resume and partially lifted curbs on public transport while retaining weekend curfews in some cities.

India on Monday began a nationwide campaign of free COVID-19 shots for all adults after weeks of criticism that a chaotic rollout had caused acute shortages and intensified a deadly second wave that killed hundreds of thousands in April and May.

India on Monday began a nationwide campaign of free COVID-19 shots for all adults after weeks of criticism that a chaotic rollout had caused acute shortages and intensified a deadly second wave that killed hundreds of thousands in April and May. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reversed a policy under which states made their own purchases from drug makers and along with private hospitals were administering doses to people aged 18-45. And as most states shut down vaccination centres for the younger population citing shortages, a majority turned to private hospitals that charged between $9-$24 a dose and supply gaps widened between urban and rural areas. The country is using domestically made doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and Indian company Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin. The Indian government is attempting to secure foreign vaccines such as Pfizer and has waived strict rules to allow quicker imports. Experts have warned of a potential third wave as only about 5% of all 950 million eligible people are fully inoculated with two doses even as daily infections have fallen this month. Over the last 24 hours, India reported 53,256 infections, the lowest since March 24. Infections hit a peak of about 400,000 a day in May and deaths soared to around 170,000 in April-May. And as most cities have begun lifting lockdown curbs, experts have cautioned that a swift reopening could complicate a vaccination programme that needs to be at least four times faster. India`s daily vaccinations hit a peak of 4.5 million shots on April 5 but have since fallen sharply. In the last 30 days, India has been administering an average of 2.7 million doses a day. In the western state of Maharashtra, hardest hit by the second wave, authorities said older age groups between 30-45 would be a priority as supplies were scarce. "We have enough stock that will hopefully last us for the next three to four days but have no visibility on stock supplies after that," Santosh Revankar, a senior health official in Mumbai`s civic body, told Reuters. The state has allowed some businesses to resume and partially lifted curbs on public transport while retaining weekend curfews in some cities.

COVID-19: India begins inoculating all adults with free shots

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