The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states.

But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portland-protest-crackdown-biden-accuses-trump-of-egregious-tactics-315040" hreflang="en">Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics'</a>

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico.&nbsp;

In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public.

A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves.

In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days.

On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week.

"I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers.&nbsp;

About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed.

Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties.

In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally.

CALIFORNIA CASES RISE

California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data.

New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-orders-congressional-districts-to-disallow-illegal-aliens-from-voting-315041" hreflang="en">Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting</a>

But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions.

Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights.

President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections.

The United States reported more than 1,000 deaths from COVID-19 on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, marking the first time since June 10 the nation has surpassed that grim milestone, as California closed in on passing New York in total infections. Nearly 142,000 Americans have now died from the illness caused by the coronavirus, a toll that experts warn will likely surge following recent record spikes in case numbers and an alarming rise in hospitalizations in many states. But in some states, governors and local officials continued to bicker over the best way to respond to the crisis. Also read: Portland protest crackdown: Biden accuses Trump of 'egregious tactics' In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott said Hidalgo county could not order residents to stay home and said mask and social distancing rules were sufficient to keep businesses open in the Rio Grande Valley, on the U.S. border with Mexico. In Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp has sought to prevent Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms from enforcing an order that residents wear masks in public. A court hearing on Kemp's lawsuit against Bottoms, a Democrat who has been mentioned as a possible running mate for presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden, was postponed after two judges recused themselves. In Florida, the state teachers' union has sued Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials in an attempt to halt his plans to reopen school classrooms as the state suffered a surge of more than 10,000 daily new COVID-19 cases for six out of the last seven days. On average last week, 19% of Florida's tests for the virus came back positive, indicating widespread community transmission. Deaths have climbed 45% week-over-week. "I think it's much better today than it was two weeks ago. And I think it will continue to improve," DeSantis said at a briefing on Tuesday, adding that hospitals were seeing plateaus in patient numbers. About 20% of Florida's intensive care unit beds are available, 5% more than two weeks ago, after hospitals expanded capacity. The number of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients fell on Tuesday after rising to record highs at least nine days in a row, state data showed. Neither Florida nor Georgia have issued statewide mask mandates. In Texas, Abbott initially resisted such an order but earlier this month agreed to require face coverings in most counties. In Hidalgo County, cases have risen 59% in the last week to nearly 13,000 total. In just one week, deaths have doubled to over 300, according to a Reuters tally. CALIFORNIA CASES RISE California on Tuesday became the second U.S. state after New York to report more than 400,000 COVID-19 cases since the outbreak was first detected in the United States in January, according to a Reuters tally of county data. New York - the epicenter of the pandemic earlier this year - has recorded by far the most deaths of any U.S. state at 32,218. California has reported more than 7,700 deaths. Also read: Trump orders congressional districts to disallow 'illegal aliens' from voting But New York now has one of the nation's lowest infection rates and reported just two coronavirus-related deaths on Tuesday. It has eased its once strict lockdown restrictions. Mandatory mask wearing, which public health officials say can slow the spread of the virus, has become a political issue among Americans, with many conservatives calling such rules a violation of their Constitutional rights. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to wear a mask himself in public, but encouraged Americans on Tuesday to wear one if they cannot maintain social distance, and avoid crowded bars.

US records 1,000 deaths in one day from COVID-19, California passes 400,000 cases

There is a lot about&nbsp;coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited.

Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious

Replicated quickly!

A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. 
 
This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing&nbsp;as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/opinions-blogs/is-the-airborne-route-a-major-source-of-coronavirus-transmission-311608" hreflang="en">Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission?</a> 
 
Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. 
 
Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. 
 
Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP,&nbsp;"It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hundreds-of-scientists-say-coronavirus-is-airborne-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-says-report-310933" hreflang="en">Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report</a>

Infectious microdroplets

The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the&nbsp;concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small".

As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/who-acknowledges-emerging-evidence-on-airborne-coronavirus-transmission-311448" hreflang="en">WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission</a>

These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing.&nbsp;The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter.

These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate.

This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. 
 
"It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit.

There is a lot about coronavirus that scientists still don't know. Every month, new information about the virus keeps coming in, making it a frustrating scientific pursuit. Recently, a group of scientists had claimed that coronavirus is actually airborne, meaning it can be passed through the air, as opposed to what what earlier posited. Ever since the beginning of the pandemic, scientists have been sure of the fact that COVID-19 is transmitted through the micodroplets released by patients when they're speaking or breathing. However, no proof existed until now of whether these particles were infectious Replicated quickly! A study undertaken at the University of Nebraska and released this week, for the first time showed how coronavirus derived from microdroplets (defined as under five microns) can spread even in lab conditions. This gives credence to the notion that simply speaking and breathing as opposed to coughing and sneezing can spread the virus from one person to another. Additionally, this nullifies the scientific value of the two metres distancing role adopted worldwide, for the infectious virus can travel beyond it. Also read: Is the airborne route a major source of coronavirus transmission? Even though the research has not been peer-reviewed, it is a revelation in a series of many such shocking details that have come regarding the virus recently. Published on medrxiv.org, the research was done by scientists who in March showed that the virus remained airborne in the hospital rooms of coronavirus patients. This study will soon be published in a journal. Joshua Santarpia, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center told AFP, "It is actually fairly difficult" to collect the samples. Also read: Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report Infectious microdroplets The device used to understand the virus was the size of cellular phone, however "the concentrations are typically very low, your chances of recovering material are small". As part of their research, the scientists took samples of air from five rooms of coronavirus patients. The height at which the results were recorded was about 30 centimetres or a foot. Also read: WHO acknowledges 'emerging evidence' on airborne coronavirus transmission These recorded "aerosol", or what remains of us after talking, ie, microdroplets, while some were coughing. The researchers were able to collect droplets as small as one micron in diameter. These samples were placed into a culture to see if they'd grow. They found that out of the 18 samples, three were able to replicate. This, for the researchers, implies that microdroplets are indeed capable of infecting people. "It is replicated in cell culture and therefore infectious," he said.

Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious beyond 2 metres

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years.

Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australia-warns-coronavirus-outbreak-will-take-weeks-to-tame-314518" hreflang="en">Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame</a>

Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons.&nbsp;

Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday.

Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne.

In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/essential-to-stop-virus-australias-second-biggest-city-makes-mask-wearing-compulsory-in-public-314388" hreflang="en">'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public</a>

She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus.

"Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said.

"It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Residents of Australia's second most populous city Melbourne must wear masks when leaving home from Wednesday, as tougher border restrictions were put in place with neighbouring New South Wales state to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Cross-border travel between Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) will now only be permitted for work, education or medical care, after the border was closed earlier this month for the first time in 100 years. Staff or students travelling from Victoria into NSW to attend boarding schools or universities are now required to self-isolate for two weeks and test negative to coronavirus, while seasonal workers from Victoria are barred. Also read: Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame Melbourne has seen a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus cases in recent weeks, with the virus spreading to many aged and nursing homes and some prisons. Victoria has recorded just under 6,300 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, nearly half of the total infections in Australia. The state recorded 364 new cases on Tuesday. Australia has recorded nearly 12,500 COVID-19 cases and 126 deaths since the pandemic began earlier this year. Though the overall health outcome is better than many of its rich world peers, authorities and policymakers are increasingly worried about spread of the virulent disease in Melbourne. In NSW, of which Sydney is the capital city, 16 new COVID-19 cases were recorded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying the state was on "high alert" due to community transmissions and new locations of cases. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public She raised concerns over another Black Lives Matter protest planned next week, as a possible vehicle for the spread of the virus. "Irrespective of the issue, we need to follow the health advice. Large crowds are a huge concern. We cannot allow that march to continue unfortunately," Berejiklian said. "It’s just not sensible at this time to expose yourself and others to the spread of the virus. We’re at a critical point in New South Wales and we don’t want to see the virus spread and actions like that are a huge health risk."

Melbourne residents ordered to wear masks as Australia coronavirus cases rise

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

So far more than 140,000 Americans have died due to coronavirus and 3.8 million have tested positive. While the US economy is slowly coming back to normal, the pandemic is now spreading in the Sun Belt of the country.

"As one family, we mourn every precious life that's been lost. I pledge in their honour that we will develop a vaccine and we will defeat the virus. We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," Trump said at a White House news conference on Tuesday, his first on coronavirus after several weeks.

Trump also said his administration will stop at nothing to save lives and shield the vulnerable.

"We've learned so much about this disease. And we know who the vulnerable are, and we are going to indeed shield them," he said.

Trump assured that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected.

Replying to a question, Trump said the US is "leading the world" in terms of COVID-19 testing.

"We're going to be over 50 million tests," he said, adding that "second country is India with 12 million (tests). Then you have seven million, six million, and four million. I think that we are doing a tremendous amount of testing."

The "China virus", Trump said, is a vicious and dangerous illness.

"It's a nasty, horrible disease that should''ve never been allowed to escape China, but it did. It infected the world, and the world is suffering. But we''re going to get it taken care of, and we''re helping lots of other countries," the US president said.

On tackling the virus, Trump said his administration is developing a powerful strategy.

"We've learned a great deal about it (COVID-19) and who it targets. We are in the process of developing a strategy that''s going to be very, very powerful," he said.

"Some areas of our country are doing very well; others are doing less well. It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better," Trump said.

He said the median age of those who succumb to COVID-19 infection is 78 years, adding that roughly half of all deaths have been individuals in nursing homes or in long-term care.

"Young adults may often have mild or even no symptoms. They won't even know they're sick. They won't have any idea that they have a virus. They won''t have any idea at all," he said, adding that youth will act responsibly.

Trump said the data shows children have the lowest fatality risk as 99.96 per cent of all virus fatalities are adults.

"By understanding these risk profiles and learning how to treat the disease, we've been able to greatly reduce mortality in the United States," Trump said.

Several treatments are already available in the US that can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the disease, including remdesivir, he said.

"We've learned best practices for treatment of the virus at every stage and have shared these findings with medical providers, and we've shared them all over the world. The relationship with other countries has been very strong. We''re all working together," Trump said.

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The United States is leading the world in terms of COVID-19 testing and India is at second position, President Donald Trump said while giving an update on his administration's response to the coronavirus pandemic. So far more than 140,000 Americans have died due to coronavirus and 3.8 million have tested positive. While the US economy is slowly coming back to normal, the pandemic is now spreading in the Sun Belt of the country. "As one family, we mourn every precious life that's been lost. I pledge in their honour that we will develop a vaccine and we will defeat the virus. We're doing very well with vaccine development and therapeutic development," Trump said at a White House news conference on Tuesday, his first on coronavirus after several weeks. Trump also said his administration will stop at nothing to save lives and shield the vulnerable. "We've learned so much about this disease. And we know who the vulnerable are, and we are going to indeed shield them," he said. Trump assured that the vaccines against the novel coronavirus will be coming a lot sooner than expected. Replying to a question, Trump said the US is "leading the world" in terms of COVID-19 testing. "We're going to be over 50 million tests," he said, adding that "second country is India with 12 million (tests). Then you have seven million, six million, and four million. I think that we are doing a tremendous amount of testing." The "China virus", Trump said, is a vicious and dangerous illness. "It's a nasty, horrible disease that should''ve never been allowed to escape China, but it did. It infected the world, and the world is suffering. But we''re going to get it taken care of, and we''re helping lots of other countries," the US president said. On tackling the virus, Trump said his administration is developing a powerful strategy. "We've learned a great deal about it (COVID-19) and who it targets. We are in the process of developing a strategy that''s going to be very, very powerful," he said. "Some areas of our country are doing very well; others are doing less well. It will probably, unfortunately, get worse before it gets better," Trump said. He said the median age of those who succumb to COVID-19 infection is 78 years, adding that roughly half of all deaths have been individuals in nursing homes or in long-term care. "Young adults may often have mild or even no symptoms. They won't even know they're sick. They won't have any idea that they have a virus. They won''t have any idea at all," he said, adding that youth will act responsibly. Trump said the data shows children have the lowest fatality risk as 99.96 per cent of all virus fatalities are adults. "By understanding these risk profiles and learning how to treat the disease, we've been able to greatly reduce mortality in the United States," Trump said. Several treatments are already available in the US that can significantly reduce the severity and duration of the disease, including remdesivir, he said. "We've learned best practices for treatment of the virus at every stage and have shared these findings with medical providers, and we've shared them all over the world. The relationship with other countries has been very strong. We''re all working together," Trump said.

India second in world with most coronavirus tests after US, says Donald Trump

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. 
 
A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/at-least-23-bodies-found-in-mass-grave-in-mexico-314185" hreflang="en">At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico</a> 
 
This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat.&nbsp; 
 
He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/mexico-considers-selling-its-luxurious-presidential-jet-in-barter-deal-313511" hreflang="en">Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal</a> 
 
"We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. 
 
Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.&nbsp;

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease.

Mexico on Tuesday passed 40,000 deaths from the novel coronavirus pandemic as the country, which has the fourth-highest COVID-19 death toll in the world, struggles to contain the disease. A daily technical report recorded a total of 40,400 deaths from the virus, after adding 915 more fatalities in the last 24 hours. The first case in Mexico was detected on February 28. Also read: At least 23 bodies found in mass grave in Mexico This week President Manuel Lopez Obrador vowed to improve health standards in the nation to help its combat the virus threat. He pledged to protect those vulnerable to COVID-19, including tackling "diseases caused by hunger and poverty," launching "a permanent campaign" to promote healthier eating and lifestyles, and treating hypertension, diabetes and obesity as a priority. Also read: Mexico considers selling its luxurious presidential jet in barter deal "We want to remember those who died from the COVID-19 pandemic, and send a loving, fraternal hug to their relatives, to their friends," Lopez Obrador said in a video released on social media. Mexico, with 127 million inhabitants, has the second-highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil, which has 80,000 deaths.

Mexico's coronavirus death toll passes 40,000

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-and-johnson-discuss-chinas-actions-in-hong-kong-and-xinjiang-314947">Also read: Pompeo and Johnson discuss China's actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang</a>

Mr Pompeo met Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the heat of an emerging crisis in relations between London and Beijing over everything from China's treatment of Hong Kong to its persecution of more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-time-to-push-back-against-challenge-posed-by-china-pompeo-313923">Also read | It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo</a> 
 
The top US diplomat used a press conference with his UK opposite number Dominic Raab to air a host of grievances President Donald Trump's administration had built up against Beijing.

He accused China of engaging in "a cover-up and co-opting" the World Health Organization by allegedly suppressing early details of the "preventable" coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 610,000 people globally.

The Chinese Community Party's "exploitation of this disaster to further its own interest has been disgraceful", he said.

Mr Pompeo also castigated China for claiming disputed areas of the South China Sea "you have no lawful claim to" and trying to "threaten and bully" its neighbours.

"We think that the entire world needs to work together to ensure that every country, including China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order," he said.

'Right thing to do'

Mr Pompeo's last visit to London in January came just days after Johnson ignored Washington's warnings and allowed Huawei to take a leading role in building Britain's next-generation mobile data network.

This trip was announced just a day after Johnson last week decided to risk drawing the wrath of China and phasing out Huawei from the speedy new system.

The Chinese foreign ministry responded by accusing Britain of becoming "America's dupe".

But Mr Pompeo and Mr Raab both tried to dispel suggestions the White House was dictating British affairs.

"I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision but because the leadership here in the United Kingdom concluded (that it was) the right thing to do," Mr Pompeo said.

Mr Johnson is keen to avoid being too closely associated with Mr Trump -- whose approval in Britain is languishing at around 20 percent -- despite the "special relationship" between the two historical allies.

The UK government stresses it only ditched Huawei after new US sanctions imposed in May endangered the safety of future 5G equipment produced in China.

"The reality is it is a result of US sanctions," Mr Raab said.

Washington argues that the Chinese Community Party can force Huawei to either intercept UK data or shut down the British network in times of war.

Huawei has always denied this and Britain had previously concluded that it could mitigate any security flaws.

'Golden decade'

But the range of steps taken by Johnson in the past month threaten to bring an early end to a "golden decade" in cooperation that former British finance minister George Osborne promised on a visit to Beijing in 2015.

London has also outraged Beijing by offering nearly three million residents of Hong Kong a pathway to UK citizenship in response to a highly controversial security law that China imposed on the former British colony last month.

Britain followed that up on Monday by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extending an arms embargo of "potentially lethal weapons" that had previously applied only to mainland China.

Mr Pompeo's visit includes a sideline meeting with exiled Hong Kong protest leader Nathan Law aimed at further stressing the seemingly new understanding about Beijing.

The UK parliament's release of a delayed report that took the government to task for failing to properly look into any Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum also hung over Mr Pompeo's visit.

The report was commissioned in response to concerns that Moscow attempted to help Trump win the presidency in 2016.

Mr Trump and Mr Pompeo reject suggestions that Russia played any meaningful role in the vote.

Mr Raab said Britain viewed Russia as "a top national security priority" but Mr Pompeo did not address the issue in his public remarks.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged "the entire world" Tuesday to stand up to China but denied forcing Britain's hand in its decision to ban the communist superpower's private telecoms giant Huawei. Also read: Pompeo and Johnson discuss China's actions in Hong Kong and Xinjiang Mr Pompeo met Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the heat of an emerging crisis in relations between London and Beijing over everything from China's treatment of Hong Kong to its persecution of more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities. Also read | It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo The top US diplomat used a press conference with his UK opposite number Dominic Raab to air a host of grievances President Donald Trump's administration had built up against Beijing. He accused China of engaging in "a cover-up and co-opting" the World Health Organization by allegedly suppressing early details of the "preventable" coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 610,000 people globally. The Chinese Community Party's "exploitation of this disaster to further its own interest has been disgraceful", he said. Mr Pompeo also castigated China for claiming disputed areas of the South China Sea "you have no lawful claim to" and trying to "threaten and bully" its neighbours. "We think that the entire world needs to work together to ensure that every country, including China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order," he said. 'Right thing to do' Mr Pompeo's last visit to London in January came just days after Johnson ignored Washington's warnings and allowed Huawei to take a leading role in building Britain's next-generation mobile data network. This trip was announced just a day after Johnson last week decided to risk drawing the wrath of China and phasing out Huawei from the speedy new system. The Chinese foreign ministry responded by accusing Britain of becoming "America's dupe". But Mr Pompeo and Mr Raab both tried to dispel suggestions the White House was dictating British affairs. "I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision but because the leadership here in the United Kingdom concluded (that it was) the right thing to do," Mr Pompeo said. Mr Johnson is keen to avoid being too closely associated with Mr Trump -- whose approval in Britain is languishing at around 20 percent -- despite the "special relationship" between the two historical allies. The UK government stresses it only ditched Huawei after new US sanctions imposed in May endangered the safety of future 5G equipment produced in China. "The reality is it is a result of US sanctions," Mr Raab said. Washington argues that the Chinese Community Party can force Huawei to either intercept UK data or shut down the British network in times of war. Huawei has always denied this and Britain had previously concluded that it could mitigate any security flaws. 'Golden decade' But the range of steps taken by Johnson in the past month threaten to bring an early end to a "golden decade" in cooperation that former British finance minister George Osborne promised on a visit to Beijing in 2015. London has also outraged Beijing by offering nearly three million residents of Hong Kong a pathway to UK citizenship in response to a highly controversial security law that China imposed on the former British colony last month. Britain followed that up on Monday by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong Kong and extending an arms embargo of "potentially lethal weapons" that had previously applied only to mainland China. Mr Pompeo's visit includes a sideline meeting with exiled Hong Kong protest leader Nathan Law aimed at further stressing the seemingly new understanding about Beijing. The UK parliament's release of a delayed report that took the government to task for failing to properly look into any Russian meddling in the 2016 Brexit referendum also hung over Mr Pompeo's visit. The report was commissioned in response to concerns that Moscow attempted to help Trump win the presidency in 2016. Mr Trump and Mr Pompeo reject suggestions that Russia played any meaningful role in the vote. Mr Raab said Britain viewed Russia as "a top national security priority" but Mr Pompeo did not address the issue in his public remarks.

'China exploiting Covid situation to further its own interest': Mike Pompeo

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago.

Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods.

Once the epicentre

COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia.

The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/chinas-wuhan-declares-red-alert-as-floods-disrupt-supply-chains-313959" hreflang="en">China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains</a>

Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries.

The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature.

Tourism industry relieved

The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-offers-rare-glimpse-of-wuhan-lab-centre-of-coronavirus-conspiracy-theories-311975" hreflang="en">China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories</a>

"We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters.

"The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/virus-samples-with-96-resemblance-to-covid-19-were-sent-to-wuhan-lab-in-2013-311205" hreflang="en">Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013</a>

However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people.

As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up.

The initial epicentre of COVID-19, Wuhan in China welcomed its first group of tourists since the lockdown ended over 100 days ago. Situated in the Hubei province, the first tour in the city known for its culture opened up. Meanwhile, the country is experiencing one of the worst floods in its history at the moment. Large areas in the country still remain submerged, and homes destroyed. Millions are affected by the devastating floods. Once the epicentre COVID-19 was first discovered in a food market in Wuhan, where the first case was lodged after people started showing symptoms of pneumonia. The group of tourists came from the neighbouring province of Hunan, and consisted of people between the age of 12-82. Also read: China's Wuhan declares red alert as floods disrupt supply chains Reuters reported that the tour bus was sterilised to avoid any potential transmission of coronavirus, which is currently wreaking havoc across 188 countries. The tourists had to follow social distancing guidelines, with mandatory masks and a free distribution of sanitisers, after taking their temperature. Tourism industry relieved The pilot tourist group will see Wuhan’s landmarks like Chu River Han Street, Hubu Lane, and the Yellow Crane Tower. Also read: China offers rare glimpse of Wuhan lab, centre of coronavirus conspiracy theories "We got some free tickets for out tourists and enhanced the accommodation level to the five-star-rated hotel where they could enjoy sumptuous buffet for dinner," said Qian Wenkang, the tour guide told Reuters. "The resumption of inter-provincial travels is a great benefit to the entire tourism industry as well as a hopeful sign for the market to recover," said Lei Wenjie, the CPC committee secretary of the Hubei culture and tourism department. Also read: Virus samples with 96% resemblance to COVID-19 were sent to Wuhan lab in 2013 However, a new research has pointed how temperature tests in the pursuit of identifying coronavirus cases is pretty much ineffective, as almost half the cases don’t even exhibit apparent symptoms of the virus. So if their temperature was normal, they could start be transmitting the disease to other people. As of July 21, the country has 14 cases of coronavirus. In Hubei alone, over 68,135 cases were recorded, out of which 4,512 succumbed to the virus, and 63,623 recovered. The global tally has surpassed 15 million, with the US, Brazil, and India the hardest-hit countries at the moment. India currently has a recovery rate of 63 per cent, one of the highest in the world. China, on an average has been reporting 10 new cases of coronavirus everyday, which might explain why the former epicentre is now opening up for tourism.

Wuhan welcomes tourists 100 days after lifting coronavirus-induced lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.”&nbsp;

It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG &amp; Oil tankers will continue without any hassle.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/a-local-daily-in-jk-surprises-readers-with-face-masks-as-cases-rise-314900" hreflang="en">A local daily in J&amp;K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise</a>

Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space.&nbsp;

Yesterday, J&amp;K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/jk-joins-boycott-china-campaign-314629" hreflang="en">J&amp;K joins 'Boycott China' campaign</a>

The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees.

Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered to impose complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir division from the evening after a continuous spike in the number of CoronaVirus positive cases. In a statement by the information department of the government, it said “complete lockdown in all Red districts (excluding Bandipora) of Kmr Div (Kashmir Division) from today evening till 6 am on 27-7-2020.” It also says that agriculture and horticulture and construction activities will continue as per DMRR guidelines and movement of good carriers, LPG & Oil tankers will continue without any hassle. Also read: A local daily in J&K surprises readers with face masks as cases rise Earlier, the district administration Srinagar thought its official handle has tweeted about the COVID-19 situation which has reached a point where hospitals are running out of space. Yesterday, J&K crosses the 15 thousand mark with Srinagar, the summer capital, showing the upward trend with the highest cases in all 20 districts of the union territory. Also read: J&K joins 'Boycott China' campaign The administration also canceled the annual Amarnath pilgrimage in wake of spike in COVID cases but said the shrine board will continue to live telecasts morning prayers for the devotees. Meanwhile, district magistrate Srinagar has said all non-local laborers will be allowed into Srinagar after testing negative for COVID-19. People have been concerned about the incoming non-local laborers in wake of Coronavirus.

J&K: Administration orders complete lockdown in red zones after spike in COVID cases

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead.

Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave.

But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no.

Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-work-with-china-if-first-to-produce-successful-covid-19-vaccine-says-trump-315110" hreflang="en">US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump</a>

A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good.&nbsp;Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”.&nbsp;Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

"Unreliable"

This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms.

SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-indicates-airborne-coronavirus-remains-actively-infectious-beyond-2-metres-315029">Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious</a>

Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms.

Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever.

This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers.

As the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of abating globally, different countries are trying out various ways to identify and contain the virus and its carriers. One of the most prominent techniques used by everyone ranging from airports to your next-door pharmacy is temperature checks. A man standing at the entry point will usually scan your temperature using a handheld device, pointing it at your forehead. Based on the reading they receive and whether it qualifies are “not-corona”, they will let you enter, or simply ask you to leave. But do these temperature checks achieve anything? The answer is unfortunately a scathing no. Firstly, the biggest issue with COVID-19 is its unpredictability and the amount of information that scientists currently don’t have. For instance, earlier it was established the virus only spreads through person-to-person contact. But a recent research, which forced the WHO to change their stance claimed that the virus is actually airborne, implying it can spread through air. Also read: US ready to work with China if first to produce successful COVID-19 vaccine, says Trump A new research now claims that this might be causing more harm than good. Reported by Popular Science, the executive Vice President of Scripps Research claimed that this practice is “of no value” and that “it should be abandoned”. Eric Topol also claimed that this practice is unable to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. "Unreliable" This is a practice rooted in the SARS outbreak of 2000s. However, fever was a more reliable source of ascertaining infection in the case of SARS than it is for COVID-19. Over 86 per cent of SARS patients exhibited feverish symptoms. SARS-CoV-2, on the other hand is very different from SARS, rendering the temperature checks useless. As suggested above, only half of the people who carry COVID-19 develop a fever. Additionally, the damage is done in terms of transmission way before temperature rises in patients. Also read: Research indicates airborne coronavirus remains actively infectious Research emanating from across the globe shows how youngsters sometimes don’t show any symptoms at all, while those who are simply not healthy enough may also not show symptoms. Additionally, to filter out crowds based on fevers is absurd, given how it’s a common symptom for multiple ailments, or very simply could just be a fever. This is more relevant for the US, for its flu season usually begins in the autumn, which is around the corner. This conflict of symptoms might keep out the non-carriers, but there’s no guarantee it will prevent those carrying the virus from venturing into public spaces that may become a breeding ground for the virus.

Do temperature checks achieve anything in limiting the transmission of COVID-19?

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all.

"Fair distribution"

"For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786">WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way</a>

He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said.

While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good.

Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic'</a>

"The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus.

"Long way to go"

The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/serum-institute-of-india-to-apply-for-local-trials-on-oxfords-vaccine-in-a-week-314785" hreflang="en">Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”.

World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that political leaders around the world should try to make the coronavirus vaccines available to everyone “for the public good”. Speaking during a press conference at WHO’s Switzerland headquarters, he asserted the importance of ensuring equal access for all. "Fair distribution" "For the fair distribution and specially access to the poor and those who cannot afford, the most important element will be political commitment, especially by our leaders. And with political commitment, of course, that's the only way you can get fair distribution”, he said. Also read: WHO hails ‘good news’ on COVID-19 vaccines, but warns there’s still a long way He also referred to “worrying patterns” in countries whereby the privilege of the affluent. ”But one of the worrying patterns we see is some countries moving the other direction. And when there is no consensus on having a vaccine, a global public good, it could be actually be owned by those who have money and those who cannot afford it may not have access to the vaccines. Some leaders have already have called and stressed the importance of making, when available, a vaccine or therapeutics global public good," he said. While further talking about the vaccine, he said that the vaccines must not be seen as “charity” and should indeed be seen as a product for the global public good. Ghebreyesus further claimed that the WHO has formulated and finalised a vaccine distribution framework even before any official vaccine has been approved. Additionally, the WHO chief added that how the fair distribution of vaccines will benefit the recovery of global economy. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' "The advantage of using fairness or access to also poor countries is the world can really be lifted up and lift itself out of this pandemic together, which can speed up the economic recovery and the world, unless it's opened up its major part, I mean unless the whole world is opened up a in this globalized world, it would be a delaying the economic recovery," said Ghebreyesus. "Long way to go" The emergencies chief of WHO, Michael Ryan said that the two new studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a “positive result” but warned that “there is a long way to go”. Also read: Serum Institute of India to apply for local trials on Oxford's vaccine “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University claimed their experimental vaccine had exhibited a protective immune response in hundreds of people who received the vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data.

Country-wise, the US remains the most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths).

On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19.

(With inputs from agencies)

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data.

A total of 14,845,241 people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while more than 8,898,749 have recovered and 612,830 have died so far, according to the available data. Country-wise, the US remains the most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic. Meanwhile, the European Union leaders broke the deadlock and solidified a deal to assist with post-pandemic recovery in the bloc. Officially announced on Tuesday morning, the deal with entail 750 billion Euros (roughly 859 billion USD) extended to member countries in the form of grants and loans in a bid to beat the recession triggered by COVID-19. (With inputs from agencies)

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 14.8 million, death toll at 612,830

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.&nbsp;

Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695.&nbsp;

On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic.

Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084.

With 37,148 new cases being reported in last 24 hours, the total number of coronaivrus cases in India has reached 11, 55,191. And the country's Covid-19 death toll has reached 28084. Total COVID-19 positive cases stand at 11, 55,191 including 4, 02,529 active cases, 7, 24,578 cured/discharged/migrated and 28084 deaths, as per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data. Maharashtra has recorded 8,240 new cases in the last 24 hours to take its tally to 318,695. On a positive side, researchers have said that "Oxford University’s experimental coronavirus vaccine is safe and generated a strong immune response in the people who volunteered to help trial it", raising hopes it could contribute to ending the pandemic. Country-wise, the US remains th most affected. It recorded over 62,000 cases in a day to take its tally to 3,961,429 cases, including 143,826 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 2,121,645 cases, 80,251 and deaths, and India (1,155,143 cases, 28,099 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

37,148 new cases and 587 deaths in last 24 hours take India's tally past 11.5 lakh mark, death toll reaches 28084

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm.

In a randomised trial of 100 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, those who received an inhaled formula of the protein interferon beta were at 79 percent lower risk of developing severe disease compared to those who received a placebo.

They were also more than twice as likely to make a full recovery compared with the control group.

The firm behind the treatment, known as SNG001, said the preliminary results suggested "a major breakthrough" in the pandemic.

"We are all delighted with the trial results announced today, which showed that SNG001 greatly reduced the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients who progressed from requiring oxygen to requiring ventilation," said Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen.

The results published Monday have not yet been peer-reviewed and the sample size is relatively small.

But if confirmed the treatment could revolutionise the way COVID-19 is dealt with in hospitals.

"Game changer"

Interferon beta is a naturally occurring protein, commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis.

It forms part of the body's natural fight against infection, and the novel coronavirus suppresses its production in an attempt to evade an immune response.

Delivering the protein directly into the lungs of patients is designed to trigger a robust immune response to the virus, even in patients whose immune system is already weakened by infection.

"The results confirm our belief that interferon beta... has huge potential as an inhaled drug to be able to restore the lung's immune response," said Tom Wilkinson, professor or respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton.

He said the trial showed SNG001 was effective in "enhancing protection, accelerating recover and countering the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus."

Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow said the new treatment "could be a game changer".

"With small (trial) numbers comes less certainty on the true level of benefit, or whether benefits vary between people with differing risk characteristics," said Sattar, who was not involved in the research.

"Such work would require a larger trial but, even so, these results are very exciting."

There are currently a number of treatments available for patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Last month a Britain-based team of researchers lead by the University of Oxford announced they had successfully reduced the risk of death among seriously ill patients by administering the commonly available steroid dexamethasone.

Several countries have also issued the emergency authorisation for treatment with anti-viral remdesivir.

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm.

An aerosol-based treatment could drastically reduce the number of new coronavirus patients dying from the disease or requiring intensive care, according to preliminary results released Monday by a British biotech firm. In a randomised trial of 100 patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, those who received an inhaled formula of the protein interferon beta were at 79 percent lower risk of developing severe disease compared to those who received a placebo. They were also more than twice as likely to make a full recovery compared with the control group. The firm behind the treatment, known as SNG001, said the preliminary results suggested "a major breakthrough" in the pandemic. "We are all delighted with the trial results announced today, which showed that SNG001 greatly reduced the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients who progressed from requiring oxygen to requiring ventilation," said Richard Marsden, CEO of Synairgen. The results published Monday have not yet been peer-reviewed and the sample size is relatively small. But if confirmed the treatment could revolutionise the way COVID-19 is dealt with in hospitals. "Game changer" Interferon beta is a naturally occurring protein, commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis. It forms part of the body's natural fight against infection, and the novel coronavirus suppresses its production in an attempt to evade an immune response. Delivering the protein directly into the lungs of patients is designed to trigger a robust immune response to the virus, even in patients whose immune system is already weakened by infection. "The results confirm our belief that interferon beta... has huge potential as an inhaled drug to be able to restore the lung's immune response," said Tom Wilkinson, professor or respiratory medicine at the University of Southampton. He said the trial showed SNG001 was effective in "enhancing protection, accelerating recover and countering the impact of SARS-CoV-2 virus." Naveed Sattar, professor of metabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow said the new treatment "could be a game changer". "With small (trial) numbers comes less certainty on the true level of benefit, or whether benefits vary between people with differing risk characteristics," said Sattar, who was not involved in the research. "Such work would require a larger trial but, even so, these results are very exciting." There are currently a number of treatments available for patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Last month a Britain-based team of researchers lead by the University of Oxford announced they had successfully reduced the risk of death among seriously ill patients by administering the commonly available steroid dexamethasone. Several countries have also issued the emergency authorisation for treatment with anti-viral remdesivir.

‘Breakthrough’ treatment slashes death risk among Covid-19 patients: Study

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease.

An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility.

The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-be-willing-to-live-alongside-countries-of-different-cultures-china-314795" hreflang="en">US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China</a>

Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with.

It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement.&nbsp;

The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days.

Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours.&nbsp;

Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe.

The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected.

Sweden's health agency said on Monday it was changing its COVID-19 contact-tracing guidelines so that tracing is done to a larger extent by the individuals infected. The new guidance breaks from a strategy adopted by most countries where authorities trace and notify people who have had close contact with a carrier of the disease. An agency spokeswoman said it was much better that individuals themselves contact people they may have infected, rather than official tracking units which currently have this responsibility. The existing system worked well when the number of infections was lower but had become less effective as the number grew, she said. Also read: US must be willing to live alongside countries of different cultures: China Unlike most tracing systems, the Swedish system is not anonymous as individuals are expected to deliver the news of their infection to anyone they've been in close contact with. It is not yet clear how this will work in practice or whether authorities will check up on this do-it-yourself arrangement. The health agency is expected to issue full guidelines in the coming days. Although the number of infections in Sweden has slowed in recent weeks, a total of 78,048 people have been infected since the pandemic began, a figure far outstripping its Nordic neighbours. Sweden decided to forego a hard lockdown and keep most schools open, and allow businesses to stay open, throughout the outbreak, a strategy that set it apart from most of Europe. The spokeswoman said the new guidelines will not apply to individuals who are too ill to carry out the responsibility and that authorities will have the discretion in certain cases to do the tracing rather than the patient.

Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic.

"Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teachers-union-sues-to-halt-florida-classroom-restart-during-pandemic-314796" hreflang="en">Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic</a>

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said.

Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday.&nbsp;

They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess."

The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-resisting-wearing-one-trump-says-wearing-mask-patriotic-in-tweet-314794" hreflang="en">After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet</a>

House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments.

"We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said.

Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters.

Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues.&nbsp;

'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS'

Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world.

"We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said.

Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-portland-trump-will-send-unknown-forces-to-liberal-democrat-cities-to-muzzle-protests-314802" hreflang="en">After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests</a>

But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families.&nbsp;

The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats.

"I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill.

Advisers to President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats were set to discuss the next steps in responding to the coronavirus crisis on Tuesday, with congressional Republicans saying they were working on a $1 trillion relief bill. In a meeting on Monday at the White House, Republican lawmakers and administration officials said they were making progress toward fresh legislation aimed at cushioning the heavy economic toll of the pandemic. "Senate Republicans will put forward our proposal soon, I hope our Democratic colleagues will be ready to work together," said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who hopes to unveil the proposal this week. Also read: Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi will host a meeting on Tuesday to discuss coronavirus relief with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, a source familiar with the matter said. Administration officials also met with Republican senators at the Capitol on Monday. They said the meeting had gone well and they planned more discussions on Tuesday. They offered few details, with Mnuchin commenting only that a reporter's suggestion that there would be more than $70 billion for schools was "a good guess." The Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives have less than two weeks to hammer out a new relief package before enhanced unemployment benefits run out for tens of millions of American workers made jobless by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also read: After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy said the Republican proposal would include a cut to the payroll tax on workers' gross earnings, which funds national retirement programs. Trump backs such a cut as an economic stimulus, but the idea has stirred little enthusiasm among lawmakers, who worry about protecting Social Security payments. "We're working and negotiating with the Democrats and trying to get a plan that helps small business, helps people, helps this country," Trump said. Mnuchin did not provide details about the bill beyond saying that it included the payroll tax cut. "It's in the bill, so we'll see," he told reporters. Schumer warned that Democrats were prepared to stymie any Republican effort to pass partisan legislation. "A bipartisan, bicameral process will result in a much better bill for the American people," he said in a letter to colleagues. 'NOWHERE NEAR OUT OF THE WOODS' Congress has so far committed $3 trillion to the crisis. In the more than 12 weeks since Trump signed the last bill into law, the number of U.S. coronavirus cases has more than tripled to over 3.7 million. The virus has killed over 140,000 people in the United States. Both figures lead the world. "We are nowhere near out of the woods," McConnell said. Mnuchin, who led previous coronavirus bill negotiations with Congress, said he intended to "focus on starting with another trillion dollars. We think that will have a big impact." Also read: After Portland, Trump will send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests But Democrats have pledged to fight for legislation akin to a $3 trillion bill the House approved in mid-May, providing hundreds of billions of dollars for state and local governments, extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing new payments to individuals and families. The prospect for legislation was upstaged over the weekend by reports of White House plans to eliminate funding for testing, drawing opposition from Republicans as well as Democrats. "I'm for whatever it takes to get enough tests out there to safely open up schools and other aspects of our economy," Senator John Thune, the Senate's No. 2 Republican, told reporters.

US congressional Democrats, White House to meet on coronavirus aid

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal.

If California were a country, it would be rank fifth in the world for total cases at nearly 400,000, behind the United States, Brazil, India and Russia.&nbsp;

This is the first time California has reported over 10,000 new infections since setting a record with 10,861 cases on July 14.&nbsp;

Florida has reported over 10,000 new cases a day for the last six days in a row and Texas has reported over 10,000 cases for five out of the last seven days.

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California's daily increases have already surpassed the highest daily tally reported by any European country during the height of the pandemic there.&nbsp;

The biggest outbreak in the state is in Los Angeles County, which has nearly 160,000 total cases on Monday. Hospitals are filling with COVID patients and Los Angeles reported record numbers of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients for the second day in a row on Monday.&nbsp;

To combat the pandemic, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is shutting down California again.

In addition to closing bars, he ordered restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums to cease indoor operations. Gyms, churches and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/teachers-union-sues-to-halt-florida-classroom-restart-during-pandemic-314796" hreflang="en">Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic</a>

State prisons are releasing up to 8,000 inmates early to reduce the risk of virus transmission after large outbreaks in several correctional facilities.

California is home to both tech companies in Silicon Valley, Hollywood movie studios and Walt Disney Co's Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.&nbsp;

The entertainment company has indefinitely suspended plans to reopen the California theme park but it did reopen Disney World in Florida on July 11.

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal.

California reported a record increase of more than 11,800 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, according to a Reuters tally of county data, as the Trump administration pushes for schools to reopen to help businesses return to normal. If California were a country, it would be rank fifth in the world for total cases at nearly 400,000, behind the United States, Brazil, India and Russia. This is the first time California has reported over 10,000 new infections since setting a record with 10,861 cases on July 14. Florida has reported over 10,000 new cases a day for the last six days in a row and Texas has reported over 10,000 cases for five out of the last seven days. Also read: Trump to send 'unknown' forces to 'liberal Democrat' cities to muzzle protests California's daily increases have already surpassed the highest daily tally reported by any European country during the height of the pandemic there. The biggest outbreak in the state is in Los Angeles County, which has nearly 160,000 total cases on Monday. Hospitals are filling with COVID patients and Los Angeles reported record numbers of currently hospitalized coronavirus patients for the second day in a row on Monday. To combat the pandemic, California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom is shutting down California again. In addition to closing bars, he ordered restaurants, movie theaters, zoos and museums to cease indoor operations. Gyms, churches and hair salons must close in the 30 hardest-hit counties. Also read: Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic State prisons are releasing up to 8,000 inmates early to reduce the risk of virus transmission after large outbreaks in several correctional facilities. California is home to both tech companies in Silicon Valley, Hollywood movie studios and Walt Disney Co's Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The entertainment company has indefinitely suspended plans to reopen the California theme park but it did reopen Disney World in Florida on July 11.

California reports nearly 12,000 COVID cases, biggest increase since pandemic started

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents.&nbsp;

Citing the state's position as a leading U.S. coronavirus hot spot, the Florida Education Association (FEA) argued in its lawsuit that in-class instruction violates the state constitution's guarantee of a "safe" education for children.

The union's complaint against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials asks the state Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County for an emergency order halting classroom in-class instruction to avoid "irreparable harm."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-who-applauds-oxford-coronavirus-vaccine-data-but-warns-theres-still-a-long-way-to-go-314786" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go</a>

"The spread of COVID-19 that will result from the unsafe reopening of schools during the surge is not limited to students, teachers, school administrators, or school staff and will undoubtably spread to their families and communities," the complaint said.&nbsp;

With new coronavirus infections having topped 10,000 per day for nearly a week, Florida has emerged as one of the country's epicenters for the pandemic in recent weeks.

"The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida, where the virus is surging out of control," association President Fedrick Ingram said in a statement.

The suit also names Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who issued a July 6 order requiring local officials to "open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week" in August for families opting for in-class instruction, as opposed to remote instruction.

Corcoran replied that his order did not lay out any new requirements for schools to be open.

"It simply created new innovative options for families to have the CHOICE to decide what works best for the health and safety of their student and family," he said in a statement.

The FEA, which has 140,000 members, is affiliated with both national teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, both of which it said support the suit.

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents.

A Florida teachers union sued the state on Monday in an effort to halt next month's planned restart of classroom instruction, which it says poses an "imminent threat to the public health, safety and welfare" of its members, students and parents. Citing the state's position as a leading U.S. coronavirus hot spot, the Florida Education Association (FEA) argued in its lawsuit that in-class instruction violates the state constitution's guarantee of a "safe" education for children. The union's complaint against Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and other officials asks the state Circuit Court in Miami-Dade County for an emergency order halting classroom in-class instruction to avoid "irreparable harm." Also read: COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go "The spread of COVID-19 that will result from the unsafe reopening of schools during the surge is not limited to students, teachers, school administrators, or school staff and will undoubtably spread to their families and communities," the complaint said. With new coronavirus infections having topped 10,000 per day for nearly a week, Florida has emerged as one of the country's epicenters for the pandemic in recent weeks. "The governor needs to accept the reality of the situation here in Florida, where the virus is surging out of control," association President Fedrick Ingram said in a statement. The suit also names Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, who issued a July 6 order requiring local officials to "open brick and mortar schools at least five days per week" in August for families opting for in-class instruction, as opposed to remote instruction. Corcoran replied that his order did not lay out any new requirements for schools to be open. "It simply created new innovative options for families to have the CHOICE to decide what works best for the health and safety of their student and family," he said in a statement. The FEA, which has 140,000 members, is affiliated with both national teachers unions, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, both of which it said support the suit.

Teachers union sues to halt Florida classroom restart during pandemic

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.

For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-could-have-stopped-the-virus-but-didnt-trump-lashes-out-at-china-again-314740">Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again</a> 
 
“There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted.

"We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! <a href="https://t.co/iQOd1whktN">pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1285299379746811915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease.

The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown.

However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public.

The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease.

Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune.

He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump on Monday offered his strongest endorsement for wearing face masks in public, tweeting that it is a “Patriotic” action to take during the coronavirus pandemic. For months Trump has been refusing to encourage mask wearing as a way to combat the coronavirus. Also read: They could have stopped the virus but didn't — Trump lashes out at China again “There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President!” Trump tweeted. "We are united in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can't socially distance," Trump wrote. We are United in our effort to defeat the Invisible China Virus, and many people say that it is Patriotic to wear a face mask when you can’t socially distance. There is nobody more Patriotic than me, your favorite President! pic.twitter.com/iQOd1whktN — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2020 × The tweet from the president appearing to endorse the use of face coverings in public follows months of mixed messages on whether he believed they were an essential tool to help prevent transmission of the disease. The stylish photo and exhortation for Americans to unite around masks was a far cry from Trump's longtime mocking of masks as symbols of weakness during a pandemic that he has repeatedly suggested is overblown. However, his tweet stopped well short of endorsing calls from some for a nationwide mandate to wear masks in public. The nation's top medical authorities -- backed by several leading Republican figures -- say that mask wearing is crucial to halting the disease. Amid a fierce resurgence of the virus in southern and western states -- including some that are Republican strongholds -- Trump has come under new pressure to change his tune. He only wore a mask in public for the first time on July 11.By contrast, his Democratic challenger in the November presidential election, Joe Biden, has worn a mask in public for months. (With inputs from AFP)

After months of resisting wearing one, Trump says wearing mask 'patriotic' in tweet

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. 
 
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“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-the-russian-lab-that-is-making-the-covid-19-vaccine-314765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed.

Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection."

The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses

The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas.

Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot. Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed. Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection." The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas. Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

After registering thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths per day during an early April peak, Spain succeeded in slowing the number of new infections to a trickle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

But since restrictions on movement were lifted and Spaniards relaxed back into daily life, some 201 new clusters have appeared, with heavy concentrations in and around the Catalan cities of Barcelona and Lleida.

The occurrence of the novel coronavirus has jumped from eight cases per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of June, when the country’s state of emergency ended, to 27 per 100,000, deputy health emergency chief Maria Sierra told a news conference on Monday.

Over the weekend 4,581 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 264,836, she added. More than 28,000 people have died.

“Where measures have been relaxed is where these clusters appear,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said. “We’re talking about gatherings of extended family and spaces associated with nightlife.”

Describing the situation in Catalonia as concerning, he appealed to residents to respect health measures.

On Friday the Catalan regional government urged some four million people, including residents of Spain’s second largest city Barcelona, to stay at home and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It also told bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity.

That was in addition to ordering the mandatory confinement of at least 160,000 people around Lleida.

To try to prevent similar outbreaks, most Spanish regions have made face masks compulsory even when social-distancing can be guaranteed, going further than a national directive.

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday.

The prevalence of the novel coronavirus in Spain has risen three-fold over the last three weeks as authorities struggle to contain a rash of fresh clusters, mainly in the Catalonia and Aragon regions, Health Ministry data showed on Monday. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals After registering thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths per day during an early April peak, Spain succeeded in slowing the number of new infections to a trickle. Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines But since restrictions on movement were lifted and Spaniards relaxed back into daily life, some 201 new clusters have appeared, with heavy concentrations in and around the Catalan cities of Barcelona and Lleida. The occurrence of the novel coronavirus has jumped from eight cases per 100,000 inhabitants at the end of June, when the country’s state of emergency ended, to 27 per 100,000, deputy health emergency chief Maria Sierra told a news conference on Monday. Over the weekend 4,581 new cases were recorded, bringing the total to 264,836, she added. More than 28,000 people have died. “Where measures have been relaxed is where these clusters appear,” Health Minister Salvador Illa said. “We’re talking about gatherings of extended family and spaces associated with nightlife.” Describing the situation in Catalonia as concerning, he appealed to residents to respect health measures. On Friday the Catalan regional government urged some four million people, including residents of Spain’s second largest city Barcelona, to stay at home and avoid gatherings of more than 10 people. It also told bars and restaurants to reduce their capacity. That was in addition to ordering the mandatory confinement of at least 160,000 people around Lleida. To try to prevent similar outbreaks, most Spanish regions have made face masks compulsory even when social-distancing can be guaranteed, going further than a national directive.

Spain’s coronavirus rate triples in three weeks after COVID-19 lockdown easing

The British government borrowing went&nbsp;over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown.

The amount is over twice the entire of last year’s borrowing figures. According to many, this year’s borrowing will be the British government’s largest since World War Two.

Highest for June

In June alone, the borrowing was worth 35.5 Pounds, as per data from the government statistics office. This figure excludes state-owned banks. This was much higher than figures from the same period in the last year, but much below the Reuters forecast of 41. billion Pounds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-breaks-deadlock-inks-a-post-pandemic-economic-recovery-deal-314820">EU breaks deadlock, inks a post-pandemic economic recovery deal</a>

In all, April, May, and June amount for the highest borrowing in the country’s country. The tax revenues, however, were higher, but spending on employment support went down.

"Borrowing is still rising at an exceptional rate and we suspect that a slowdown in the recovery and further rise in unemployment later this year will prompt the government to announce additional fiscal spending at the next budget," Thomas Pugh, UK economist at Capital Economics told Reuters.

Measures in place

Just last week, finance minister Rishi Sunak rolled out measures worth 30 billion Pounds. This was done to resuscitate businesses, while expecting companies to take back workers as the country’s scheme to support those on furlough will end in October 2020. This scheme supported over 9 million jobs in the UK.

The public sector debt now stands at 1.984 trillion Pounds, which amounts for 99.6 per cent of the GDP. Data says that this is the highest debt for the country since the 1960s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-consequences-after-uk-suspends-hong-kong-treaty-314889" hreflang="en">China threatens 'consequences' after UK suspends Hong Kong treaty</a>

"Over the medium-term, we must, and we will, put our public finances back on a sustainable footing," Sunak said on Tuesday.

Additionally, the UK government recently announced extra spending and tax cuts amounting worth 192 billion Pounds for the ongoing financial year.

The economy is expected to shrink by 12.4 per cent throughout the year. The unemployment rate in the country is expected to rise by 11.9 per cent toward the end of 2020.

The British government borrowing went over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown.

The British government borrowing went over $162 billion (128 billion Pounds) billion over the first three months of the 2020/21 financial year. This was when the country was under a strict lockdown. The amount is over twice the entire of last year’s borrowing figures. According to many, this year’s borrowing will be the British government’s largest since World War Two. Highest for June In June alone, the borrowing was worth 35.5 Pounds, as per data from the government statistics office. This figure excludes state-owned banks. This was much higher than figures from the same period in the last year, but much below the Reuters forecast of 41. billion Pounds. Also read: EU breaks deadlock, inks a post-pandemic economic recovery deal In all, April, May, and June amount for the highest borrowing in the country’s country. The tax revenues, however, were higher, but spending on employment support went down. "Borrowing is still rising at an exceptional rate and we suspect that a slowdown in the recovery and further rise in unemployment later this year will prompt the government to announce additional fiscal spending at the next budget," Thomas Pugh, UK economist at Capital Economics told Reuters. Measures in place Just last week, finance minister Rishi Sunak rolled out measures worth 30 billion Pounds. This was done to resuscitate businesses, while expecting companies to take back workers as the country’s scheme to support those on furlough will end in October 2020. This scheme supported over 9 million jobs in the UK. The public sector debt now stands at 1.984 trillion Pounds, which amounts for 99.6 per cent of the GDP. Data says that this is the highest debt for the country since the 1960s. Also read: China threatens 'consequences' after UK suspends Hong Kong treaty "Over the medium-term, we must, and we will, put our public finances back on a sustainable footing," Sunak said on Tuesday. Additionally, the UK government recently announced extra spending and tax cuts amounting worth 192 billion Pounds for the ongoing financial year. The economy is expected to shrink by 12.4 per cent throughout the year. The unemployment rate in the country is expected to rise by 11.9 per cent toward the end of 2020.

UK borrowing feels the pandemic, goes over record $162 billion

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide.

As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have been able to trace and compartmentalise symptoms of the disease. This division may help identify severe symptoms from non-severe, and also additionally offer insight into the precursory bodily reactions before a victim develops complications.

App only!

To achieve this, the scientists used a smartphone application to predict the severity in cases leading upto complications. With additional research, it could help identify and prevent complications among severe cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-should-be-made-public-for-global-good-who-director-general-314854">COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general</a>

The study has been published medRxiv, and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. This measurement of severity will facilitate priority basis action on certain cases. For instance, people who actually need medical assistance will simply not to be told to isolate at time until symptoms worsen, because the worsening of their symptoms will be predicted. Additionally, people who have minor symptoms and don’t need medical care may free up space in hospitals for severe cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-says-people-infected-with-covid-19-should-do-contact-tracing-themselves-314817" hreflang="en">Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves</a>

To understand this, the researchers collated data a particular mobile application with four million users. Out of these 1,653 who had tested positive for the virus were included in the study.&nbsp; Their status updates were recorded by the team. Out of these, 383 made at least one trip to the hospital, and 107 required oxygen or ventilation.

Six clusters

Based on this they created a spectrum of six clusters, with the sixth cluster being most susceptible to complications.

The first cluster developed only minor symptoms like cough and muscle pain. Out of these only 1.5 per cent needed breathing support, and 16 per cent went to the hospital. In contrast, in cluster six, breathlessness was seen, followed by chest pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Over 20 per cent of these required ventilation support, and at least 45.5 per cent went the hospital.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breakthrough-treatment-slashes-death-risk-among-covid-19-patients-study-314826" hreflang="en">‘Breakthrough’ treatment slashes death risk among Covid-19 patients: Study</a>

According to the team, the first two clusters represent minor cases of the virus. While the last two represent cases that may become complicated over time.

If verified by other researchers and medical professionals, this demarcation and grouping could help save millions of lives. The researchers claim that based on their data, they could predict whether a patient would require breathing assistance in over 79 per cent of the cases.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability.

Coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc all over the world, infiltrating and decapitating every territory that falls in its way. Scientifically, the most annoying facet of the virus has been its unpredictability. In the beginning, scientists weren’t sure what to make of it, and what its most definitive group of symptoms are. Over the course of 2020, the information has been modified many times. Very recently, a group of scientists posited that the virus may indeed be airborne, which shocked the scientific community worldwide. As the death toll and the number of infections continue to induct record numbers everyday, a group of scientists have been able to trace and compartmentalise symptoms of the disease. This division may help identify severe symptoms from non-severe, and also additionally offer insight into the precursory bodily reactions before a victim develops complications. App only! To achieve this, the scientists used a smartphone application to predict the severity in cases leading upto complications. With additional research, it could help identify and prevent complications among severe cases. Also read: COVID-19 vaccines should be made public for global good: WHO director-general The study has been published medRxiv, and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. This measurement of severity will facilitate priority basis action on certain cases. For instance, people who actually need medical assistance will simply not to be told to isolate at time until symptoms worsen, because the worsening of their symptoms will be predicted. Additionally, people who have minor symptoms and don’t need medical care may free up space in hospitals for severe cases. Also read: Sweden says people infected with COVID-19 should do contact tracing themselves To understand this, the researchers collated data a particular mobile application with four million users. Out of these 1,653 who had tested positive for the virus were included in the study. Their status updates were recorded by the team. Out of these, 383 made at least one trip to the hospital, and 107 required oxygen or ventilation. Six clusters Based on this they created a spectrum of six clusters, with the sixth cluster being most susceptible to complications. The first cluster developed only minor symptoms like cough and muscle pain. Out of these only 1.5 per cent needed breathing support, and 16 per cent went to the hospital. In contrast, in cluster six, breathlessness was seen, followed by chest pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Over 20 per cent of these required ventilation support, and at least 45.5 per cent went the hospital. Also read: ‘Breakthrough’ treatment slashes death risk among Covid-19 patients: Study According to the team, the first two clusters represent minor cases of the virus. While the last two represent cases that may become complicated over time. If verified by other researchers and medical professionals, this demarcation and grouping could help save millions of lives. The researchers claim that based on their data, they could predict whether a patient would require breathing assistance in over 79 per cent of the cases.

Scientists map out six clusters to understand severity of coronavirus symptoms, and chances of developing complications

European countries have begun phasing out their lockdowns, a surge of cases related to the aftermath of coronavirus are spreading across Europe.

As per the news reports related to the deadly coronavirus the peak of Covid-19 infections has passed in Europe. But thousands of Europeans who had either confirmed or suspected Covid and, weeks or months later, say they are far from fully recovered.

A new community if 'long Covid sufferers' have popped up online, as people try to manage what appear to be long-term effects of a virus about which much remains unknown.

According to the research reports, coronavirus is a multi-system disease that can damage not only the lungs but the kidneys, liver, heart, brain and nervous system, skin and gastrointestinal tract.

These after-effects of coronavirus are going to create a large number of covid sufferers, needing treatment for the aftermath of coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to explode around the world as confirmed deaths passed 600,000 and countries from the US to South Africa to India struggle to contain a surge of new infections.

Confirmed global virus deaths rose to 603,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins. The United States tops the list with over 140,000, followed by more than 78,000 in Brazil. Europe as a continent has seen about 200,000 deaths.

Europe has a total of 2690717 cases of coronavirus; the five countries reporting most cases are Russia (771 546), United Kingdom (294 792), Spain (260 255), Italy (244 434) and Germany (201 823).

European countries have begun phasing out their lockdowns, a surge of cases related to the aftermath of coronavirus are spreading across Europe. As per the news reports related to the deadly coronavirus the peak of Covid-19 infections has passed in Europe.

European countries have begun phasing out their lockdowns, a surge of cases related to the aftermath of coronavirus are spreading across Europe. As per the news reports related to the deadly coronavirus the peak of Covid-19 infections has passed in Europe. But thousands of Europeans who had either confirmed or suspected Covid and, weeks or months later, say they are far from fully recovered. A new community if 'long Covid sufferers' have popped up online, as people try to manage what appear to be long-term effects of a virus about which much remains unknown. According to the research reports, coronavirus is a multi-system disease that can damage not only the lungs but the kidneys, liver, heart, brain and nervous system, skin and gastrointestinal tract. These after-effects of coronavirus are going to create a large number of covid sufferers, needing treatment for the aftermath of coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic continues to explode around the world as confirmed deaths passed 600,000 and countries from the US to South Africa to India struggle to contain a surge of new infections. Confirmed global virus deaths rose to 603,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins. The United States tops the list with over 140,000, followed by more than 78,000 in Brazil. Europe as a continent has seen about 200,000 deaths. Europe has a total of 2690717 cases of coronavirus; the five countries reporting most cases are Russia (771 546), United Kingdom (294 792), Spain (260 255), Italy (244 434) and Germany (201 823).

Europe develops COVID-19 rehab centres to treat long-term effects of coronavirus

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated.

The death toll of India stands at 27,497. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, the recovery rate is rising and now stands at 62.6 percent.

The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,390459 as on Monday with 7 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said.

With 3,10,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,70,693) and Delhi (1,22,793).

Meanwhile, data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic.

The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated.

India's coronavirus cases tally crosses 11 lakh mark with highest single day spike of 40,425 new cases and 681 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. According to the data provided by the health ministry total cases stand at 11, 18,043 including 3, 90,459 active cases, 7, 00,087 cured/discharged/migrated. The death toll of India stands at 27,497. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, the recovery rate is rising and now stands at 62.6 percent. The number of recovered COVID-19 patients exceeds India's active caseload by 3,390459 as on Monday with 7 lakh people having recuperated from the disease so far, the Union Health Ministry said. With 3,10,455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (1,70,693) and Delhi (1,22,793). Meanwhile, data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Confirmed cases rise to 11.1 lakh, death toll at 27,497

US&nbsp;deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

Since late June, the United States has seen a resurgence in new cases and now, six weeks later, deaths have also begun rising, according to a weekly Reuters analysis of state and county data.

America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighboring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started.&nbsp;

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In just one week, the United States records about as many deaths as the 5,600 lives Sweden has lost since the pandemic began earlier this year.

In the hardest-hit US&nbsp;counties, officials are running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-coronavirus-cases-surge-for-fifth-day-as-trump-pledges-outbreak-will-be-under-control-314514" hreflang="en">Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control</a>

Arizona's Maricopa County, home to the state's largest city, Phoenix, is bringing in 14 coolers to hold up to 280 bodies and more than double morgue capacity ahead of an expected surge in coronavirus fatalities, officials said on Thursday.

In Texas, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County have acquired five refrigerated trailers to store up to 180 bodies.

The appearance of such mobile morgues has fed the sense in some Southern states that the pandemic appears to be spinning out of control.&nbsp;

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally.

US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 140,000 on Saturday as cases continued to rise in 42 out of 50 states over the past two weeks, according to a Reuters tally. Since late June, the United States has seen a resurgence in new cases and now, six weeks later, deaths have also begun rising, according to a weekly Reuters analysis of state and county data. America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighboring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. Also read: I'm not losing: Donald Trump refuses to commit to election results if defeated In just one week, the United States records about as many deaths as the 5,600 lives Sweden has lost since the pandemic began earlier this year. In the hardest-hit US counties, officials are running out of places to store bodies as their morgues fill up. Also read: Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control Arizona's Maricopa County, home to the state's largest city, Phoenix, is bringing in 14 coolers to hold up to 280 bodies and more than double morgue capacity ahead of an expected surge in coronavirus fatalities, officials said on Thursday. In Texas, the city of San Antonio and Bexar County have acquired five refrigerated trailers to store up to 180 bodies. The appearance of such mobile morgues has fed the sense in some Southern states that the pandemic appears to be spinning out of control.

US coronavirus deaths surpass 140,000 as outbreak worsens

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/japan-accuses-china-of-pushing-territorial-claims-during-coronavirus-pandemic-313133" hreflang="en">Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic</a>

The results highlight growing concerns that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's $16 billion "Go To" campaign, set to begin on Wednesday, could spread the virus to rural parts of the country where medical systems are fragile.

Broadcaster NHK said more than 500 new cases were reported nationally on Sunday, of which 188 were in Tokyo - down by about 100 from the previous day but still well above levels seen when Abe's government in late May called an end to a state of emergency it had imposed to contain the virus.'

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uk-asks-japan-for-huawei-alternatives-in-5g-networks-314365" hreflang="en">UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks</a>

A telephone survey conducted by the Asahi newspaper found 74% of respondents were opposed to the campaign. In a similar survey by the Nikkei business daily, some 80% of respondents said it was too early to launch such a programme.

Japan has not seen the kind of rapid spread of the virus that has killed tens of thousands in other countries. But Tokyo has raised its coronavirus alert to the highest level after a series of fresh highs for new cases.

Under the "Go To" campaign, travellers are set to get subsidies of as much as 50% to boost tourism-reliant economies outside major population areas. With cases on the rise in the capital, the campaign - originally open to all - will now exclude people living or vacationing in Tokyo.

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo.

Most people in Japan are against government plans to kickstart domestic tourism with a subsidised campaign, according to newspaper surveys published on Monday, as fears grow over the number of new coronavirus cases, particularly in Tokyo. Also read: Japan accuses China of pushing territorial claims during coronavirus pandemic The results highlight growing concerns that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's $16 billion "Go To" campaign, set to begin on Wednesday, could spread the virus to rural parts of the country where medical systems are fragile. Broadcaster NHK said more than 500 new cases were reported nationally on Sunday, of which 188 were in Tokyo - down by about 100 from the previous day but still well above levels seen when Abe's government in late May called an end to a state of emergency it had imposed to contain the virus.' Also read: UK asks Japan for Huawei alternatives in 5G networks A telephone survey conducted by the Asahi newspaper found 74% of respondents were opposed to the campaign. In a similar survey by the Nikkei business daily, some 80% of respondents said it was too early to launch such a programme. Japan has not seen the kind of rapid spread of the virus that has killed tens of thousands in other countries. But Tokyo has raised its coronavirus alert to the highest level after a series of fresh highs for new cases. Under the "Go To" campaign, travellers are set to get subsidies of as much as 50% to boost tourism-reliant economies outside major population areas. With cases on the rise in the capital, the campaign - originally open to all - will now exclude people living or vacationing in Tokyo.

Big majority of Japanese reject government tourism campaign amid new coronavirus fears

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that was scheduled to be held in Australia later this year has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup that was scheduled to be held in Australia later this year has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Today's IBC Board meeting set a window for the next three ICC events were set to recover from the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The IBC board is the commercial subsidiary of the ICC. Following are the windows of ICC events: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will be held October – November 2021 with the final on 14 November 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 will be held October – November 2022 with the final on 13 November 2022 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will be held in India October – November 2023 with the final on 26 November 2023 ICC's Chief Executive Manu Sawhney released a statement on the official website and said: “We have undertaken a comprehensive and complex contingency planning exercise and through this process, our number one priority has been to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in the sport. “The decision to postpone the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was taken after careful consideration of all of the options available to us and gives us the best possible opportunity of delivering two safe and successful T20 World Cups for fans around the world. “Our members now have the clarity they need around event windows to enable them to reschedule lost bilateral and domestic cricket. Moving the Men’s Cricket World Cup to a later window is a critical element of this and gives us a better chance of maintaining the integrity of the qualification process. This additional time will be used to reschedule games that might be lost because of the pandemic ensuring qualification can be decided on the field of play. “Throughout this process we have worked closely with our key stakeholders including governments, Members, broadcasters, partners and medical experts to enable us to reach a collective decision for the good of the game and our fans. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment to a safe return to cricket.” The IBC Board will continue its evaluation for next year's ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be held in New Zealand in February.

Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 postponed due to coronavirus pandemic: ICC

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection.

Authorities in the state of Victoria, whose capital Melbourne is in partial lockdown amid a new outbreak, reported 275 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from a daily record of 438 three days earlier.

Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it would take "weeks" to slow the outbreak to levels seen as recently as June, when Victoria and the rest of Australia reported single or double-digit daily infections.

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"We have learned over time that the time between introducing a measure and seeing its effect is at least two weeks and sometimes longer than that," Kelly told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio.

Australia has recorded about 11,800 coronavirus cases with a death toll of 123, a fraction of what has been seen in other countries. In most Australian states the disease has been effectively eliminated.

Less than a month ago, Australia was widely heralded as a global leader in combating COVID-19 but quarantine lapses in Victoria triggered a flare-up in infections in June. An official inquiry into the outbreak began hearings on Monday.

Victoria's government has ordered about five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks and told residents around Melbourne to cover their faces if they have to leave their homes.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too soon to declare that such measures had flattened the outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-delays-parliament-due-to-covid-19-spread-314180" hreflang="en">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread</a>

"Until we bring some stability to this, we won't be able to talk about a trend," he said, referring to the drop in daily new cases.

The Victorian outbreak and rising daily cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the country's most-populous state, are stoking fears of a national second wave.

NSW reported 20 new infections on Monday, the highest in three months. The transmission rate in the state is higher than in Victoria, despite social distancing restrictions being tightened.

NSW authorities have been unable to trace some of the clusters and state authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and public transport.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would consider tightening social-distancing restrictions in cities like NSW capital Sydney if the numbers continued to rise over the next few weeks.

Should NSW be forced to implement new restrictions, it would be a hammer blow to Australia's hopes for a quick economic recovery. Already, Australia is facing its first recession in nearly three decades, with unemployment at a 22-year high.

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection.

A surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia's second-biggest city could take weeks to subside despite a lockdown and orders to wear masks, Australia's acting chief medical officer said on Monday as the country braces for a second wave of infection. Authorities in the state of Victoria, whose capital Melbourne is in partial lockdown amid a new outbreak, reported 275 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from a daily record of 438 three days earlier. Australia's Acting Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly said it would take "weeks" to slow the outbreak to levels seen as recently as June, when Victoria and the rest of Australia reported single or double-digit daily infections. Also read: 'Essential to stop virus': Australia's second-biggest city makes mask-wearing compulsory in public "We have learned over time that the time between introducing a measure and seeing its effect is at least two weeks and sometimes longer than that," Kelly told Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio. Australia has recorded about 11,800 coronavirus cases with a death toll of 123, a fraction of what has been seen in other countries. In most Australian states the disease has been effectively eliminated. Less than a month ago, Australia was widely heralded as a global leader in combating COVID-19 but quarantine lapses in Victoria triggered a flare-up in infections in June. An official inquiry into the outbreak began hearings on Monday. Victoria's government has ordered about five million people into a partial lockdown for six weeks and told residents around Melbourne to cover their faces if they have to leave their homes. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too soon to declare that such measures had flattened the outbreak. Also read: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison delays parliament due to COVID-19 spread "Until we bring some stability to this, we won't be able to talk about a trend," he said, referring to the drop in daily new cases. The Victorian outbreak and rising daily cases in neighbouring New South Wales, the country's most-populous state, are stoking fears of a national second wave. NSW reported 20 new infections on Monday, the highest in three months. The transmission rate in the state is higher than in Victoria, despite social distancing restrictions being tightened. NSW authorities have been unable to trace some of the clusters and state authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel and public transport. Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would consider tightening social-distancing restrictions in cities like NSW capital Sydney if the numbers continued to rise over the next few weeks. Should NSW be forced to implement new restrictions, it would be a hammer blow to Australia's hopes for a quick economic recovery. Already, Australia is facing its first recession in nearly three decades, with unemployment at a 22-year high.

Australia warns coronavirus outbreak will take weeks to tame

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control."&nbsp;

The virus has claimed over 140,000 U.S. lives since the pandemic started, and Florida, California, and other Southern and Western states shatter records every day.

Texas reported 7,300 new cases on Sunday after five straight days of new infections exceeding 10,000.

Despite record levels of new cases nationwide, the Trump administration is pushing for schools to reopen in a few weeks and resisting a federal mandate to wear masks in public.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump</a>

Trump, who faces a tough battle for re-election in November, defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in an interview broadcast on Sunday. The United States, with 3.7 million total cases, has almost as many infections as the next three hardest-hit countries combined - Brazil, India and Russia.

"We have embers and we do have flames. Florida became more flame-like, but it's - it's going to be under control."&nbsp;

Trump on "Fox News Sunday" repeated his assertion that the virus would eventually disappear.&nbsp;

"I'll be right eventually," he said. "It's going to disappear and I'll be right."

Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that cases and deaths could rise this autumn and winter. Nearly all 20 forecasting models used by the CDC project rising deaths in the coming weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-cases-of-covid-19-jumps-to-144-million-death-toll-crosses-600000-314509" hreflang="en">Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000</a>

Throughout the United States, every metric to measure the outbreak is going in the wrong direction - rising cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates of test results.&nbsp;

At least 14 states have reported record coronavirus hospitalizations so far in July, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Texas.

Trump said he did not agree with CDC Director Robert Redfield that this fall and winter would be one of the most difficult times in American public health, as hospitals deal with the seasonal flu on top of COVID cases. "I don't know and I don't think he knows," Trump said.

Trump also called Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, "a little bit of an alarmist."&nbsp;

TESTING SHORTAGES, DELAYS

Fauci has warned that cases could soon top 100,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus. The country is averaging 60,000 new cases a day and reported a record one-day increase of 77,299 on Thursday.

Testing shortages and delayed results in some states are hampering efforts to curb the outbreak, similar to situations that frustrated state officials and health experts at the start of the pandemic in March and April.&nbsp;

Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said on NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday that people were waiting up to a week to learn if they tested positive.&nbsp;

"That really undercuts the value of the testing," Collins said.

Suburban Philadelphia resident Tamara Hala, 35, said she decided to get tested after attending a gathering where someone outside her group said COVID-19 was a "hoax." But she has not yet received results from the July 8 test at a CVS store.

"I just can't stop thinking about how many people potentially have it and don't know," she said.&nbsp;

Instead of expanding testing, the Trump administration wants to block $25 billion for states to conduct testing and contact tracing, according to reports in the Washington Post and New York Times.&nbsp;

The White House declined on Sunday to comment to Reuters on those reports.

The number of COVID tests performed each day has doubled since late May but remains lower than recommended by some health experts. The United States set a record on Friday with over 850,000 tests performed, according to data from the COVID-Tracking Project.

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control.

Florida reported over 12,000 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, the fifth day in a row the state has announced over 10,000 new infections, even as President Donald Trump pledged that "it's going to be under control." The virus has claimed over 140,000 U.S. lives since the pandemic started, and Florida, California, and other Southern and Western states shatter records every day. Texas reported 7,300 new cases on Sunday after five straight days of new infections exceeding 10,000. Despite record levels of new cases nationwide, the Trump administration is pushing for schools to reopen in a few weeks and resisting a federal mandate to wear masks in public. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot’: Donald Trump Trump, who faces a tough battle for re-election in November, defended his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in an interview broadcast on Sunday. The United States, with 3.7 million total cases, has almost as many infections as the next three hardest-hit countries combined - Brazil, India and Russia. "We have embers and we do have flames. Florida became more flame-like, but it's - it's going to be under control." Trump on "Fox News Sunday" repeated his assertion that the virus would eventually disappear. "I'll be right eventually," he said. "It's going to disappear and I'll be right." Experts at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned that cases and deaths could rise this autumn and winter. Nearly all 20 forecasting models used by the CDC project rising deaths in the coming weeks. Also read: Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000 Throughout the United States, every metric to measure the outbreak is going in the wrong direction - rising cases, deaths, hospitalizations and positivity rates of test results. At least 14 states have reported record coronavirus hospitalizations so far in July, including Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Nevada and Texas. Trump said he did not agree with CDC Director Robert Redfield that this fall and winter would be one of the most difficult times in American public health, as hospitals deal with the seasonal flu on top of COVID cases. "I don't know and I don't think he knows," Trump said. Trump also called Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious diseases expert, "a little bit of an alarmist." TESTING SHORTAGES, DELAYS Fauci has warned that cases could soon top 100,000 a day if Americans do not come together to take steps necessary to halt the spread of the virus. The country is averaging 60,000 new cases a day and reported a record one-day increase of 77,299 on Thursday. Testing shortages and delayed results in some states are hampering efforts to curb the outbreak, similar to situations that frustrated state officials and health experts at the start of the pandemic in March and April. Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health, said on NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday that people were waiting up to a week to learn if they tested positive. "That really undercuts the value of the testing," Collins said. Suburban Philadelphia resident Tamara Hala, 35, said she decided to get tested after attending a gathering where someone outside her group said COVID-19 was a "hoax." But she has not yet received results from the July 8 test at a CVS store. "I just can't stop thinking about how many people potentially have it and don't know," she said. Instead of expanding testing, the Trump administration wants to block $25 billion for states to conduct testing and contact tracing, according to reports in the Washington Post and New York Times. The White House declined on Sunday to comment to Reuters on those reports. The number of COVID tests performed each day has doubled since late May but remains lower than recommended by some health experts. The United States set a record on Friday with over 850,000 tests performed, according to data from the COVID-Tracking Project.

Florida coronavirus cases surge for fifth day as Trump pledges outbreak will be under control

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data.

July has been the deadliest month of the pandemic in Texas, with nearly a third of the more than 3,700 coronavirus deaths in the state reported so far this month.

In one county, 85 infants under the age of one have tested positive.

That put the total number of cases in the US, the nation hardest hit by the global pandemic, at 3,762,081, the Baltimore-based University said at 8:30 pm.

Another 514 deaths were reported, bringing total fatalities to 140,474.

The US has recorded more than 60,000 new cases every day for the last six days, peaking at a record 77,638 infections on Friday.

America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighbouring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data.

The number of deaths in US due to novel coronavirus has now crossed 140,000 and the country has recorded 63,872 new coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours, according to the latest John Hopkins University data. July has been the deadliest month of the pandemic in Texas, with nearly a third of the more than 3,700 coronavirus deaths in the state reported so far this month. In one county, 85 infants under the age of one have tested positive. That put the total number of cases in the US, the nation hardest hit by the global pandemic, at 3,762,081, the Baltimore-based University said at 8:30 pm. Another 514 deaths were reported, bringing total fatalities to 140,474. The US has recorded more than 60,000 new cases every day for the last six days, peaking at a record 77,638 infections on Friday. America is losing about 5,000 people to the virus every week. By contrast, neighbouring Canada has reported total deaths of 8,800 since the pandemic started. (With inputs from agencies)

US coronavirus cases rise by more than 60,000 in one day to surpass 3.76 million: Johns Hopkins University

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-lowers-coronavirus-level-from-2-to-3-gyms-and-restaurants-now-reopen-314453">Also read: Beijing lowers coronavirus level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen</a> 
 
The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The US accounted for the world's highest number of infections and fatalities at 3,763,395 and 140,477, respectively, according to the CSSE.

Brazil came in second place with 2,098,389 infections and 79,488 deaths.

On Sunday, the number of new cases of coronavirus rose by almost 260,000 in 24 hours -- the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The surge means that 1 million cases were reported in under 100 hours.

Meanwhile, Clinical trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry are wrapping up at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital, the vaccine is safe and reliable, Sergey Borisevich, the head of the 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry, said.

"The clinical trials of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are ending at the Burdenko hospital … Today, on July 20, the second and last group of volunteers comprising 20 people is being released from the military hospital," Borisevich told Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry. 
 
(With input from agencies)

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage.

With some countries battling the possibility of a second wave of coronavirus, and some still struggling with containing the first wave, the number of coronavirus cases seem to be increasing at an alarming stage. Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University show more than 14 million cases worldwide since the start of the pandemic. Also read: Beijing lowers coronavirus level from 2 to 3; gyms and restaurants now reopen The total number of cases stood at 14,430,943, while the fatalities rose to 604,725, the University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. The US accounted for the world's highest number of infections and fatalities at 3,763,395 and 140,477, respectively, according to the CSSE. Brazil came in second place with 2,098,389 infections and 79,488 deaths. On Sunday, the number of new cases of coronavirus rose by almost 260,000 in 24 hours -- the largest single-day increase since the pandemic began, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. The surge means that 1 million cases were reported in under 100 hours. Meanwhile, Clinical trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Scientific Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology jointly with the Russian Defense Ministry are wrapping up at the Burdenko Main Military Clinical Hospital, the vaccine is safe and reliable, Sergey Borisevich, the head of the 48th Central Scientific Research Institute of the Russian Defense Ministry, said. "The clinical trials of the Russian vaccine against the coronavirus are ending at the Burdenko hospital … Today, on July 20, the second and last group of volunteers comprising 20 people is being released from the military hospital," Borisevich told Krasnaya Zvezda, the official newspaper of the Russian Defense Ministry. (With input from agencies)

Global cases of COVID-19 jumps to 14.4 million; death toll crosses 600,000

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