Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.7 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-analysis-dispels-theory-that-said-covid-19-was-in-circulation-long-before-dec-19-296906">Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19</a>

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;3,753,219 people worldwide and 263,843 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,245,560 people of that tally have recovered.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102" hreflang="en">Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

So far, more than 73,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, predicted the US toll could top 100,000 by the end of May.

Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan.&nbsp;

The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.7 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19 COVID-19 has now infected 3,753,219 people worldwide and 263,843 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.7 million worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19 COVID-19 has now infected 3,753,219 people worldwide and 263,843 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,245,560 people of that tally have recovered. Also read: Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. So far, more than 73,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, predicted the US toll could top 100,000 by the end of May. Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan. The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.7 million, death toll at 263,843

Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis.

Study: Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since COVID-19 crisis

President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (May 6) said Russia should not rush to lift coronavirus-related restrictions, warning that any haste in removing preventative measures could undo their work so far.

Russian President Putin warns against lifting coronavirus-related restrictions

As COVID-19 pandemic hits supply and demand in the world, the US private employers laid off a record 20.236 million workers in April. Watch this video to know more.

US: 20.2 million private sectors workers laid off in April

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday renewed his aggressive criticism of China, blaming it for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people from the coronavirus and demanding again that it share information about the outbreak.

Mike Pompeo: China could have prevented thousands of deaths

China reported a surge in exports and a plunge in imports after restrictions imposed on movement to contain the novel coronavirus.

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Exports rose 3.5 per cent whereas imports fell 14.2 per cent in the same period according to data. It was expected that exports would tank 15.7 per cent and imports would fall 11.2 per cent in April from a year earlier.

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Chinese exports and imports fell 6.6 per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively in March from the previous year.

China’s medical export rose in April as it shilled goods to various parts of the world, according to Chinese economists.

According to them, the export data was strong in April. The trade surplus of the country for the month of April stood at $45.34 billion compared to the predicted data of $6.35 billion.

China’s trade surplus stood at $19.9 billion in March. With the fall in the number of cases, China is reopening its economy and people are getting back to work.

But the situation is worrisome in the rest of the world as more than 3.74 million people are infected so far according to data. Several economies have stopped their activities due to lockdown, hitting the demand and supply in the market.

Even though China is curbing the virus spread, demand seems to be a major concern for the country, according to economists.

Though there has been some rise in the demand, the low-income group have been the worst hit by the lockdown restrictions on movement.

Services expenditure will be lower compared to last year as people would be reluctant to go to malls, to dine or to move along with family.

China reported a surge in exports and a plunge in imports after restrictions imposed on movement to contain the novel coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Exports rose 3.

China reported a surge in exports and a plunge in imports after restrictions imposed on movement to contain the novel coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Exports rose 3.5 per cent whereas imports fell 14.2 per cent in the same period according to data. It was expected that exports would tank 15.7 per cent and imports would fall 11.2 per cent in April from a year earlier. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll Chinese exports and imports fell 6.6 per cent and 0.9 per cent respectively in March from the previous year. China’s medical export rose in April as it shilled goods to various parts of the world, according to Chinese economists. According to them, the export data was strong in April. The trade surplus of the country for the month of April stood at $45.34 billion compared to the predicted data of $6.35 billion. China’s trade surplus stood at $19.9 billion in March. With the fall in the number of cases, China is reopening its economy and people are getting back to work. But the situation is worrisome in the rest of the world as more than 3.74 million people are infected so far according to data. Several economies have stopped their activities due to lockdown, hitting the demand and supply in the market. Even though China is curbing the virus spread, demand seems to be a major concern for the country, according to economists. Though there has been some rise in the demand, the low-income group have been the worst hit by the lockdown restrictions on movement. Services expenditure will be lower compared to last year as people would be reluctant to go to malls, to dine or to move along with family.

China’s export rose and imports plunged amid lockdown restrictions to curb the coronavirus

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years.

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The analysis is focused on three high-TB burden countries—India, Kenya, and Ukraine, where disruption of TB care could have a significant impact.

The current lockdown has disrupted the basic service of TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for 2 months in almost every country.

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Once the lockdown ends, it would take another 2 months to get TB services back up and running, and that could result in a rapidly growing pool of undetected and untreated TB patients.

Up to 6.3 million more people are predicted to develop TB between now and 2025 and 1.4 million more people are expected to die as cases go diagnosed and untreated during the lockdown.

Under normal conditions, TB already kills 1.5 million people a year, more than any other infectious disease.

&nbsp;The past few years have seen a steady decline in TB deaths as a result of more services to treat the disease and prevent its spread, but coronavirus lockdown will set back global efforts to end TB by five to eight years.

Meanwhile, in India, the number of TB notifications have dropped by 80 per cent as many people with TB symptoms are avoiding to visit the hospital during the lockdown.

Even for those people who are battling cancer, the impact of lockdown can be terrifying and life-threatening.

Oncologists have raised concerns about the delayed diagnosis of cancer and its stage migration due to fear of visiting hospitals amid the outbreak. 
&nbsp; 
For 56-year-old Anita Watson diagnosed with a stage 4 breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, the coronavirus outbreak has cast her into even greater uncertainty.

Worried about the potentially fatal risk if she were to catch the virus herself, she also has to deal with the fact that the overloaded health services no longer consider her a priority

Anita Watson said: "If you've got any problems if you feel ill, unwell you can pick up the phone and get through to the chemotherapy ward and they're going to treat you. They're going to sort it out straight away. Now with coronavirus and with them saying you're no longer a priority, what that actually means is that, unfortunately, and quite rightly so, they have to treat the curable cases first." 
&nbsp; 
While COVID-19 restrictions have varied from country to country, many countries have implemented stay-at-home strategies lasting several weeks.

Routine surgeries and procedures have been put off at hospitals in several countries as they adjust to treating the influx of patients with COVID-19 and possible shortages of beds, protective equipment and supplies.

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years.

A new report from tuberculosis research and advocacy group suggests the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns could have a devastating impact on the global TB burden in the coming years. Also read: Now, China censors European Union's 'friendship letter' The analysis is focused on three high-TB burden countries—India, Kenya, and Ukraine, where disruption of TB care could have a significant impact. The current lockdown has disrupted the basic service of TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for 2 months in almost every country. Also read: Love triangle or conspiracy? Questions around Professor Bing Liu's death remain unanswered Once the lockdown ends, it would take another 2 months to get TB services back up and running, and that could result in a rapidly growing pool of undetected and untreated TB patients. Up to 6.3 million more people are predicted to develop TB between now and 2025 and 1.4 million more people are expected to die as cases go diagnosed and untreated during the lockdown. Under normal conditions, TB already kills 1.5 million people a year, more than any other infectious disease. The past few years have seen a steady decline in TB deaths as a result of more services to treat the disease and prevent its spread, but coronavirus lockdown will set back global efforts to end TB by five to eight years. Meanwhile, in India, the number of TB notifications have dropped by 80 per cent as many people with TB symptoms are avoiding to visit the hospital during the lockdown. Even for those people who are battling cancer, the impact of lockdown can be terrifying and life-threatening. Oncologists have raised concerns about the delayed diagnosis of cancer and its stage migration due to fear of visiting hospitals amid the outbreak. For 56-year-old Anita Watson diagnosed with a stage 4 breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, the coronavirus outbreak has cast her into even greater uncertainty. Worried about the potentially fatal risk if she were to catch the virus herself, she also has to deal with the fact that the overloaded health services no longer consider her a priority Anita Watson said: "If you've got any problems if you feel ill, unwell you can pick up the phone and get through to the chemotherapy ward and they're going to treat you. They're going to sort it out straight away. Now with coronavirus and with them saying you're no longer a priority, what that actually means is that, unfortunately, and quite rightly so, they have to treat the curable cases first." While COVID-19 restrictions have varied from country to country, many countries have implemented stay-at-home strategies lasting several weeks. Routine surgeries and procedures have been put off at hospitals in several countries as they adjust to treating the influx of patients with COVID-19 and possible shortages of beds, protective equipment and supplies.

Coronavirus pandemic could burden global tuberculosis fight: Report

Super rich have not forgone luxury even during time of COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this video to know more.

Thailand: Super rich have not forgone luxury in times of pandemic

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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138688-trump-reuters.jpg?itok=YZZiy1Tk" />Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102">READ MORE</a>

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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138687-usa-corona-reuters.jpg?itok=7_Lr0eXU" />

Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-out-of-five-children-in-us-left-hungry-since-virus-crisis-study-297103">READ MORE</a>

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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138728-xi-jinping.jpg?itok=xdjg2SO3" />

The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">READ MORE</a> 
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Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. READ MORE Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since virus crisis: Study Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. READ MORE China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations against it The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: China lambasts US, Covid-19 'worse' than 9/11 and more

US President Donald Trump has described the coronavirus pandemic as the "worst attack" ever on the United States. Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

Donald Trump: Coronavirus pandemic 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11

97-year-old Russian World War Two veteran has taken inspiration from the charity efforts of British centenarian Captain Tom Moore and raised $29,274 dollors for the families of doctors who died of COVID-19.

British Captain Tom Moore inspires Russia's war veteran

A young boy chooses a nurse as the superhero he wants to play with over Batman and Spiderman in a new artwork by Banksy that encapsulates the gratitude Britons have felt toward the country's National Health Service during the coronavirus crisis.

Artist Banksy pays tribute to Britain's NHS staff in latest piece

United Nations has warned the rise in risks to human trafficking victims as the chaos due to the pandemic will make the people prone to exploitation. UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued this warning on Wednesday.

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According to the latest UNODC analysis, some of the trafficking victims are stuck and are unable to go home due to sealed borders. These victims also risk catching the virus. Some of them are facing delays in legal proceedings, further abuse or neglect by the captors.&nbsp;

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More children are being forced on streets as schools have shut their provision of shelter and nourishment, forcing them onto streets to find food and income.&nbsp;

UNODC also issued a warning against traffickers saying that they “may become more active and prey on people who are even more vulnerable than before because they have lost their source of income due to measures to control the virus.”

“With COVID-19 restricting movement, diverting law enforcement resources, and reducing social and public services, human trafficking victims have even less chance of escape and finding help,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly.

Waly has urged countries to provide shelters and open hotlines and enable anti-trafficking units to continue doing their operations.&nbsp;

Coronavirus chaos has led to a steep rise in gender-based domestic violence, Waly said.

United Nations has warned the rise in risks to human trafficking victims as the chaos due to the pandemic will make the people prone to exploitation. UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued this warning on Wednesday.

United Nations has warned the rise in risks to human trafficking victims as the chaos due to the pandemic will make the people prone to exploitation. UN's Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued this warning on Wednesday. Also read: Scientists discover coronavirus mutation that can make it more 'infectious' According to the latest UNODC analysis, some of the trafficking victims are stuck and are unable to go home due to sealed borders. These victims also risk catching the virus. Some of them are facing delays in legal proceedings, further abuse or neglect by the captors. Also read: Chinese professor's murder in US fuels conspiracy theories More children are being forced on streets as schools have shut their provision of shelter and nourishment, forcing them onto streets to find food and income. UNODC also issued a warning against traffickers saying that they “may become more active and prey on people who are even more vulnerable than before because they have lost their source of income due to measures to control the virus.” “With COVID-19 restricting movement, diverting law enforcement resources, and reducing social and public services, human trafficking victims have even less chance of escape and finding help,” said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. Waly has urged countries to provide shelters and open hotlines and enable anti-trafficking units to continue doing their operations. Coronavirus chaos has led to a steep rise in gender-based domestic violence, Waly said.

United Nations warns of increased risks for trafficking victims due to pandemic

New York's 'lifeline' subway halts 24-hr service for the first time!

Uber Technologies Inc will cut about 3,700 full-time jobs and Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi will forgo his base salary for the remainder of the year, the company said on Wednesday.

COVID-19 pandemic has hit ride-hailing firms, Uber to cut 3,700 jobs

Watch today in 'WION In Focus': Some stories related to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WION In Focus: Some stories related to coronavirus pandemic | COVID-19 | Coronavirus News

China reported a surge in exports and a plunge in imports after restrictions imposed on movement to contain the novel coronavirus. Exports rose 3.5 per cent whereas imports fell 14.2 per cent in the same period according to data.

China’s April export rose and imports plunged amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Chinese laboratory accused by top American officials of being the source of the coronavirus pandemic researches the world's most dangerous diseases. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-pompeo-says-enormous-evidence-virus-came-from-wuhan-lab-296446">Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab</a> 
 
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have both claimed that there is evidence the pathogen came from the lab in Wuhan — the city where the disease was first detected late last year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lashes-out-at-pompeo-calls-his-coronavirus-origin-theory-insane-296778">Also read: China lashes out at Pompeo, calls his coronavirus origin theory 'insane'</a> 
 
But the World Health Organization said Washington had offered no evidence to support the "speculative" claims, and scientists believe the coronavirus jumped from animals to humans, possibly at a Wuhan market selling wild animals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intel-shared-among-us-allies-contradicts-trumps-claims-says-coronavirus-outbreak-more-likely-came-from-market-296696" hreflang="en">Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market</a>

The top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has echoed the WHO's statement, telling National Geographic that all evidence so far "strongly indicates" a natural origin.

China has strongly denied the allegations, but speculation and conspiracy theories have persisted.

Here are some key questions about the Wuhan Institute of Virology:

What do its researchers do?

Work by the lab's scientists helped to shed light on the COVID-19 pathogen in the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan.

In February, they published work concluding that the new virus shared a 79.6 per cent sequence identity to the SARS coronavirus and that it was 96 per cent identical at the whole-genome level to a coronavirus found in bats.

The lab's researchers had already conducted extensive investigations on the links between bats and disease outbreaks in China and had highlighted the need to prepare for viruses potentially spreading out of their natural reservoirs into human communities.

Scientists think COVID-19 originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal like a pangolin, but there is no definitive answer so far.

What does it handle?

The Wuhan institute houses the largest virus bank in Asia which preserves more than 1,500 strains.

The complex contains Asia's first maximum-security lab equipped to handle Class 4 pathogens (P4) such as Ebola.

The 300-million-yuan ($42 million) P4 lab opened in 2018. A P3 lab has been in operation since 2012.

While the US intelligence community said it had concluded the coronavirus was not human-made, it added that it would continue to investigate if the outbreak started from contact with infected animals or from "an accident" at the Wuhan lab.

Could there be a leak?

US diplomatic cables seen by The Washington Post earlier said that officials were concerned about inadequate safety standards related to researchers' handling of SARS-like bat coronaviruses in the high-security lab.

The institute has said it received samples of the then-unknown virus on December 30, determined the viral genome sequence on January 2 and submitted information on the pathogen to the WHO on January 11.

Shi Zhengli, one of China's leading experts on bat coronaviruses and deputy director of the Wuhan P4 lab, said she would "bet her life that (the new coronavirus) had nothing to do with the lab", according to Chinese state media.

And in an interview with Scientific American, Shi said the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence did not match any of the bat coronaviruses her laboratory had previously collected and studied.

What do scientists know about the virus?

Researchers have noted that while there is no proof for the lab accident theory, there is also no clear evidence that the virus came from the Wuhan market.

A study by a group of Chinese scientists published in The Lancet in January found that the first COVID-19 patient had no connection to the market, and neither did 13 of the first 41 confirmed cases.

Professor Leo Poon of The University of Hong Kong said the scientific community's consensus was that the virus is not human-made.

"We need to look at the origin of this virus. It is important because, from a public health point of view, we want to know how it happened, and (if we can) learn from this," he said.

David Heymann, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, added: "We have a hypothesis that it came from a live animal market, and I haven't seen anybody provide evidence that shows to the contrary."

The Chinese laboratory accused by top American officials of being the source of the coronavirus pandemic researches the world's most dangerous diseases. Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have both claimed that there is evidence the pathogen came from the lab in Wuhan — the city where the disease was first detected late last year.

The Chinese laboratory accused by top American officials of being the source of the coronavirus pandemic researches the world's most dangerous diseases. Also read: US Secretary of State Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' virus came from Wuhan lab US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have both claimed that there is evidence the pathogen came from the lab in Wuhan — the city where the disease was first detected late last year. Also read: China lashes out at Pompeo, calls his coronavirus origin theory 'insane' But the World Health Organization said Washington had offered no evidence to support the "speculative" claims, and scientists believe the coronavirus jumped from animals to humans, possibly at a Wuhan market selling wild animals. Also read: Intel shared among US allies contradicts Trump's claims, says coronavirus outbreak more likely came from market The top US epidemiologist Anthony Fauci has echoed the WHO's statement, telling National Geographic that all evidence so far "strongly indicates" a natural origin. China has strongly denied the allegations, but speculation and conspiracy theories have persisted. Here are some key questions about the Wuhan Institute of Virology: What do its researchers do? Work by the lab's scientists helped to shed light on the COVID-19 pathogen in the early days of the outbreak in Wuhan. In February, they published work concluding that the new virus shared a 79.6 per cent sequence identity to the SARS coronavirus and that it was 96 per cent identical at the whole-genome level to a coronavirus found in bats. The lab's researchers had already conducted extensive investigations on the links between bats and disease outbreaks in China and had highlighted the need to prepare for viruses potentially spreading out of their natural reservoirs into human communities. Scientists think COVID-19 originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal like a pangolin, but there is no definitive answer so far. What does it handle? The Wuhan institute houses the largest virus bank in Asia which preserves more than 1,500 strains. The complex contains Asia's first maximum-security lab equipped to handle Class 4 pathogens (P4) such as Ebola. The 300-million-yuan ($42 million) P4 lab opened in 2018. A P3 lab has been in operation since 2012. While the US intelligence community said it had concluded the coronavirus was not human-made, it added that it would continue to investigate if the outbreak started from contact with infected animals or from "an accident" at the Wuhan lab. Could there be a leak? US diplomatic cables seen by The Washington Post earlier said that officials were concerned about inadequate safety standards related to researchers' handling of SARS-like bat coronaviruses in the high-security lab. The institute has said it received samples of the then-unknown virus on December 30, determined the viral genome sequence on January 2 and submitted information on the pathogen to the WHO on January 11. Shi Zhengli, one of China's leading experts on bat coronaviruses and deputy director of the Wuhan P4 lab, said she would "bet her life that (the new coronavirus) had nothing to do with the lab", according to Chinese state media. And in an interview with Scientific American, Shi said the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence did not match any of the bat coronaviruses her laboratory had previously collected and studied. What do scientists know about the virus? Researchers have noted that while there is no proof for the lab accident theory, there is also no clear evidence that the virus came from the Wuhan market. A study by a group of Chinese scientists published in The Lancet in January found that the first COVID-19 patient had no connection to the market, and neither did 13 of the first 41 confirmed cases. Professor Leo Poon of The University of Hong Kong said the scientific community's consensus was that the virus is not human-made. "We need to look at the origin of this virus. It is important because, from a public health point of view, we want to know how it happened, and (if we can) learn from this," he said. David Heymann, professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, added: "We have a hypothesis that it came from a live animal market, and I haven't seen anybody provide evidence that shows to the contrary."

China's Wuhan laboratory at the heart of the Washington-Beijing virus spat

Top British epidemiologist Neil Ferguson has resigned. He broke lockdown rules by allowing a woman into his home. Ferguson had been advising the British government on the pandemic response.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-has-no-evidence-says-china-on-coronavirus-origin-in-lab-297036" hreflang="en">Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab</a>

Pakistan claims many of its citizens returning from the UAE are infected. Pakistan has accused the UAE of not screening people before allowing them to return.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-keep-coronavirus-task-force-indefinitely-says-trump-amid-rising-us-death-toll-297041" hreflang="en">Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll</a>

The UAE government has dismissed Pakistan's claims.

Nearly 58,000 students returned to school in Wuhan, the original epicentre of the pandemic in China.

121 high schools and vocational schools opened their gates for students. All faculty and students had to undergo health tests before return.

Taiwan has accused global health officials of being dishonest. It says world bodies have failed in their responsibilities. The island claims its absence from the upcoming world health assembly would harm global response to the pandemic.

The territory of 23 million people has reported only 438 cases of coronavirus.

The Spanish prime minister has sought parliamentary approval to extend the state of emergency. Pedro Sanchez says lifting lockdown early would be an unforgivable error.

Current measures will expire at midnight on Saturday. The conservatives have opposed the move.

The mayor of Manaus in Brazil has appealed for international aid. He has written a letter to 21 embassies and sent video messages to world leaders.

Mayor Arthur Neto is seeking scanners, ventilators and PPEs. Mass graves are being dug in cemeteries as the region reported 459 deaths. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan reported its highest single-day death toll. 40 people died in Pakistan in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus. More than 22,550 people are infected in Pakistan. The death toll stands at 526.

Indonesia has postponed local elections from September to December. President Joko Widodo has signed an emergency decree.

Elections for posts of governors, mayors and district chiefs will now be held in December.

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and other Barcelona stars returned to the club’s training ground. Players will undergo mandatory medical tests this week. The Spanish government has relaxed lockdown measures. Players have been allowed to train individually.

&nbsp;A retired farmer has been given an honorary degree by New York. The farmer and his sick wife donated 1 of their 5 n-95 masks for medical workers. Dennis Rukhne was 2 credits shy of a degree when he left school due to the death of his father in 1971.

Andrew Cuomo called the farmer’ an inspiration and his donation, humanity at its best.

Top British epidemiologist Neil Ferguson has resigned. He broke lockdown rules by allowing a woman into his home. Ferguson had been advising the British government on the pandemic response.

Top British epidemiologist Neil Ferguson has resigned. He broke lockdown rules by allowing a woman into his home. Ferguson had been advising the British government on the pandemic response. Also read: Pompeo has no evidence, says China on coronavirus origin in lab Pakistan claims many of its citizens returning from the UAE are infected. Pakistan has accused the UAE of not screening people before allowing them to return. Also read: Will keep coronavirus task force indefinitely, says Trump amid rising US death toll The UAE government has dismissed Pakistan's claims. Nearly 58,000 students returned to school in Wuhan, the original epicentre of the pandemic in China. 121 high schools and vocational schools opened their gates for students. All faculty and students had to undergo health tests before return. Taiwan has accused global health officials of being dishonest. It says world bodies have failed in their responsibilities. The island claims its absence from the upcoming world health assembly would harm global response to the pandemic. The territory of 23 million people has reported only 438 cases of coronavirus. The Spanish prime minister has sought parliamentary approval to extend the state of emergency. Pedro Sanchez says lifting lockdown early would be an unforgivable error. Current measures will expire at midnight on Saturday. The conservatives have opposed the move. The mayor of Manaus in Brazil has appealed for international aid. He has written a letter to 21 embassies and sent video messages to world leaders. Mayor Arthur Neto is seeking scanners, ventilators and PPEs. Mass graves are being dug in cemeteries as the region reported 459 deaths. Pakistan reported its highest single-day death toll. 40 people died in Pakistan in the past 24 hours due to coronavirus. More than 22,550 people are infected in Pakistan. The death toll stands at 526. Indonesia has postponed local elections from September to December. President Joko Widodo has signed an emergency decree. Elections for posts of governors, mayors and district chiefs will now be held in December. Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and other Barcelona stars returned to the club’s training ground. Players will undergo mandatory medical tests this week. The Spanish government has relaxed lockdown measures. Players have been allowed to train individually. A retired farmer has been given an honorary degree by New York. The farmer and his sick wife donated 1 of their 5 n-95 masks for medical workers. Dennis Rukhne was 2 credits shy of a degree when he left school due to the death of his father in 1971. Andrew Cuomo called the farmer’ an inspiration and his donation, humanity at its best.

Coronavirus tracker: Pandemic across the globe!

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/06/139411-south-china-sea-reuters.jpg?itok=EcgVyXm1" />

The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/29/134781-untitled-design-10.jpg?itok=VPq0koyE" />

The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/06/139419-untitled-design-3.jpg?itok=YqZiJGqO" />

The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">READ MORE</a> 
&nbsp;

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US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000.

US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. READ MORE Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19 The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. READ MORE Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Israel develops key Covid antibody, Sudan bans female genital mutilation and more

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bullish-market-in-nikes-michael-jordan-sneakers-after-the-blockbuster-series-release-online-296987" hreflang="en">Bullish market in Nike’s Michael Jordan sneakers after the blockbuster series release online</a>

Director Peter Wiggs' departure after just five weeks with the governing body follows former chief executive Raelene Castle's decision to leave last month as the sport battles internal divisions and a financial crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-city-face-damages-claim-in-high-court-over-bennell-abuse-296844" hreflang="en">Man City face damages claim in High Court over Bennell abuse</a>

"Peter has decided to step down from the board and I understand his reasons," chairman Paul McLean said in a statement.

"He has undertaken some very important work and has made a valuable contribution to the organisation, in a very short time, and we are thankful for his contribution."

McLean did not detail Wiggs' reasons for resigning but Australian media reported that he had demanded major concessions in return for becoming chairman, prompting fellow board members to revolt.

These included immediately appointing his preferred candidate as chief executive without going through a recruitment process and finding a place on the board for John O'Neill, the polarising former boss of the organisation.

Later on Wednesday Rugby Australia said it had appointed former Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke as interim CEO.

"The game is facing some unprecedented challenges and like all rugby supporters and people working within the game, I want to see Australian rugby get through this," said Clarke. Rugby Australia said he is not interested in taking on the job permanently.&nbsp;

Wiggs, whose background is in finance, had been expected to take over the chairman's role and focus on improving Rugby Australia's bottom line before his resignation.

The COVID-19 shutdown has exacerbated financial strains on RA, which was already struggling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star try-scorer Israel Folau over his sacking for homophobic comments.

It reported a provisional Aus$9.4 million ($6 million) operating deficit last year and has laid off 75 percent of staff to cut costs during the virus emergency, which has brought sport to a halt.

Castle was blamed by some sections of the rugby community, although McLean said after her resignation that the body's first female CEO had been subject to vitriolic attacks from "dark forces" on social media.

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members.

A top Rugby Australia official tipped to became the troubled organisation's next chairman resigned Wednesday as reports said he had a major falling-out with fellow board members. Also read: Bullish market in Nike’s Michael Jordan sneakers after the blockbuster series release online Director Peter Wiggs' departure after just five weeks with the governing body follows former chief executive Raelene Castle's decision to leave last month as the sport battles internal divisions and a financial crisis. Also read: Man City face damages claim in High Court over Bennell abuse "Peter has decided to step down from the board and I understand his reasons," chairman Paul McLean said in a statement. "He has undertaken some very important work and has made a valuable contribution to the organisation, in a very short time, and we are thankful for his contribution." McLean did not detail Wiggs' reasons for resigning but Australian media reported that he had demanded major concessions in return for becoming chairman, prompting fellow board members to revolt. These included immediately appointing his preferred candidate as chief executive without going through a recruitment process and finding a place on the board for John O'Neill, the polarising former boss of the organisation. Later on Wednesday Rugby Australia said it had appointed former Melbourne Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke as interim CEO. "The game is facing some unprecedented challenges and like all rugby supporters and people working within the game, I want to see Australian rugby get through this," said Clarke. Rugby Australia said he is not interested in taking on the job permanently. Wiggs, whose background is in finance, had been expected to take over the chairman's role and focus on improving Rugby Australia's bottom line before his resignation. The COVID-19 shutdown has exacerbated financial strains on RA, which was already struggling after reaching a multi-million dollar settlement with star try-scorer Israel Folau over his sacking for homophobic comments. It reported a provisional Aus$9.4 million ($6 million) operating deficit last year and has laid off 75 percent of staff to cut costs during the virus emergency, which has brought sport to a halt. Castle was blamed by some sections of the rugby community, although McLean said after her resignation that the body's first female CEO had been subject to vitriolic attacks from "dark forces" on social media.

Rugby Australia director out as turmoil continues

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-analysis-dispels-theory-that-said-covid-19-was-in-circulation-long-before-dec-19-296906">Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19</a>

COVID-19 has now infected 3,665,912 people worldwide and 257,337&nbsp;people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,202,595 people of that tally have recovered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-covid-19-timeline-shifts-weeks-earlier-in-wake-of-new-evidence-296722">Also read | France COVID-19 timeline shifts weeks earlier in wake of new evidence</a>

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The UnitedStates is the worst-hit country, with more than 70,000 deaths, ahead of Britain where fatalities topped 32,000.

The US-registered 2,333 more deaths over the 24 hours to Tuesday evening, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker, more than twice as many as the day before.

Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan.&nbsp;

The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January.

WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19 COVID-19 has now infected 3,665,912 people worldwide and 257,337 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 3.6 million worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read | New analysis dispels theory that said COVID-19 was in circulation long before Dec '19 COVID-19 has now infected 3,665,912 people worldwide and 257,337 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 1,202,595 people of that tally have recovered. Also read | France COVID-19 timeline shifts weeks earlier in wake of new evidence A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to North America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The UnitedStates is the worst-hit country, with more than 70,000 deaths, ahead of Britain where fatalities topped 32,000. The US-registered 2,333 more deaths over the 24 hours to Tuesday evening, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker, more than twice as many as the day before. Some scientific models suggest the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to investigate any early suspicious cases of the coronavirus before December 2019 when the first human cases were officially identified in China's Wuhan. The disease later identified as COVID-19 was first reported by Chinese authorities to the WHO on December 31 and was not previously believed to have spread to Europe until January. WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier said that other earlier cases could emerge after retesting samples. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases surge to 3.6 million, death toll at  257,337

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app.

The app is the government's mobile application for contact tracing and disseminating medical advisories to users to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, a French hacker and cybersecurity expert Elliot Alderson had claimed that "a security issue has been found" in the app and that "privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake".

Dismissing the claims, the government said "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk by this ethical hacker".

"We are continuously testing and upgrading our systems. Team Aarogya Setu assures everyone that no data or security breach has been identified," the government said through the app's Twitter handle.

The tweet gave point-by-point clarification on the red flags raised by the hacker. 
&nbsp; 
"We discussed with the hacker and were made aware of the following... The app fetches user location on a few occasions," it said but added that this was by design and is detailed in the privacy policy. 
&nbsp; 
The app fetches users' location and stores on the server in a secure, encrypted, anonymised manner - at the time of registration, at the time of self-assessment, when users submit their contact tracing data voluntary through the app or when it fetches the contact tracing data of users after they have turned COVID-19 positive, it said. 
&nbsp; 
On another issue that users can get COVID-19 stats displayed on the home screen by changing the radius and latitude-longitude using a script, Aarogya Setu said that all this information is already public for all locations and hence does not compromise on any personal or sensitive data.

"We thank the ethical hacker on engaging with us. We encourage any users who identify vulnerability to inform us immediately...," it said.&nbsp;

Responding to Aarogya Setu's clarification, Alderson tweeted, "I will come back to you tomorrow".

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app.

The government on Wednesday said no data or security breach has been identified in Aarogya Setu after an ethical hacker raised concerns about a potential security issue in the app. The app is the government's mobile application for contact tracing and disseminating medical advisories to users to contain the spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, a French hacker and cybersecurity expert Elliot Alderson had claimed that "a security issue has been found" in the app and that "privacy of 90 million Indians is at stake". Dismissing the claims, the government said "no personal information of any user has been proven to be at risk by this ethical hacker". "We are continuously testing and upgrading our systems. Team Aarogya Setu assures everyone that no data or security breach has been identified," the government said through the app's Twitter handle. The tweet gave point-by-point clarification on the red flags raised by the hacker. "We discussed with the hacker and were made aware of the following... The app fetches user location on a few occasions," it said but added that this was by design and is detailed in the privacy policy. The app fetches users' location and stores on the server in a secure, encrypted, anonymised manner - at the time of registration, at the time of self-assessment, when users submit their contact tracing data voluntary through the app or when it fetches the contact tracing data of users after they have turned COVID-19 positive, it said. On another issue that users can get COVID-19 stats displayed on the home screen by changing the radius and latitude-longitude using a script, Aarogya Setu said that all this information is already public for all locations and hence does not compromise on any personal or sensitive data. "We thank the ethical hacker on engaging with us. We encourage any users who identify vulnerability to inform us immediately...," it said. Responding to Aarogya Setu's clarification, Alderson tweeted, "I will come back to you tomorrow".

No security breach in Aarogya Setu app, the government assures after ethical hacker raises privacy concerns

Officially, 4.4 million Italians were allowed to go back to work at construction sites, factories and manufacturing jobs deemed to be at lowest risk for contagion.

Italy eases lockdown restrictions; Construction, manufacturing sectors resumes activity

India records its deadliest day of Coronavirus outbreak. In last 24 hours, 195 people have lost their lives and 3900+ infected.

India records deadliest day of outbreak

On Tuesday, India has sent three naval ships to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Maldives and UAE due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Three ships sent to evacuate Indians from the Maldives and UAE

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus.

In a statement, Treasury said it would borrow $2.999 trillion during the April-June quarter, $3.055 trillion more than its previous estimate, assuming an end-June cash balance of $800 billion.

“It is larger than what we would typically do in a year,” a senior Treasury official said. The Treasury’s net borrowing last fiscal year, for example, was $1.28 trillion.

In February, Treasury said it expected to pay down $56 billion in net marketable debt in the April-June period.

Treasury said it expects to borrow $677 billion during the July-September quarter, assuming an end-September cash balance of $800 billion.

It borrowed $477 billion through credit markets in the January-March quarter, ending the period with $515 billion in cash.

Additional details of Treasury’s quarterly refunding will be announced at 08:30 a.m (1230 GMT) on Wednesday. In February, Treasury said it would announce details of a planned new 20-year bond in May.

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus.

The US Treasury Department on Monday said it plans to borrow nearly $3 trillion in the second quarter of 2020 - a record for any quarter - as the federal government contends with the impact of the coronavirus. In a statement, Treasury said it would borrow $2.999 trillion during the April-June quarter, $3.055 trillion more than its previous estimate, assuming an end-June cash balance of $800 billion. “It is larger than what we would typically do in a year,” a senior Treasury official said. The Treasury’s net borrowing last fiscal year, for example, was $1.28 trillion. In February, Treasury said it expected to pay down $56 billion in net marketable debt in the April-June period. Treasury said it expects to borrow $677 billion during the July-September quarter, assuming an end-September cash balance of $800 billion. It borrowed $477 billion through credit markets in the January-March quarter, ending the period with $515 billion in cash. Additional details of Treasury’s quarterly refunding will be announced at 08:30 a.m (1230 GMT) on Wednesday. In February, Treasury said it would announce details of a planned new 20-year bond in May.

US treasury expects to borrow a record $3 trillion in the second quarter

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike.

In a letter to Assistant Attorney General Eric S Dreiband, the 16 Senators, including Kamala Harris, requested the Trump Administration to address this discrimination like it had been done in the past.

The Senators said hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) during the pandemic and the inadequate federal response to address these racist and xenophobic attacks is a sharp break from the efforts of past administrations, Republican and Democratic alike.

There are more than 20 million Americans of Asian descent and two million AAPI individuals are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as health care workers, law enforcement agents, first responders, and other essential service providers, they said.

"It is critical that the Civil Rights Division ensure that the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans are protected during this pandemic," the Senators said.

In the last month alone, Asian American organizations received nearly 1,500 incidents of anti-Asian harassment and discrimination against AAPI individuals across the country, they said.

This comes after the FBI assessed in March that hate crime incidents against Asian Americans were likely to surge across the country, endangering AAPI communities, the Democratic Senators said.

They said on March 14 this year, a man stabbed two Asian American children -- aged 2 and 6 -- and their father at a Sam''s Club in Texas because "he thought the family was Chinese, and infecting people with the coronavirus."

Despite warnings that using offensive and stigmatizing language to refer to COVID-19 could stoke anti-Asian bias, President Trump and his administration's officials have referred to the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and at least one White House official even called it the "Kung Flu," the lawmakers rued.

"Such harmful rhetoric contradicts guidance by public health experts," they said.

The World Health Organization's guidance in naming infectious diseases warns against using names that stigmatize certain communities, the Senators said.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also recognizes the "stigma and discrimination that can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality," they said.

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike.

A group of Democratic Senators on Monday said there has been a surge in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid coronavirus pandemic and urged the Trump administration to take concrete steps to arrest the spike. In a letter to Assistant Attorney General Eric S Dreiband, the 16 Senators, including Kamala Harris, requested the Trump Administration to address this discrimination like it had been done in the past. The Senators said hate crimes against Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) during the pandemic and the inadequate federal response to address these racist and xenophobic attacks is a sharp break from the efforts of past administrations, Republican and Democratic alike. There are more than 20 million Americans of Asian descent and two million AAPI individuals are working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, as health care workers, law enforcement agents, first responders, and other essential service providers, they said. "It is critical that the Civil Rights Division ensure that the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans are protected during this pandemic," the Senators said. In the last month alone, Asian American organizations received nearly 1,500 incidents of anti-Asian harassment and discrimination against AAPI individuals across the country, they said. This comes after the FBI assessed in March that hate crime incidents against Asian Americans were likely to surge across the country, endangering AAPI communities, the Democratic Senators said. They said on March 14 this year, a man stabbed two Asian American children -- aged 2 and 6 -- and their father at a Sam''s Club in Texas because "he thought the family was Chinese, and infecting people with the coronavirus." Despite warnings that using offensive and stigmatizing language to refer to COVID-19 could stoke anti-Asian bias, President Trump and his administration's officials have referred to the coronavirus as the "Chinese Virus," "Wuhan Virus," and at least one White House official even called it the "Kung Flu," the lawmakers rued. "Such harmful rhetoric contradicts guidance by public health experts," they said. The World Health Organization's guidance in naming infectious diseases warns against using names that stigmatize certain communities, the Senators said. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also recognizes the "stigma and discrimination that can occur when people associate a disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality," they said.

Rise in hate crime against Asian-Americans amid pandemic: US senators

With Ramadan starting on 23 April, Muslims around the world will refrain from food and drink every day from sunrise to sunset during the holiest month in Islam.

US Sizeable Muslim population observes Ramzan under cures

Independent India's largest evacuation effort is all set to begin to get back its citizen stranded abroad due to coronavirus crisis. As many as 1,92,000 people will be evacuated in the first phase of the exercise starting May 7th with the focus being on the gulf.

India's largest overseas evacuation to bring back 1.92 lakh nationals

Israel is one of the first countries in the world to order the reopening of schools after an extended period of lockdown, but many districts refused to reopen in the absence of clear health guidelines from the Ministry of Education

School reopen in Israel for first time since march 12

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