After days of record spikes in new COVID-19 cases in the United States, Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said that it "is way beyond the worst spikes that we have seen."

United States records more than 53,000 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected.

The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount.

The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Major impact

The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors.

However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-oil-not-gulfs-golden-goose-anymore-310040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now.

Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent.

As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output.&nbsp;AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats.

This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries.&nbsp;Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities.

Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population.&nbsp;GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population.

What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? 

The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs.

Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD.

However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase.

Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries.

While the coronavirus pandemic has hit almost every country in the world, the Gulf economies have been worst affected. The virus has triggered a constant free-fall in oil prices, with a lot of highly-skilled expats leaving the countries. Additionally, the debt continues to mount. The International Monetary Fund has made a bleak prediction for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which includes six Arab states - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Major impact The IMF expects these economies to shrink by 7.6 per cent this year, across both oil and non-oil sectors. However, the biggest impact will be felt in oil revenues. The drop in prices this year has caused a loss of over 10 billion USD. By the end of 2020 - this could cross 20 billion USD. Before the pandemic, oil was selling at 75 USD per barrel, while it is being sold at 40 USD per barrel right now. Saudi Arabia is facing a 6.8 per cent decline in its GDP. The profits of state-run oil explorer Saudi AramCo fell by 25 per cent. As the lockdown cut the demand, OPEC decided to cut oil output. AramCo followed suit, and over 500 people were fired, mostly expats. This has become the new normal in Gulf countries, where foreign workers are being sent home. This is worrying because expats make up close to half the population in some Gulf countries. Mostly working as builders and labourers, they are responsible for building the sprawling skylines in Gulf cities. Gulf countries are highly-reliant on the expatriate population. GCC could lose four million expats by the end of this pandemic - almost 10 per cent of its total population. What are these countries doing to plug the gaps? The countries have announced relief packages, amounting for two-three percent of their GDPs. Six countries together have set aside over 50 billion USD. However, most of these countries are already deep in debt which was to be paid with petro-Dollars. As of now, the debt has piled up over 300 billion USD, with the amount expected to increase. Besides oil, tourism has also suffered a major hit, witnessing a decline of 7.4 per cent in 2020. All this while entertainment and media sector contracted by 5.6 per cent.

Left in the desert: Coronavirus cripples Gulf economies

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day.

WHO chief was addressing a virtual briefing on the deadly coronavirus pandemic. "Sixty per cent of all cases so far have been reported just in the past month," he said.

"The fastest way out of this pandemic is to follow the science and do what we know works: the comprehensive approach," he said. 
“Not testing alone. Not physical distancing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not masks alone. Do it all,” he added.

In the six months since the World Health Organization (WHO) first reported a cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, more than 500,000 people have died from the coronavirus.

More than 10.59 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, while more than 5.8 million have recovered, and 515,006 have died, according to Worldometer.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country, with 2,727,853 coronavirus cases and 130,122 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,408,485 cases, deaths 59,656), Russia (647,849 cases, 9,320deaths), and India (585,792 cases, 17,410 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day.

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that for the past week, the number of new cases has exceeded 160,000 on every single day. WHO chief was addressing a virtual briefing on the deadly coronavirus pandemic. "Sixty per cent of all cases so far have been reported just in the past month," he said. "The fastest way out of this pandemic is to follow the science and do what we know works: the comprehensive approach," he said. “Not testing alone. Not physical distancing alone. Not contact tracing alone. Not masks alone. Do it all,” he added. In the six months since the World Health Organization (WHO) first reported a cluster of mysterious pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, more than 500,000 people have died from the coronavirus. More than 10.59 million people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19, while more than 5.8 million have recovered, and 515,006 have died, according to Worldometer. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected country, with 2,727,853 coronavirus cases and 130,122 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,408,485 cases, deaths 59,656), Russia (647,849 cases, 9,320deaths), and India (585,792 cases, 17,410 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

Over 160,000 Covid-19 cases reported every day in the past week: WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”.

According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans.

The virus has all the essential hallmarks to infect humans, as per information by scientists at Chinese universities and China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.&nbsp;If it were to spread among people, people would have zero immunity against it.

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As part of a project to identify potential pandemic causing viruses, Chinese researchers looked at influenza viruses found in pigs from 2011 to 2018. They analysed nearly 30,000 nasal swabs taken from pigs at slaughterhouses in 10 provinces. This led to the detection of the new influenza virus. This new strain of the flu has been named G4

It is similar to the virus that caused the 2009 global Swine Flu outbreak. But, this strain is more dangerous. Like COVID-19, it can affect the human respiratory system.

400 million pigs in China

According to blood tests, nearly 10 per cent of the pig farm workers have already been infected. And, nearly five percent of the general population has been exposed to the virus. China has the largest population of pigs in the world, with over 400 million!

And, millions of Chinese live in close proximity to pigs, in farms, breeding facilities, slaughterhouses and wet markets.

Infectious disease experts have called for an immediate monitoring of people who work in the swine industry.

Carl Bergstorm - a leading biologist says, “Screening will be important, particularly if clusters of illness emerge in swine workers”.

Most influenza viruses jump from pigs to humans, but do not spread among humans. But two cases of the G4 infections have been recorded so far.

An annual flu vaccine protects Chinese from earlier known influenza viruses, which may have helped contain its spread from infected people. However, there is no evidence to show if it is effective against the G4.

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”. According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans.

A new flu virus is circulating among pigs in China, while the world reels from the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists believe that it has “pandemic potential”. According to a new study, Chinese pigs are getting infected by the influenza virus more frequently, with the possibility of it transmitting to humans. The virus has all the essential hallmarks to infect humans, as per information by scientists at Chinese universities and China's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If it were to spread among people, people would have zero immunity against it. As part of a project to identify potential pandemic causing viruses, Chinese researchers looked at influenza viruses found in pigs from 2011 to 2018. They analysed nearly 30,000 nasal swabs taken from pigs at slaughterhouses in 10 provinces. This led to the detection of the new influenza virus. This new strain of the flu has been named G4 It is similar to the virus that caused the 2009 global Swine Flu outbreak. But, this strain is more dangerous. Like COVID-19, it can affect the human respiratory system. 400 million pigs in China According to blood tests, nearly 10 per cent of the pig farm workers have already been infected. And, nearly five percent of the general population has been exposed to the virus. China has the largest population of pigs in the world, with over 400 million! And, millions of Chinese live in close proximity to pigs, in farms, breeding facilities, slaughterhouses and wet markets. Infectious disease experts have called for an immediate monitoring of people who work in the swine industry. Carl Bergstorm - a leading biologist says, “Screening will be important, particularly if clusters of illness emerge in swine workers”. Most influenza viruses jump from pigs to humans, but do not spread among humans. But two cases of the G4 infections have been recorded so far. An annual flu vaccine protects Chinese from earlier known influenza viruses, which may have helped contain its spread from infected people. However, there is no evidence to show if it is effective against the G4.

Double pandemic? Experts believe new swine flu in China could wreak havoc if left unchecked

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s.

With the recovery rate touching 60 per cent nationwide, more people may now be getting discharged than getting admitted, especially in Delhi.

Based on Delhi government’s data, the average infection rate during the second week of June was 31 per cent. In the week of June 22-28, it had improved to 18 per cent.

Additionally, in the week ending June 28, 27 more people on an average were discharged compared to those who were admitted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-strikes-bihar-wedding-groom-dies-more-than-100-infected-309867" hreflang="en">Coronavirus strikes Bihar wedding, groom dies, more than 100 infected</a>

In the last 24 hours, the pandemic had claimed 507 lives in the country, with the country adding over 18,600 new cases.

As of now, the total number of cases in the country stand at 5,85,493, with over 2,20,114 active cases in the country.

The death toll has risen to 17,400.&nbsp;Additionally, India's health ministry said that 3,47,979 have been cured of the virus.

Maharashtra which has been one of the hit hardest states due to the virus reported 245 deaths and 4,878 new coronavirus cases today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 1,74,761 including 75,979 active cases. Mumbai alone has inducted 4,554 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-reports-507-deaths-in-24-hours-toll-rises-to-17400-309815" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: India reports 507 deaths in 24 hours; toll rises to 17,400</a>

India's national capital reported 2,199 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 8,7360 including 2,62,70 active cases

The death toll due to virus in Delhi has gone up to 2,742. The Delhi government said that 5,31,752 tests have been done so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s.

Delhi recently witnessed a massive surge of coronavirus cases, overtaking Maharashtra. But soon after, Tamil Nadu’s caseload took over the national capital territory’s. With the recovery rate touching 60 per cent nationwide, more people may now be getting discharged than getting admitted, especially in Delhi. Based on Delhi government’s data, the average infection rate during the second week of June was 31 per cent. In the week of June 22-28, it had improved to 18 per cent. Additionally, in the week ending June 28, 27 more people on an average were discharged compared to those who were admitted. Also read: Coronavirus strikes Bihar wedding, groom dies, more than 100 infected In the last 24 hours, the pandemic had claimed 507 lives in the country, with the country adding over 18,600 new cases. As of now, the total number of cases in the country stand at 5,85,493, with over 2,20,114 active cases in the country. The death toll has risen to 17,400. Additionally, India's health ministry said that 3,47,979 have been cured of the virus. Maharashtra which has been one of the hit hardest states due to the virus reported 245 deaths and 4,878 new coronavirus cases today with the total number of cases in the state rising to 1,74,761 including 75,979 active cases. Mumbai alone has inducted 4,554 deaths. Also read: Coronavirus: India reports 507 deaths in 24 hours; toll rises to 17,400 India's national capital reported 2,199 new coronavirus cases and 62 deaths in the last 24 hours with the total number of cases rising to 8,7360 including 2,62,70 active cases The death toll due to virus in Delhi has gone up to 2,742. The Delhi government said that 5,31,752 tests have been done so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Delhi is now discharging more patients than it is admitting

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN&nbsp;study published on Wednesday.

The 'COVID-19 and Tourism' report released by The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is based on three scenarios for the industry, with lockdown measures lasting 4 months, 8 months and 12 months.

In those scenarios, revenues would fall $1.17 trillion, $2.22 trillion and $3.3 trillion respectively or between 1.5-4.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/businesses-breathe-sigh-of-relief-as-spain-portugal-open-border-to-tourism-309896" hreflang="en">Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism</a>

The report did not say which scenario was most likely, although an UNCTAD official said the middle scenario "could be&nbsp;a realistic one".

"International tourism has been almost totally suspended, and domestic tourism curtailed by lockdown conditions imposed in many countries," the report said.

"Although some destinations have started slowly to open up, many are afraid of international travel or cannot afford it due to the economic crisis."

The United States incurs the highest losses in all three scenarios, with a $187 billion drop in the one lasting just four months, followed by China with $105 billion. Thailand and France also stand to lose approximately $47 billion each.

Small island states such as Jamaica stand to suffer big losses in proportion to their economies, facing an 11 percent fall in GDP or $1.68 billion.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-may-retail-sales-tumble-as-spending-tourism-evaporate-309628" hreflang="en">Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate</a>

The US&nbsp;loss in the "pessimistic" scenario is $538 billion, or three percent of GDP.

The UNCTAD report covers 65 individual countries and regions. It calls for governments to boost social protection for affected workers in badly-hit nations.

Some of the estimates are comparable to those in a previous U.N. report by its World Tourism Organization in May, which found that tourism numbers could fall by 60-80 percent compared with 66 percent in UNCTAD's intermediate scenario.

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN study published on Wednesday.

Global tourism revenues are expected to fall by up to $3.3 trillion due to COVID-19 restrictions, with the United States standing to lose the most, according to a UN study published on Wednesday. The 'COVID-19 and Tourism' report released by The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is based on three scenarios for the industry, with lockdown measures lasting 4 months, 8 months and 12 months. In those scenarios, revenues would fall $1.17 trillion, $2.22 trillion and $3.3 trillion respectively or between 1.5-4.2 percent of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). Also read: Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism The report did not say which scenario was most likely, although an UNCTAD official said the middle scenario "could be a realistic one". "International tourism has been almost totally suspended, and domestic tourism curtailed by lockdown conditions imposed in many countries," the report said. "Although some destinations have started slowly to open up, many are afraid of international travel or cannot afford it due to the economic crisis." The United States incurs the highest losses in all three scenarios, with a $187 billion drop in the one lasting just four months, followed by China with $105 billion. Thailand and France also stand to lose approximately $47 billion each. Small island states such as Jamaica stand to suffer big losses in proportion to their economies, facing an 11 percent fall in GDP or $1.68 billion. Also read: Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate The US loss in the "pessimistic" scenario is $538 billion, or three percent of GDP. The UNCTAD report covers 65 individual countries and regions. It calls for governments to boost social protection for affected workers in badly-hit nations. Some of the estimates are comparable to those in a previous U.N. report by its World Tourism Organization in May, which found that tourism numbers could fall by 60-80 percent compared with 66 percent in UNCTAD's intermediate scenario.

Global tourism stands to lose up to $3.3 trillion from COVID-19: UN study

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.&nbsp;

"It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come."

In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/spain-to-try-new-coronavirus-tracing-app-for-2-weeks-before-rolling-out-nationwide-308237" hreflang="en">Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide</a>

During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems.

Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion.

All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week.

"Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders."&nbsp;

The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints.

But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spain-to-allow-british-tourists-to-visit-from-sunday-without-need-for-quarantine-spanish-foreign-minister-307363" hreflang="en">Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister</a>

Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases.

Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate.

With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.&nbsp;

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism.

Neighbours Spain and Portugal reopened their border on Wednesday to all travellers after a three-month closure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, bringing relief to local business owners who have struggled to make ends meet without tourism. "It has been miserable since we reopened in May. There are no customers," Jose Valentim, a restaurant owner in the Portuguese border town of Elvas, told Reuters. "We hope that from today onwards some Spaniards will be able to come." In the presence of Spain's King Felipe and Portugal's President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Costa, solemnly opened their 1,200-km (750 mile) border. Also read: Spain to try new coronavirus tracing app for 2 weeks before rolling out nationwide During a short ceremony in the Spanish city of Badajoz, with the flags of both countries behind them, the assembled leaders stood still as a small string orchestra played their respective national anthems. Residents applauded and shouted "Viva!" to celebrate the occasion. All other travel restrictions within the European Union were lifted last week. "Our shared prosperity and common destiny within the European project depend on this border being open," Costa tweeted earlier on Wednesday. "The pandemic offered us a new vision of the past we do not want to come back to: a continent with closed borders." The border had remained open to transport of goods and cross-border workers commercial traffic thoughout the epidemic, although they still had to go through checkpoints. But tourist and leisure travel had been restricted since mid-March. Now the border is open to traffic including short trips and family visits. Also read: Spain to allow British tourists to visit from Sunday without need for quarantine: Spanish foreign minister Most of Portugal downgraded to a "state of alert" on Wednesday, with gatherings still limited to 20 people, but restrictions remained stricter across Lisbon's suburbs as authorities tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases. Portugal has been hailed as a coronavirus success story but it now has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe after Sweden in the past 30 days, according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The country defends its considerable case toll by citing its high testing rate. With nearly 250,000 cases and more than 28,000 deaths Spain was worse hit, but authorities managed to bring the outbreak under control through one of the world's strictest lockdowns. Its national state of emergency expired two weeks ago, permitting Spaniards to travel throughout the country.

Businesses breathe sigh of relief as Spain, Portugal open border to tourism

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

In its latest report, the UN&nbsp;agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours.&nbsp;

Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-house-prices-fall-for-first-time-since-2012-309885" hreflang="en">UK house prices fall for first time since 2012</a>

"The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder,&nbsp;ILO&nbsp;director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery."&nbsp;

The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force.

They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said.

Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said.

The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said.&nbsp;

Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes."

"It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

The outlook for the global labour market in the second half of 2020 is "highly uncertain" and the forecast recovery will not be enough for employment to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, the International Labour Organization said on Tuesday. In its latest report, the UN agency said the fall in global working hours was "significantly worse than previously estimated" in the first half of the year. The Americas was the hardest-hit region, losing 18.3% of working hours. Worldwide, an estimated 14% of working hours were lost in the second quarter, equivalent to 400 million full-time jobs, due to the pandemic, the ILO said. It estimated that working-hour losses were likely to still be in the order of 4.9 per cent in the fourth quarter, equivalent to 140 million full-time jobs. Under a pessimistic scenario in a so-called second wave of the pandemic, this figure could rise to 11.9% or 340 million jobs, it said. Also read: UK house prices fall for first time since 2012 "The estimates have revised upwards considerably the damage done to our labour markets by the pandemic," Guy Ryder, ILO director-general, told a Geneva news conference. "So there is not going to be a simple or a quick recovery." The figures cover people who are working shorter hours, who are furloughed, have lost their jobs, or withdrawn from the labour force. They reflect "worsening conditions", especially in developing countries, the report said. Some 93 per cent of workers still live in countries with some sort of workplace closures, it said. The pandemic has had a "disproportionate and damaging effect" on women workers, who are often employed in hard-hit sectors such as food and accommodation, retail and real estate, Ryder said. Asked about Brazil not imposing strict public health measures to halt spread of coronavirus, Ryder said: "Clearly undue delay in acting on the health side of pandemic is going to bring worse social and economic outcomes." "It is inevitable...that the world is going to begin to emerge from this pandemic with higher levels of unemployment, higher levels of poverty, higher levels of inequality, higher levels of frustration among citizens, but also higher levels of indebtedness," he said.

No return to pre-pandemic job levels in 2020: ILO

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.&nbsp;

At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said.&nbsp;

"Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailand-set-to-ease-nightlife-lockdown-allow-business-travellers-medical-tourists-309377" hreflang="en">Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists</a>

Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said.&nbsp;

In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/thailands-tourism-social-enterprises-help-locals-hit-by-coronavirus-307942" hreflang="en">Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus</a>

However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. &nbsp;

The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. &nbsp; &nbsp; Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.&nbsp;

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms.

Thai schools reopened on Wednesday for the first time since mid-March, with precautions in place to guard against the coronavirus, ranging from temperature checks to installing makeshift cubicles for social distancing in classrooms. At Sam Khok school, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Bangkok, nearly 5,000 students were told to self-quarantine at home for 15-days prior to the re-start as an extra precaution, Principal Chuchart Thiengtham said. "Once students arrive at school, teachers hand face masks to them because it's mandatory to wear them," said Chuchart, adding that face shields were also provided to pupils for additional safety during some activities. Also read: Thailand set to ease nightlife lockdown; allow business travellers, medical tourists Students also get their temperatures checked and a facial recognition scanner automatically sends a message to parents, he said. In the classroom, the school has turned cardboard ballot boxes used in elections into partitions to ensure social distancing between desks. "I feel good studying behind the box because it makes me feel safer returning to school," said student Kanlaya Srimongkhol. Also read: Thailand's tourism social enterprises help locals hit by coronavirus However, 17-year-old Soponwich Thianthong said while he felt more secure the partitions could be irritating because it limited his field of vision. The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand out of 3,173 infections, though the country has not recorded a case of local transmission for 37 days. Thailand this week extended an emergency decree until the end of July in a bid to avoid the risk of a second wave, even as it relaxed more restrictions by also opening bars and allowing some foreigners into the country.

Schools reopen across Thailand with temperature checks, masks

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday.

The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/source-very-very-important-who-will-send-expert-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19s-origin-309694" hreflang="en">‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin</a>

Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments.

So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay.

Reciprocation is key

China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list.

For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions.

This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population.

Countries may go a different route

However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval.

Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-california-texas-see-record-covid-19-surges-arizona-clamps-down-309630" hreflang="en">US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down</a>

For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out.

Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden.

When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19.

The European Union released its initial “safe list” as it prepares to reopen its borders for non-essential travel from Wednesday. The 27-member organisation, however, sidelined United States from its pilot list, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19. Also read: ‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin Besides its own member-countries, the EU will now allow travel from 14 countries, as stated by the Council of the EU - a club representative of EU governments. So far, the countries to make it onto the list include Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia, and Uruguay. Reciprocation is key China, too, has been given approval provisionally. However, there’s a catch - the EU would allow Chinese travellers only if China allows EU visitors, making reciprocation an intrinsic part of making it onto the list. For Russia, US, Brazil, and Turkey, the bloc will rethink its decision based on the progression of the virus in the countries after two weeks. The reviews will happen every two weeks. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' This is part of EU’s bigger plan to open itself up for tourism and travel, in a bid to resuscitate the dry economy, which has crippled livelihoods of millions. This list, which was passed today, required a “qualified majority” of EU nations, implying 15 EU countries which represent 65 per cent of the population. Countries may go a different route However, it is not an arbitrary list. Individual countries can enforce other measures to deter travel from countries that are on the list. However, no additions can be made without the bloc’s approval. Earlier efforts to reopen the borders fell short, especially in the Schengen area, which serves as a window to the 26 countries, for most countries are only providing minimal access to certain visitors. Also read: US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down For instance, Greece has made testing of people arriving into the country compulsory, even from within the bloc. These include France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. Moreover, those people would undergo quarantine until the results came out. Similarly, the Czech Republic has disallowed tourists coming in from Portugal and Sweden. When it comes to the UK, they may travel to multiple EU countries, but non-essential travellers to Britain have to undergo a mandatory 14-day self-isolation.

EU releases pilot 'safe list' for non-essential travel, no US citizens allowed

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.&nbsp;The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication.

Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

“We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643" hreflang="en">As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a>

The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said.

Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals.

Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-chief-warns-that-the-worst-is-yet-to-come-in-covid-19-pandemic-309546/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Second-wave&nbsp;

Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/pandemic-is-speeding-up-warns-who-chief-as-reinfections-surface-globally-309501" hreflang="en">'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally</a>

In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently.

Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday.

The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide.

The World Health Organization (WHO) will soon send a team of experts to China to understand and analyse the origin of COVID-19, which has now infected over 10 million people worldwide. The WHO claims that a better understanding of the origin of the virus will facilitate its management and eradication. Calling the source of any virus “very, very important”, WHO chief said that fighting a virus is easier when one knows everything about it. “Knowing the source of the virus is very, very important,” the WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a virtual press conference on Monday. “We can fight the virus better when we know everything about the virus, including how it started,” he added. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' The organisation intends to send a professional team to China next week. “We will be sending a team next week to China to prepare for that and we hope that that will lead into understanding how the virus started”, he further said. Scientists are almost certain that the virus was transmitted from animals to humans. Emerging in Wuhan’s wet food market, the suspected carriers include bats, pangolins, etc. Meat of exotic animals is widely consumed in China, with many Chinese believing in the healing properties of animals. Even though the WHO chief did not point out to the make-up of the team, and what its exact mission would be, he did warn that the virus was “speeding up”. He had earlier claimed that “the worst is still to come”, and called for a global effort instead of fragmented efforts. Second-wave Even though there is no official second-wave yet, cases have resurfaces with new clusters in the Chinese capital of Beijing, forcing the whole city into a lockdown. Here too, the cases emerged from a local meat market. Also read: 'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally In the US, California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona reimposed restrictions on movement following a new surge in the number of cases, with many states recording their highest hospitalisations ever, reiterating the view of many professionals, who believe that the second-wave is usually more devastating than the first. New York governor recently asked president Donald Trump to make face coverings in public mandatory, something that was done in the UK very recently. Countries like India and Brazil are now hitting the peak of their first-wave infections, inducting record cases everyday. The US continues to remain the hardest hit country, with 2.6 million infections and over 126,131 deaths. Over 500,000 have died globally, with the number of cases expected to hit 11 million over the course of this week.

‘Source very, very important’: WHO will send expert team to China to investigate COVID-19’s origin

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while&nbsp;referring to this elusive new flu.

The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic.

"Pandemic virus"

Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored.

"We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccines-trial-on-pigs-shows-promise-with-two-shots-307935" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots</a>

"It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added.

The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/who-to-send-a-team-to-china-to-investigate-covid-19-virus-origin-309560/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"G4"

During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said.

The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/swine-flu-strain-with-human-pandemic-potential-found-increasingly-in-china-309525" hreflang="en">Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China</a>

Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream.

The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented".

The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market.

"China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday.

The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide.

A new flu virus which has emerged among pigs in China has sparked concerns of another pandemic, while the world still reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected over 10 million people worldwide. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that they will read a new study carefully while referring to this elusive new flu. The WHO also added that the issue that needs to be highlighted is the surveillance of ongoing influenza and upcoming influenza during the ongoing pandemic. "Pandemic virus" Reports suggest that the new flu virus has gained traction and is becoming more infectious by day, and needs to be monitored closely. The WHO said that the virus may become a “pandemic virus” if it is ignored. "We will read carefully the paper to understand what is new," the WHO's Christian Lindmeier said during a briefing in Geneva, while asserting the need to collaborate on potential findings and to monitor animal populations that may be susceptible to contracting and spreading the virus. Also read: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots "It also highlights we cannot let our guard down on influenza and need to be vigilant and continue surveillance even in the coronavirus pandemic," Lindmeier added. The study said that there is no imminent threat, but said that health authorities need to be watchful. "G4" During their research, the Chinese scientists monitored viruses in pigs from 2011 to 2018, and discovered that a “G4” strain possesses the capability to trigger another pandemic, while the world is already battered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This strain has “all the essential hallmarks of a candidate pandemic virus", the study said. The paper was published by an American journal - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also read: Swine flu strain with 'human pandemic potential' found increasingly in China Additionally, workers in vicinity of the pigs in the farm also had a higher concentration of the virus in their bloodstream. The researchers had added that “close monitoring in human populations, especially the workers in the swine industry, should be urgently implemented". The study added that once the species barrier is crossed, and the virus spreads among people, another pandemic may be triggered. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic also emerged in China, and reportedly spread to humans through a seafood market. "China is following the developments in regard to this matter. We will take necessary measures to prevent the spread and outbreak of any virus," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday. The study referred to pigs as “mixing vessels” and suggested “systematic surveillance” of the issue.

As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases.&nbsp;

Los Angeles has become a new epicenter in the pandemic as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge there despite California Governor Gavin Newsom's strict orders requiring bars to close and residents to wear masks in nearly all public spaces.

"The alarming increases in cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations signals that we, as a community, need to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19," Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said in a statement announcing the sharp rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/united-states-surpasses-25-million-coronavirus-cases-johns-hopkins-309087" hreflang="en">United States surpasses 2.5 million coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins</a>

"Otherwise, we are quickly moving toward overwhelming our healthcare system and seeing even more devastating illness and death," Ferrer said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a "hard pause" on when movie theaters, theme parks and other entertainment venues can reopen. Los Angeles County is the biggest movie theater market in the United States.

Los Angeles County said its beaches will be closed for the Independence Day weekend and fireworks displays will be banned.

Statewide positive tests for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, rose by at least 7,418 in California Monday to nearly 223,000, the biggest one-day increase since tracking began. Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 100,000 cases.&nbsp;

California is among a number of U.S. states including Florida, Texas and Arizona battling a new wave of infections as the nation emerges from weeks of clamp-downs on residents and businesses. COVID-19 infections in Texas rose by 6,545 on Monday to nearly 160,000, also setting a record for a one-day increase.

Nationally, cases rose by more than 40,000, for the fourth time in the past five days.&nbsp;

ARIZONA HIT HARD

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and water parks for at least 30 days. Ducey also delayed the start of public schools until at least Aug. 17.&nbsp;

"Our expectation is that next week our numbers will be worse," Ducey said at an afternoon news conference. Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to discuss efforts to fight the pandemic's resurgence.&nbsp;

Texas and Florida ordered the closure of all their recently reopened bars on Friday.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on Monday indoor dining will not resume on Thursday as planned and would be postponed indefinitely.

In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly imposed a statewide mandate requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces, which she said was necessary to avoid another shutdown.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-pandemic-has-brought-the-united-states-on-its-knees-cdc-director-308102" hreflang="en">'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director</a>

Beaches in Florida’s Broward County and Palm Beach County will not open for the July 3-5 holiday weekend, officials said on Sunday, a blow to residents hoping to celebrate Independence Day there. Miami-Dade County has also announced beach closures for the holiday weekend.

AMC, the largest U.S. movie theater chain, on Monday said it was pushing back the reopening of its theaters to July 30 from July 15.

In June, 22 U.S. states reported record increases in new cases, often multiple times, including Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah.&nbsp;

The city of Jacksonville, Florida, venue for part of the Republican nominating convention in August, said on Twitter it would be requiring masks in public starting later on Monday.

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Monday that Trump "has no problem with masks and to do whatever your local jurisdiction requests."

The New York Times reported on Monday that 43% of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 were linked to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The paper cited its own tracking database.

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases.

California and Texas both marked record spikes in new COVID-19 infections on Monday, a Reuters tally showed, as Los Angeles reported an "alarming" one-day surge in America's second-largest city that put it over 100,000 cases. Los Angeles has become a new epicenter in the pandemic as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations surge there despite California Governor Gavin Newsom's strict orders requiring bars to close and residents to wear masks in nearly all public spaces. "The alarming increases in cases, positivity rates and hospitalizations signals that we, as a community, need to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19," Barbara Ferrer, director of public health for Los Angeles County, said in a statement announcing the sharp rise. Also read: United States surpasses 2.5 million coronavirus cases: Johns Hopkins "Otherwise, we are quickly moving toward overwhelming our healthcare system and seeing even more devastating illness and death," Ferrer said. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced a "hard pause" on when movie theaters, theme parks and other entertainment venues can reopen. Los Angeles County is the biggest movie theater market in the United States. Los Angeles County said its beaches will be closed for the Independence Day weekend and fireworks displays will be banned. Statewide positive tests for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, rose by at least 7,418 in California Monday to nearly 223,000, the biggest one-day increase since tracking began. Los Angeles County, with a population of 10 million, has recorded 100,000 cases. California is among a number of U.S. states including Florida, Texas and Arizona battling a new wave of infections as the nation emerges from weeks of clamp-downs on residents and businesses. COVID-19 infections in Texas rose by 6,545 on Monday to nearly 160,000, also setting a record for a one-day increase. Nationally, cases rose by more than 40,000, for the fourth time in the past five days. ARIZONA HIT HARD Arizona Governor Doug Ducey on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, gyms, movie theaters and water parks for at least 30 days. Ducey also delayed the start of public schools until at least Aug. 17. "Our expectation is that next week our numbers will be worse," Ducey said at an afternoon news conference. Vice President Mike Pence will travel to Phoenix on Wednesday to discuss efforts to fight the pandemic's resurgence. Texas and Florida ordered the closure of all their recently reopened bars on Friday. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said on Monday indoor dining will not resume on Thursday as planned and would be postponed indefinitely. In Kansas, Governor Laura Kelly imposed a statewide mandate requiring the wearing of masks in public spaces, which she said was necessary to avoid another shutdown. Also read: 'Coronavirus pandemic has brought the United States on its knees': CDC director Beaches in Florida’s Broward County and Palm Beach County will not open for the July 3-5 holiday weekend, officials said on Sunday, a blow to residents hoping to celebrate Independence Day there. Miami-Dade County has also announced beach closures for the holiday weekend. AMC, the largest U.S. movie theater chain, on Monday said it was pushing back the reopening of its theaters to July 30 from July 15. In June, 22 U.S. states reported record increases in new cases, often multiple times, including Alaska, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon and Utah. The city of Jacksonville, Florida, venue for part of the Republican nominating convention in August, said on Twitter it would be requiring masks in public starting later on Monday. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said on Monday that Trump "has no problem with masks and to do whatever your local jurisdiction requests." The New York Times reported on Monday that 43% of U.S. deaths from COVID-19 were linked to nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The paper cited its own tracking database.

US: California, Texas see record COVID-19 surges, Arizona clamps down

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse.&nbsp;

Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March.

In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/china-to-take-countermeasures-over-us-ban-on-military-exports-to-hong-kong-309545" hreflang="en">China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong</a>

The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised.&nbsp;

"The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said.

For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hong-kong-pro-democracy-party-demosisto-disbands-over-security-law-fears-309598" hreflang="en">Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears</a>

Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year.

Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April.&nbsp;

The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670.&nbsp;

Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city.

Hong Kong's retail sales in May slumped 32.8% from a year earlier, falling for the 16th consecutive month as the virus pandemic slammed the brakes on tourism and spending in the city. Months of anti-government protest have also weighed on business activity in the Chinese-ruled financial hub, pushing many retailers to the brink of collapse. Sales dropped to HK$26.8 billion ($3.46 billion), government data showed on Tuesday. They tumbled a steeper 36.1% in value terms in April and 42.1% in March. In volume terms, retail sales in May plummeted 33.9%, compared with a revised 37.5% fall in April. Also read: China to take 'countermeasures' over US ban on military exports to Hong Kong The government said the decline in May continued as inbound tourism remained at a standstill and job and income conditions were weak although the coronavirus situation had stabilised. "The business environment for retail trade remains difficult amid austere labour market conditions and the travel restrictions in place," a government spokesman said. For the first five months of 2020, the value of total retail sales decreased by 34.8%, and 36.5% by volume, compared with the same period in 2019. Also read: Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears Hong Kong's economy suffered its worst quarterly drop on record in the first three months of the year, while the city's biggest retailer association has estimated that 15,000 retail stores will close by the end of the year. Hong Kong's tourist arrivals in May plunged by 99.9 from a year earlier to 8,139 visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board said, matching the same percentage drop in April. The number of mainland visitors also fell 99.9% to 5,670. Sales of jewellery, watches, clocks and valuable gifts, which rely heavily on mainland tourists, sank 69.7% in May, compared with a 76.7% plunge in April. Sales fell 67.0% for the January-May period.

Hong Kong May retail sales tumble as spending, tourism evaporate

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday released Unlock-2 guidelines which will be in force till July 31.

"Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in containment zones till July 31. In containment zones, only essential activities to be allowed," the press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, while also listing the specific details on what would be allowed and what remains prohibited.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNLOCK2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNLOCK2</a>: National directives for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> management; wearing of face cover is compulsory in public places, workplaces and during transport. <a href="https://t.co/WJTjkhxqO9">pic.twitter.com/WJTjkhxqO9</a>
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According to the Unlock 2 guidelines, Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations remain prohibited.&nbsp;

Metro Rail services shall remain shut and cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will also not be allowed to open.&nbsp;

All activities apart from those prohibited will be allowed outside containment zones. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday released Unlock-2 guidelines which will be in force till July 31. "Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in containment zones till July 31.

The Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday released Unlock-2 guidelines which will be in force till July 31. "Lockdown shall continue to remain in force in containment zones till July 31. In containment zones, only essential activities to be allowed," the press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said, while also listing the specific details on what would be allowed and what remains prohibited. #UNLOCK2: National directives for #COVID19 management; wearing of face cover is compulsory in public places, workplaces and during transport. pic.twitter.com/WJTjkhxqO9 — ANI (@ANI) June 29, 2020 × According to the Unlock 2 guidelines, Social/ political/ sports/ entertainment/ academic/ cultural/ religious functions and other large congregations remain prohibited. Metro Rail services shall remain shut and cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls and similar places will also not be allowed to open. All activities apart from those prohibited will be allowed outside containment zones. (With inputs from agencies)

Schools, colleges, cinemas to remain shut till July 31: Centre issues guidelines for Unlock 2.0 

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief recently said that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449" hreflang="en">COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million</a>

China had alerted the WHO six months ago of a novel respiratory infection, he said.

“The grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached”, the chief added.

"Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move," he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-pandemic-260000-covid-19-cases-in-brazil-deadliest-week-309393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up”, Ghebreyesus said.

Mike Ryan, the head of WHO’s emergencies programme, speaking at the same briefing said that a lot of progress has been made in finding a “safe and effective vaccine” against COVID-19. However, he added that there was no guarantee of it succeeding.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/we-cannot-defeat-this-pandemic-with-a-divided-world-who-chief-307686" hreflang="en">We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world: WHO chief</a>

Ryan further suggested that countries currently fighting it can control it by improving the testing, isolation, and contact tracing. He also complimented South Korea, Japan, and Germany for their "comprehensive, sustained strategy" against the virus.

Later this week, the WHO will meet to assess the progress of coronavirus research, and its results.

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning.

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief recently said that the coronavirus pandemic is not even close to being over. Also read: COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million China had alerted the WHO six months ago of a novel respiratory infection, he said. “The grim milestones of 10 million confirmed infections and 500,000 deaths had been reached”, the chief added. "Most people remain susceptible, the virus still has a lot of room to move," he said. "We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives. But the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over. Although many countries have made some progress globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up”, Ghebreyesus said. Mike Ryan, the head of WHO’s emergencies programme, speaking at the same briefing said that a lot of progress has been made in finding a “safe and effective vaccine” against COVID-19. However, he added that there was no guarantee of it succeeding. Also read: We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world: WHO chief Ryan further suggested that countries currently fighting it can control it by improving the testing, isolation, and contact tracing. He also complimented South Korea, Japan, and Germany for their "comprehensive, sustained strategy" against the virus. Later this week, the WHO will meet to assess the progress of coronavirus research, and its results.

'Pandemic is speeding up', warns WHO chief as reinfections surface globally

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™,&nbsp; India’s 1st&nbsp; vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I &amp; II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020.

Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&amp;D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.”

Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses.

&nbsp;“Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.&nbsp;

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I & II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020. Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.” Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses. “Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.

Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I & II human clinical trials

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states.

The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate. According to sources, Poland is set to receive a major chunk of the recovery fund. Many critics and members of the EU are protesting the allocation, calling for a boycott of Poland for the continuous attacks on the judiciary and the public discourse of LGBTQIA+ community.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/european-union-to-speed-up-space-ambitions-309423" hreflang="en">European Union to speed up space ambitions</a>

Poland has suffered minimal economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is set to receive a lot of funding from the EU.

Displeasure over distribution

The Guardian reported that a lot of EU members are displeased with the distribution of funds. The European council president Charles Michel has been approached by two prime ministers to rethink and to enforce stricter terms for funding.

The commission had planned a set-up to strip countries of funds in case they continue to promote human rights abuses and segregation. It will now be put to test, seeking a majority.

The European Union and its 27 representatives will meet in Brussels on July 17 to come up with a recovery plan for the European region, given the intensity of the recession, which some have called to be bigger than the Great Depression.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/britain-will-have-weaker-economic-ties-with-eu-post-brexit-angela-merkel-309011" hreflang="en">'Britain will have weaker economic ties with EU post Brexit': Angela Merkel</a>

As part of its goals, the commission will seek €750 billion from international markets. Out of this, €560 billion&nbsp; will be used to resuscitate the economy.

Poland is expected to receive €37 billion, and will make a contribution of €21billion. Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries in the world, will receive €81.8 billion net, and will make a contribution of €59 billion. In essence, the country will receive just €22 billion.

Anti-LGBT rhetoric

Poland’s president Andrzej Duda has faced criticism for his comments on the LGBTQIA+ community recently. He recently claimed that the community was part of “foreign attempts” to subvert the traditions and values of Poland.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/11-european-countries-have-shown-significant-virus-resurgence-who-308680" hreflang="en">11 European countries have shown significant virus resurgence: WHO</a>

His party, Law and Justice (PiS) recently declared the country an “LGBT-freezone”, with attempts to muzzle “LGBT ideology”.

The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen recently said that the money should be used to strengthen the poorest member states.

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states. The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate.

The European Union is in the process of finalising the bifurcation of coronavirus recovery funds to be divided among member states. The funds allocated to one country have stirred a debate. According to sources, Poland is set to receive a major chunk of the recovery fund. Many critics and members of the EU are protesting the allocation, calling for a boycott of Poland for the continuous attacks on the judiciary and the public discourse of LGBTQIA+ community. Also read: European Union to speed up space ambitions Poland has suffered minimal economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is set to receive a lot of funding from the EU. Displeasure over distribution The Guardian reported that a lot of EU members are displeased with the distribution of funds. The European council president Charles Michel has been approached by two prime ministers to rethink and to enforce stricter terms for funding. The commission had planned a set-up to strip countries of funds in case they continue to promote human rights abuses and segregation. It will now be put to test, seeking a majority. The European Union and its 27 representatives will meet in Brussels on July 17 to come up with a recovery plan for the European region, given the intensity of the recession, which some have called to be bigger than the Great Depression. Also read: 'Britain will have weaker economic ties with EU post Brexit': Angela Merkel As part of its goals, the commission will seek €750 billion from international markets. Out of this, €560 billion will be used to resuscitate the economy. Poland is expected to receive €37 billion, and will make a contribution of €21billion. Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries in the world, will receive €81.8 billion net, and will make a contribution of €59 billion. In essence, the country will receive just €22 billion. Anti-LGBT rhetoric Poland’s president Andrzej Duda has faced criticism for his comments on the LGBTQIA+ community recently. He recently claimed that the community was part of “foreign attempts” to subvert the traditions and values of Poland. Also read: 11 European countries have shown significant virus resurgence: WHO His party, Law and Justice (PiS) recently declared the country an “LGBT-freezone”, with attempts to muzzle “LGBT ideology”. The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen recently said that the money should be used to strengthen the poorest member states.

EU members displeased over uneven distribution of coronavirus recovery funds

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit.

Due to this, rats across the globe are exhibiting violent behaviour, going as far as eating each other.

Cannibal rats are the newest entry into the post-lockdown life. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently noticed “unusual” behaviour among rats, and warned of potential “aggressive” behaviour, which includes devouring rat puppies.

However, this isn’t an unusual phenomenon among mammals, Steve Belmain, a professor at the Natural Resources Institute in Kent, UK told the Guardian that “mothers will eat their young in the hope of one day being able to reproduce again”.

The professor added that rat mums will not starve to death in the case of food shortage.

<h6><img alt="Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="81561497-e4b8-4ae2-a250-f2aadc028d7a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_34.jpg" /> 
Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society. | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Rodents are angrier

Ferocious starving rats have triggered a trend in the UK. According to pest control firm Rentokil’s data provided to the Guardian, almost 80 per cent increase has been noted in website visits, suggesting rodents are becoming harder to deal with. It also suggests that rats are now venturing into homes in the absence of refuse on the streets.

Rats can develop cannibalistic behaviour in the absence of enough food. This may start as chewing the toe or the ear, and this becoming a full-fledged cannibal enterprise.

Another firm, Cleankill reported a 20 per cent increase in rat related calls compared to last year.

Trends across the globe suggests that rats have become braver in terms of how often they venture into homes, as opposed to the more common invader - mice. Additionally, having a cat at home may be a good way to control rats, but it also may end up inviting more rodents into the house, as those who happen to survive may build a home where they are, further wreaking havoc.

Cleankill recently told told the Guardian that they went to weed out rats from a motor home, where they found that the rat had built a nest in an engine compartment and were eating the seat fabric.

Rats tend to be more violent when hungry, which is why local leaders in the UK have asked people to keep their toilet seats down after using them, to avoid an attack, or a potential hazard.

Also, rats have the capacity to breed at an astonishing rate. They possess the ability to conceive immediately after giving birth, which implies that they could have two batches of litter at the same time, who also start reproducing three months later.

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit.

Rodents across the world are facing food shortages due to their interdependence on human beings. As people cut down on how often they venture outside, the amount of potential food and leftovers for rodents to eat has also taken a hit. Due to this, rats across the globe are exhibiting violent behaviour, going as far as eating each other. Cannibal rats are the newest entry into the post-lockdown life. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently noticed “unusual” behaviour among rats, and warned of potential “aggressive” behaviour, which includes devouring rat puppies. However, this isn’t an unusual phenomenon among mammals, Steve Belmain, a professor at the Natural Resources Institute in Kent, UK told the Guardian that “mothers will eat their young in the hope of one day being able to reproduce again”. The professor added that rat mums will not starve to death in the case of food shortage. Rats drink from bowl of milk at the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke near Bikaner, in the Indian state of Rajasthan on December 24, 2018. Hindu devotees offer prayers and donate milk to the rats at the temple, in a tradition thought to contribute to the betterment of their family and wider society. | AFP Rodents are angrier Ferocious starving rats have triggered a trend in the UK. According to pest control firm Rentokil’s data provided to the Guardian, almost 80 per cent increase has been noted in website visits, suggesting rodents are becoming harder to deal with. It also suggests that rats are now venturing into homes in the absence of refuse on the streets. Rats can develop cannibalistic behaviour in the absence of enough food. This may start as chewing the toe or the ear, and this becoming a full-fledged cannibal enterprise. Another firm, Cleankill reported a 20 per cent increase in rat related calls compared to last year. Trends across the globe suggests that rats have become braver in terms of how often they venture into homes, as opposed to the more common invader - mice. Additionally, having a cat at home may be a good way to control rats, but it also may end up inviting more rodents into the house, as those who happen to survive may build a home where they are, further wreaking havoc. Cleankill recently told told the Guardian that they went to weed out rats from a motor home, where they found that the rat had built a nest in an engine compartment and were eating the seat fabric. Rats tend to be more violent when hungry, which is why local leaders in the UK have asked people to keep their toilet seats down after using them, to avoid an attack, or a potential hazard. Also, rats have the capacity to breed at an astonishing rate. They possess the ability to conceive immediately after giving birth, which implies that they could have two batches of litter at the same time, who also start reproducing three months later.

Global lockdowns may have birthed hungrier and angrier cannibal rats!

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy.

Groups such as trade unions across the United Kingdom demand a fairer financial recovery, and&nbsp;the people have rejected the idea of economy as it existed.

A YouGov poll revealed that 31 per cent people seek a major overhaul to&nbsp;the functioning of the economy, while 28 per cent asked for moderate changes. Additionally, only six per cent people seemed okay with how things were running before the pandemic hit.

Additionally, 44 per cent people showed negative feelings toward the future of the economy, while only 27 per cent exhibited optimism. Out of the total voters, 49 per cent said that the pandemic had deepened economic inequality.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/record-unemployment-looms-in-uk-more-than-600000-lose-work-306541/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

350 influential British figures recently sought “fairer and greener” economy in the aftermath of COVID-19. These included the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the former head of civil service Bob Kerslake.

Kerslake said, “As the country begins to emerge from the crisis, it is becoming clear that people want a better future, not simply to return to where we were before. As with big crises in the past – from wars to the Great Depression – it was universally agreed that there was no going back”, the Guardian reported.

Build Back Better

The “Build Back Better” campaign was spearheaded by the New Economics Foundation, who also commissioned the study.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/uk-plans-local-lockdowns-indian-origin-people-among-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus-309197" hreflang="en">UK plans local lockdowns, Indian-origin people among hardest hit by coronavirus</a>

As part of this, people are asking for an economy recovery that is more people-centric and socialist in nature. It asks for more funding to the National Health Service, and to address inequality so that new jobs can be created.

Labour leader Keir Starmer attacked Conservative Johnson for “inaction and broken promises” in the last ten years, while referring to his plans to spend billions on the country’s economic recovery. Starmer also called for increased spending on education and healthcare, especially for young people.

“Our recovery from the coronavirus crisis needs to match the scale of the challenge. It must be built on solid foundations. It has to work for the whole country and end the deep injustices across the country”, Starmer added.

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy.

A new poll has revealed that only six per cent of the British public wants the revitalisation of the economy as it existed before coronavirus wreaked havoc across the globe and decapitated the economy. Groups such as trade unions across the United Kingdom demand a fairer financial recovery, and the people have rejected the idea of economy as it existed. A YouGov poll revealed that 31 per cent people seek a major overhaul to the functioning of the economy, while 28 per cent asked for moderate changes. Additionally, only six per cent people seemed okay with how things were running before the pandemic hit. Additionally, 44 per cent people showed negative feelings toward the future of the economy, while only 27 per cent exhibited optimism. Out of the total voters, 49 per cent said that the pandemic had deepened economic inequality. 350 influential British figures recently sought “fairer and greener” economy in the aftermath of COVID-19. These included the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the former head of civil service Bob Kerslake. Kerslake said, “As the country begins to emerge from the crisis, it is becoming clear that people want a better future, not simply to return to where we were before. As with big crises in the past – from wars to the Great Depression – it was universally agreed that there was no going back”, the Guardian reported. Build Back Better The “Build Back Better” campaign was spearheaded by the New Economics Foundation, who also commissioned the study. Also read: UK plans local lockdowns, Indian-origin people among hardest hit by coronavirus As part of this, people are asking for an economy recovery that is more people-centric and socialist in nature. It asks for more funding to the National Health Service, and to address inequality so that new jobs can be created. Labour leader Keir Starmer attacked Conservative Johnson for “inaction and broken promises” in the last ten years, while referring to his plans to spend billions on the country’s economic recovery. Starmer also called for increased spending on education and healthcare, especially for young people. “Our recovery from the coronavirus crisis needs to match the scale of the challenge. It must be built on solid foundations. It has to work for the whole country and end the deep injustices across the country”, Starmer added.

'Build Back Better': Poll reveals only 6% British public wants a pre-COVID style economy

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-3-lakh-covid-19-patients-cured-recovery-rate-at-58-health-ministry-309362" hreflang="en">Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry</a> 
 
A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.”&nbsp; 
 
Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies.

These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease.&nbsp;In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus.

Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days.

Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for&nbsp;convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable.

Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's&nbsp;

As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.&nbsp;

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project.

Soon Maharashtra would begin trials for the world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy, to treat critical patients of Covid-19. A step in this direction was taken today when state Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray inaugurated Project PLATINA, a mega convalescent plasma therapy trial and project. Launched by the medical Education and Drugs Department, the e-inauguration was attended by various ministers including Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh- Minister of Medical Education and Cultural Affairs, Rajesh Tope- Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare and Rajendra Patil Yedravkar- Minister for Medical Education and Drugs and Cultural Affairs. Also read: Over 3 lakh COVID-19 patients cured, recovery rate at 58%: Health ministry A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said, “This trial will help formulate definite treatment guidelines for the entire country in managing serious COVID patients and thus be a milestone in turning a page in this pandemic. The PLATINA trial will be World’s largest trial and hence will give robust data regarding role of convalescent plasma in treatment of Covid 19 patients, thereby helping Governments to issue guidelines in the management of the pandemic.” Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment used on patients with severe coronavirus disease. Plasma is a component of blood that contains antibodies, the blood of people who have recovered from Covid-19 infection contains required antibodies. These antibodies are molecules that have learned to recognise and fight the pathogens, such as viruses, that cause the disease. In recent times, world over researchers and healthcare professionals have been studying the possibility of using this method to treat people with Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV2 virus. Under this trial in Maharashtra, all critical patients will receive two doses of 200ml of convalescent plasma. The entire plasma treatment will be free of cost to all coronavirus patients admitted in any one of the 21 listed Covid centers of the government. In his virtual address to the state on Sunday, CM Thackeray had urged Covid-19 survivors to come forward and donate their plasma to strengthen the fight against the pandemic. The Chief Minister’s Office through its relief fund has allocated Rs 16.85 crore for the project cum research trial. Ahead of the launch, crucial planning, clearances and most importantly completion of dedicated Covid-19 plasma banks to initiate this project was accomplished within 21 days. Today’s launch would enable, clinical trials with immediate effect, setting up of covid-19 plasma banks at 13 centres, eligible donors to donate plasma and in cases of emergency permission would be granted for convalescent plasma in mild and moderate cases in dedicated COVID hospitals, government, private and charitable. Also, the state intends to take this study further and isolate monoclonal antibodies against COVID from this plasma and study its structure and possibly produce it in an artificial form. As a collateral benefit, this will create an infrastructure of plasmapheresis in all medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, said the Chief Minister's As per latest data, Maharashtra has 70,607 active cases of Covid-19, almost half of these have been reported from its capital city of Mumbai.

Maharashtra to conduct world’s largest convalescent plasma therapy trial

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said.

The nation of about 2.8 million people has the second highest tally of infections among the six Gulf Arab states, after its much larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia. It announced 750 new cases on Sunday, taking the total to 94,413, with 110 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/uae-suspends-receiving-passengers-from-pakistan-over-covid-fears-309356" hreflang="en">UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears</a>

In a statement late on Sunday, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management said restaurants will reopen at limited capacity from July 1, as would public beaches and parks.

Public and private gatherings of a maximum of five people will be allowed, while employees in the public and private sector can work from the office at 50% capacity, it added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/uae-architects-use-salt-to-create-cement-307584" hreflang="en">UAE: Architects use salt to create cement</a>

As in other Gulf states, Qatar saw COVID-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters, but the government did not impose curfew. This month, it allowed "essential flights" out of Doha, a partial reopening of malls and of some mosques.

Qatar has also announced that from Aug. 1, it will permit flights from low-risk countries to resume, malls to operate at full capacity and other markets at limited capacity.

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said.

Qatar aims to further ease coronavirus curbs from July 1, allowing the limited reopening of restaurants, beaches and parks, as infections have passed their peak and the rate was subsiding, authorities said. The nation of about 2.8 million people has the second highest tally of infections among the six Gulf Arab states, after its much larger neighbour, Saudi Arabia. It announced 750 new cases on Sunday, taking the total to 94,413, with 110 deaths. Also read: UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears In a statement late on Sunday, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management said restaurants will reopen at limited capacity from July 1, as would public beaches and parks. Public and private gatherings of a maximum of five people will be allowed, while employees in the public and private sector can work from the office at 50% capacity, it added. Also read: UAE: Architects use salt to create cement As in other Gulf states, Qatar saw COVID-19 spread among low-income migrant workers living in crowded quarters, but the government did not impose curfew. This month, it allowed "essential flights" out of Doha, a partial reopening of malls and of some mosques. Qatar has also announced that from Aug. 1, it will permit flights from low-risk countries to resume, malls to operate at full capacity and other markets at limited capacity.

Qatar to further ease coronavirus curbs as infections pass peak

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday.&nbsp;

Nearly 14 million people in 26 different provinces had been affected by storms and floods by Friday, with 744,000 evacuated, the China Daily reported, citing the Ministry for Emergency Management. The ministry said 78 people have been confirmed dead or missing, with direct economic losses at 27.8 billion yuan ($3.93 billion).&nbsp;

Much of the damage has hit southwestern regions like Guangxi and Sichuan, and the municipality of Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river last week experienced its worst floods since 1940.&nbsp;

But central and eastern regions are set to bear the brunt this week, with some facing 30mm to 50mm (1.2 inches to 2 inches) of rain per hour by Wednesday, the state meteorological bureau said.&nbsp;

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Regions along the banks of the Yangtze and its tributaries are traditionally vulnerable to flooding in China's summer, with the impact of heavy rainfall worsened by deforestation, dwindling flood plains and the diversion of natural river systems for hydropower and irrigation.&nbsp;

Rainfall has also been heavier than usual, with water volumes in 148 rivers already reaching emergency levels by mid-June. Local authorities are under instruction to pay attention to potential dam and reservoir collapses.

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Some Yangtze tributaries have already experienced their worst floods ever, including the Xiaojinchuan in Sichuan province. The water resources ministry warned last week that other smaller rivers could be "stricken by major floods" and lakes are also under close scrutiny.

Authorities have promised to minimise flood damage in the city of Wuhan as it struggles to recover from the coronavirus outbreak.

Wuhan, which lies on the Yangtze, was hit by China's last major floods in 1998, which killed more than 3,000 people and left 14 million homeless.

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday.

Torrential rain is set to hit China's eastern coastal regions this week after overwhelming large parts of the southwest, inundating villages and tourist spots and displacing more than 700,000 people, state weather forecasters said on Monday. Nearly 14 million people in 26 different provinces had been affected by storms and floods by Friday, with 744,000 evacuated, the China Daily reported, citing the Ministry for Emergency Management. The ministry said 78 people have been confirmed dead or missing, with direct economic losses at 27.8 billion yuan ($3.93 billion). Much of the damage has hit southwestern regions like Guangxi and Sichuan, and the municipality of Chongqing on the upper reaches of the Yangtze river last week experienced its worst floods since 1940. But central and eastern regions are set to bear the brunt this week, with some facing 30mm to 50mm (1.2 inches to 2 inches) of rain per hour by Wednesday, the state meteorological bureau said. You might also like: After US, China to impose visa restrictions against Americans over Hong Kong row Regions along the banks of the Yangtze and its tributaries are traditionally vulnerable to flooding in China's summer, with the impact of heavy rainfall worsened by deforestation, dwindling flood plains and the diversion of natural river systems for hydropower and irrigation. Rainfall has also been heavier than usual, with water volumes in 148 rivers already reaching emergency levels by mid-June. Local authorities are under instruction to pay attention to potential dam and reservoir collapses. You might also like: China puts half a million people in lockdown as Beijing fights new cluster of coronavirus cases Some Yangtze tributaries have already experienced their worst floods ever, including the Xiaojinchuan in Sichuan province. The water resources ministry warned last week that other smaller rivers could be "stricken by major floods" and lakes are also under close scrutiny. Authorities have promised to minimise flood damage in the city of Wuhan as it struggles to recover from the coronavirus outbreak. Wuhan, which lies on the Yangtze, was hit by China's last major floods in 1998, which killed more than 3,000 people and left 14 million homeless.

More Chinese regions brace for floods as storms shift east

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex worldwide emergency without contemporary precedent. In every nation around the globe, the pandemic reaction is taking up the bulk of resources, expertise, time and effort.

But, how might individuals and frameworks adapt if a major natural disaster, similar to floods, quake or a tropical storm, happens while the COVID-19 pandemic proceeds?

The early wake-up calls for nations around the globe for natural hazards still loom large during the COVID-19 pandemic, including floods, fires, tornadoes, storms, and even volcanic eruptions.

Natural disasters have been made worse by the pandemic. Emergency workers are tired of fighting the Wuhan virus. 
 
Now, they must rescue people from floods, forest fires, dust clouds and heatwaves. It's a double crisis that will test the world's resilience.

Natural disasters don't stop for a virus, so in the middle of a pandemic, the world is dealing with nature's vagaries. At the epicentre of the virus outbreak — China.

The last few days in Jiangxi province have been tense, nearly 37,000 residents had to be evacuated due to flash floods. Over 300,000 people are still at risk and this was caused by a heavy rainstorm.

The latest of the 20 rainstorms that have battered the country this year. China has not seen these many storms in a single year since 2013. Economic losses run over 3.4 billion dollars. Over two million acres of farmland submerged, thousands of people displaced in 26 provinces.

The high risk of flooding, landslides and urban waterlogging remains. Heavy downpour is expected to hit vast stretches of china over the weekend.

Meanwhile, in the US, the worst-hit country in the world due to the pandemic. Coronavirus is not the only killer in the air a monster dust cloud has travelled over 8,000 kilometres from Africa.

Sahara desert typically whips up sand at this time of the year and — carries it across the Atlantic ocean to the Americas. This dust cloud is the densest in half a century. First — it turned the blue skies into a milky-brown haze over the Caribbean. Now — it is close to the coasts of Mexico and the US.

Health warnings have been sent out across the region as air quality fell to unhealthy levels. The dust particles can cause cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.

A perfect condition for covid-19 to whip up a fresh wave of infections. Across the Atlantic, there is another kind of wave blowing around. The heatwave, this has come from Africa too.

It has swept over Spain, causing temperatures to rise over 40 degrees Celsius. France and the UK have faced a mini-heatwave, but the mercury may rise in the coming days. Now that lockdown restrictions have been eased, people are itching to go out. Especially to bask in the sun at the beaches.

But — the heat is making it impossible to wear a mask — the first shield against the Wuhan virus. Parts of Siberia are facing the worst of the heatwave. Forest fires are engulfing villages in the Sakha Republic in Russia.

Temperatures in the region touched 30 degrees Celsius. For this part of Siberia — the average temperature in June is 15 degrees Celsius. There are currently 50 active bushfires in the territory covering an area of more than 600,000 hectares. At a time when disaster relief teams need relief after the long bout with the pandemic. They are being called upon to douse fires and evacuate people.

Disaster teams are scrambling, it's a grim reminder of an old challenge. The urgent need to lock down climate change.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex worldwide emergency without contemporary precedent. In every nation around the globe, the pandemic reaction is taking up the bulk of resources, expertise, time and effort.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex worldwide emergency without contemporary precedent. In every nation around the globe, the pandemic reaction is taking up the bulk of resources, expertise, time and effort. But, how might individuals and frameworks adapt if a major natural disaster, similar to floods, quake or a tropical storm, happens while the COVID-19 pandemic proceeds? The early wake-up calls for nations around the globe for natural hazards still loom large during the COVID-19 pandemic, including floods, fires, tornadoes, storms, and even volcanic eruptions. Natural disasters have been made worse by the pandemic. Emergency workers are tired of fighting the Wuhan virus. Now, they must rescue people from floods, forest fires, dust clouds and heatwaves. It's a double crisis that will test the world's resilience. Natural disasters don't stop for a virus, so in the middle of a pandemic, the world is dealing with nature's vagaries. At the epicentre of the virus outbreak — China. The last few days in Jiangxi province have been tense, nearly 37,000 residents had to be evacuated due to flash floods. Over 300,000 people are still at risk and this was caused by a heavy rainstorm. The latest of the 20 rainstorms that have battered the country this year. China has not seen these many storms in a single year since 2013. Economic losses run over 3.4 billion dollars. Over two million acres of farmland submerged, thousands of people displaced in 26 provinces. The high risk of flooding, landslides and urban waterlogging remains. Heavy downpour is expected to hit vast stretches of china over the weekend. Meanwhile, in the US, the worst-hit country in the world due to the pandemic. Coronavirus is not the only killer in the air a monster dust cloud has travelled over 8,000 kilometres from Africa. Sahara desert typically whips up sand at this time of the year and — carries it across the Atlantic ocean to the Americas. This dust cloud is the densest in half a century. First — it turned the blue skies into a milky-brown haze over the Caribbean. Now — it is close to the coasts of Mexico and the US. Health warnings have been sent out across the region as air quality fell to unhealthy levels. The dust particles can cause cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. A perfect condition for covid-19 to whip up a fresh wave of infections. Across the Atlantic, there is another kind of wave blowing around. The heatwave, this has come from Africa too. It has swept over Spain, causing temperatures to rise over 40 degrees Celsius. France and the UK have faced a mini-heatwave, but the mercury may rise in the coming days. Now that lockdown restrictions have been eased, people are itching to go out. Especially to bask in the sun at the beaches. But — the heat is making it impossible to wear a mask — the first shield against the Wuhan virus. Parts of Siberia are facing the worst of the heatwave. Forest fires are engulfing villages in the Sakha Republic in Russia. Temperatures in the region touched 30 degrees Celsius. For this part of Siberia — the average temperature in June is 15 degrees Celsius. There are currently 50 active bushfires in the territory covering an area of more than 600,000 hectares. At a time when disaster relief teams need relief after the long bout with the pandemic. They are being called upon to douse fires and evacuate people. Disaster teams are scrambling, it's a grim reminder of an old challenge. The urgent need to lock down climate change.

Double crisis: Natural disasters don't stop for coronavirus

Facing ruin after orders from Western brands collapsed amid the coronavirus pandemic, many Bangladeshi garment factories have been given a lifeline by orders to make protective masks, gloves and gowns for export.

Garment factories in Bangladesh turn COVID-19 virus gloom into boom

Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have been invited as the ambassadors for this year's Toronto International Film festival. The two are part of 50 other celebrities who have been invited for a toned-down version of TIFF 2020. 
 
The festival, slated to run from September 10 to September 19, will be opting for digital screenings and virtual red carpets for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it "tailored to fit the moment". 
 
Chopra and Kashyap will join Oscar winners and celebrated international names including filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron, Taika Waititi, Ava DuVernay, Rian Johnson, Denis Villeneuve, and actors Nicole Kidman, Nadine Labaki, Riz Ahmed, Isabelle Huppert, Zhang Ziyi to help TIFF deliver a strong gala this year, the organisers said in a press statement. 
 
In its 45th edition, the festival plans to screen 50 films during its first five days in physical theatres keeping in mind the social distancing norms. 
 
Physical screenings will need approval from the health authorities of the city as it is dependent on the province's reopening framework to ensure that festival venues and workplaces practice, meet, and exceed public health guidelines. 
Festival-goers can also opt for drive-ins to experience cinema. 
 
For the first time in its history, TIFF will launch a digital platform for the festival, hoping to connect with audiences beyond Toronto by hosting digital screenings, as well as numerous talks and special events. 
 
"We could never have anticipated the global seismic changes we would be facing in 2020. We tapped into the original spirit of the Festival from when it began in 1976 as our guiding light. The distilled edition of TIFF 2020 reflects a deep love of film, passion for our loyal audiences, commitment to the industry, and a whole lot of heart," said Joana Vicente, executive director and co-head, TIFF. 
 
'Ammonite', directed by Francis Lee (UK); 'Another Round', from director Thomas Vinterberg (Denmark); 'Bruised', the debut film from director Halle Berry (US); 'Concrete Cowboys' by filmmaker Ricky Staub (US); 'Fauna', from director Nicolas Pereda (Mexico/Canada); 'Good Joe Bell' by director Reinaldo Marcus Green (US); 'Spring Blossom', the debut film by director Suzanne Lindon (France); and 'True Mothers' by director Naomi Kawase (Japan) are among the festival line-up. 
 
The festival's annual TIFF Tribute Awards event, which acknowledges and celebrates outstanding contributors in the film industry, is going virtual this year as well. 
 
Screenings for the press and industry will also move online.

A number of international cultural events, including Cannes and Tribeca film festivals, had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have been invited as the ambassadors for this year's Toronto International Film festival. The two are part of 50 other celebrities who have been invited for a toned-down version of TIFF 2020.

Bollywood stars Priyanka Chopra and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap have been invited as the ambassadors for this year's Toronto International Film festival. The two are part of 50 other celebrities who have been invited for a toned-down version of TIFF 2020. The festival, slated to run from September 10 to September 19, will be opting for digital screenings and virtual red carpets for the first time due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it "tailored to fit the moment". Chopra and Kashyap will join Oscar winners and celebrated international names including filmmakers Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron, Taika Waititi, Ava DuVernay, Rian Johnson, Denis Villeneuve, and actors Nicole Kidman, Nadine Labaki, Riz Ahmed, Isabelle Huppert, Zhang Ziyi to help TIFF deliver a strong gala this year, the organisers said in a press statement. In its 45th edition, the festival plans to screen 50 films during its first five days in physical theatres keeping in mind the social distancing norms. Physical screenings will need approval from the health authorities of the city as it is dependent on the province's reopening framework to ensure that festival venues and workplaces practice, meet, and exceed public health guidelines. Festival-goers can also opt for drive-ins to experience cinema. For the first time in its history, TIFF will launch a digital platform for the festival, hoping to connect with audiences beyond Toronto by hosting digital screenings, as well as numerous talks and special events. "We could never have anticipated the global seismic changes we would be facing in 2020. We tapped into the original spirit of the Festival from when it began in 1976 as our guiding light. The distilled edition of TIFF 2020 reflects a deep love of film, passion for our loyal audiences, commitment to the industry, and a whole lot of heart," said Joana Vicente, executive director and co-head, TIFF. 'Ammonite', directed by Francis Lee (UK); 'Another Round', from director Thomas Vinterberg (Denmark); 'Bruised', the debut film from director Halle Berry (US); 'Concrete Cowboys' by filmmaker Ricky Staub (US); 'Fauna', from director Nicolas Pereda (Mexico/Canada); 'Good Joe Bell' by director Reinaldo Marcus Green (US); 'Spring Blossom', the debut film by director Suzanne Lindon (France); and 'True Mothers' by director Naomi Kawase (Japan) are among the festival line-up. The festival's annual TIFF Tribute Awards event, which acknowledges and celebrates outstanding contributors in the film industry, is going virtual this year as well. Screenings for the press and industry will also move online. A number of international cultural events, including Cannes and Tribeca film festivals, had to be cancelled this year due to the pandemic.

Toronto Film Festival: Priyanka Chopra, Anurag Kashyap, Nicole Kidman among ambassadors for a downsized edition

The new coronavirus pandemic could hit drug markets just as the 2008 economic crisis did, exacerbating the risks for users, the UN drugs and crime agency warned Thursday.

In its 2020 World Drug Report, the agency predicted an overall increase in drug use due to the pandemic, with a shift towards consuming cheaper products and injecting them, which carries greater risks.

Countries were also likely to reduce drug-related budgets, it warned.

They might also give less priority to interception operations and international cooperation, which would make it easier for traffickers to operate.

Rising unemployment and a lack of opportunities would increase the chances that "poor and disadvantaged people... turn to illicit activities linked to drugs -– either production or transport".

"The COVID-19 crisis and economic downturn threaten to compound drug dangers further still, when our health and social systems have been brought to the brink and our societies are struggling to cope," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly.

"We need all governments to show greater solidarity and provide support, to developing countries most of all, to tackle illicit drug trafficking and offer evidence-based services for drug use disorders and related diseases."

The Vienna-based agency said it had reached its conclusions based on what had happened in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis.

Border closures and other measures linked to the pandemic have already caused shortages of drugs on the street, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, the report noted.

Drug traffickers seemed to rely more on maritime routes, such as direct cocaine shipments by sea from South America to Europe.

Online trafficking via the darknet, which offers users total anonymity, and shipments by mail might also increase, it added.

Drug consumption overall is already on the rise, especially in developing countries, said the report.

While in 2009 an estimated 210 million people worldwide used drugs at least once, in 2018 that figure was closer to 269 million -- or 5.3 percent of the global population.

The report, which mostly examined data up to early 2019, also noted that use of cocaine and methamphetamine was rising, with the methamphetamine markets in Afghanistan and Iraq growing.

Global cocaine production again reached an all-time high, continuing its record-setting trend.

Cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide with an estimated 192 million users in 2018. But opioids, used by around 58 million people, remained the most harmful.

The new coronavirus pandemic could hit drug markets just as the 2008 economic crisis did, exacerbating the risks for users, the UN drugs and crime agency warned Thursday.

The new coronavirus pandemic could hit drug markets just as the 2008 economic crisis did, exacerbating the risks for users, the UN drugs and crime agency warned Thursday. In its 2020 World Drug Report, the agency predicted an overall increase in drug use due to the pandemic, with a shift towards consuming cheaper products and injecting them, which carries greater risks. Countries were also likely to reduce drug-related budgets, it warned. They might also give less priority to interception operations and international cooperation, which would make it easier for traffickers to operate. Rising unemployment and a lack of opportunities would increase the chances that "poor and disadvantaged people... turn to illicit activities linked to drugs -– either production or transport". "The COVID-19 crisis and economic downturn threaten to compound drug dangers further still, when our health and social systems have been brought to the brink and our societies are struggling to cope," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. "We need all governments to show greater solidarity and provide support, to developing countries most of all, to tackle illicit drug trafficking and offer evidence-based services for drug use disorders and related diseases." The Vienna-based agency said it had reached its conclusions based on what had happened in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis. Border closures and other measures linked to the pandemic have already caused shortages of drugs on the street, leading to higher prices and reduced purity, the report noted. Drug traffickers seemed to rely more on maritime routes, such as direct cocaine shipments by sea from South America to Europe. Online trafficking via the darknet, which offers users total anonymity, and shipments by mail might also increase, it added. Drug consumption overall is already on the rise, especially in developing countries, said the report. While in 2009 an estimated 210 million people worldwide used drugs at least once, in 2018 that figure was closer to 269 million -- or 5.3 percent of the global population. The report, which mostly examined data up to early 2019, also noted that use of cocaine and methamphetamine was rising, with the methamphetamine markets in Afghanistan and Iraq growing. Global cocaine production again reached an all-time high, continuing its record-setting trend. Cannabis remains the most widely used drug worldwide with an estimated 192 million users in 2018. But opioids, used by around 58 million people, remained the most harmful.

Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24.

Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65. This pool of volunteers includes a few HIV+ patients, subject to monitoring over the next 12 months.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-director-tedros-expects-world-to-hit-10-million-coronavirus-cases-next-week-308347">WHO director Tedros expects world to hit 10 million coronavirus cases next wee</a>k

"Once 60% of the population, especially the adult population, becomes immune, we expect that effective reproductive rate to go under 1, which basically means the virus will still be around, it will still circulate, but its chain of transmission has been interrupted," said Shabir Madhi, trial head, and professor of Vaccinology at Wits University.

Oxford's global vaccine

Outside of the United Kingdom, South Africa is second country after Brazil to take part in Oxford’s trials.&nbsp;Oxford’s vaccine is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as AZD1222.&nbsp;Scientists from Oxford are currently working with AstraZeneca to improve the pace of development and production.

<h6><img alt="A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31b4c91b-929a-47b1-a046-7e768bb12f8a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-8_2.jpg" /> 
A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020 | Reuters</h6>

 
The United Kingdom currently has 4,000 participants enrolled for the study. In a university statement released on Wednesday, it was announced that an additional 10,000 participants will join the trials.

Stretching it further, the United States plans to conduct an additional study which will have over 30,000 participants.

South Africa currently has the most infections on the African continent, with over 100,000 cases and 2,000 deaths. The country had begun to ease its lockdown recently.

Taken advantage of

Historically, big pharmaceutical companies have taken advantage of the minimal monitoring in Africa, using human subjects as guinea pigs, putting their lives at risk.

"I feel a little bit scared, but I want to know what is going on with this vaccine so that I can tell my friends and others," Junior Mhlongo, a volunteer who received the vaccine at a hospital in Johannesburg, told Reuters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208" hreflang="en">There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

No vaccine has been successfully curated yet, but over a dozen are under development, with over 100 being tested on humans.

According to the World Health Organization, Africa could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. This could be catastrophic as many countries in the region lack healthcare and are concurrently dealing with other outbreaks, including the more fatal Ebola.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24. Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65.

Africa's first human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine began in South Africa on Wednesday, June 24. Spearheaded by the Oxford University, in partnership with the local University of the Witwatersrand, it consists of 2,000 volunteers falling in the age bracket of 18-65. This pool of volunteers includes a few HIV+ patients, subject to monitoring over the next 12 months. Also read: WHO director Tedros expects world to hit 10 million coronavirus cases next week "Once 60% of the population, especially the adult population, becomes immune, we expect that effective reproductive rate to go under 1, which basically means the virus will still be around, it will still circulate, but its chain of transmission has been interrupted," said Shabir Madhi, trial head, and professor of Vaccinology at Wits University. Oxford's global vaccine Outside of the United Kingdom, South Africa is second country after Brazil to take part in Oxford’s trials. Oxford’s vaccine is called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, also known as AZD1222. Scientists from Oxford are currently working with AstraZeneca to improve the pace of development and production. A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020 | Reuters The United Kingdom currently has 4,000 participants enrolled for the study. In a university statement released on Wednesday, it was announced that an additional 10,000 participants will join the trials. Stretching it further, the United States plans to conduct an additional study which will have over 30,000 participants. South Africa currently has the most infections on the African continent, with over 100,000 cases and 2,000 deaths. The country had begun to ease its lockdown recently. Taken advantage of Historically, big pharmaceutical companies have taken advantage of the minimal monitoring in Africa, using human subjects as guinea pigs, putting their lives at risk. "I feel a little bit scared, but I want to know what is going on with this vaccine so that I can tell my friends and others," Junior Mhlongo, a volunteer who received the vaccine at a hospital in Johannesburg, told Reuters. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! No vaccine has been successfully curated yet, but over a dozen are under development, with over 100 being tested on humans. According to the World Health Organization, Africa could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. This could be catastrophic as many countries in the region lack healthcare and are concurrently dealing with other outbreaks, including the more fatal Ebola. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

South Africa begins continent's pilot coronavirus vaccine trial

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

For now, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Utah, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters.

"This is a smart thing to do," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said via video at a joint news conference in New York City. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round."

The announcement came as the United States recorded the second-largest increase in coronavirus cases since the health crisis began, with a rise of 35,588 new infections on Tuesday, as a dozen states saw infections surge, according to a Reuters tally.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/us-working-with-europe-on-how-to-reopen-travel-safely-says-pompeo-308340" hreflang="en">US working with Europe on how to reopen travel safely, says Pompeo</a>

Florida saw a record increase on Wednesday of over 5,500 new cases. On Tuesday, Arizona, California, Mississippi and Nevada had record rises. Texas set a record on Monday.&nbsp;

New York has lowered its infection rate after locking down much of its economy.

The surge in cases on Tuesday was the highest since a record of 36,426 new infections on April 24.&nbsp;

While the United States appeared to have curbed the outbreak in May, leading many states to lift restrictions on social and economic activity, the virus is moving into rural areas and other places that it had not initially penetrated deeply.&nbsp;

The virus is also renewing its surge in states that opened up early to ease the devastating effect of the restrictions on local economies.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/black-lives-matter-movement-protesters-target-historical-icons-308329" hreflang="en">Black Lives Matter movement: Protesters target historical icons</a>

The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing documents it had seen, that European Union nations were considering a ban on travelers from the United States, along with Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to tourists.

White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday acknowledged before the governors' announcement that "hot spot spikes" were emerging as people return to work and gather in social settings but told reporters "that nobody is talking ... about going into another economic lockdown."

She said that the White House coronavirus task force planned to meet later on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Overall cases rose 25% last week, with 10 states reporting a greater than 50% rise in new infections, according to a Reuters analysis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/poll-shows-record-lowest-ratings-for-trumps-coronavirus-response-americans-want-bolton-to-testify-308296" hreflang="en">Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify</a>

While some of the increased numbers of cases can be attributed to more testing, the numbers do not correlate.

The average number of tests has risen 7.6% over the last seven days, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, while the average number of new cases rose 30%.&nbsp;

The percentage of positive tests is also rising.&nbsp;

At least four states are averaging double-digit rates of positive tests for the virus, such as Arizona at 20%. By contrast, New York has been reporting positive test rates of around 1%.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, once at the epicenter of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak, announced on Wednesday that visitors from states with high infection rates must self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival. For now, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Utah, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo told reporters. "This is a smart thing to do," New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said via video at a joint news conference in New York City. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round." The announcement came as the United States recorded the second-largest increase in coronavirus cases since the health crisis began, with a rise of 35,588 new infections on Tuesday, as a dozen states saw infections surge, according to a Reuters tally. Also read: US working with Europe on how to reopen travel safely, says Pompeo Florida saw a record increase on Wednesday of over 5,500 new cases. On Tuesday, Arizona, California, Mississippi and Nevada had record rises. Texas set a record on Monday. New York has lowered its infection rate after locking down much of its economy. The surge in cases on Tuesday was the highest since a record of 36,426 new infections on April 24. While the United States appeared to have curbed the outbreak in May, leading many states to lift restrictions on social and economic activity, the virus is moving into rural areas and other places that it had not initially penetrated deeply. The virus is also renewing its surge in states that opened up early to ease the devastating effect of the restrictions on local economies. Also read: Black Lives Matter movement: Protesters target historical icons The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing documents it had seen, that European Union nations were considering a ban on travelers from the United States, along with Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to tourists. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday acknowledged before the governors' announcement that "hot spot spikes" were emerging as people return to work and gather in social settings but told reporters "that nobody is talking ... about going into another economic lockdown." She said that the White House coronavirus task force planned to meet later on Wednesday. Overall cases rose 25% last week, with 10 states reporting a greater than 50% rise in new infections, according to a Reuters analysis. Also read: Poll shows record-lowest ratings for Trump's coronavirus response, Americans want Bolton to testify While some of the increased numbers of cases can be attributed to more testing, the numbers do not correlate. The average number of tests has risen 7.6% over the last seven days, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, while the average number of new cases rose 30%. The percentage of positive tests is also rising. At least four states are averaging double-digit rates of positive tests for the virus, such as Arizona at 20%. By contrast, New York has been reporting positive test rates of around 1%.

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut to quarantine visitors from coronavirus hot-spot states

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy.

The United Kingdom has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID-19 but infections have fallen. The government plans to lift many restrictions in England from July 4 to help an economy facing the deepest contraction in three centuries.&nbsp;

With fears of second spikes haunting leaders around the world, some of Britain's most eminent health leaders want urgent preparations for such a possible scenario.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pubs-restaurants-and-hotels-to-reopen-from-july-4-as-england-eases-social-distancing-308116" hreflang="en">Pubs, restaurants and hotels to reopen from July 4 as England eases social distancing</a>

"While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," the medics said in a letter in the British Medical Journal.

It was signed by 15 of the most eminent health professional groups and trade unions including the heads of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the British Medical Association.

"Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain," they wrote.

JOHNSON UNDER PRESSURE

European nations emerging from painful shutdowns are nervously watching a new outbreak at a meat-packing plant in Germany, where two municipalities have regressed to lockdown.

Announcing that England was emerging from "hibernation", Johnson is letting pubs, restaurants and hotels reopen from July 4. He urged vigilance but said the government did not believe there would be a second peak likely to overwhelm health services.&nbsp;

The United Kingdom on Monday reported the lowest daily increase in deaths since lockdown in mid-March - just 15 - though the suspected overall toll has hit 54,139, the second highest after the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theres-a-country-where-thousands-havent-even-heard-of-coronavirus-308208" hreflang="en">There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus!</a>

The latest COVID-19 reproduction numbers&nbsp;for England vary from 0.7-0.9 in the east and northeast to 0.7-1.0 in London and the northwest, and 0.8-1.0 in the Midlands.

Johnson, who was himself treated in intensive care for COVID-19, has faced criticism for imposing the lockdown too late, failing to supply enough protective equipment to medical staff and dithering over a test-and-trace system.

The medics' letter called for a review focusing on "areas of weakness" to prevent a second wave.&nbsp;

In response, a spokesman for Johnson said authorities would continue to guarantee resources for health and care services while working closely with the National Health Service to prepare for the winter.

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy.

A second coronavirus wave is a real risk for the United Kingdom and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said on Wednesday, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases lockdown to help the economy. The United Kingdom has one of the world's highest death tolls from COVID-19 but infections have fallen. The government plans to lift many restrictions in England from July 4 to help an economy facing the deepest contraction in three centuries. With fears of second spikes haunting leaders around the world, some of Britain's most eminent health leaders want urgent preparations for such a possible scenario. Also read: Pubs, restaurants and hotels to reopen from July 4 as England eases social distancing "While the future shape of the pandemic in the UK is hard to predict, the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk," the medics said in a letter in the British Medical Journal. It was signed by 15 of the most eminent health professional groups and trade unions including the heads of the Royal College of Surgeons, the Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine and the British Medical Association. "Many elements of the infrastructure needed to contain the virus are beginning to be put in place, but substantial challenges remain," they wrote. JOHNSON UNDER PRESSURE European nations emerging from painful shutdowns are nervously watching a new outbreak at a meat-packing plant in Germany, where two municipalities have regressed to lockdown. Announcing that England was emerging from "hibernation", Johnson is letting pubs, restaurants and hotels reopen from July 4. He urged vigilance but said the government did not believe there would be a second peak likely to overwhelm health services. The United Kingdom on Monday reported the lowest daily increase in deaths since lockdown in mid-March - just 15 - though the suspected overall toll has hit 54,139, the second highest after the United States. Also read: There's a country where thousands haven't even heard of coronavirus! The latest COVID-19 reproduction numbers for England vary from 0.7-0.9 in the east and northeast to 0.7-1.0 in London and the northwest, and 0.8-1.0 in the Midlands. Johnson, who was himself treated in intensive care for COVID-19, has faced criticism for imposing the lockdown too late, failing to supply enough protective equipment to medical staff and dithering over a test-and-trace system. The medics' letter called for a review focusing on "areas of weakness" to prevent a second wave. In response, a spokesman for Johnson said authorities would continue to guarantee resources for health and care services while working closely with the National Health Service to prepare for the winter.

Beware second wave of coronavirus, medics warn Britain

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China.

Recently, China announced plans to impose national security laws in the former British colony, which would essentially prohibit any criticism of the mainland Chinese administration. Additionally, with the support of pro-China Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, China wants to weed out “terrorists” from the city.

July 1 - a historic date

It’s imperative to note that Hong Kong is the only territory in China which grants democratic freedoms to its people.

The new office will open beginning July 1. What’s interesting is the historic date chosen for its reopening, for Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1 in 1997, under its “one country, two systems” deal with the British.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/amid-growing-tensions-with-china-taiwans-foxconn-eyes-investment-in-india-308087" hreflang="en">Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India</a>

Taiwan and China have recently been engaged in a lot of military almost-confrontations. Taiwanese leader recently asked China to “stop the drills”, and to focus on “coronavirus”, which has reemerged in the capital city of China, after China had confidently proclaimed its transmission as over.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-taiwan-promises-necessary-support-to-hong-kong-301015/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A success story

The country had closed off its borders in March in order to contain COVID-19 infections.

“On special humanitarian considerations”, Taiwan will now allow Hong Kongers to come to the country. But there’s one condition - everybody will be tested for COVID-19, and if they test negative they shall be given shelter in the country.

Additionally, everyone will undergo a mandatory 14 day period of quarantine, which is true for everyone entering the country. Taiwan is a democracy, unlike the neighbouring China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/taiwan-raps-china-for-military-activity-says-it-should-fight-coronavirus-instead-307918" hreflang="en">Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead</a>

China also hit out at Taiwan for supporting Hong Kong, which has been battered by protests for over a year. What began as a protest against Chinese influence began a full fledged movement for democracy and its preservation.

Hong Kong is governed by its mini-constitution, called “Basic Law”, which offers citizens freedoms not available elsewhere in the country.

Taiwan has been lauded as one of the earliest success stories of containing COVID-19. In fact, the country never underwent a lockdown, which is not true for the rest of the world, where containing the virus has been very hard.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China.

Taiwan recently announced plans to ease border restrictions for people coming from Hong Kong on humanitarian grounds. On Wednesday, June 24, the government announced plans to set-up a dedicated office wing for people seeking to escape Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous city sandwiched in China. Recently, China announced plans to impose national security laws in the former British colony, which would essentially prohibit any criticism of the mainland Chinese administration. Additionally, with the support of pro-China Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, China wants to weed out “terrorists” from the city. July 1 - a historic date It’s imperative to note that Hong Kong is the only territory in China which grants democratic freedoms to its people. The new office will open beginning July 1. What’s interesting is the historic date chosen for its reopening, for Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1 in 1997, under its “one country, two systems” deal with the British. Also read: Amid growing tensions with China, Taiwan's Foxconn eyes investment in India Taiwan and China have recently been engaged in a lot of military almost-confrontations. Taiwanese leader recently asked China to “stop the drills”, and to focus on “coronavirus”, which has reemerged in the capital city of China, after China had confidently proclaimed its transmission as over. A success story The country had closed off its borders in March in order to contain COVID-19 infections. “On special humanitarian considerations”, Taiwan will now allow Hong Kongers to come to the country. But there’s one condition - everybody will be tested for COVID-19, and if they test negative they shall be given shelter in the country. Additionally, everyone will undergo a mandatory 14 day period of quarantine, which is true for everyone entering the country. Taiwan is a democracy, unlike the neighbouring China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory. Also read: Taiwan raps China for military activity, says it should fight coronavirus instead China also hit out at Taiwan for supporting Hong Kong, which has been battered by protests for over a year. What began as a protest against Chinese influence began a full fledged movement for democracy and its preservation. Hong Kong is governed by its mini-constitution, called “Basic Law”, which offers citizens freedoms not available elsewhere in the country. Taiwan has been lauded as one of the earliest success stories of containing COVID-19. In fact, the country never underwent a lockdown, which is not true for the rest of the world, where containing the virus has been very hard. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Taiwan to let Hong Kongers in on 'humanitarian' grounds beginning July 1 - the same day HK was returned to China

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