With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing its spread, governments across the world are trying to use mobile technology to trace people thought to have the virus. But how do these mobile contact-tracing apps work, and can they help in flattening the curve?

Nearly 2.14 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally.

More than 200 countries across the world have declared a war on this invisible enemy. But no one has managed to defeat it yet.

Coronavirus can only be contained if those infected are successfully isolated and treated. And this is where bluetooth-driven contact-tracing apps can come in handy.

So what is this technology about?

<ul>
	<li>The first step is obviously to download the app. The user then needs to update his or her COVID-19 status.</li>
	<li>These apps use the phone’s bluetooth technology to determine if a given user came in close proximity with an infected person.</li>
	<li>If it happens, it alerts the user with a notification and urges him to get tested and self-isolate.</li>
	<li>In principle, this system is more efficient than traditional contact-tracing methods that require the concerned staff to interview patients about their travels.</li>
	<li>Many countries have already adopted this technology,&nbsp;and others are likely to follow suit.</li>
</ul>

Singapore is the first country to have implemented contact-tracing via bluetooth with an app called “trace together.”

India’s Arogya Setu app also works on the same technology.

Other countries such as Israel, China, and South Korea are also using similar apps to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Tech giants like Apple and Google are working on new tools to make app-based tracing more effective.

The companies say their technology could enable apps to monitor contacts for a 14-day period.

Eventually, the process of digital tracing could help authorities relax lockdowns in some parts and enable more selective quarantines.

In other words, it can help decision makers determine which areas are relatively safer. 
 
Is it effective?

<ul>
	<li>Researchers say that digital tracing can be effective only if 60 per cent of the population downloads the app and updates their status.</li>
	<li>Experts believe that contact tracing is helpful only in countries where mass testing is available.</li>
	<li>There are privacy-related concerns around contact-tracing apps. Privacy advocates worry that such a database could be a hackers’ goldmine.</li>
	<li>Some researchers say contact-tracing can be implemented while protecting privacy. Although this will vary from app to app in each country.</li>
</ul>

The technology looks promising, but it needs the support of users to be effective.

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing its spread, governments across the world are trying to use mobile technology to trace people thought to have the virus.

With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of slowing its spread, governments across the world are trying to use mobile technology to trace people thought to have the virus. But how do these mobile contact-tracing apps work, and can they help in flattening the curve? Nearly 2.14 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally. More than 200 countries across the world have declared a war on this invisible enemy. But no one has managed to defeat it yet. Coronavirus can only be contained if those infected are successfully isolated and treated. And this is where bluetooth-driven contact-tracing apps can come in handy. So what is this technology about? The first step is obviously to download the app. The user then needs to update his or her COVID-19 status. These apps use the phone’s bluetooth technology to determine if a given user came in close proximity with an infected person. If it happens, it alerts the user with a notification and urges him to get tested and self-isolate. In principle, this system is more efficient than traditional contact-tracing methods that require the concerned staff to interview patients about their travels. Many countries have already adopted this technology, and others are likely to follow suit. Singapore is the first country to have implemented contact-tracing via bluetooth with an app called “trace together.” India’s Arogya Setu app also works on the same technology. Other countries such as Israel, China, and South Korea are also using similar apps to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Tech giants like Apple and Google are working on new tools to make app-based tracing more effective. The companies say their technology could enable apps to monitor contacts for a 14-day period. Eventually, the process of digital tracing could help authorities relax lockdowns in some parts and enable more selective quarantines. In other words, it can help decision makers determine which areas are relatively safer. Is it effective? Researchers say that digital tracing can be effective only if 60 per cent of the population downloads the app and updates their status. Experts believe that contact tracing is helpful only in countries where mass testing is available. There are privacy-related concerns around contact-tracing apps. Privacy advocates worry that such a database could be a hackers’ goldmine. Some researchers say contact-tracing can be implemented while protecting privacy. Although this will vary from app to app in each country. The technology looks promising, but it needs the support of users to be effective.

What is coronavirus contact-tracing technology and how does it work?

While the death toll is rising due to COVID-19, China’s economy is now feeling the effects.

It has contracted by 6.8 percent, for the first time in more than 40 years.

This drop came in the first three months of 2020. The last time something like this was seen was in the year 1976.

The Chinese economy survived the Tiananmen Square crackdown, the SARS epidemic, and the global financial crisis of 2008.

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China doesn't see a real recovery until the end of this year. The huge decline wipes out a six percent expansion.

Around the same time last year, China's growth rate was 6.4 percent.

The SARS outbreak happened in 2003, it caused some fluctuation in China's economy.

 
More than a fluctuation

The COVID-19 virus is causing much more than a fluctuation.

Not just because of the slowdown in economic activity at home, but also because of the new challengers in the global market.

Japan is one of them.

Prime minister Shinzo Abe has announced plans to build an economy&nbsp; that is not dependent on China.

His economic relief package sends the same message.

Japan is ready to spend a little more than two billion dollars.

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The fund will be given to Japanese businesses - who are ready to move back from China.

Another 215 million dollars will be made available to those - who want to move to other countries.

Such proposals are worrying China.

"Heated debate"

A report in the Nikkei Asian Review says that a "heated debate" is underway in China's political circles.

Leaders of the Communist Party in Beijing are concerned about companies withdrawing from china.

Soon after Japan announced its plans - the Chinese leadership went into the huddle. President Xi Jinping called a meeting.

He met with his fellow members of the Politburo Standing Committee - the highest decision making body of China.

It’s a group of seven men&nbsp;that control the destiny of China.

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Reports say that Jinping instructed the group to assume the worst, and be prepared.

The politburo usually meets once a week. The agenda or the content of internal discussions - rarely comes out.

But this time around, a press release was issued.

The Chinese state media reported that the standing committee "analysed the COVID-19 situation and economic performance at home and abroad."

The coronavirus outbreak has reduced the world's appetite for Chinese goods.

Two-fold challenge

For Beijing, the economic challenge is two fold.

First, bring the factories online. Resume normal business activity.

Two, keep the businessmen in China!

China has signalled that a significant economic stimulus is on its way.

While the death toll is rising due to COVID-19, China’s economy is now feeling the effects. It has contracted by 6.8 percent, for the first time in more than 40 years.

While the death toll is rising due to COVID-19, China’s economy is now feeling the effects. It has contracted by 6.8 percent, for the first time in more than 40 years. This drop came in the first three months of 2020. The last time something like this was seen was in the year 1976. The Chinese economy survived the Tiananmen Square crackdown, the SARS epidemic, and the global financial crisis of 2008. Also read: Amazon to develop COVID-19 test for screening employees China doesn't see a real recovery until the end of this year. The huge decline wipes out a six percent expansion. Around the same time last year, China's growth rate was 6.4 percent. The SARS outbreak happened in 2003, it caused some fluctuation in China's economy. More than a fluctuation The COVID-19 virus is causing much more than a fluctuation. Not just because of the slowdown in economic activity at home, but also because of the new challengers in the global market. Japan is one of them. Prime minister Shinzo Abe has announced plans to build an economy that is not dependent on China. His economic relief package sends the same message. Japan is ready to spend a little more than two billion dollars. Also read: Independent researchers explore ways to detect and prevent coronavirus The fund will be given to Japanese businesses - who are ready to move back from China. Another 215 million dollars will be made available to those - who want to move to other countries. Such proposals are worrying China. "Heated debate" A report in the Nikkei Asian Review says that a "heated debate" is underway in China's political circles. Leaders of the Communist Party in Beijing are concerned about companies withdrawing from china. Soon after Japan announced its plans - the Chinese leadership went into the huddle. President Xi Jinping called a meeting. He met with his fellow members of the Politburo Standing Committee - the highest decision making body of China. It’s a group of seven men that control the destiny of China. Also read: New thermal scanning tech could save millions of lives during the COVID-19 crisis Reports say that Jinping instructed the group to assume the worst, and be prepared. The politburo usually meets once a week. The agenda or the content of internal discussions - rarely comes out. But this time around, a press release was issued. The Chinese state media reported that the standing committee "analysed the COVID-19 situation and economic performance at home and abroad." The coronavirus outbreak has reduced the world's appetite for Chinese goods. Two-fold challenge For Beijing, the economic challenge is two fold. First, bring the factories online. Resume normal business activity. Two, keep the businessmen in China! China has signalled that a significant economic stimulus is on its way.

How is the Chinese economy's shrinkage reconfiguring the global economy?

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data.

The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far.

"A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said.

Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. 1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data. The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far. "A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said. Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 1007 new coronavirus cases, 23 deaths in 24 hours

Economic activity has come to a grinding halt around the world. India too, is reeling for the ill-effects of coronavirus-induced slowdown.

India could grow by less than two percent this year.

Empty streets are the new normal as stores are shut and flights grounded. Additionally, all restaurants and cinemas are empty.

India's growth rate was slowing even before coronavirus entered the country, but the pandemic could push India closer to a recession.

The coronavirus is not just a health emergency for the government, it has triggered one of the worst economic downturns.

One that is bound to impact incomes and salaries, the crisis has already led to layoffs.

Reports say, people have been asked to leave in IT, media and startup companies. Potentially, millions of jobs are at risk.

This includes India's estimated 120 million migrant labourers.

A trend?

The numbers may be speculative right now. But they do signal the trend.

The virus will drag the economy down, and the Indian government hopes to contain the damage.

Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a 1.7 lakh crore relief package.

One that was primarily targeted at those who were hit the hardest.

Now, reports claim that the government could be working on a second stimulus package.

The Reserve Bank of India too, is doing its bit. On Friday, it announced a slew of measures.

“Now in order to encourage the banks to deploy these surplus funds in investments and loans in productive sectors of the economy it has been decided to reduce the fixed repo rate, reserve repo rate”, said Reserve Bank of India, Governor, Shaktikanta Das.

The reverse repo rate has been reduced by 25 basis points to 3.75 percent. This is the rate at which the RBI borrows funds from banks.

The cut is an attempt to discourage banks from parking cash with the central bank.

RBI has cut its key rates for a second time in three weeks. These moves could boost lending to businesses.

But experts believe that the Indian government needs to do more.

Many believe that a second stimulus package is no longer just a possibility, it is inevitable.

Economic activity has come to a grinding halt around the world. India too, is reeling for the ill-effects of coronavirus-induced slowdown. India could grow by less than two percent this year.

Economic activity has come to a grinding halt around the world. India too, is reeling for the ill-effects of coronavirus-induced slowdown. India could grow by less than two percent this year. Empty streets are the new normal as stores are shut and flights grounded. Additionally, all restaurants and cinemas are empty. India's growth rate was slowing even before coronavirus entered the country, but the pandemic could push India closer to a recession. The coronavirus is not just a health emergency for the government, it has triggered one of the worst economic downturns. One that is bound to impact incomes and salaries, the crisis has already led to layoffs. Reports say, people have been asked to leave in IT, media and startup companies. Potentially, millions of jobs are at risk. This includes India's estimated 120 million migrant labourers. A trend? The numbers may be speculative right now. But they do signal the trend. The virus will drag the economy down, and the Indian government hopes to contain the damage. Last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a 1.7 lakh crore relief package. One that was primarily targeted at those who were hit the hardest. Now, reports claim that the government could be working on a second stimulus package. The Reserve Bank of India too, is doing its bit. On Friday, it announced a slew of measures. “Now in order to encourage the banks to deploy these surplus funds in investments and loans in productive sectors of the economy it has been decided to reduce the fixed repo rate, reserve repo rate”, said Reserve Bank of India, Governor, Shaktikanta Das. The reverse repo rate has been reduced by 25 basis points to 3.75 percent. This is the rate at which the RBI borrows funds from banks. The cut is an attempt to discourage banks from parking cash with the central bank. RBI has cut its key rates for a second time in three weeks. These moves could boost lending to businesses. But experts believe that the Indian government needs to do more. Many believe that a second stimulus package is no longer just a possibility, it is inevitable.

Coronavirus could push India closer to a recession: More so than previously thought

In a bid to kick start the economy, Amazon has started to develop a test for COVID-19.

In his annual letter, CEO Jeff Bezos said that “regular testing will both help keep people safe and help get the economy back up and running."

He added that they need to undertake "vastly more testing capacity" than currently available.

To achieve the goals Bezos has assembled a team of employees to conjure the tools for successful testing of COVID-19.

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Amazon will begin testing "small numbers" of its employees soon, CNN reported.

"We are not sure how far we will get in the relevant time frame, but we think it's worth trying, and we stand ready to share anything we learn," Bezos wrote.

The company has recently invited ire owing to its treatment of critics within its workforce, who were then fired.

Bezos recently showed reinforced his focus on ensuring the safety of his employees.

Apparently, over 150 “significant process changes” have been made it its regular operations and networking.

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These include regular temperature checks, increased sanitation of facilities and offering personal protection equipment, like masks, to its employees.

So far, numerous Amazon facilities have registered cases of COVID-19. Washington, California, and New York have reported cases, where centres have been closed.

After Amazon decided to keep warehouses open, many employees staged walkout protests.

To meet the pressure in demand, Amazon recently hired over 200,000 new workers.

In a bid to kick start the economy, Amazon has started to develop a test for COVID-19. In his annual letter, CEO Jeff Bezos said that “regular testing will both help keep people safe and help get the economy back up and running.

In a bid to kick start the economy, Amazon has started to develop a test for COVID-19. In his annual letter, CEO Jeff Bezos said that “regular testing will both help keep people safe and help get the economy back up and running." He added that they need to undertake "vastly more testing capacity" than currently available. To achieve the goals Bezos has assembled a team of employees to conjure the tools for successful testing of COVID-19. Also read: New thermal scanning tech could save millions of lives during COVID-19 crisis Amazon will begin testing "small numbers" of its employees soon, CNN reported. "We are not sure how far we will get in the relevant time frame, but we think it's worth trying, and we stand ready to share anything we learn," Bezos wrote. The company has recently invited ire owing to its treatment of critics within its workforce, who were then fired. Bezos recently showed reinforced his focus on ensuring the safety of his employees. Apparently, over 150 “significant process changes” have been made it its regular operations and networking. Also read: Independent researchers explore ways to detect and prevent coronavirus These include regular temperature checks, increased sanitation of facilities and offering personal protection equipment, like masks, to its employees. So far, numerous Amazon facilities have registered cases of COVID-19. Washington, California, and New York have reported cases, where centres have been closed. After Amazon decided to keep warehouses open, many employees staged walkout protests. To meet the pressure in demand, Amazon recently hired over 200,000 new workers.

Amazon to develop COVID-19 test for screening employees

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached &nbsp;2,157,108&nbsp;worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-toll-passes-32000-probable-virus-deaths-included-293016">Also read: US COVID-19 toll passes 32,000; 'probable' virus deaths included</a> 
 
The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-under-mounting-pressure-over-virus-origins-293011">Also read: China under mounting pressure over virus origins</a> 
 
COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;2,157,108 people worldwide and 144,047 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 547,295 people of that tally have recovered.

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 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 confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 32,917 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

More than 667,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past two days.

The death toll marked an increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, by far the highest daily toll in the pandemic so far. But this figure includes the "probable" deaths related to COVID-19, which were not previously included.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,157,108 worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,157,108 worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. Also read: US COVID-19 toll passes 32,000; 'probable' virus deaths included The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. Also read: China under mounting pressure over virus origins COVID-19 has now infected 2,157,108 people worldwide and 144,047 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 547,295 people of that tally have recovered. 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 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 confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 32,917 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 667,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past two days. The death toll marked an increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, by far the highest daily toll in the pandemic so far. But this figure includes the "probable" deaths related to COVID-19, which were not previously included.

Deadly coronavirus death toll closing in on 1.5 lakh globally, cases reach 2.18 million

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.1 million people actually originated in a Wuhan laboratory. 
 
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The new focus on China's role came as the world wrestles with a crisis that has killed more than 140,000 people and created historic jobless numbers, with Britain, Japan and New York extending lockdown measures. 
 
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President Donald Trump, who initially downplayed the illness whose US death toll has shot past 30,000, has been attacking China for weeks and appeared to gain support after a videoconference among leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters there could be no "business as usual" with China.

"We'll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn't have been stopped earlier," said Raab, filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is recovering from the virus.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned not to be "naive" in believing China has handled the outbreak well.

"There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about," he said in an interview with the Financial Times.

COVID-19 first emerged late last year in Wuhan, with China saying it was suspected to have been transmitted to humans at a meat market that butchered exotic animals.

The Washington Post and Fox News reported there were growing suspicions the virus in fact slipped out of a sensitive laboratory in Wuhan that studied bats, blamed for the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003.

Neither outlet suggested the virus was spread deliberately.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China should have been more transparent about the laboratory.

"We're doing a full investigation of everything we can to learn how it is the case that this virus got away, got out into the world and now has created so much tragedy — so much death," Pompeo told Fox News.

Bid to 'smear China'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone and called efforts to blame Beijing counterproductive.

Xi called attempts to politicize the pandemic "detrimental to international cooperation" and Putin denounced "attempts by some people to smear China," according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian — who previously outraged the United States by spreading an unfounded theory that US troops introduced the coronavirus in Wuhan — quoted the World Health Organization as saying there was no evidence the virus was produced in a lab.

"Many well-known medical experts in the world also believe that the so-called laboratory leak hypothesis has no scientific basis," Zhao said.

Trump has also gone on the attack against the WHO, saying he will cut US funding for the UN body because it did not press China harder on initial statements that the virus could not be spread among people.

That Trump offensive has drawn little international support. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose aggressive response is credited with limiting deaths in Europe's largest economy, voiced "full support" for the WHO in the Group of Seven talks.

Merkel "emphasized that the pandemic can only be defeated with a strong and coordinated international response," said her spokesman, Steffen Seibert.

Europe still 'in eye of storm'

The WHO has been in the forefront of international efforts to fight the virus and is seen as especially vital for developing nations with creaky health systems.

In an assessment Thursday for Europe, the WHO said positive signs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland were overshadowed by sustained or increased levels of infections in other countries such as Britain, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia.

"We remain in the eye of the storm," said Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe.

"It is imperative that we do not let down our guard."

Britain, whose daily death toll spiked to 861 on Thursday, will extend its lockdown for "at least the next few weeks," Raab said.

Trump has voiced growing impatience to reopen the United States. He faces re-election in November and had hoped to campaign on a booming economy.

New data showed the United States shedding an incredible 22 million jobs in the last month, with 5.2 million workers seeking unemployment benefits last week.

But Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, the US epicenter of the virus, said he was extending the shutdown until May 15 despite signs of progress.

"I would like to see that infection rate get down even more," Cuomo said, reporting that 606 people had died in the last day, the lowest number in 10 days.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded his state of emergency until May 6, allowing local leaders to urge people to stay at home but with no legal force.

Japan has seen a relatively small outbreak, with 136 deaths, and Abe is also worried about the impact on the world's third-largest economy which was already on the brink of recession.

Slow return to normal

After weeks on strict lockdowns, hard-hit Spain and Italy have begun to ease restrictions.

In Venice, residents in mandatory face masks enjoyed quiet streets and canals that once thronged with selfie-stick wielding tourists.

"I bought many books," Venetian Catrina said after visiting one of the city's bookshops, which were allowed to reopen this week.

"I needed them. Like an addict — for something of substance."

Switzerland announced that some shops and services — including beauty salons — will be allowed to resume business from April 27.

Germany also announced steps to reopen some shops and gradually restart schools, Denmark began reopening schools for younger children after a month-long closure and Finland lifted a blockade of Helsinki.

But Russia postponed its May 9 celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, an extravaganza to which Putin has hoped to draw leaders including Trump.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said only a "safe and effective vaccine" can return the world to normal and hoped it would be available by year-end.

He also issued an appeal to protect the world's youngest, warning that a staggering 310 million children relied on schools — many now closed — for daily nutrition.

"With the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths in 2020," Guterres warned.

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.1 million people actually originated in a Wuhan laboratory. Also read: New York governor Cuomo extends lockdown as COVID-19 deaths continue to rise The new focus on China's role came as the world wrestles with a crisis that has killed more than 140,000 people and created historic jobless numbers, with Britain, Japan and New York extending lockdown measures. Also read: Trump administration fails to cope as COVID-19 pandemic takes heavy toll President Donald Trump, who initially downplayed the illness whose US death toll has shot past 30,000, has been attacking China for weeks and appeared to gain support after a videoconference among leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters there could be no "business as usual" with China. "We'll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn't have been stopped earlier," said Raab, filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is recovering from the virus. French President Emmanuel Macron warned not to be "naive" in believing China has handled the outbreak well. "There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about," he said in an interview with the Financial Times. COVID-19 first emerged late last year in Wuhan, with China saying it was suspected to have been transmitted to humans at a meat market that butchered exotic animals. The Washington Post and Fox News reported there were growing suspicions the virus in fact slipped out of a sensitive laboratory in Wuhan that studied bats, blamed for the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003. Neither outlet suggested the virus was spread deliberately. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China should have been more transparent about the laboratory. "We're doing a full investigation of everything we can to learn how it is the case that this virus got away, got out into the world and now has created so much tragedy — so much death," Pompeo told Fox News. Bid to 'smear China' Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone and called efforts to blame Beijing counterproductive. Xi called attempts to politicize the pandemic "detrimental to international cooperation" and Putin denounced "attempts by some people to smear China," according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian — who previously outraged the United States by spreading an unfounded theory that US troops introduced the coronavirus in Wuhan — quoted the World Health Organization as saying there was no evidence the virus was produced in a lab. "Many well-known medical experts in the world also believe that the so-called laboratory leak hypothesis has no scientific basis," Zhao said. Trump has also gone on the attack against the WHO, saying he will cut US funding for the UN body because it did not press China harder on initial statements that the virus could not be spread among people. That Trump offensive has drawn little international support. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose aggressive response is credited with limiting deaths in Europe's largest economy, voiced "full support" for the WHO in the Group of Seven talks. Merkel "emphasized that the pandemic can only be defeated with a strong and coordinated international response," said her spokesman, Steffen Seibert. Europe still 'in eye of storm' The WHO has been in the forefront of international efforts to fight the virus and is seen as especially vital for developing nations with creaky health systems. In an assessment Thursday for Europe, the WHO said positive signs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland were overshadowed by sustained or increased levels of infections in other countries such as Britain, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. "We remain in the eye of the storm," said Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe. "It is imperative that we do not let down our guard." Britain, whose daily death toll spiked to 861 on Thursday, will extend its lockdown for "at least the next few weeks," Raab said. Trump has voiced growing impatience to reopen the United States. He faces re-election in November and had hoped to campaign on a booming economy. New data showed the United States shedding an incredible 22 million jobs in the last month, with 5.2 million workers seeking unemployment benefits last week. But Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, the US epicenter of the virus, said he was extending the shutdown until May 15 despite signs of progress. "I would like to see that infection rate get down even more," Cuomo said, reporting that 606 people had died in the last day, the lowest number in 10 days. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded his state of emergency until May 6, allowing local leaders to urge people to stay at home but with no legal force. Japan has seen a relatively small outbreak, with 136 deaths, and Abe is also worried about the impact on the world's third-largest economy which was already on the brink of recession. Slow return to normal After weeks on strict lockdowns, hard-hit Spain and Italy have begun to ease restrictions. In Venice, residents in mandatory face masks enjoyed quiet streets and canals that once thronged with selfie-stick wielding tourists. "I bought many books," Venetian Catrina said after visiting one of the city's bookshops, which were allowed to reopen this week. "I needed them. Like an addict — for something of substance." Switzerland announced that some shops and services — including beauty salons — will be allowed to resume business from April 27. Germany also announced steps to reopen some shops and gradually restart schools, Denmark began reopening schools for younger children after a month-long closure and Finland lifted a blockade of Helsinki. But Russia postponed its May 9 celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, an extravaganza to which Putin has hoped to draw leaders including Trump. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said only a "safe and effective vaccine" can return the world to normal and hoped it would be available by year-end. He also issued an appeal to protect the world's youngest, warning that a staggering 310 million children relied on schools — many now closed — for daily nutrition. "With the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths in 2020," Guterres warned.

China under mounting pressure over virus origins

Kim Jong-Un absent on country’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom?

North Korea’s most important holiday - the Day of the Sun falls on April 15, in honour of the country’s founding father Kim II Sung.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/independent-researchers-explore-ways-to-detect-and-prevent-coronavirus-293185" hreflang="en">Independent researchers explore ways to detect and prevent coronavirus</a>

Millions across the country celebrate birth of their founding leader. North Korea usually goes big on the day and has marked it with satellite launches and military parades in the first.

However, something was amiss this year. The Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un was no where to be seen on the country’s most auspicious day.

Is North Korea being overly protective of its leader or is something wrong with him?

For a country with no reported cases of coronavirus so far, a precautionary measure so extreme feels a little far-fetched.

The last time a leadermmissed something of such importance, he had experienced a stroke.

So, is he ok?

According to CNN, no North Korean media reported his absence/presence at the Day of the Sun festivities.&nbsp;

KCNA, North Korea’s state run news outlet reported that “senior officials” had undertaken the visit to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim II Sung and his son Kim Jong II are on display.

Analysts believe that this absence marks an unprecedented deviation from custom, for he has never skipped such meetings since he took charge of the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-thermal-scanning-tech-could-save-millions-of-lives-during-the-covid-19-crisis-293175" hreflang="en">New thermal scanning tech could save millions of lives during the COVID-19 crisis</a>

In 2008, Kim Jong II had missed North Korea’s 60th anniversary parade. It later turned out that he had experienced a stroke. His health then continued to deteriorate until his death in 2011.

In 2014, Kim Jong Un had disappeared which raised questions about his health. A few days later, it turned out that he a cyst removed from his ankle.

North Korea’s claim of zero coronavirus cases in the country has been disputed by all analysts. And many believe that it could be the likely cause of his absence.

The country has closed its borders to tourists and has quarantined all foreign diplomats, who all eventually left.

Kim Jong-Un absent on country’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom? North Korea’s most important holiday - the Day of the Sun falls on April 15, in honour of the country’s founding father Kim II Sung.

Kim Jong-Un absent on country’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom? North Korea’s most important holiday - the Day of the Sun falls on April 15, in honour of the country’s founding father Kim II Sung. Also read: Independent researchers explore ways to detect and prevent coronavirus Millions across the country celebrate birth of their founding leader. North Korea usually goes big on the day and has marked it with satellite launches and military parades in the first. However, something was amiss this year. The Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un was no where to be seen on the country’s most auspicious day. Is North Korea being overly protective of its leader or is something wrong with him? For a country with no reported cases of coronavirus so far, a precautionary measure so extreme feels a little far-fetched. The last time a leadermmissed something of such importance, he had experienced a stroke. So, is he ok? According to CNN, no North Korean media reported his absence/presence at the Day of the Sun festivities. KCNA, North Korea’s state run news outlet reported that “senior officials” had undertaken the visit to Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim II Sung and his son Kim Jong II are on display. Analysts believe that this absence marks an unprecedented deviation from custom, for he has never skipped such meetings since he took charge of the country. Also read: New thermal scanning tech could save millions of lives during the COVID-19 crisis In 2008, Kim Jong II had missed North Korea’s 60th anniversary parade. It later turned out that he had experienced a stroke. His health then continued to deteriorate until his death in 2011. In 2014, Kim Jong Un had disappeared which raised questions about his health. A few days later, it turned out that he a cyst removed from his ankle. North Korea’s claim of zero coronavirus cases in the country has been disputed by all analysts. And many believe that it could be the likely cause of his absence. The country has closed its borders to tourists and has quarantined all foreign diplomats, who all eventually left.

Kim Jong Un absent on North Korea’s most important holiday: Precaution or doom?

China had recently employed thermal imaging technology to find coronavirus symptoms among patients.

According to Tech Crunch, the could soon be makings its way to the United States.

A start-up based in Hangzhou is talking to companies to sell its “T1 glasses”.

China’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, and its companies are working to come up with quick diagnosis technology to avert further damage.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-once-chinas-coronavirus-epicentre-raises-death-toll-by-50-293040">Wuhan, once China's coronavirus epicentre raises death toll by 50%</a>

The T1 thermal glasses are capable of detecting the temperatures of over 2000 people within two minutes, within the distance of over three metres.

According to media reports, the device is equipped with a Qualcomm CPU, a 12 megapixel camera and offer augmented reality features. It can also record live images and videos.

<h6><img alt="Attendees stand before a screen showing an infrared thermal image during a ceremony by Taiwan’s Ministry Of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to donate thermal scanning devices to its diplomatic allies at the MOFA in Taipei on April 15, 2020. Taiwan donated some 100 infrared thermal scanners to fifteen of its diplomatic allies." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5d500805-5277-4b1a-ad39-07771466f0d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-5_1.jpg" /> 
A picture taken on January 21, 2020 shows thermal scanning equipment set up in Hankou railway station in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province | AFP</h6>

The startup plans to set an office in San Francisco, after which the tech will be rolled out to industries in need, especially healthcare.

According to Tech Crunch, the company is now in talks with American hospitals and municipalities to start shipping the glasses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-belarus-president-calls-coronavirus-psychosis-organisations-step-up-mobilisation-efforts-293165">As Belarus' president calls coronavirus 'psychosis', organisations step-up!</a>

The technology could serve as a measure for pre-testing whereby, the people with symptoms could be identified and further referred for testing.

As per reports, the glasses connect via USB. However, the American administration has amped-up its anti-China rhetoric, which could halt it gaining traction in the West.

China had recently employed thermal imaging technology to find coronavirus symptoms among patients. According to Tech Crunch, the could soon be makings its way to the United States.

China had recently employed thermal imaging technology to find coronavirus symptoms among patients. According to Tech Crunch, the could soon be makings its way to the United States. A start-up based in Hangzhou is talking to companies to sell its “T1 glasses”. China’s economy has been hit hard by the pandemic, and its companies are working to come up with quick diagnosis technology to avert further damage. Also read: Wuhan, once China's coronavirus epicentre raises death toll by 50% The T1 thermal glasses are capable of detecting the temperatures of over 2000 people within two minutes, within the distance of over three metres. According to media reports, the device is equipped with a Qualcomm CPU, a 12 megapixel camera and offer augmented reality features. It can also record live images and videos. A picture taken on January 21, 2020 shows thermal scanning equipment set up in Hankou railway station in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province | AFP The startup plans to set an office in San Francisco, after which the tech will be rolled out to industries in need, especially healthcare. According to Tech Crunch, the company is now in talks with American hospitals and municipalities to start shipping the glasses. Also read: As Belarus' president calls coronavirus 'psychosis', organisations step-up! The technology could serve as a measure for pre-testing whereby, the people with symptoms could be identified and further referred for testing. As per reports, the glasses connect via USB. However, the American administration has amped-up its anti-China rhetoric, which could halt it gaining traction in the West.

New thermal scanning tech could save millions of lives during the COVID-19 crisis

Belarus has a peculiar problem - the President Alexander Lukashenko refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of COVID-19, along the lines of Brazilian, Mexican, and American leaders.

The aforementioned countries are now experiencing high infections everyday.

Owing to the government’s denial, volunteers in Belarus have taken up crowdfunding to help country deal with the crisis, The Guardian reported

The country responded to the virus very late, and did not back down from hosting Europe’s only active football league.

The president has referred to the pandemic as a “psychosis”.

<h6><img alt="oppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="760ed96e-ebe8-44db-aabf-54ebfd455641" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_3.jpg" /> 
Football players attend the match of the Belarus Championship between FC Dynamo-Brest and FC Isloch in the town of Brest, some 370 km southwest of Minsk, on April 12, 2020. Belarus continue its championship despite all the leagues in Europe cancelled it to curb the spread of the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. As most people in Europe are confined to their homes, life goes on as usual in Belarus where even football is continuing -- though fears are growing over the leader's contentious response to COVID-19 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

“No one in the country will die from coronavirus,” Lukashenko said.

Owing to this denial clubbed with shortage of life-saving paraphernalia, a mask now costs over £12. As of now, an NGO has raised over £100,000. Over 27,000 respirators have been distributed, alongside protective gear.

Belarus boasts a population of 9.5 million people and has so far reported over 4200 positive cases, with over 40 deaths.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8399175f-a925-42ac-812b-02b7708b7e13" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_0.jpg" /> 
A woman installs dummies to replace audience due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 caused by the novel coronavirus during the Belarus Championship football match between FC Dynamo-Brest and FC Isloch in the town of Brest, some 370 km southwest of Minsk, on April 12, 2020 | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Many independent campaigns have sprouted up in the country to ease the pressure created by the pandemic.

Organisations and individuals are using all possible tactics, including 3D printers.

Belarus has a peculiar problem - the President Alexander Lukashenko refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of COVID-19, along the lines of Brazilian, Mexican, and American leaders.

Belarus has a peculiar problem - the President Alexander Lukashenko refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of COVID-19, along the lines of Brazilian, Mexican, and American leaders. The aforementioned countries are now experiencing high infections everyday. Owing to the government’s denial, volunteers in Belarus have taken up crowdfunding to help country deal with the crisis, The Guardian reported The country responded to the virus very late, and did not back down from hosting Europe’s only active football league. The president has referred to the pandemic as a “psychosis”. Football players attend the match of the Belarus Championship between FC Dynamo-Brest and FC Isloch in the town of Brest, some 370 km southwest of Minsk, on April 12, 2020. Belarus continue its championship despite all the leagues in Europe cancelled it to curb the spread of the COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. As most people in Europe are confined to their homes, life goes on as usual in Belarus where even football is continuing -- though fears are growing over the leader's contentious response to COVID-19 | AFP “No one in the country will die from coronavirus,” Lukashenko said. Owing to this denial clubbed with shortage of life-saving paraphernalia, a mask now costs over £12. As of now, an NGO has raised over £100,000. Over 27,000 respirators have been distributed, alongside protective gear. Belarus boasts a population of 9.5 million people and has so far reported over 4200 positive cases, with over 40 deaths. A woman installs dummies to replace audience due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 caused by the novel coronavirus during the Belarus Championship football match between FC Dynamo-Brest and FC Isloch in the town of Brest, some 370 km southwest of Minsk, on April 12, 2020 | AFP Many independent campaigns have sprouted up in the country to ease the pressure created by the pandemic. Organisations and individuals are using all possible tactics, including 3D printers.

As Belarus' president calls coronavirus 'psychosis', organisations step-up mobilisation efforts

Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a potential outbreak?

Turns out, the Obama administration had been pushing for a universal healthcare infrastructure to globally deal with a potentially “air borne” pandemic, similar to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

“We have to put in place an infrastructure,&nbsp; not just at home but also globally. That allows us to see it quickly, isolate it quickly, respond to it quickly”, he said in a briefing. 
 
"We must be ready"

Obama warned in 2014, that we must be ready to deal with an epidemic.

“So that if and when a new strain of flu, like the Spanish flu, crops up, five years or a decade from now - we’ve made the investment - and we’re further along to be able to catch it”, the former president had asserted.

Obama called for more pandemic preparedness following the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which was then seen as a global threat. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-time-of-coronavirus-this-is-the-safest-place-in-us-293140">In the time of coronavirus, this is the 'safest place' in US</a>

“The funding we’re asking for is needed to keep strengthening our capacity here at home so we can respond to any future Ebola cases.. It’s needed to help us partner with other countries to prevent and deal with future outbreaks and threats before they become epidemics”, Obama had said.

He added how the world had got lucky in terms of the Swine Flu, which had subsided on its own.

“We were lucky with H1N1 that it did not prove to be more deadly. We can’t say we’re lucky with Ebola because obviously it’s having a devastating effect tin West africa, but it is not airborne in its transmission”, he had said.

However, coronavirus is airborne, and is way more deadly than any epidemic seen in recent history.

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If this had happened under Obama's watch we wouldn't have the most cases in the world right now <a href="https://t.co/uv51QJZrci">pic.twitter.com/uv51QJZrci</a>
— Quentin Quarantino 😷 (@ShawnInArizona) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShawnInArizona/status/1249950517339377664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Airborne mayhem

“There may and likely will come a time in which we have both an airborne disease that is deadly“, he said predicted. Looks like his prophecy turned out to be true.

“It’s not just insurance, it is knowing that down the road, we’re gonna continue to have problems like this - particularly in a globalised world”. 
 
He had earlier written in an oped in New York Times back in 2005 - “We recommend that this administration work with Congress, public health officials, the pharmaceutical industry, foreign governments, and international organisations to create a permanent framework for curtailing the spread of future infectious diseases”.

“I cannot think of a better example of an area where we should all agree than passing this emergency funding to fight Ebola and to set up some of the public health infrastructure in the world to deal with potential outbreaks in the future”.

Trump's denial

The incumbent US president Donald Trump had received reports about the seriousness of COVID-19 as early as March but continued to discount those well into March.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-orders-to-print-trumps-name-on-stimulus-cheques-293080" hreflang="en">US treasury orders to print Trump’s name on stimulus cheques</a>

At a briefing he said that the virus would go away by April because of the heat. But it has now killed over 30,000 people in the United States alone.

According to new projections, 100,000-240,000 people are expected to die of the virus in the US alone.

Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a potential outbreak? Turns out, the Obama administration had been pushing for a universal healthcare infrastructure to globally deal with a potentially “air borne” pandemic, similar to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a potential outbreak? Turns out, the Obama administration had been pushing for a universal healthcare infrastructure to globally deal with a potentially “air borne” pandemic, similar to the ongoing coronavirus crisis. “We have to put in place an infrastructure, not just at home but also globally. That allows us to see it quickly, isolate it quickly, respond to it quickly”, he said in a briefing. "We must be ready" Obama warned in 2014, that we must be ready to deal with an epidemic. “So that if and when a new strain of flu, like the Spanish flu, crops up, five years or a decade from now - we’ve made the investment - and we’re further along to be able to catch it”, the former president had asserted. Obama called for more pandemic preparedness following the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which was then seen as a global threat. Also read: In the time of coronavirus, this is the 'safest place' in US “The funding we’re asking for is needed to keep strengthening our capacity here at home so we can respond to any future Ebola cases.. It’s needed to help us partner with other countries to prevent and deal with future outbreaks and threats before they become epidemics”, Obama had said. He added how the world had got lucky in terms of the Swine Flu, which had subsided on its own. “We were lucky with H1N1 that it did not prove to be more deadly. We can’t say we’re lucky with Ebola because obviously it’s having a devastating effect tin West africa, but it is not airborne in its transmission”, he had said. However, coronavirus is airborne, and is way more deadly than any epidemic seen in recent history. If this had happened under Obama's watch we wouldn't have the most cases in the world right now pic.twitter.com/uv51QJZrci — Quentin Quarantino 😷 (@ShawnInArizona) April 14, 2020 × Airborne mayhem “There may and likely will come a time in which we have both an airborne disease that is deadly“, he said predicted. Looks like his prophecy turned out to be true. “It’s not just insurance, it is knowing that down the road, we’re gonna continue to have problems like this - particularly in a globalised world”. He had earlier written in an oped in New York Times back in 2005 - “We recommend that this administration work with Congress, public health officials, the pharmaceutical industry, foreign governments, and international organisations to create a permanent framework for curtailing the spread of future infectious diseases”. “I cannot think of a better example of an area where we should all agree than passing this emergency funding to fight Ebola and to set up some of the public health infrastructure in the world to deal with potential outbreaks in the future”. Trump's denial The incumbent US president Donald Trump had received reports about the seriousness of COVID-19 as early as March but continued to discount those well into March. Also read: US treasury orders to print Trump’s name on stimulus cheques At a briefing he said that the virus would go away by April because of the heat. But it has now killed over 30,000 people in the United States alone. According to new projections, 100,000-240,000 people are expected to die of the virus in the US alone.

Did former United States President Barack Obama predict the seriousness of a coronavirus-like pandemic in 2014?

For the second year in a row, Twitter CEO and billionaire Jack Dorsey has taken a salary of $.140. 
 
Recently, the CEO had announced to donate $1 billion towards coronavirus relief. 
 
In 2017, Dorsey earned nothing, which increased to $1.40 in 2019.

"At his own recommendation to the compensation committee and consistent with his compensation in 2018, Mr. Dorsey elected to forgo any compensation for 2019 other than a base salary of $1.40," Twitter said in an SEC filing.

Additionally, the filing touted it “is a testament to his commitment to and belief in Twitter's long-term value creation potential".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-time-of-coronavirus-this-is-the-safest-place-in-us-293140" hreflang="en">In the time of coronavirus, this is the 'safest place' in US</a> 
 
When Dorsey resumed control of Twitter in 2015, his salary added up to one cent for each character out of the 140 that users were permitted to include. 
 
It is expected that his salary would rise to $2.80 eventually as Twitter has increased the limit of characters to 280 per tweet.

Based on Forbes numbers, Dorsey is worth $3.9 billion, mostly because of this role as CEO of a company called Square, which is about financial services and mobile payment.

It was from this company that Dorsey had set aside $1 billion to fight COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-first-coronavirus-victim-was-a-holocaust-survivor-293106" hreflang="en">Israel's first coronavirus victim was a Holocaust survivor</a>

"Simply: I own a lot more Square. And I'll need to pace the sales over some time. The impact this money will have should benefit both companies over the long-term because it's helping the people we want to serve," Dorsey recently tweeted. 
 
Dorsey claims to have funded organisations with potential impact in the past, with funding running up to over $40 million.

He also runs a non-profit organisation with musician Rihanna. “The Clara Lionel Foundation” (CLF) has been able to set aside $4.2 million to help victims of domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.

In Los Angeles alone, the CLF has committed $2.1 million to assist victims of violence at home.

For the second year in a row, Twitter CEO and billionaire Jack Dorsey has taken a salary of $.140. Recently, the CEO had announced to donate $1 billion towards coronavirus relief.

For the second year in a row, Twitter CEO and billionaire Jack Dorsey has taken a salary of $.140. Recently, the CEO had announced to donate $1 billion towards coronavirus relief. In 2017, Dorsey earned nothing, which increased to $1.40 in 2019. "At his own recommendation to the compensation committee and consistent with his compensation in 2018, Mr. Dorsey elected to forgo any compensation for 2019 other than a base salary of $1.40," Twitter said in an SEC filing. Additionally, the filing touted it “is a testament to his commitment to and belief in Twitter's long-term value creation potential". Also read: In the time of coronavirus, this is the 'safest place' in US When Dorsey resumed control of Twitter in 2015, his salary added up to one cent for each character out of the 140 that users were permitted to include. It is expected that his salary would rise to $2.80 eventually as Twitter has increased the limit of characters to 280 per tweet. Based on Forbes numbers, Dorsey is worth $3.9 billion, mostly because of this role as CEO of a company called Square, which is about financial services and mobile payment. It was from this company that Dorsey had set aside $1 billion to fight COVID-19. Also read: Israel's first coronavirus victim was a Holocaust survivor "Simply: I own a lot more Square. And I'll need to pace the sales over some time. The impact this money will have should benefit both companies over the long-term because it's helping the people we want to serve," Dorsey recently tweeted. Dorsey claims to have funded organisations with potential impact in the past, with funding running up to over $40 million. He also runs a non-profit organisation with musician Rihanna. “The Clara Lionel Foundation” (CLF) has been able to set aside $4.2 million to help victims of domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic. In Los Angeles alone, the CLF has committed $2.1 million to assist victims of violence at home.

Twitter CEO Dorsey takes a salary of $1.40 - second year in a row!

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-another-grim-milestone-records-over-2500-coronavirus-deaths-in-24-hours-292767">Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours</a> 
 
The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-situation-is-grim-us-decision-on-who-will-undermine-cooperation-china-292648">Also Read:&nbsp;Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China</a>

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;2,062,485 &nbsp;people worldwide and &nbsp;136,908 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 510,336 people of that tally have recovered.

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 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 United States on Wednesday recorded a little over 2,500 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily toll of any country.

The country overall has witnessed 28,326 and more than 6.3 lakh Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, more than any other country so far.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. Also Read: Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China COVID-19 has now infected 2,062,485 people worldwide and 136,908 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 510,336 people of that tally have recovered. 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 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 United States on Wednesday recorded a little over 2,500 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily toll of any country. The country overall has witnessed 28,326 and more than 6.3 lakh Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, more than any other country so far.

Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to  136,908

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers.

China's "wet markets" have been slammed internationally as the coronavirus roils the world, with the disease having seemingly emerged from stalls selling live game in Wuhan late last year. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-pass-2-million-death-toll-rises-to-136908-292768">Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908</a> 
 
The government has since banned the sale of wildlife for food, but the reopening of markets has drawn criticism from around the world as the death toll from the pandemic continues to mount. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-another-grim-milestone-records-over-2500-coronavirus-deaths-in-24-hours-292767">Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours</a>

Shut down during the lengthy quarantine that sealed off Wuhan until April 8, the city's markets are now fighting for survival as customers have not been rushing back. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-situation-is-grim-us-decision-on-who-will-undermine-cooperation-china-292648">Also Read:&nbsp;Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China</a>

"There's no question, we're doomed this year," spice seller Yang, who runs a stall at the massive Baishazhou wholesale market, told AFP. "There have never been so few people at our market."

Yang, whose sales have fallen by a third from before the lockdown, dismissed criticism of markets as virus hotbeds as "unnecessary panic".

One market remains closed: The Huanan Seafood Market that sold a range of exotic wildlife and is suspected to be the cradle of the virus that jumped from animals to humans.

Wet markets are popular venues to buy fresh meat, vegetables and fish across Asia -- most selling common, everyday produce to locals at affordable prices.

Most don't sell live animals, although some do.&nbsp;

During visits to three Wuhan markets this week, AFP saw live turtles, frogs, fish and crustaceans for sale, but no fowl or mammals blamed for past diseases.

Workers at Baishazhou said they were now required to disinfect their stalls several times a day. Yang keeps multiple bottles of disinfectant in her small office, alongside a box of masks.

Nevertheless, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week the decision to reopen wet markets was "unfathomable".

"We need to protect the world against potential sources of outbreaks of these types of viruses," he told Australian TV.

The top medical specialist for the US government, Anthony Fauci, told Fox News earlier this month that wet markets should be shut down "right away."

'Doomed'&nbsp;

The nationalistic state-run Global Times launched a strident defence of China's wet markets on Tuesday, attacking "preconceived ideas" and "ridiculous requests" to close them.

While the World Health Organization has said governments must ban the sale of exotic wildlife and enforce food safety regulations, it has not called for any wet markets to be closed.

Vendors at Wuhan's markets say unaffordable rents and the lingering effects of the citywide shutdown are more immediate concerns than the threat of contagion.

"Business is very bad," said Zhang Zhizhen, a duck meat seller at Lanling market. "It's because of the epidemic -- there are still very few people on the streets."

Most Wuhan market sellers who spoke to AFP said they never sold wild animals.

But at the city's Tiansheng market, two freshwater produce sellers who declined to give their names said they had to stop selling certain types of frogs and turtles because of the new rules.

"This definitely affects our income, but we have to overcome this. It can't be helped," one seller said.

Low foot traffic at the market, which has locked all but one entrance and only allows customers in after a temperature check, remains their main concern.

"We don't know if we can survive," the other seller said. "Do you see anyone here?"

Supermarket competition&nbsp;

Shoppers on the streets of Wuhan appeared unperturbed by criticisms of the city's wet markets as dirty and dangerous, instead citing convenience as the reason for choosing supermarkets instead.

One 40-year-old supermarket shopper surnamed Chen told AFP that she thinks the food at wet markets is "good and cheap."

She rejected criticism that China's markets are unhygienic, saying it "just isn't true."

"Their stuff is always fresh," she said.

People in China traditionally prefer buying fresh food -- as opposed to frozen or packaged food -- although supermarkets have been vying to steal away consumers in recent years.

In 2019, the majority of Chinese people said they preferred to shop at supermarkets compared to other types of food shops, according to Chinese research firm iiMedia.

"There are just more things at supermarkets," Jiang Yonghui, a 20-year-old Wuhan resident, told AFP. "I don't think there's any hygiene difference."

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers.

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers. China's "wet markets" have been slammed internationally as the coronavirus roils the world, with the disease having seemingly emerged from stalls selling live game in Wuhan late last year. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The government has since banned the sale of wildlife for food, but the reopening of markets has drawn criticism from around the world as the death toll from the pandemic continues to mount. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours Shut down during the lengthy quarantine that sealed off Wuhan until April 8, the city's markets are now fighting for survival as customers have not been rushing back. Also Read: Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China "There's no question, we're doomed this year," spice seller Yang, who runs a stall at the massive Baishazhou wholesale market, told AFP. "There have never been so few people at our market." Yang, whose sales have fallen by a third from before the lockdown, dismissed criticism of markets as virus hotbeds as "unnecessary panic". One market remains closed: The Huanan Seafood Market that sold a range of exotic wildlife and is suspected to be the cradle of the virus that jumped from animals to humans. Wet markets are popular venues to buy fresh meat, vegetables and fish across Asia -- most selling common, everyday produce to locals at affordable prices. Most don't sell live animals, although some do. During visits to three Wuhan markets this week, AFP saw live turtles, frogs, fish and crustaceans for sale, but no fowl or mammals blamed for past diseases. Workers at Baishazhou said they were now required to disinfect their stalls several times a day. Yang keeps multiple bottles of disinfectant in her small office, alongside a box of masks. Nevertheless, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week the decision to reopen wet markets was "unfathomable". "We need to protect the world against potential sources of outbreaks of these types of viruses," he told Australian TV. The top medical specialist for the US government, Anthony Fauci, told Fox News earlier this month that wet markets should be shut down "right away." 'Doomed' The nationalistic state-run Global Times launched a strident defence of China's wet markets on Tuesday, attacking "preconceived ideas" and "ridiculous requests" to close them. While the World Health Organization has said governments must ban the sale of exotic wildlife and enforce food safety regulations, it has not called for any wet markets to be closed. Vendors at Wuhan's markets say unaffordable rents and the lingering effects of the citywide shutdown are more immediate concerns than the threat of contagion. "Business is very bad," said Zhang Zhizhen, a duck meat seller at Lanling market. "It's because of the epidemic -- there are still very few people on the streets." Most Wuhan market sellers who spoke to AFP said they never sold wild animals. But at the city's Tiansheng market, two freshwater produce sellers who declined to give their names said they had to stop selling certain types of frogs and turtles because of the new rules. "This definitely affects our income, but we have to overcome this. It can't be helped," one seller said. Low foot traffic at the market, which has locked all but one entrance and only allows customers in after a temperature check, remains their main concern. "We don't know if we can survive," the other seller said. "Do you see anyone here?" Supermarket competition Shoppers on the streets of Wuhan appeared unperturbed by criticisms of the city's wet markets as dirty and dangerous, instead citing convenience as the reason for choosing supermarkets instead. One 40-year-old supermarket shopper surnamed Chen told AFP that she thinks the food at wet markets is "good and cheap." She rejected criticism that China's markets are unhygienic, saying it "just isn't true." "Their stuff is always fresh," she said. People in China traditionally prefer buying fresh food -- as opposed to frozen or packaged food -- although supermarkets have been vying to steal away consumers in recent years. In 2019, the majority of Chinese people said they preferred to shop at supermarkets compared to other types of food shops, according to Chinese research firm iiMedia. "There are just more things at supermarkets," Jiang Yonghui, a 20-year-old Wuhan resident, told AFP. "I don't think there's any hygiene difference."

'No question, we're doomed this year': China's wet markets amid pandemic

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals.

“All the five persons who died after contracting COVID-19 here were victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy,” the official said. The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), a dedicated facility for the treatment of gas mishap survivors, was recently turned into a medical facility for coronavirus patients, causing hardship to these people, Rachna Dhingra, member of the NGO Bhopal Group for Information and Action, told PTI.

The first coronavirus victim from Bhopal, a 55-year-old man, died at a city hospital on April 5 due to negligence of authorities, she alleged. Another 80-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was a retired employee of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), was also not given due medical care. He died on April 8 and his sample came out positive for coronavirus on April 11, Dhingra said.

Besides, a 40-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was suffering from oral cancer for more than a year, died on April 12 and his sample test report later came out positive for coronavirus, she said. Another 52-year-old gas mishap survivor, who suffered from a permanent injury, had history of tuberculosis and could not get prompt care for his respiratory problems. He recently tested positive for coronavirus and died on his way to the COVID-19 ward at Hamidia hospital, she said. Also, a 75-year-old senior journalist, who survived the gas tragedy, died on April 11 and his sample test report came out positive for coronairus on Tuesday, she said.

On March 21, some organisations working for the welfare of gas tragedy survivors wrote to the state and central authorities concerned, saying an overwhelming number of gas victims suffer from respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney problems and cancer as a result of exposure to the toxic gas that leaked at the Union Carbide factory here in 1984. They claimed that these survivors were at least five times more vulnerable to COVID-19 than other people. Instead of paying special attention to the needs of Bhopal gas victims, the state government took over BMHRCand turned it into a medical facility for COVID-19 patients, Dhingra said. For last 22 days, no gas victim was even allowed to avail emergency services there, she said.

Dhingra said before BMHRC was converted into a dedicated facility for coronavirus patients, 86 gas tragedy survivors were admitted there. After it was made a hospital for COVID-19 patients, all except five were discharged. Out of these five, a 68-year-old woman died at the hospital due to ailments related to the gas mishap, she said.

Besides, out of the gas tragedy survivors discharged from BMHRC, two persons, both aged around 70, died at their homes while another one died at a city hospital due to the gas leak mishap related illnesses, she said. In a letter to gas relief hospital’s monitoring committee chairman, retd Justice V K Agrawal, the NGOs pointed out all these aspects and urged him to re-start the medical facility for gas victims considering their vulnerability. The NGOs have also filed a writ petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding that gas victims be provided a dedicated medical facility for their treatment, as was the practice earlier.

Meanwhile, taking note of the death of five gas tragedy victims due to coronavirus, the state government has decided to categorise BMHRC as a ‘COVID Health Centre’ where gas mishap survivors can continue to avail treatment for their ailments. An order to this effect was issued late Tuesday evening, a health department official said. “Now, gas victims can continue to get treatment as usual in BMHRC, he said. Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Kalpana Shrivastava said the earlier decision to make BMHRC a dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients was taken at the “government level”.

Dhingra said the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in other government hospitals of Bhopal continue to remain open for gas incident survivors. Arif Aqueel, the former state minister of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said the earlier decision to close BMHRC for gas victims was not in the interest of these people, and they should be given treatment at this facility on priority, especially in the OPD.

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals.

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals. “All the five persons who died after contracting COVID-19 here were victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy,” the official said. The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), a dedicated facility for the treatment of gas mishap survivors, was recently turned into a medical facility for coronavirus patients, causing hardship to these people, Rachna Dhingra, member of the NGO Bhopal Group for Information and Action, told PTI. The first coronavirus victim from Bhopal, a 55-year-old man, died at a city hospital on April 5 due to negligence of authorities, she alleged. Another 80-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was a retired employee of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), was also not given due medical care. He died on April 8 and his sample came out positive for coronavirus on April 11, Dhingra said. Besides, a 40-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was suffering from oral cancer for more than a year, died on April 12 and his sample test report later came out positive for coronavirus, she said. Another 52-year-old gas mishap survivor, who suffered from a permanent injury, had history of tuberculosis and could not get prompt care for his respiratory problems. He recently tested positive for coronavirus and died on his way to the COVID-19 ward at Hamidia hospital, she said. Also, a 75-year-old senior journalist, who survived the gas tragedy, died on April 11 and his sample test report came out positive for coronairus on Tuesday, she said. On March 21, some organisations working for the welfare of gas tragedy survivors wrote to the state and central authorities concerned, saying an overwhelming number of gas victims suffer from respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney problems and cancer as a result of exposure to the toxic gas that leaked at the Union Carbide factory here in 1984. They claimed that these survivors were at least five times more vulnerable to COVID-19 than other people. Instead of paying special attention to the needs of Bhopal gas victims, the state government took over BMHRCand turned it into a medical facility for COVID-19 patients, Dhingra said. For last 22 days, no gas victim was even allowed to avail emergency services there, she said. Dhingra said before BMHRC was converted into a dedicated facility for coronavirus patients, 86 gas tragedy survivors were admitted there. After it was made a hospital for COVID-19 patients, all except five were discharged. Out of these five, a 68-year-old woman died at the hospital due to ailments related to the gas mishap, she said. Besides, out of the gas tragedy survivors discharged from BMHRC, two persons, both aged around 70, died at their homes while another one died at a city hospital due to the gas leak mishap related illnesses, she said. In a letter to gas relief hospital’s monitoring committee chairman, retd Justice V K Agrawal, the NGOs pointed out all these aspects and urged him to re-start the medical facility for gas victims considering their vulnerability. The NGOs have also filed a writ petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding that gas victims be provided a dedicated medical facility for their treatment, as was the practice earlier. Meanwhile, taking note of the death of five gas tragedy victims due to coronavirus, the state government has decided to categorise BMHRC as a ‘COVID Health Centre’ where gas mishap survivors can continue to avail treatment for their ailments. An order to this effect was issued late Tuesday evening, a health department official said. “Now, gas victims can continue to get treatment as usual in BMHRC, he said. Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Kalpana Shrivastava said the earlier decision to make BMHRC a dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients was taken at the “government level”. Dhingra said the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in other government hospitals of Bhopal continue to remain open for gas incident survivors. Arif Aqueel, the former state minister of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said the earlier decision to close BMHRC for gas victims was not in the interest of these people, and they should be given treatment at this facility on priority, especially in the OPD.

All 5 who died of COVID-19 in Bhopal were 1984 gas tragedy victims

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus.

Denmark was among the first countries in Europe to impose mass restrictions. Stringent social isolation policies, public healthcare facilities, work from home guidelines and disinfection efforts have helped Denmark restrict virus spread.&nbsp;

However, critics of the government are sceptical of easing restrictions. Medical practitioners and parents of school-going children have also raised concerns over the decision to relax restrictions. The government of Denmark is yet to completely draw up guidelines for schools.

However, basic guidelines are being followed---where children maintain a distance of 1meter, wash hands at regular intervals, maintain hygiene and also attend most classes outdoor. While some parents have welcomed the move, others have appealed to not make their children guinea pigs for COVID-19. Month-long lockdowns in Denmark and across Europe has taken a massive toll on the economy and people's jobs.&nbsp;

While the prime minister has announced the easing of restrictions and has reopened schools, many businesses would remain closed till May. Hotels, restaurants, cargo movement and any non-essential shopping place will continue to remain closed until the virus spread drops significantly.

Until now, Denmark has had a total of 6,681 positive cases of the novel coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the Nordic Country reported just 10 deaths--one of its lowest ever since the pandemic. The total death toll of Denmark has also reached 309

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus.

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus. Denmark was among the first countries in Europe to impose mass restrictions. Stringent social isolation policies, public healthcare facilities, work from home guidelines and disinfection efforts have helped Denmark restrict virus spread. However, critics of the government are sceptical of easing restrictions. Medical practitioners and parents of school-going children have also raised concerns over the decision to relax restrictions. The government of Denmark is yet to completely draw up guidelines for schools. However, basic guidelines are being followed---where children maintain a distance of 1meter, wash hands at regular intervals, maintain hygiene and also attend most classes outdoor. While some parents have welcomed the move, others have appealed to not make their children guinea pigs for COVID-19. Month-long lockdowns in Denmark and across Europe has taken a massive toll on the economy and people's jobs. While the prime minister has announced the easing of restrictions and has reopened schools, many businesses would remain closed till May. Hotels, restaurants, cargo movement and any non-essential shopping place will continue to remain closed until the virus spread drops significantly. Until now, Denmark has had a total of 6,681 positive cases of the novel coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the Nordic Country reported just 10 deaths--one of its lowest ever since the pandemic. The total death toll of Denmark has also reached 309

Denmark eases lockdown restrictions, opens schools and daycare centres

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

With two-thirds of test results in, 668 sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle and escort vessels in its battle group are confirmed to have the virus, it said.

Thirty-one were being treated in hospital, and one was in intensive care, a ministry statement said.

Last week, it was decided to bring the Charles-de-Gaulle home 10 days early from a deployment in the Atlantic after some crew members showed coronavirus symptoms.

The carrier which had helicopters and fighter jets on board, was accompanied by two frigates -- one for aerial defence and the other an anti-submarine vessel.

Sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle, one of the frigates and the pilots who returned the aircraft to their respective bases, are all placed in isolation for 14 days, the ministry said.

There had been no virus outbreak on the other frigate.

So far, 1,767 sailors from the battle group have been tested for the virus, the vast majority from the aircraft carrier itself, said the ministry statement.

Some thirty percent of results are still outstanding, meaning more than half of those tested so far have come back positive.

The Charles-de-Gaulle, which can transport about 2,000 sailors, had been deployed in the Atlantic as part of a NATO exercise after taking part in Operation Chammal that seeks to contain the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The vessels in the battle group are being disinfected, the ministry said.

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday. With two-thirds of test results in, 668 sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle and escort vessels in its battle group are confirmed to have the virus, it said. Thirty-one were being treated in hospital, and one was in intensive care, a ministry statement said. Last week, it was decided to bring the Charles-de-Gaulle home 10 days early from a deployment in the Atlantic after some crew members showed coronavirus symptoms. The carrier which had helicopters and fighter jets on board, was accompanied by two frigates -- one for aerial defence and the other an anti-submarine vessel. Sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle, one of the frigates and the pilots who returned the aircraft to their respective bases, are all placed in isolation for 14 days, the ministry said. There had been no virus outbreak on the other frigate. So far, 1,767 sailors from the battle group have been tested for the virus, the vast majority from the aircraft carrier itself, said the ministry statement. Some thirty percent of results are still outstanding, meaning more than half of those tested so far have come back positive. The Charles-de-Gaulle, which can transport about 2,000 sailors, had been deployed in the Atlantic as part of a NATO exercise after taking part in Operation Chammal that seeks to contain the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. The vessels in the battle group are being disinfected, the ministry said.

Hundreds test positive to COVID-19 on French aircraft carrier

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May.

German chancellor Angela Merkel held meetings with cabinet ministers and announced the easing of social restriction measures that Germany had adopted since March 20.

Shops sized 800 square meters and less will be allowed to reopen from next week. However, stringent social distancing rules will continue to remain in place.

A month-long lockdown in Germany has forced children to remain indoors and miss their classes. After a long discussion with governors of all 16 states, Merkel also announced that schools are scheduled to reopen on May 3. But, only as per specific guidelines laid out by the German government.

The Merkel government has also managed to pacify sceptics and several medical Experts on deciding to relax restrictive measures. Merkel has mandated.

That all religious gatherings, cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, music venues and other big malls are banned until August 31. Health authorities have also assured to Increase medical staffing to test close to 650,000 people in a week in Germany.

The worst affected European country--Italy which surpassed a milestone of 20,000 Deaths due to coronavirus has decided to resurrect itself and revive its economy.

Just a few days after a sombre Easter day, Italy has finally eased restrictions and allowed some small shops to reopen across the country.

With the COVID-19 curve flattening each day, experts and officials from the Italian Government believe that reopening small shops will kick-start the economy immediately. But, reopened shops selling books, stationery and essentials are still mandated to follow safety protocols and social distancing guidelines as ordered by the government.

Despite the Italian government taking a strong decision to reopen shops, some Provinces in Italy exercised their partial autonomy power and continued to keep the Shops closed. Claims of COVID-19 curve flattening was also not well received among the local Italians as cases of infection went above 165,000 and death toll surpassed 21,000. Most Italians also expressed fear of second wave infections as the lockdown was being eased across the country.

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May.

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May. German chancellor Angela Merkel held meetings with cabinet ministers and announced the easing of social restriction measures that Germany had adopted since March 20. Shops sized 800 square meters and less will be allowed to reopen from next week. However, stringent social distancing rules will continue to remain in place. A month-long lockdown in Germany has forced children to remain indoors and miss their classes. After a long discussion with governors of all 16 states, Merkel also announced that schools are scheduled to reopen on May 3. But, only as per specific guidelines laid out by the German government. The Merkel government has also managed to pacify sceptics and several medical Experts on deciding to relax restrictive measures. Merkel has mandated. That all religious gatherings, cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, music venues and other big malls are banned until August 31. Health authorities have also assured to Increase medical staffing to test close to 650,000 people in a week in Germany. The worst affected European country--Italy which surpassed a milestone of 20,000 Deaths due to coronavirus has decided to resurrect itself and revive its economy. Just a few days after a sombre Easter day, Italy has finally eased restrictions and allowed some small shops to reopen across the country. With the COVID-19 curve flattening each day, experts and officials from the Italian Government believe that reopening small shops will kick-start the economy immediately. But, reopened shops selling books, stationery and essentials are still mandated to follow safety protocols and social distancing guidelines as ordered by the government. Despite the Italian government taking a strong decision to reopen shops, some Provinces in Italy exercised their partial autonomy power and continued to keep the Shops closed. Claims of COVID-19 curve flattening was also not well received among the local Italians as cases of infection went above 165,000 and death toll surpassed 21,000. Most Italians also expressed fear of second wave infections as the lockdown was being eased across the country.

Germany and Italy begin to ease coronavirus lockdown rules, but move warily

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy.

The lower-cost model could also attract more consumers to Apple services, a growing driver of revenue. Shares of Apple fell 0.8%, less than the 2.1% decline of the S&amp;P 500 index.

Apple will start taking orders for the phone on its website on Friday, with the delivery of devices expected to start April 24.

The iPhone SE will start at $50 less than what was previously the cheapest iPhone available, the iPhone 8, which will be retired. The SE comes with a 4.7-inch display and the same processor chip as Apple`s most advanced phone, the 11 Pro. The SE lacks Apple`s facial recognition system to unlock the device, instead of relying on a fingerprint sensor similar to older models. While the new iPhone adds features such as wireless charging and a high-end camera, it lacks connectivity for 5G, the next generation of mobile data networks.

The announcement comes as the United States and much of the world is reeling from the novel coronavirus, although U.S. political leaders have begun to talk about ending stay-at-home orders and restarting the economy, hoping record deaths and falling hospitalizations represent a peak.

Previous iPhones have been unveiled in a polished presentation in front of fans, but large events remain banned in Apple`s home base of Santa Clara County, California, where public officials ordered the first lockdowns in the United States to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. 
Apple`s cheaper phone reflects the coronavirus-driven economic downturn and job loss.

Ben Bajarin, principal analyst for consumer market intelligence at Creative Strategies, said that Apple likely realized many customers were buying older models such as the iPhone 8 rather than the newer iPhone 11 Pro at $999, "and a big part of that is probably price." Those budget-minded iPhone buyers may have been turned off by the iPhone 8's ageing chips and camera.

Apple is "addressing that head-on with a device and price that can still get people on the latest technology," he said. "Having a device you`re sure is going to last a long time is exactly what (consumers) want." 
The new aluminum-and-glass SE - which comes in black, white and red, looks much like an iPhone 8.

The cheaper phone enters a cut-throat market for value phones, especially in China, where Apple derives about 17% of sales. In China, rivals such as Xiaomi Corp last month announced models with 5G features starting at about $425.

But Bajarin said buyers interested in 5G may gravitate toward flagship phones, while budget buyers “are not people that would give a hoot about 5G.”

With wavering hardware sales, Apple has been investing in subscription services such as its Apple TV+ streaming television service, Apple Music and iCloud. The new SE will come bundled with a one free year of the streaming television service, similar to Apple`s flagship devices released last fall.

"Given its price tag, (the iPhone SE) is unlikely to be that impactful for Apple’s financials, but could help widen the installed base, which will be helpful long term for Apple’s services revenue," said James Cordwell, an analyst with Atlantic Equities.

Horace Dediu, an analyst with Asymco, said that budget-minded phone buyers may not pay attention to whether a device has Apple`s latest chips, but third-party app developers do. If more iPhone users have powerful hardware, he said, it could encourage developers to create apps with augmented reality and artificial intelligence that could help the devices stand out against competitors.

The coronavirus has created a volatile start to the year. Sales in China, the first nation hit by the virus, plunged, then rebounded as the country began to reopen. Sales of 500,000 phones in February rose to 2.5 million phones in March, according to government sales data there.

Apple will begin selling the new model online while its stores around the world are closed, except those within its greater China sales region. 
Apple gets about 31% of its sales from its elegant stores and website, with 69% coming from partners such as mobile carriers and other retailers.

Apple said partners would decide whether to sell the phones in their physical stores. Many of Apple`s resellers are trying to guide customers toward online sales. Major partners such as Best Buy Inc have reduced their hours, and AT&amp;T Inc has closed about 40% of its U.S. retail stores.

Best Buy said customers would be able to pre-order the new iPhone on its website and either have it shipped to their home or use the company's curbside pickup option. Verizon Communications Inc, which has stopped selling any phones in physical stores, told Reuters on Wednesday that it will not sell the iPhone SE in stores. T-Mobile US Inc did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy.

Apple Inc on Wednesday released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, cutting the starting price for the company`s smartphone line in a move to broaden its appeal to budget-conscious customers as the coronavirus hobbles the global economy. The lower-cost model could also attract more consumers to Apple services, a growing driver of revenue. Shares of Apple fell 0.8%, less than the 2.1% decline of the S&P 500 index. Apple will start taking orders for the phone on its website on Friday, with the delivery of devices expected to start April 24. The iPhone SE will start at $50 less than what was previously the cheapest iPhone available, the iPhone 8, which will be retired. The SE comes with a 4.7-inch display and the same processor chip as Apple`s most advanced phone, the 11 Pro. The SE lacks Apple`s facial recognition system to unlock the device, instead of relying on a fingerprint sensor similar to older models. While the new iPhone adds features such as wireless charging and a high-end camera, it lacks connectivity for 5G, the next generation of mobile data networks. The announcement comes as the United States and much of the world is reeling from the novel coronavirus, although U.S. political leaders have begun to talk about ending stay-at-home orders and restarting the economy, hoping record deaths and falling hospitalizations represent a peak. Previous iPhones have been unveiled in a polished presentation in front of fans, but large events remain banned in Apple`s home base of Santa Clara County, California, where public officials ordered the first lockdowns in the United States to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Apple`s cheaper phone reflects the coronavirus-driven economic downturn and job loss. Ben Bajarin, principal analyst for consumer market intelligence at Creative Strategies, said that Apple likely realized many customers were buying older models such as the iPhone 8 rather than the newer iPhone 11 Pro at $999, "and a big part of that is probably price." Those budget-minded iPhone buyers may have been turned off by the iPhone 8's ageing chips and camera. Apple is "addressing that head-on with a device and price that can still get people on the latest technology," he said. "Having a device you`re sure is going to last a long time is exactly what (consumers) want." The new aluminum-and-glass SE - which comes in black, white and red, looks much like an iPhone 8. The cheaper phone enters a cut-throat market for value phones, especially in China, where Apple derives about 17% of sales. In China, rivals such as Xiaomi Corp last month announced models with 5G features starting at about $425. But Bajarin said buyers interested in 5G may gravitate toward flagship phones, while budget buyers “are not people that would give a hoot about 5G.” With wavering hardware sales, Apple has been investing in subscription services such as its Apple TV+ streaming television service, Apple Music and iCloud. The new SE will come bundled with a one free year of the streaming television service, similar to Apple`s flagship devices released last fall. "Given its price tag, (the iPhone SE) is unlikely to be that impactful for Apple’s financials, but could help widen the installed base, which will be helpful long term for Apple’s services revenue," said James Cordwell, an analyst with Atlantic Equities. Horace Dediu, an analyst with Asymco, said that budget-minded phone buyers may not pay attention to whether a device has Apple`s latest chips, but third-party app developers do. If more iPhone users have powerful hardware, he said, it could encourage developers to create apps with augmented reality and artificial intelligence that could help the devices stand out against competitors. The coronavirus has created a volatile start to the year. Sales in China, the first nation hit by the virus, plunged, then rebounded as the country began to reopen. Sales of 500,000 phones in February rose to 2.5 million phones in March, according to government sales data there. Apple will begin selling the new model online while its stores around the world are closed, except those within its greater China sales region. Apple gets about 31% of its sales from its elegant stores and website, with 69% coming from partners such as mobile carriers and other retailers. Apple said partners would decide whether to sell the phones in their physical stores. Many of Apple`s resellers are trying to guide customers toward online sales. Major partners such as Best Buy Inc have reduced their hours, and AT&T Inc has closed about 40% of its U.S. retail stores. Best Buy said customers would be able to pre-order the new iPhone on its website and either have it shipped to their home or use the company's curbside pickup option. Verizon Communications Inc, which has stopped selling any phones in physical stores, told Reuters on Wednesday that it will not sell the iPhone SE in stores. T-Mobile US Inc did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Apple rolls out cheaper iPhone as pandemic curbs spending

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-case-in-india-cross-11000-death-toll-reaches-377-292560">Also read: Coronavirus case in India cross 11,000; death toll reaches 377</a>

This makes it the fastest App to exceed 50 million installs on the platform, at just 13 days after launching in India on April 2.

Before Aarogya Setu Niantic’s smash hit Pokémon GO had passed this milestone in just 19 days in 2016. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-extends-lockdown-till-may-3-as-coronavirus-cases-cross-10000-292393">Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000</a> 
 
The Aarogya Setu (health bridge) mobile app was launched by the government of India to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus.

Yesterday, PM Modi appealed to every citizen to download and use the Aarogya Setu App. This app has been developed especially to track coronavirus cases.

This app is designed to help control the spread of coronavirus and make its information accessible to the common people. This special app also helps in finding out corona positive people present nearby.

After downloading, this app asks if you have cough, fever or trouble breathing etc. If you do not have any such problem, you will be in the Green Zone.

This app tells the user to keep the mobile phone's Bluetooth and location devices on. Whenever the user visits a crowded place, this app keeps sending messages from nearby mobile phones through the Bluetooth. When the user stands near someone who is also a normal it shows green zone. But if that person becomes corona positive after 10 days, this app will alert you immediately.

In such a situation, the user can get himself or herself checked also. This app also tells about hotspots, so that the user can change the route.

This app has launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development is associated with Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users.

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users. Also read: Coronavirus case in India cross 11,000; death toll reaches 377 This makes it the fastest App to exceed 50 million installs on the platform, at just 13 days after launching in India on April 2. Before Aarogya Setu Niantic’s smash hit Pokémon GO had passed this milestone in just 19 days in 2016. Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000 The Aarogya Setu (health bridge) mobile app was launched by the government of India to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus. Yesterday, PM Modi appealed to every citizen to download and use the Aarogya Setu App. This app has been developed especially to track coronavirus cases. This app is designed to help control the spread of coronavirus and make its information accessible to the common people. This special app also helps in finding out corona positive people present nearby. After downloading, this app asks if you have cough, fever or trouble breathing etc. If you do not have any such problem, you will be in the Green Zone. This app tells the user to keep the mobile phone's Bluetooth and location devices on. Whenever the user visits a crowded place, this app keeps sending messages from nearby mobile phones through the Bluetooth. When the user stands near someone who is also a normal it shows green zone. But if that person becomes corona positive after 10 days, this app will alert you immediately. In such a situation, the user can get himself or herself checked also. This app also tells about hotspots, so that the user can change the route. This app has launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development is associated with Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. (With inputs from agencies)

Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days

The coronavirus pandemic is pushing the global economy into its deepest recession in a century, cutting world output by three per cent this year, and the crisis could get worse, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-says-hospitalization-covid-19-infections-down-while-taking-a-dig-at-king-trump-292515" hreflang="en">New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump'</a>

The downturn will slash $9 trillion from the world economy, IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath told reporters as she presented the latest forecasts in the World Economic Outlook.

If the virus is contained and economies can begin operating again, 2021 should see a rebound of 5.8 per cent, according to the IMF. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/experts-say-trump-has-little-power-to-restart-us-economy-292451" hreflang="en">Experts say Trump has little power to restart US&nbsp;economy</a>

But the authors acknowledged the difficulty in making an accurate forecast amid the rapidly changing situation.

With much of the global economy shut down amid efforts to contain the virus and keep health systems from collapsing, the IMF warned that there are "severe risks of a worse outcome" due to the "extreme uncertainty around the strength of the recovery."

"The cumulative loss to global GDP over 2020 and 2021 from the pandemic crisis could be around $9 trillion, greater than the economies of Japan and Germany combined," Gopinath said.

The coronavirus has infected nearly two million people worldwide and killed close to 120,000, bringing travel to a standstill and forcing businesses, shops and restaurants to close.

"Much worse growth outcomes are possible and maybe even likely," the report cautioned, "if the pandemic and containment measures last longer... or if widespread scarring effects emerge due to firm closures and extended unemployment."

'The Great Lockdown'

The report, released ahead of the virtual spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, said "The Great Lockdown" -- as the IMF dubbed the global downturn -- is the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

It also is the first contraction since 2009 during the global financial crisis, but that episode hardly bears comparison. Though the effects lingered, the decline amounted to just 0.1 per cent, and large emerging market economies were still growing at a solid pace.

This year, the only economies expected to be spared from the recession are China -- where the virus originated -- and India, but even those countries will see only relatively paltry growth of 1.2 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively.

In the depression nearly a century ago, the global economy contracted by about 10 per cent while advanced economies shrunk by 16 per cent from 1929 to 1932. The IMF now expects advanced economies to shrink by six per cent in 2020.

The US economy is expected to contract by 5.9 per cent but see growth recover by 4.7 per cent next year.

However, the forecasts assume the pandemic will fade in the second half of the year.

The IMF projects drop of 7.2 per cent in France and 6.5 per cent in Britain, but the governments in those countries are even more pessimistic, projecting contractions of eight per cent and 13 per cent, respectively.

Must work together

The severe slowdown is "unavoidable," but "substantial targeted fiscal, monetary and financial" measures can soften the blow, the IMF said.

Many governments have already deployed massive spending measures in tandem with central banks that have been pumping liquidity into the financial system to prevent any breakdown.

But Gopinath said, even more, will be needed once the health crisis is over.

"Once the recovery happens, and we are past the pandemic phase for advanced economies, it would be essential to undertake a broad-based fiscal stimulus," she said.

The spending "would be even more effective if it were coordinated across all the advanced economies of the world," she said.

Synchronized actions "can magnify their impact" but also can avoid some of the errors of the past century when countries adopted "futile mercantilist policies... which further worsened the global downturn," the report said.

Inevitably the massive spending will lead to sharp increases in government debt -- already at over 80 per cent of GDP -- and deficit levels.

But Gopinath said if the recovery begins in 2021, and with interest rates very low, "the combination should help in bringing down debt levels slowly over time."

Some countries, however, will need relief from debt obligations.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies on Tuesday endorsed a plan to provide a temporary standstill in debt payments from the world's poorest nations if the broader Group of 20 agrees.

The G20, which includes major emerging market economies like China and Russia, is expected to make a statement on Wednesday that could cover debt relief.

The coronavirus pandemic is pushing the global economy into its deepest recession in a century, cutting world output by three per cent this year, and the crisis could get worse, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday.

The coronavirus pandemic is pushing the global economy into its deepest recession in a century, cutting world output by three per cent this year, and the crisis could get worse, the International Monetary Fund said Tuesday. Also read: New York governor says COVID-19 infections down; takes a dig at 'King Trump' The downturn will slash $9 trillion from the world economy, IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath told reporters as she presented the latest forecasts in the World Economic Outlook. If the virus is contained and economies can begin operating again, 2021 should see a rebound of 5.8 per cent, according to the IMF. Also read: Experts say Trump has little power to restart US economy But the authors acknowledged the difficulty in making an accurate forecast amid the rapidly changing situation. With much of the global economy shut down amid efforts to contain the virus and keep health systems from collapsing, the IMF warned that there are "severe risks of a worse outcome" due to the "extreme uncertainty around the strength of the recovery." "The cumulative loss to global GDP over 2020 and 2021 from the pandemic crisis could be around $9 trillion, greater than the economies of Japan and Germany combined," Gopinath said. The coronavirus has infected nearly two million people worldwide and killed close to 120,000, bringing travel to a standstill and forcing businesses, shops and restaurants to close. "Much worse growth outcomes are possible and maybe even likely," the report cautioned, "if the pandemic and containment measures last longer... or if widespread scarring effects emerge due to firm closures and extended unemployment." 'The Great Lockdown' The report, released ahead of the virtual spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank, said "The Great Lockdown" -- as the IMF dubbed the global downturn -- is the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. It also is the first contraction since 2009 during the global financial crisis, but that episode hardly bears comparison. Though the effects lingered, the decline amounted to just 0.1 per cent, and large emerging market economies were still growing at a solid pace. This year, the only economies expected to be spared from the recession are China -- where the virus originated -- and India, but even those countries will see only relatively paltry growth of 1.2 per cent and 1.9 per cent, respectively. In the depression nearly a century ago, the global economy contracted by about 10 per cent while advanced economies shrunk by 16 per cent from 1929 to 1932. The IMF now expects advanced economies to shrink by six per cent in 2020. The US economy is expected to contract by 5.9 per cent but see growth recover by 4.7 per cent next year. However, the forecasts assume the pandemic will fade in the second half of the year. The IMF projects drop of 7.2 per cent in France and 6.5 per cent in Britain, but the governments in those countries are even more pessimistic, projecting contractions of eight per cent and 13 per cent, respectively. Must work together The severe slowdown is "unavoidable," but "substantial targeted fiscal, monetary and financial" measures can soften the blow, the IMF said. Many governments have already deployed massive spending measures in tandem with central banks that have been pumping liquidity into the financial system to prevent any breakdown. But Gopinath said, even more, will be needed once the health crisis is over. "Once the recovery happens, and we are past the pandemic phase for advanced economies, it would be essential to undertake a broad-based fiscal stimulus," she said. The spending "would be even more effective if it were coordinated across all the advanced economies of the world," she said. Synchronized actions "can magnify their impact" but also can avoid some of the errors of the past century when countries adopted "futile mercantilist policies... which further worsened the global downturn," the report said. Inevitably the massive spending will lead to sharp increases in government debt -- already at over 80 per cent of GDP -- and deficit levels. But Gopinath said if the recovery begins in 2021, and with interest rates very low, "the combination should help in bringing down debt levels slowly over time." Some countries, however, will need relief from debt obligations. Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven advanced economies on Tuesday endorsed a plan to provide a temporary standstill in debt payments from the world's poorest nations if the broader Group of 20 agrees. The G20, which includes major emerging market economies like China and Russia, is expected to make a statement on Wednesday that could cover debt relief.

Pandemic causing deep recession, and it could get worse: IMF

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations.

One of the biggest myths about COVID-19 is that the virus is heat sensitive and hence won’t spread much in areas that are not typically cold.

But the fact is, the spread of COVID-19 is not necessarily hampered by either cold or hot weather.&nbsp;

Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather."

WHO's official website claims, &nbsp;"You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. "

The experts said COVID-19 spreads through human contact. The mass gathering has to be avoided and people need to take precautions like washing hands.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations. One of the biggest myths about COVID-19 is that the virus is heat sensitive and hence won’t spread much in areas that are not typically cold. But the fact is, the spread of COVID-19 is not necessarily hampered by either cold or hot weather. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather." WHO's official website claims, "You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. " The experts said COVID-19 spreads through human contact. The mass gathering has to be avoided and people need to take precautions like washing hands.

Myth buster: No correlation between temperature variations and coronavirus spread

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-modi-extends-indias-lockdown-till-may-3-economic-activities-to-resume-partially-292346">As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation&nbsp;</a>

PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> addresses the nation<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lockdown2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lockdown2</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJYpM3VhBB">pic.twitter.com/AJYpM3VhBB</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1249920544163545088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India's fight against coronavirus is moving ahead very strongly and the country has been able to avert considerable damage due to sacrifice of the countrymen.

"India's fight against corona global epidemic is moving ahead very strongly. Because of your sacrifice so far, India has been able to avert considerable damage from coronavirus. I know how many problems you had to face. Somebody has trouble getting food, somebody has trouble commuting and someone is away from home," Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the nation. 
 
Meanwhile, a&nbsp;total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3. As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3. As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world. Prime Minister @narendramodi addresses the nation#CoronavirusIndia #COVID19 #NarendraModi #Lockdown2 pic.twitter.com/AJYpM3VhBB — WION (@WIONews) April 14, 2020 × India's fight against coronavirus is moving ahead very strongly and the country has been able to avert considerable damage due to sacrifice of the countrymen. "India's fight against corona global epidemic is moving ahead very strongly. Because of your sacrifice so far, India has been able to avert considerable damage from coronavirus. I know how many problems you had to face. Somebody has trouble getting food, somebody has trouble commuting and someone is away from home," Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the nation. Meanwhile, a total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health.&nbsp;

A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

&nbsp;As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. 
&nbsp; 
The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health. A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India.

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health. A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India sees 1,211 cases in 24 hours; total tally at 10,363

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-trump-denies-plan-to-axe-coronavirus-doctor-but-signals-new-fights-292340">Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights</a> 
 
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Trump, who on Sunday fueled speculation by retweeting a critical comment with the hashtag #FireFauci, sought to draw a line under the latest White House turmoil.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-trump-denies-plan-to-axe-coronavirus-doctor-but-signals-new-fights-292340">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-approves-debt-relief-for-25-poor-countries-to-help-them-address-coronavirus-pandemic-292341">IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them address coronavirus pandemic</a>

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The fund together with the World Bank have called for rich nations to stop collecting debt payments from poor countries from May 1 through June 2021.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-approves-debt-relief-for-25-poor-countries-to-help-them-address-coronavirus-pandemic-292341">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-extends-lockdown-as-countries-see-hope-of-virus-peak-292347">France extends lockdown as countries see hope of virus peak</a>

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France reported a slight increase in hospital deaths Monday though still below its record numbers of last week and a slight dip in intensive care patients for a fifth day running. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-extends-lockdown-as-countries-see-hope-of-virus-peak-292347">READ MORE</a> 
&nbsp;

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Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights Trump, who on Sunday fueled speculation by retweeting a critical comment with the hashtag #FireFauci, sought to draw a line under the latest White House turmoil.

Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights Trump, who on Sunday fueled speculation by retweeting a critical comment with the hashtag #FireFauci, sought to draw a line under the latest White House turmoil.READ MORE IMF approves debt relief for 25 poor countries to help them address coronavirus pandemic The fund together with the World Bank have called for rich nations to stop collecting debt payments from poor countries from May 1 through June 2021.READ MORE France extends lockdown as countries see hope of virus peak France reported a slight increase in hospital deaths Monday though still below its record numbers of last week and a slight dip in intensive care patients for a fifth day running. READ MORE

Morning news brief: IMF approves debt relief for poor countries, France extends lockdown and more

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. &nbsp;WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis.

USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control.

India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations.&nbsp;

The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday.&nbsp;

During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders.

With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown.

It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis. USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control. India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations. The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday. During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources. If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders. With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown. It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

COVID-19 crisis visa extension issue: US to extend stay depending on ground situation 

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday.

Kabul registered 18 new cases, maximum highest in the country, leaving behind Kandahar with 15 cases, Balkh 6 cases, Herat and Ghazni 4 new cases each, and Nangarhar 2 cases, according to the health ministry's data cited by Tolo News.

At least 40 people have recovered from the virus in the country while 23 have succumbed to the highly contagious infection, the Health Ministry spokesman said.

In the meantime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board approved immediate debt relief for 25 countries--including Afghanistan--in order to help these countries focus on COVID-19 response.

"Today, I am pleased to say that our Executive Board approved immediate debt service relief to 25 of the IMF's member countries under the IMF's revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) as part of the Fund's response to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, said in a statement.

"This provides grants to our poorest and most vulnerable members to cover their IMF debt obligations for an initial phase over the next six months and will help them channel more of their scarce financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts," she added.

The IMF noted that the CCRT can currently provide about USD 500 million in grant-based debt service relief, including the recent USD 185 million pledge by Britain and USD 100 million provided by Japan as immediately available resources. While others, including China and the Netherlands, are also stepping forward with important contributions.

"I urge other donors to help us replenish the Trust's resources and boost further our ability to provide additional debt service relief for a full two years to our poorest member countries," Georgieva said further.

The countries receiving relief include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, D.R., The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo, and Yemen.

The number of victims of the COVID-19 disease globally has reached more than 119,686, and nearly 1.9 million more have been infected with the virus, according to the compilations of US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday.

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday. Kabul registered 18 new cases, maximum highest in the country, leaving behind Kandahar with 15 cases, Balkh 6 cases, Herat and Ghazni 4 new cases each, and Nangarhar 2 cases, according to the health ministry's data cited by Tolo News. At least 40 people have recovered from the virus in the country while 23 have succumbed to the highly contagious infection, the Health Ministry spokesman said. In the meantime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board approved immediate debt relief for 25 countries--including Afghanistan--in order to help these countries focus on COVID-19 response. "Today, I am pleased to say that our Executive Board approved immediate debt service relief to 25 of the IMF's member countries under the IMF's revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) as part of the Fund's response to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, said in a statement. "This provides grants to our poorest and most vulnerable members to cover their IMF debt obligations for an initial phase over the next six months and will help them channel more of their scarce financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts," she added. The IMF noted that the CCRT can currently provide about USD 500 million in grant-based debt service relief, including the recent USD 185 million pledge by Britain and USD 100 million provided by Japan as immediately available resources. While others, including China and the Netherlands, are also stepping forward with important contributions. "I urge other donors to help us replenish the Trust's resources and boost further our ability to provide additional debt service relief for a full two years to our poorest member countries," Georgieva said further. The countries receiving relief include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, D.R., The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo, and Yemen. The number of victims of the COVID-19 disease globally has reached more than 119,686, and nearly 1.9 million more have been infected with the virus, according to the compilations of US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief

The government has decided to extend the restriction on domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country till May 3.

This move came in after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nation-wide lockdown period until May 3 in his address to the nation.

"All domestic and international scheduled airlines operations shall remain suspended till11:59pm of 03 May 2020," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement.

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The statement said this restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA.&nbsp;

"All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020," Ministry of Railways tweeted.

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All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a>
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India has been under a nationwide lockdown since March 25. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in India breached the 10,000-mark on Tuesday, while the global count inched closer to two million.

A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country. Total 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

The government has decided to extend the restriction on domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country till May 3. This move came in after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nation-wide lockdown period until May 3 in his address to the nation.

The government has decided to extend the restriction on domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country till May 3. This move came in after Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nation-wide lockdown period until May 3 in his address to the nation. "All domestic and international scheduled airlines operations shall remain suspended till11:59pm of 03 May 2020," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a statement. pic.twitter.com/YAqYgvRCLo — DGCA (@DGCAIndia) April 14, 2020 × The statement said this restriction will not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. "All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020," Ministry of Railways tweeted. All passenger train services on Indian Railways including Premium trains, Mail/Express trains, Passenger trains, Suburban Trains, Kolkata Metro Rail, Konkan Railway etc shall continue to remain cancel till the 2400hrs of 3rd May 2020. #IndiaFightsCorona — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 14, 2020 × India has been under a nationwide lockdown since March 25. The number of positive COVID-19 cases in India breached the 10,000-mark on Tuesday, while the global count inched closer to two million. A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country. Total 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.

Lockdown extension in India: Flights, Railways to remain suspended till May 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the lockdown has been extended till 3 May, and that coronavirus should be curbed at every level.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi assures that there is enough ration and stock of essential commodities in the country.

He said that detailed guidelines on how to extend the lockdown would be issued by the Centre on Wednesday.&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi issued seven guidelines asking citizens to 'stay where you are, stay safe' and to follow all guidelines till 3 May.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-88P0eH-MH/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The lockdown in India has now been extended upto May 3. Take a look at Prime Minister @narendramodi's seven pleas to people as the country intensifies its fight against COVID-19! #CoroanvirusIndia #CoronavirusLockdown #Lockdown2 #LockdownExtended #7Pleas #instawithwion #stayhome #staysafe #COVID19 #CoronavirusPandemic</a>

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He termed these seven steps as a new set of Saptapadi (seven steps around the fire in the sacrament of the Hindu wedding ceremony) to ease the effects of lockdown.

<ul>
	<li>Look after the elderly in your family, take extra care especially the ones who have existing ailments .</li>
	<li>Lockdown and social distancing must be adhered to. Mask or face cover must be used.</li>
	<li>Provide help to the needy and vulnerable.</li>
	<li>Be empathetic towards your workers and employees. Do not end their employment.</li>
	<li>Corona warriors like doctors, nurses, sanitation workers should be respected.</li>
	<li>Follow the tips given by the AYUSH ministry to boost your immunity and health.</li>
	<li>Download the Arogya Setu application on your mobile phones.</li>
</ul>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the lockdown has been extended till 3 May, and that coronavirus should be curbed at every level. Narendra Modi assures that there is enough ration and stock of essential commodities in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the lockdown has been extended till 3 May, and that coronavirus should be curbed at every level. Narendra Modi assures that there is enough ration and stock of essential commodities in the country. He said that detailed guidelines on how to extend the lockdown would be issued by the Centre on Wednesday. PM Narendra Modi issued seven guidelines asking citizens to 'stay where you are, stay safe' and to follow all guidelines till 3 May. View this post on Instagram The lockdown in India has now been extended upto May 3. Take a look at Prime Minister @narendramodi's seven pleas to people as the country intensifies its fight against COVID-19! #CoroanvirusIndia #CoronavirusLockdown #Lockdown2 #LockdownExtended #7Pleas #instawithwion #stayhome #staysafe #COVID19 #CoronavirusPandemic A post shared by WION (@wionews) on Apr 14, 2020 at 12:03am PDT × He termed these seven steps as a new set of Saptapadi (seven steps around the fire in the sacrament of the Hindu wedding ceremony) to ease the effects of lockdown. Look after the elderly in your family, take extra care especially the ones who have existing ailments . Lockdown and social distancing must be adhered to. Mask or face cover must be used. Provide help to the needy and vulnerable. Be empathetic towards your workers and employees. Do not end their employment. Corona warriors like doctors, nurses, sanitation workers should be respected. Follow the tips given by the AYUSH ministry to boost your immunity and health. Download the Arogya Setu application on your mobile phones.

PM Modi urges citizens to follow 'Saptapadi' (seven steps)  till 3 May

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus will be extended till May 3, suggesting limited relaxation in select areas after April 20 keeping in mind interests of daily wage earners.

After a few minutes of his address to the nation, PM Modi changed the profile picture of his Twitter page. The new picture shows PM with his face covered. This is aimed at increasing awareness on covering faces with homemade solutions to be safe in this time of COVID-19. 
 
<img alt="Narendra Modi " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d991de1e-16d2-41f0-9a93-896974f48c3e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Modi_0.JPG" />

Meanwhile, a total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus will be extended till May 3, suggesting limited relaxation in select areas after April 20 keeping in mind interests of daily wage earners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus will be extended till May 3, suggesting limited relaxation in select areas after April 20 keeping in mind interests of daily wage earners. After a few minutes of his address to the nation, PM Modi changed the profile picture of his Twitter page. The new picture shows PM with his face covered. This is aimed at increasing awareness on covering faces with homemade solutions to be safe in this time of COVID-19. Meanwhile, a total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

PM changes Twitter profile picture, new image shows Modi with his face covered

Fifty-nine Indians working in Singapore are among the 233 new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the city-state to 2,532. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-rise-to-9152-308-deaths-reported-292179">Also read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported</a> 
 
Of the new cases, 51 are linked to known clusters while 15 to earlier cases.The remaining 167 have no links to earlier cases, pending contact tracing, the Health Ministry said in its daily update.

Seven new clusters, or commonplaces of gatherings, were found, including one linked to the Black Tap restaurant at a five-star casino-resort complex, Marina Bay Sands. Burgers and milkshakes restaurant Black Tap is linked to eight cases and McDonald's is linked to five infections.

Thirty-one of the 976 patients still in hospital are in critical condition in the intensive care unit while most others are stable or improving.

There are 988 cases who are clinically well but still tested positive for COVID-19. They are being isolated and cared for at community facilities, said the ministry. The death toll stands at eight. Four additional cases are linked to the Indian-origin mega store Mustafa Centre, taking its total to 82.

The number of work permit holders working in Singapore and dormitory-related cases has increased sharply and this is likely to go up, "especially as we undertake more aggressive testing in dormitories", said the ministry.

Authorities further tightened circuit-breaker measures to control the spread of the deadly disease, recommending that commuters wear masks on public transport and closing all beaches. Markets will also refuse entry to people not wearing face masks and food outlets will face fines if their workers do not wear masks or face shields.

During the circuit breaker period, which lasts from Apr 7 to May 4, Singaporeans are to leave their homes only for essential activities such as buying food and groceries.

Fifty-nine Indians working in Singapore are among the 233 new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the city-state to 2,532.

Fifty-nine Indians working in Singapore are among the 233 new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients in the city-state to 2,532. Also read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported Of the new cases, 51 are linked to known clusters while 15 to earlier cases.The remaining 167 have no links to earlier cases, pending contact tracing, the Health Ministry said in its daily update. Seven new clusters, or commonplaces of gatherings, were found, including one linked to the Black Tap restaurant at a five-star casino-resort complex, Marina Bay Sands. Burgers and milkshakes restaurant Black Tap is linked to eight cases and McDonald's is linked to five infections. Thirty-one of the 976 patients still in hospital are in critical condition in the intensive care unit while most others are stable or improving. There are 988 cases who are clinically well but still tested positive for COVID-19. They are being isolated and cared for at community facilities, said the ministry. The death toll stands at eight. Four additional cases are linked to the Indian-origin mega store Mustafa Centre, taking its total to 82. The number of work permit holders working in Singapore and dormitory-related cases has increased sharply and this is likely to go up, "especially as we undertake more aggressive testing in dormitories", said the ministry. Authorities further tightened circuit-breaker measures to control the spread of the deadly disease, recommending that commuters wear masks on public transport and closing all beaches. Markets will also refuse entry to people not wearing face masks and food outlets will face fines if their workers do not wear masks or face shields. During the circuit breaker period, which lasts from Apr 7 to May 4, Singaporeans are to leave their homes only for essential activities such as buying food and groceries.

Coronavirus outbreak: 59 Indians among 233 new cases in Singapore

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