More than 3,000 deaths came in the last 24 hours, and there are now over 870,000 confirmed cases nationwide.

US death toll nears 55,000 mark

As mass coronavirus testing expands in prisons, large numbers of inmates are showing no symptoms. In four state prison systems -- Arkansas, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia -- 96% of 3,277 inmates who tested positive for the coronavirus were asymptomatic, according to interviews with officials and records reviewed by Reuters. That’s out of 4,693 tests that included results on symptoms.

US prisons struggle to combat COVID-19 crisis

All COVID-19 patients in the worst-hit Chinese city of Wuhan have been discharged from hospitals by Sunday, according to a spokesman during a Sunday press conference. Mi Feng, spokesman for the National Health Commission (NHC), introduced the latest data at the press conference held in Beijing.

China claims zero COVID-19 cases in Wuhan, all patients discharged in Wuhan

China tightened restrictions on exports of masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) on Friday, calling for shipments of the items to be subjected to a mandatory customs inspection, with immediate effect. The new rules mark the latest bid by China to balance the global demand for PPE to help treat the rising number of cases of the new coronavirus.

China releases new set of guidelines for medical exports

The World Health Organisation failed to persuade China to share live strains of the Wuhan Coronavirus that could have been used for diagnostic tests and helped contain the pandemic.

How China ignored COVID-19 warning?

Italy, with some 26,000 reported deaths, most of them of elderly persons, has Europe's highest toll from COVID-19.

Italy to ease lockdown on May 4?

As coronavirus appears to have peaked in major countries of the world, the global health infrastructure now faces a new challenge: reinfections! Reports of COVID-19 reinfection is now threatening lockdown exit strategy of countries.

Reports of COVID-19 reinfection threatens lockdown exit strategy

As researchers scramble to find a way to safely disinfect N95 masks for reuse, many are turning to the man behind its virus-blocking technology. Peter Tsai invented the filtration fabric inside the mask nearly 30 years ago, and spent decades perfecting it, before retiring from the University of Tennessee last year.

N95 mask inventor abandons retirement plans to aid in COVID-19 crisis

'Remdesivir' was being touted as a potential cure for the Coronavirus. The U.S. President had called the drug 'promising'. But it has failed to cure Coronanvirus patients in China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Trump's 'promising' coronavirus cure fails trial

The U.S. President has suggested that researchers should try inserting 'disinfectant' into the bodies of Coronavirus patients. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why Trump's idea is dangerous and irresponsible.

Gravitas: Outrage over Donald Trump's 'disinfectant' idea

For the first time in 1400 years, the grand mosque of Mecca is closed during Ramazan. Across the world the mantra of social distancing is being followed in this holy month. But, there are some who are not adhering to the lockdown. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: A Ramazan under lockdown

China's wet markets have long been called the incubators of deadly human diseases. But the Chinese regime says that wet markets don't even exist. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China says it has no wet markets

Australia is seeking an independent and global probe into the Coronavirus outbreak. Former US lawmaker Nikki Haley has launched a campaign to demand an investigation against China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how more stakeholders are raising the demand to 'Make China Pay'.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: New Demands to Make China Pay

Dr Yu Xiangdong had criticised China's coronavirus response. He was demoted. A student in Australia is facing expulsion for his activism against the Communist Party. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how China is still targeting critics.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Another Doctor silenced in China

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation.

The trip by the Chinese doctors and officials comes amid conflicting reports about the health of the North Korean leader. Reuters was unable to immediately determine what the trip by the Chinese team signaled in terms of Kim's health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-on-kims-ailing-health-incorrect-says-trump-294378">Also read:&nbsp;Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump</a>

A delegation led by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department left Beijing for North Korea on Thursday, two of the people said. The department is the main Chinese body dealing with neighbouring North Korea.

The sources declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the matter.

The Liaison Department could not be reached by Reuters for comment late on Friday. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday.

Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported earlier this week that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12. It cited one unnamed source in North Korea.

South Korean government officials and a Chinese official with the Liaison Department challenged subsequent reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after surgery. South Korean officials said they had detected no signs of unusual activity in North Korea.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump also downplayed earlier reports that Kim was gravely ill. "I think the report was incorrect," Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials.

On Friday, a South Korean source told Reuters their intelligence was that Kim was alive and would likely make an appearance soon. The person said he did not have any comment on Kim's current condition or any Chinese involvement.

An official familiar with U.S. intelligence said that Kim was known to have health problems but they had no reason to conclude he was seriously ill or unable eventually to reappear in public.

A U.S. State department spokeswoman had no comment. U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, when asked about Kim's health on Fox News after Trump spoke said, "I don’t have anything I can share with you tonight, but the American people should know we're watching the situation very keenly."

North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and secretive countries, and the health of its leaders is treated as a matter of state security. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm any details on Kim's whereabouts or condition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-capital-witness-panic-buying-of-food-after-strict-covid-19-norms-announced-294205">Also read:&nbsp;North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced</a>

North Korea's state media last reported on Kim's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11. State media did not report that he was in attendance at an event to mark the birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15, an important anniversary in North Korea.

Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp. Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems.

When Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, suffered a stroke in 2008, South Korean media reported at the time that Chinese doctors were involved in his treatment along with French physicians.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the first state visit in 14 years by a Chinese leader to North Korea, an impoverished state that depends on Beijing for economic and diplomatic support.

China is North Korea's chief ally and the economic lifeline for a country hard-hit by U.N. sanctions, and has a keen interest in the stability of the country with which it shares a long, porous border.

Kim is a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack. He has visited China four times since 2018.

Trump held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 as part of a bid to persuade him to give up North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation.

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation. The trip by the Chinese doctors and officials comes amid conflicting reports about the health of the North Korean leader. Reuters was unable to immediately determine what the trip by the Chinese team signaled in terms of Kim's health. Also read: Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump A delegation led by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department left Beijing for North Korea on Thursday, two of the people said. The department is the main Chinese body dealing with neighbouring North Korea. The sources declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the matter. The Liaison Department could not be reached by Reuters for comment late on Friday. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday. Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported earlier this week that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12. It cited one unnamed source in North Korea. South Korean government officials and a Chinese official with the Liaison Department challenged subsequent reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after surgery. South Korean officials said they had detected no signs of unusual activity in North Korea. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump also downplayed earlier reports that Kim was gravely ill. "I think the report was incorrect," Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials. On Friday, a South Korean source told Reuters their intelligence was that Kim was alive and would likely make an appearance soon. The person said he did not have any comment on Kim's current condition or any Chinese involvement. An official familiar with U.S. intelligence said that Kim was known to have health problems but they had no reason to conclude he was seriously ill or unable eventually to reappear in public. A U.S. State department spokeswoman had no comment. U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, when asked about Kim's health on Fox News after Trump spoke said, "I don’t have anything I can share with you tonight, but the American people should know we're watching the situation very keenly." North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and secretive countries, and the health of its leaders is treated as a matter of state security. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm any details on Kim's whereabouts or condition. Also read: North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced North Korea's state media last reported on Kim's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11. State media did not report that he was in attendance at an event to mark the birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15, an important anniversary in North Korea. Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp. Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems. When Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, suffered a stroke in 2008, South Korean media reported at the time that Chinese doctors were involved in his treatment along with French physicians. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the first state visit in 14 years by a Chinese leader to North Korea, an impoverished state that depends on Beijing for economic and diplomatic support. China is North Korea's chief ally and the economic lifeline for a country hard-hit by U.N. sanctions, and has a keen interest in the stability of the country with which it shares a long, porous border. Kim is a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack. He has visited China four times since 2018. Trump held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 as part of a bid to persuade him to give up North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.

China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces

After 840 American sailors tested positive for coronavirus aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, another aircraft carrier has been trapped in the COVID-19 epidemic.

All sailors on navy destoryer tests positive for COVID-19

Two Chinese pharma companies, which supplied 5.5 lakh rapid testing kits for COVID-19 to India, said they are ready to cooperate with Indian agencies looking into allegations of poor accuracy of their products.

In separate statements, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Livzon Diagnostics said they follow strict quality control of their products, asserting that specified guidelines must be followed in the storage of the kits as well in their usages to get accurate results.

India's apex medical research body ICMR on Tuesday advised states to stop using the rapid antibody test kits for next two days till it examines their quality following complaints that they are not fully effective in detecting coronavirus infection.

Last week, India procured 5.5 lakh rapid antibody test kits from these two Chinese firms and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of coronavirus infection.

While Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech supplied 3 lakh test kits, Livzon Diagnostics delivered 2.5 lakh.

Livzon Diagnostics, in its statement, said: "We are shocked to receive negative reports from India related to poor accuracy of COVID 19 rapid testing kits made in China including our brand.

We have shown great concern on this issue, and we are willing to coordinate with the related government departments for investigation."

The company said it fulfilled all required quality control standards prescribed by Chinese government and that the company has been exporting the product to at least 10 countries including Brazil, Peru, Columbia and several European nations.

"The test kits should be stored at a temperature between 2 and 30-degree Celsius and should not be frozen. If the storage temperature is too high, the accuracy of the test may be influenced," it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-rapid-testing-paused-due-to-issues-with-chinese-kits-293997">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: Rapid testing paused due to issues with Chinese kits</a>

In its statement, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech said the company has been exporting the kits to more than 70 countries and that the product was validated and approved by the ICMR through National Institute of Virology in Pune.

"In the process of exporting the products to overseas countries, Wondfo fully cooperates with relevant health authorities in each country to carry out various verifications on the sensitivity and specificity of our products," it said.

The statements by the two companies were released to the media by an official of the Chinese embassy here.

At present, the government hospitals have been using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect coronavirus from the throat or nasal swab samples of people.

These take around five to six hours to show the results.

In the rapid antibody tests, the blood samples of suspected patients are taken, and it normally takes around 15-30 minutes to give the result.

India has been facing a severe shortage of testing kits in view of rising cases of the coronavirus.

Two Chinese pharma companies, which supplied 5.5 lakh rapid testing kits for COVID-19 to India, said they are ready to cooperate with Indian agencies looking into allegations of poor accuracy of their products.

Two Chinese pharma companies, which supplied 5.5 lakh rapid testing kits for COVID-19 to India, said they are ready to cooperate with Indian agencies looking into allegations of poor accuracy of their products. In separate statements, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech and Livzon Diagnostics said they follow strict quality control of their products, asserting that specified guidelines must be followed in the storage of the kits as well in their usages to get accurate results. India's apex medical research body ICMR on Tuesday advised states to stop using the rapid antibody test kits for next two days till it examines their quality following complaints that they are not fully effective in detecting coronavirus infection. Last week, India procured 5.5 lakh rapid antibody test kits from these two Chinese firms and they were distributed to several states reporting rising cases of coronavirus infection. While Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech supplied 3 lakh test kits, Livzon Diagnostics delivered 2.5 lakh. Livzon Diagnostics, in its statement, said: "We are shocked to receive negative reports from India related to poor accuracy of COVID 19 rapid testing kits made in China including our brand. We have shown great concern on this issue, and we are willing to coordinate with the related government departments for investigation." The company said it fulfilled all required quality control standards prescribed by Chinese government and that the company has been exporting the product to at least 10 countries including Brazil, Peru, Columbia and several European nations. "The test kits should be stored at a temperature between 2 and 30-degree Celsius and should not be frozen. If the storage temperature is too high, the accuracy of the test may be influenced," it said. Also read: COVID-19: Rapid testing paused due to issues with Chinese kits In its statement, Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech said the company has been exporting the kits to more than 70 countries and that the product was validated and approved by the ICMR through National Institute of Virology in Pune. "In the process of exporting the products to overseas countries, Wondfo fully cooperates with relevant health authorities in each country to carry out various verifications on the sensitivity and specificity of our products," it said. The statements by the two companies were released to the media by an official of the Chinese embassy here. At present, the government hospitals have been using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests to detect coronavirus from the throat or nasal swab samples of people. These take around five to six hours to show the results. In the rapid antibody tests, the blood samples of suspected patients are taken, and it normally takes around 15-30 minutes to give the result. India has been facing a severe shortage of testing kits in view of rising cases of the coronavirus.

Chinese suppliers of faulty rapid kits say they are ready to cooperate with Indian agencies

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first at-home COVID-19 test kit. People would now be able to get tested for COVID-19 at home. The US President Donald Trump on Friday (April 24) promoted the roll out of the first in-home test for the coronavirus that the FDA had granted emergency clearance to.

FDA grants emergency clearance to at-home COVID-19 tests

US slamming Bejing said the country is using COVID-19 distraction to further its hold in the South China Sea. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said, "Even as we fight the outbreak, we must remember that the long-term threats to our shared security have not disappeared. In fact, they’ve become more prominent."

US slams China's aggression in South China sea

In France, traces of the novel coronavirus were discovered in 4 out of 27 samples of the non-potable water, which is supplied in Paris.

Paris: Sewers tested for COVID-19 concentration

China is fighting criticism from around the world and within, and it is continuing to resort to its typical method to fight the dissent by silencing the source of criticism! Be it a doctor fighting the outbreak on the frontlines or a student protesting in a university campus. The Chinese regime discredited the doctor who first warned of the coronavirus which has killed more than 190,000 people worldwide. While 2.7 million people have been infected.

How China's secrecy and delayed response to COVID-19 put lives at risk

Spain has returned coronavirus testing kits ordered from China for the second time, after claiming that the second batch is also faulty.

Spain to return faulty Chinese kits to detect coronavirus

India has suspended the use of Chinese-supplied rapid testing kits for detecting the deadly coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after several states complained results were inaccurate.

India has suspended use of Chinese test kits

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work on drugs

WHO launches new COVID-19 initiative

Harvard Medical School professor, Timothy Springer becomes a billionaire after investing in Moderna, the company discovering the vaccine for the novel coronavirus. The company, returned 17,000 per cent on investment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/while-world-economies-struggle-american-billionaires-get-10-richer-during-coronavirus-pandemic-294358">Also read: While world economies struggle, American billionaires get 10% richer during coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
The professor believed that he had enough before becoming a billionaire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-trial-on-humans-starts-in-uk-294384">Also read | COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK</a>

In 2018, Springer said in an interview to media houses that he had sufficient wealth and he needs no more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nears-50000-coronavirus-deaths-more-than-85-lakh-infected-294382">Also read |&nbsp;US nears 50,000 coronavirus deaths, more than 8.5 lakh infected</a>

Attempts to discovering a vaccine to control the deadly virus surged the stock price of Moderna to more than $51 per share. The company was trading at $17 per share 6 months back. Not only did the stock price of the company increase but the net worth of Springer increased to more than $1 billion, according to data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-may-have-known-of-coronavirus-in-november-us-renews-accusations-294377">Also read: China may have known of coronavirus in November — US renews accusations</a>

Moderna is among the first few companies to start the trials of its developed vaccine, mRNA-1273, for which the company will be paid over $400 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There are around 70 vaccines in the process currently.

Having a value over $1 billion brings Springer in the list of the wealthiest academics in the US.&nbsp;

The last time when the net worth of the professor surged was when his first venture LeukoSite was taken over by Millennium Pharmaceuticals in 1999 as a part of the $635 million deal. Springer made a profit $100 million that time.

This 1999 incident made Springer an investor and he began putting money in different companies. He had initially bought 17.3 million shares of Moderna for $5 million as a part of his early investment. The value of that investment now stands at over $800 million. When the company went for an initial public offering (IPO), the value of Springer’s stake was about $400 million.&nbsp;

Apart from Moderna, the professor has invested in companies like Selecta Bioscience and Editas Medicine. He also became the founder of Morphic Therrapaeutics and Scholar Rock Holding.

Springer also runs a non-profit organisation called Institute for Protein Innovation to find effective antibodies. Some of the antibodies made by the body will be made open-source.

(With inputs from agencies)

Harvard Medical School professor, Timothy Springer becomes a billionaire after investing in Moderna, the company discovering the vaccine for the novel coronavirus.

Harvard Medical School professor, Timothy Springer becomes a billionaire after investing in Moderna, the company discovering the vaccine for the novel coronavirus. The company, returned 17,000 per cent on investment. Also read: While world economies struggle, American billionaires get 10% richer during coronavirus pandemic The professor believed that he had enough before becoming a billionaire. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK In 2018, Springer said in an interview to media houses that he had sufficient wealth and he needs no more. Also read | US nears 50,000 coronavirus deaths, more than 8.5 lakh infected Attempts to discovering a vaccine to control the deadly virus surged the stock price of Moderna to more than $51 per share. The company was trading at $17 per share 6 months back. Not only did the stock price of the company increase but the net worth of Springer increased to more than $1 billion, according to data. Also read: China may have known of coronavirus in November — US renews accusations Moderna is among the first few companies to start the trials of its developed vaccine, mRNA-1273, for which the company will be paid over $400 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. There are around 70 vaccines in the process currently. Having a value over $1 billion brings Springer in the list of the wealthiest academics in the US. The last time when the net worth of the professor surged was when his first venture LeukoSite was taken over by Millennium Pharmaceuticals in 1999 as a part of the $635 million deal. Springer made a profit $100 million that time. This 1999 incident made Springer an investor and he began putting money in different companies. He had initially bought 17.3 million shares of Moderna for $5 million as a part of his early investment. The value of that investment now stands at over $800 million. When the company went for an initial public offering (IPO), the value of Springer’s stake was about $400 million. Apart from Moderna, the professor has invested in companies like Selecta Bioscience and Editas Medicine. He also became the founder of Morphic Therrapaeutics and Scholar Rock Holding. Springer also runs a non-profit organisation called Institute for Protein Innovation to find effective antibodies. Some of the antibodies made by the body will be made open-source. (With inputs from agencies)

Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine

Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

Downing Street was forced to deny that Dominic Cummings and another advisor, Ben Warner, were members of the politically independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

However, following reports in The Guardian newspaper, the government admitted that Cummings had sat in on group meetings, prompting the opposition Labour Party to ask for "answers" over his exact role.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-recuperating-from-covid-19-faces-lockdown-conundrum-294504">Also read:&nbsp;UK PM Johnson, recuperating from COVID-19, faces lockdown conundrum</a>

The row emerged as the government's general COVID-19 approach came under increasing scrutiny and the official death toll approached 20,000 in one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic.

In a statement, a Number 10 spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE.

"Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual.

"They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-death-toll-drops-in-last-24-hours-as-infection-cases-rise-294338">Also read:&nbsp;COVID-19: UK death toll drops in last 24 hours as infection cases rise</a>

The statement added that it was "factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate" to suggest the committee's advice was affected by the government.

Until now, membership of the &nbsp;committee, which is a key body in shaping the UK's response to the pandemic, has not been made public.

Labour's health spokesman, John Ashworth told BBC radio on Saturday that his "concern" was "that political advisers have influenced the debate.

"The way to clear this up is for all the minutes to be published; we've called on the government to do this," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-another-patient-new-zealand-nurse-tells-of-treating-british-pm-for-coronavirus-294210">Also read:&nbsp;'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus</a>

The UK government has come under increasing pressure on a number of fronts in recent weeks, including criticism over shortages in personal protective equipment and a lack of widespread testing, particularly of frontline health and social care workers.

Questions have also been asked why it was slow in enforcing a nationwide lockdown to enforce social distancing measures.

There are also growing demands for a government exit strategy from the current lockdown, first imposed on March 23, extended on April 16 and due for review on May 7, as concerns grow over the huge impact the crisis is having on the economy.

Meanwhile, a new website to offer testing for up to 10 million key workers and their families has been overwhelmed.

On Saturday, health officials announced that as many as 5,000 severely ill coronavirus patients could be treated with plasma from people who have recovered from the illness as part of a new approach.

Figures expected later on Saturday could push Britain's official death toll past 20,000.

The number of deaths for COVID-19 in hospital currently stands at 19,506.

In March, the UK's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said keeping the number of UK fatalities to less than 20,000 would be "a good outcome".

Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain.

Boris Johnson's government on Saturday was embroiled in a political row after it emerged his chief advisor attended meetings of the main scientific group advising ministers on the coronavirus pandemic in Britain. Downing Street was forced to deny that Dominic Cummings and another advisor, Ben Warner, were members of the politically independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). However, following reports in The Guardian newspaper, the government admitted that Cummings had sat in on group meetings, prompting the opposition Labour Party to ask for "answers" over his exact role. Also read: UK PM Johnson, recuperating from COVID-19, faces lockdown conundrum The row emerged as the government's general COVID-19 approach came under increasing scrutiny and the official death toll approached 20,000 in one of the countries worst hit by the pandemic. In a statement, a Number 10 spokesman said: "It is not true that Mr Cummings or Dr Warner are 'on' or members of SAGE. "Mr Cummings and Dr Warner have attended some SAGE meetings and listen to some meetings now they are all virtual. "They do this in order to understand better the scientific debates concerning this emergency and also to understand better the limits of how science and data can help government decisions." Also read: COVID-19: UK death toll drops in last 24 hours as infection cases rise The statement added that it was "factually wrong and damaging to sensible public debate" to suggest the committee's advice was affected by the government. Until now, membership of the committee, which is a key body in shaping the UK's response to the pandemic, has not been made public. Labour's health spokesman, John Ashworth told BBC radio on Saturday that his "concern" was "that political advisers have influenced the debate. "The way to clear this up is for all the minutes to be published; we've called on the government to do this," he said. Also read: 'Just another patient': New Zealand nurse tells of treating British PM for coronavirus The UK government has come under increasing pressure on a number of fronts in recent weeks, including criticism over shortages in personal protective equipment and a lack of widespread testing, particularly of frontline health and social care workers. Questions have also been asked why it was slow in enforcing a nationwide lockdown to enforce social distancing measures. There are also growing demands for a government exit strategy from the current lockdown, first imposed on March 23, extended on April 16 and due for review on May 7, as concerns grow over the huge impact the crisis is having on the economy. Meanwhile, a new website to offer testing for up to 10 million key workers and their families has been overwhelmed. On Saturday, health officials announced that as many as 5,000 severely ill coronavirus patients could be treated with plasma from people who have recovered from the illness as part of a new approach. Figures expected later on Saturday could push Britain's official death toll past 20,000. The number of deaths for COVID-19 in hospital currently stands at 19,506. In March, the UK's chief scientific advisor, Sir Patrick Vallance, said keeping the number of UK fatalities to less than 20,000 would be "a good outcome".

Political row hits UK govt as virus death toll nears 20,000

The Coronavirus outbreak is the biggest health crisis in 100 years. As countries try to contain the virus, China is flexing its military muscle in the South China Sea. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more about China's attempts to usurp disputed islands.

Gravitas: During a pandemic, China flexes military muscle in South China Sea

A new study has claimed that more than 2,32,000 people may have been infected in the first wave of Coronavirus cases in Mainland China. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Is China hiding 75% of its Coronavirus cases?

The Coronavirus has taken more than 1,00,000 lives. The outbreak is a big blow to the world economy. There is a shortage of supplies. The situation is being compared to World War II. Is this outbreak a world war in disguise? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: Coronavirus outbreak: A war in disguise

There are more than 27 lakh confirmed cases of the Coronavirus worldwide now. India is reporting more than 23,000 confirmed cases. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you the latest numbers.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus: More than 1,90,000 deaths worldwide

16 new hospitals are being built in Russia to tackle the Coronavirus crisis. Meanwhile hundreds of students appeared for school examinations in Hong Kong while maintaining social distancing. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the big global developments for Friday.

Gravitas: The biggest developments for April 24 | Coronavirus Outbreak

pandemic

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