The Indian air carriers have been at the forefront of rescuing Indian citizens stuck in countries where coronavirus has clenched into society.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flights-no-trains-and-no-buses-india-halts-its-transport-network-to-contain-coronavirus-288101" hreflang="en">No flights, no trains and no buses —&nbsp;India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus</a>

But there are some instances when airline&nbsp;employees have been ostracized from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history due to fear of coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-is-china-reporting-the-right-numbers-288130">Also read: Coronavirus death toll — Is China reporting the right numbers?</a> 
 
A cabin crew at Indigo Airlines shared a heart-wrenching account on how the people in her area were spreading rumours that she was infected with the coronavirus.

In a video surfaced on twitter, Airlines crew member breaks down after housing society members accuse her of spreading coronavirus.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Can't believe how people are treating our airline crew. This <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiGo6E</a> crew is nearly broken from being discriminated &amp; taunted. When she is gone for her flight, her mother is even refused groceries in her society. Police is also not helping. <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@amitshah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a>. <a href="https://t.co/yuuTnYhqKq">pic.twitter.com/yuuTnYhqKq</a>
— Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) <a href="https://twitter.com/shukla_tarun/status/1242294313024774144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The woman also alleged that her mother was also harassed when she was away from her home.

IndiGo had suspended its Southeast Asian flights only recently.

In a statement released today, IndiGo said, “There are some instances when our employees have been ostracised from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history ... Our operational crew, in all areas, play an equally important role to keep vital services intact. Our colleagues have been working selflessly to serve the country at this critical juncture. Our employees have been the front-runners in bringing our citizens back to the country and enabling them to reach their hometowns even during restricted movements. Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time.”

Earlier, Air India had also claimed that its employees have been facing social mistrust amid the global outbreak.

In its statement yesterday, Air India said, “It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante resident welfare associations and neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty. These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling child and near and dear one have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew.”

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FlyAI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FlyAI</a> : We would like to appeal to all,particularly the law enforcement agencies,to ensure that AirIndia crew are treated with respect and freedom that every citizen deserves, especially those who have been discharging their duties in selfless manner for return of fellow Indians <a href="https://t.co/Uthlk57jG3">pic.twitter.com/Uthlk57jG3</a>
— Air India (@airindiain) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain/status/1241706445399134209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian air carriers have been at the forefront of rescuing Indian citizens stuck in countries where coronavirus has clenched into society. Also read: No flights, no trains and no buses — India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus But there are some instances when airline employees have been ostracized from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history due to fear of coronavirus.

The Indian air carriers have been at the forefront of rescuing Indian citizens stuck in countries where coronavirus has clenched into society. Also read: No flights, no trains and no buses — India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus But there are some instances when airline employees have been ostracized from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history due to fear of coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus death toll — Is China reporting the right numbers? A cabin crew at Indigo Airlines shared a heart-wrenching account on how the people in her area were spreading rumours that she was infected with the coronavirus. In a video surfaced on twitter, Airlines crew member breaks down after housing society members accuse her of spreading coronavirus. Can't believe how people are treating our airline crew. This @IndiGo6E crew is nearly broken from being discriminated & taunted. When she is gone for her flight, her mother is even refused groceries in her society. Police is also not helping. @amitshah #coronavirus #india. pic.twitter.com/yuuTnYhqKq — Tarun Shukla (@shukla_tarun) March 24, 2020 × The woman also alleged that her mother was also harassed when she was away from her home. IndiGo had suspended its Southeast Asian flights only recently. In a statement released today, IndiGo said, “There are some instances when our employees have been ostracised from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history ... Our operational crew, in all areas, play an equally important role to keep vital services intact. Our colleagues have been working selflessly to serve the country at this critical juncture. Our employees have been the front-runners in bringing our citizens back to the country and enabling them to reach their hometowns even during restricted movements. Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time.” Earlier, Air India had also claimed that its employees have been facing social mistrust amid the global outbreak. In its statement yesterday, Air India said, “It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante resident welfare associations and neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty. These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling child and near and dear one have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew.” #FlyAI : We would like to appeal to all,particularly the law enforcement agencies,to ensure that AirIndia crew are treated with respect and freedom that every citizen deserves, especially those who have been discharging their duties in selfless manner for return of fellow Indians pic.twitter.com/Uthlk57jG3 — Air India (@airindiain) March 22, 2020 ×

IndiGo crew member breaks down after neighbours accuse her of spreading coronavirus

As India is preparing to retrieve&nbsp;400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians. From Tehran to Qom city, Indian diplomats are reaching out to many Indians - from students to pilgrims stuck in the country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sources in the Iranian Indian Mission&nbsp;told WION, "These are unusual times and the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in its scope and impact. We recognise that this requires that we put in all our efforts."

Adding, "We manage the enormous pressure we are under because we understand the gravity of the situation and we’re fully committed to helping each and every one of our people. All of us in the embassy are in good spirits and we back each other. "

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-set-to-evacuate-400-citizens-from-iran-as-coronavirus-death-toll-accelerates-288135" hreflang="en">India set to evacuate 400 citizens from Iran as coronavirus death toll accelerates</a>

Over 600 Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims and others, have been assisted and returned home.&nbsp;All Indians&nbsp;have been advised to restrict their movement.

The source further said, "Embassy officials worked tirelessly to make this happen. We are planning for the return of more pilgrims especially from Ladakh who are presently in Qom. This is a priority."

Qom is the epicentre of the crisis in the West Asian country. The Indian mission has been able to set up a quarantine centre in the city for the over 250 Indians infected with coronavirus, the largest such number anywhere outside India.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flights-no-trains-and-no-buses-india-halts-its-transport-network-to-contain-coronavirus-288101" hreflang="en">No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus</a>

Explaining how Indian diplomats are reaching out to Indians in Qom, the source said, "In general, Mission’s officers are leading from the front and teams are deployed at&nbsp;various locations including the epicentre in Qom. We have in cooperation with the authorities in Qom, set up facilities for our pilgrims since lodges were ordered to close down. Government is bearing all the costs. We have also put in place help lines, advised and counselled people not to panic and to stay calm."

In Qom seminary students are helping Indian officials in rendering assistance to the stranded Indian pilgrims.

Asked about how diplomats are taking protection so that they don't get infected, the source said, "We do take care to adopt proper protection measures, take all precautions and bravely deal with the situation, day and night. Officers have made several visits to Qom, to meet local officials and comfort our citizens. We’ve been at this task without a break for over three weeks now. Our work goes on."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-scarcity-of-ventilators-could-be-coronaviruss-gateway-to-india-288070" hreflang="en">How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India</a>

Iran is among the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus outbreak. Since the first two cases were announced on February 19, the number of infected cases has gone up to over 23,000&nbsp;with over 1800 deaths.

Iranian Government has imposed strict restrictions on public transportation, closed down malls , suspended football games, civil aviation and inter-province travel. Even mosques have been closed and Friday prayers suspended. On&nbsp;Nowruz or the Iranian New Year which was on March 20 and marks an important day for the country, celebrations were muted.

As India is preparing to retrieve 400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians.

As India is preparing to retrieve 400 of its citizens from Iran in the coming days, diplomats at the Indian Mission in Iran are leaving no stone unturned to help stranded Indians. From Tehran to Qom city, Indian diplomats are reaching out to many Indians - from students to pilgrims stuck in the country in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Sources in the Iranian Indian Mission told WION, "These are unusual times and the COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in its scope and impact. We recognise that this requires that we put in all our efforts." Adding, "We manage the enormous pressure we are under because we understand the gravity of the situation and we’re fully committed to helping each and every one of our people. All of us in the embassy are in good spirits and we back each other. " Also read: India set to evacuate 400 citizens from Iran as coronavirus death toll accelerates Over 600 Indian nationals, including students, pilgrims and others, have been assisted and returned home. All Indians have been advised to restrict their movement. The source further said, "Embassy officials worked tirelessly to make this happen. We are planning for the return of more pilgrims especially from Ladakh who are presently in Qom. This is a priority." Qom is the epicentre of the crisis in the West Asian country. The Indian mission has been able to set up a quarantine centre in the city for the over 250 Indians infected with coronavirus, the largest such number anywhere outside India. Also read: No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus Explaining how Indian diplomats are reaching out to Indians in Qom, the source said, "In general, Mission’s officers are leading from the front and teams are deployed at various locations including the epicentre in Qom. We have in cooperation with the authorities in Qom, set up facilities for our pilgrims since lodges were ordered to close down. Government is bearing all the costs. We have also put in place help lines, advised and counselled people not to panic and to stay calm." In Qom seminary students are helping Indian officials in rendering assistance to the stranded Indian pilgrims. Asked about how diplomats are taking protection so that they don't get infected, the source said, "We do take care to adopt proper protection measures, take all precautions and bravely deal with the situation, day and night. Officers have made several visits to Qom, to meet local officials and comfort our citizens. We’ve been at this task without a break for over three weeks now. Our work goes on." Also read: How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India Iran is among the worst impacted countries in the world due to coronavirus outbreak. Since the first two cases were announced on February 19, the number of infected cases has gone up to over 23,000 with over 1800 deaths. Iranian Government has imposed strict restrictions on public transportation, closed down malls , suspended football games, civil aviation and inter-province travel. Even mosques have been closed and Friday prayers suspended. On Nowruz or the Iranian New Year which was on March 20 and marks an important day for the country, celebrations were muted.

Unsung heroes! From Tehran to Qom, Indian diplomats in Iran are leaving no stone unturned

India will be evacuating 400 of its citizens on 24th of March and 28th of March via Wuhan air. All these Indians are pilgrims and have been stranded in the west Asian country since the outbreak of the Corona Crisis. &nbsp;

India has so far evacuated 389 Indians from Iran in 4 batches. The last batch came from Iran on 16th March bringing 53 Indians—52 students and one teacher. 
&nbsp; 
New Delhi has so far evacuated 1500 of its citizens from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. The evacuations started from Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the crisis earlier this year. First evacuation flight went to Wuhan on 31st January and India carried out 2 more evacuations from the city later getting back more than 700 of its citizens.

India has also evacuated 48 citizens of 10 foreign countries during the various missions which include citizens of 4 South Asian countries—Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.&nbsp;

Bangladeshi citizens formed the largest group at 23, followed by the Maldives at 9, Sri Lanka at 2 and Nepal at one.

India will be evacuating 400 of its citizens on 24th of March and 28th of March via Wuhan air. All these Indians are pilgrims and have been stranded in the west Asian country since the outbreak of the Corona Crisis.

India will be evacuating 400 of its citizens on 24th of March and 28th of March via Wuhan air. All these Indians are pilgrims and have been stranded in the west Asian country since the outbreak of the Corona Crisis. India has so far evacuated 389 Indians from Iran in 4 batches. The last batch came from Iran on 16th March bringing 53 Indians—52 students and one teacher. New Delhi has so far evacuated 1500 of its citizens from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. The evacuations started from Wuhan, China, the epicentre of the crisis earlier this year. First evacuation flight went to Wuhan on 31st January and India carried out 2 more evacuations from the city later getting back more than 700 of its citizens. India has also evacuated 48 citizens of 10 foreign countries during the various missions which include citizens of 4 South Asian countries—Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Bangladeshi citizens formed the largest group at 23, followed by the Maldives at 9, Sri Lanka at 2 and Nepal at one.

India to evacuate 400 of its citizens from Iran

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently.

This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus.

According to the health ministry, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India rose to 468, while active cases stand at 424.

Among the 468&nbsp;cases, there are 40 foreign nationals. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with more than 80 cases.&nbsp;

These eight people include one each from Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi and two from Maharashtra have lost their lives due to coronavirus.

According to the Health Ministry, 23 patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals while one patient migrated and seven deaths were reported in India so far.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has advised the state governments to monitor coronavirus situation round the clock, orders complete lockdown in 19 states, union territories and partial curbs in 6 states.

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently. This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus.

A man who was tested positive for COVID-19 infection died at a hospital in Kolkata on Monday. The man had returned from Italy recently. This is West Bengal's first death case due to novel coronavirus. According to the health ministry, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India rose to 468, while active cases stand at 424. Among the 468 cases, there are 40 foreign nationals. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with more than 80 cases. These eight people include one each from Punjab, Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat, West Bengal and Delhi and two from Maharashtra have lost their lives due to coronavirus. According to the Health Ministry, 23 patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals while one patient migrated and seven deaths were reported in India so far. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has advised the state governments to monitor coronavirus situation round the clock, orders complete lockdown in 19 states, union territories and partial curbs in 6 states.

Coronavirus in India: Death toll rises to 9

IndiGo claims that its employees are facial social ostracism owing to their travel history to regions that have now become the epicentres of novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.&nbsp;

Yesterday, Air India had claimed that its employees have been facing social mistrust amid the global outbreak.

Air India has been at the forefront of rescuing Indian citizens stuck in countries where coronavirus has clenched into the society.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-flights-no-trains-and-no-buses-india-halts-its-transport-network-to-contain-coronavirus-288101" hreflang="en">No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus</a>

A few Air India flights had brought back Indians from Wuhan, the original epicentre of the outbreak, while later operating rescue missions for places like Italy and Japan.

IndiGo suspended its Southeast Asian flights only recently.

In a statement released today, IndiGo said, “There are some instances when our employees have been ostracised from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history ... Our operational crew, in all areas, play an equally important role to keep vital services intact. Our colleagues have been working selflessly to serve the country at this critical juncture. Our employees have been the front-runners in bringing our citizens back to the country and enabling them to reach their hometowns even during restricted movements. Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-scarcity-of-ventilators-could-be-coronaviruss-gateway-to-india-288070" hreflang="en">How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India</a>

The low-cost carrier claimed that their crew play a vital role in keeping services intact, and that their employees have been working selflessly. The airline pleaded for support and cooperation in flight management during the coronavirus pandemic.

The carrier additionally claimed that they’re leaving no stone unturned to protect the safety of their crew and passengers.

In its statement yesterday, Air India said, “It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante resident welfare associations and neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty. These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling child and near and dear one have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-asks-state-governments-to-strictly-enforce-lockdown-official-statement-287987" hreflang="en">Centre asks state governments to strictly enforce lockdown: Official statement</a>

They requested the people to not ostracise its crew for they were the ones to bring back people’s loved ones into the country from adversely affected countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

IndiGo claims that its employees are facial social ostracism owing to their travel history to regions that have now become the epicentres of novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

IndiGo claims that its employees are facial social ostracism owing to their travel history to regions that have now become the epicentres of novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak. Yesterday, Air India had claimed that its employees have been facing social mistrust amid the global outbreak. Air India has been at the forefront of rescuing Indian citizens stuck in countries where coronavirus has clenched into the society. Also read: No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus A few Air India flights had brought back Indians from Wuhan, the original epicentre of the outbreak, while later operating rescue missions for places like Italy and Japan. IndiGo suspended its Southeast Asian flights only recently. In a statement released today, IndiGo said, “There are some instances when our employees have been ostracised from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history ... Our operational crew, in all areas, play an equally important role to keep vital services intact. Our colleagues have been working selflessly to serve the country at this critical juncture. Our employees have been the front-runners in bringing our citizens back to the country and enabling them to reach their hometowns even during restricted movements. Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time.” Also read: How scarcity of ventilators could be coronavirus's gateway to India The low-cost carrier claimed that their crew play a vital role in keeping services intact, and that their employees have been working selflessly. The airline pleaded for support and cooperation in flight management during the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier additionally claimed that they’re leaving no stone unturned to protect the safety of their crew and passengers. In its statement yesterday, Air India said, “It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante resident welfare associations and neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty. These vigilantes have conveniently forgotten that many a spouse, parent, sibling child and near and dear one have been brought home safe and secure from affected countries thanks to the heroic efforts of these Air India crew.” Also read: Centre asks state governments to strictly enforce lockdown: Official statement They requested the people to not ostracise its crew for they were the ones to bring back people’s loved ones into the country from adversely affected countries. (With inputs from agencies)

IndiGo claims its crew facing social ostracisation owing to their travel history

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Monday for an "immediate global ceasefire" to protect vulnerable civilians in conflict zones from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
"The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war," he said in a brief speech at UN headquarters in New York, mentioning no country by name. "That is why today, I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-writer-pat-condell-slams-china-on-coronavirus-calls-it-enemy-of-humanity-288127" hreflang="en">British writer Pat Condell slams China on Coronavirus, calls it enemy of humanity</a> 
 
Syria has reported its first case of the COVID-19 virus, in a country already torn by 10 years of war, and other cases have emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. 
 
Experts and diplomats expect the virus to wreak havoc in countries in conflict, which often are very poor and with fragile health care systems. 
 
"It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives," Guterres said. "Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/florida-sues-china-for-covering-up-coronavirus-pandemic-288115" hreflang="en">Florida sues China for 'covering up' coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
Doing so, he said, was crucial for opening corridors to deliver life-saving aid. 
 
"End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world. It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now," he said. 
 
After Guterres' call last week for a global response to the pandemic, which he said has put "millions" of lives at risk, the UN is expected to unveil on Wednesday a detailed worldwide plan of humanitarian relief with the creation of a fund dedicated to the international fight against the virus.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italys-medics-at-end-of-our-strength-as-they-too-fall-ill-288107" hreflang="en">Italy's medics at 'end of our strength' as they too fall ill</a>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Monday for an "immediate global ceasefire" to protect vulnerable civilians in conflict zones from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed Monday for an "immediate global ceasefire" to protect vulnerable civilians in conflict zones from the ravages of the coronavirus pandemic. "The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war," he said in a brief speech at UN headquarters in New York, mentioning no country by name. "That is why today, I am calling for an immediate global ceasefire in all corners of the world." Also read: British writer Pat Condell slams China on Coronavirus, calls it enemy of humanity Syria has reported its first case of the COVID-19 virus, in a country already torn by 10 years of war, and other cases have emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan. Experts and diplomats expect the virus to wreak havoc in countries in conflict, which often are very poor and with fragile health care systems. "It is time to put armed conflict on lockdown and focus together on the true fight of our lives," Guterres said. "Silence the guns; stop the artillery; end the airstrikes." Also read: Florida sues China for 'covering up' coronavirus pandemic Doing so, he said, was crucial for opening corridors to deliver life-saving aid. "End the sickness of war and fight the disease that is ravaging our world. It starts by stopping the fighting everywhere. Now," he said. After Guterres' call last week for a global response to the pandemic, which he said has put "millions" of lives at risk, the UN is expected to unveil on Wednesday a detailed worldwide plan of humanitarian relief with the creation of a fund dedicated to the international fight against the virus. Also read: Italy's medics at 'end of our strength' as they too fall ill

UN chief calls for 'immediate global ceasefire' amid coronavirus pandemic

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. 
 
PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-suspends-six-officials-for-taking-selfie-with-coronavirus-infected-colleague-288099" hreflang="en">Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague</a> 
 
Amid the lockdown, people will not be allowed to travel or go outside unnecessarily; transport will be suspended. However, one person from each family will be allowed to go out to purchase food. 
 
Special passes will be issued to people for traveling in unavoidable circumstances.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959" hreflang="en">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a> 
 
While PoK has announced a three-week complete lockdown, Punjab,Pakistan has imposed a 14-day partial lockdown, closing down parks and public places. Punjab province has reported 225 cases, second highest. 
The death toll from Coronavirus in the country reached six.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Monday imposed a lockdown for three weeks as the coronavirus cases in the region mounted to 72. PoK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider has announced that a complete lockdown will be imposed starting midnight on Monday, Dawn reported. Also read: Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague Amid the lockdown, people will not be allowed to travel or go outside unnecessarily; transport will be suspended. However, one person from each family will be allowed to go out to purchase food. Special passes will be issued to people for traveling in unavoidable circumstances. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan While PoK has announced a three-week complete lockdown, Punjab,Pakistan has imposed a 14-day partial lockdown, closing down parks and public places. Punjab province has reported 225 cases, second highest. The death toll from Coronavirus in the country reached six.

Pakistan Occupied Kashmir under lockdown as coronavirus cases reach 72

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. 
 
This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case. The nationwide lockdown in Nepal will be in place till March 31. 
 
The lockdown will begin on Tuesday 6:00 am. The decision was taken after a meeting of the high-level coordination committee for the control and prevention of COVID-19 took the decision to this effect, according to Himalayan Times.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-outbreak-nepal-seals-borders-with-india-china-288012" hreflang="en">Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China</a> 
 
Nepal has closed all entry points with India and China. A 19-year-old Nepali national with a travel history to France has been tested positive. 
 
Nepal, the first nation in South Asia to confirm the infection which started from China on 24th February reported the first case of COVID-19 which was then known as Novel Corona Virus. 
 
The Government of Nepal had announced the closure of cinema halls, cultural centres, stadium, sports grounds, health clubs, museums, swimming pools and other places of recreational activities, till April 30 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/south-asian-governments-impose-coronavirus-curfews-border-controls-287798" hreflang="en">South Asian governments impose coronavirus curfews, border controls</a> 
 
The government has also set up a helpline to address queries about coronavirus and share information on the developing situation of the infection in the country.

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case.

Nepal on Monday announced a nationwide lockdown in order to curb the spread of coronavirus. This comes after the Himalayan nation reported its second coronavirus case. The nationwide lockdown in Nepal will be in place till March 31. The lockdown will begin on Tuesday 6:00 am. The decision was taken after a meeting of the high-level coordination committee for the control and prevention of COVID-19 took the decision to this effect, according to Himalayan Times. Also read: Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China Nepal has closed all entry points with India and China. A 19-year-old Nepali national with a travel history to France has been tested positive. Nepal, the first nation in South Asia to confirm the infection which started from China on 24th February reported the first case of COVID-19 which was then known as Novel Corona Virus. The Government of Nepal had announced the closure of cinema halls, cultural centres, stadium, sports grounds, health clubs, museums, swimming pools and other places of recreational activities, till April 30 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Also read: South Asian governments impose coronavirus curfews, border controls The government has also set up a helpline to address queries about coronavirus and share information on the developing situation of the infection in the country.

Nepal announces nationwide lockdown till March 31 as coronavirus infects two

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak.

Adding in nurses, technicians and other employees, a fifth of the hospital's personnel has tested positive, hospital director Daniela Ferrari said.

They and healthcare workers like them almost certainly unwittingly spread the virus before needing treatment or quarantine themselves, researchers and unions say.

The picture is the same at other hospitals, among family doctors and in nursing homes - exacerbated, unions, sector leaders and medics say, by them not having enough masks and gloves when the outbreak was detected a month ago.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-doctors-nurses-and-service-delivery-men-take-up-dancing-music-to-lift-their-spirits-up-at-work-288100" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Doctors, nurses and service delivery men take up dancing, music to lift their spirits up at work</a>

"We are at the end of our strength," said Doctor Romano Paolucci, who came out of retirement to help the Oglio Po hospital near Cremona, one of the worst hit towns in the Lombardy region.

"We do not have sufficient resources and especially staff because apart from everything else, now the staff are beginning to get sick."

In Lombardy, the Italian region with the highest number of cases and deaths, at least two hospitals became vehicles of contamination, with patients infecting medical staff who then spread the disease as they travelled around their communities before a stringent lockdown was imposed.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-doing-well-in-home-quarantine-288104" hreflang="en">Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine</a>

That is one factor that has helped the virus spread so quickly, said Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research.

"Patients infected other patients and doctors who then went out and contaminated others," Remuzzi said.

At a national level, 4,268 health workers - or 0.4 percent of the total - had contracted the virus as of March 20, according to the National Health Institute.

In Lombardy's northeastern city of Bergamo, 134 family doctors out of 600 - or 22% - had fallen sick or were quarantined, Guido Marinoni, the head of the local association of general practitioners, said. Three doctors have died.

In the city's nursing homes, the situation was even worse, with 1,464 health workers infected out of 5,805, he said. Bergamo has been so overwhelmed that the army has stepped in to move bodies to other provinces as the cemetery was too full.

Marinoni said that for the first two weeks after the disease was first detected in northern Italy on Feb. 21, family doctors lacked masks and gloves and so were easily contaminated by coughing and feverish patients who went to see them without knowing they had the coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-more-doctors-die-from-coronavirus-in-france-288080" hreflang="en">Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France</a>

"Toy gun"

Only in early March, the family doctors of Bergamo were given 25-30 surgical masks, he said.

"If a person with the disease contaminates on average another two people, a doctor who is moving around the community&nbsp;can contaminate at least another 10 people and this spreads the contagion in an exponential way," Marinoni said.

"It's like fighting a war with a toy gun. I hope the rest of Europe learn from the good things Italy did, but also from our mistakes."

The head of the government's coronavirus relief effort says Italy needs 90 million masks a month and it has "activated all possible channels" to achieve that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

Protective and medical equipment, including masks and ventilators, "are produced in faraway places, we don't have a national industry with the capacity to make them on a big scale", Domenico Arcuri told state television on Sunday.

Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana said on Thursday he had signed a contract for 4 million masks from Jordan.

At several hospitals and health centres of Italy's financial capital Milan, public and private, staff and unions also complain of inadequate measures to protect personnel.

At Milan's Niguarda hospital, a patient and a nurse in the psychiatric ward started showing symptoms a few hours apart from each other on March 10, according to a letter sent by CISL union representative Rossella Delcuratolo to hospital managers.

Within days, 11 patients and eight nurses in the ward had contracted the virus, Delcuratolo said.

"We are fighting the spread of the virus by imposing a lockdown on society, but we also need to stop it spreading within the health sector," she told Reuters. "Health workers live in fear of infecting people at work and at home."

Even in places where protective gear was present from the start, such as Policlinico San Marco near Bergamo, several staff were still infected, said Roberto Mezzetti, a vascular surgeon who volunteered to help out with coronavirus patients.

They probably contracted the virus outside the hospital as they went about their normal lives in the early stages of the outbreak, he said. Three of them were in serious condition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/home-quarantine-no-option-for-thousands-in-philippines-288048" hreflang="en">Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines</a>

Many health workers say they should all be tested. Lombardy said at the weekend family doctors would be given swabs, while hospital staff would have their temperature taken daily.

But some doctors warn that if everyone is tested, the real rate of infection among medics could be so high that hospitals would stop working.

"I fear that hospitals would empty," said Mario Riccio, head of anaesthesiology at the Oglio Po hospital. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak.

At Italy's Oglio Po hospital, 25 out of 90 doctors are infected with the coronavirus, compounding the strain faced by a health system overwhelmed by the world's second biggest outbreak. Adding in nurses, technicians and other employees, a fifth of the hospital's personnel has tested positive, hospital director Daniela Ferrari said. They and healthcare workers like them almost certainly unwittingly spread the virus before needing treatment or quarantine themselves, researchers and unions say. The picture is the same at other hospitals, among family doctors and in nursing homes - exacerbated, unions, sector leaders and medics say, by them not having enough masks and gloves when the outbreak was detected a month ago. Also read: COVID-19: Doctors, nurses and service delivery men take up dancing, music to lift their spirits up at work "We are at the end of our strength," said Doctor Romano Paolucci, who came out of retirement to help the Oglio Po hospital near Cremona, one of the worst hit towns in the Lombardy region. "We do not have sufficient resources and especially staff because apart from everything else, now the staff are beginning to get sick." In Lombardy, the Italian region with the highest number of cases and deaths, at least two hospitals became vehicles of contamination, with patients infecting medical staff who then spread the disease as they travelled around their communities before a stringent lockdown was imposed. Read more: Merkel 'doing well' in home quarantine That is one factor that has helped the virus spread so quickly, said Giuseppe Remuzzi, director of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research. "Patients infected other patients and doctors who then went out and contaminated others," Remuzzi said. At a national level, 4,268 health workers - or 0.4 percent of the total - had contracted the virus as of March 20, according to the National Health Institute. In Lombardy's northeastern city of Bergamo, 134 family doctors out of 600 - or 22% - had fallen sick or were quarantined, Guido Marinoni, the head of the local association of general practitioners, said. Three doctors have died. In the city's nursing homes, the situation was even worse, with 1,464 health workers infected out of 5,805, he said. Bergamo has been so overwhelmed that the army has stepped in to move bodies to other provinces as the cemetery was too full. Marinoni said that for the first two weeks after the disease was first detected in northern Italy on Feb. 21, family doctors lacked masks and gloves and so were easily contaminated by coughing and feverish patients who went to see them without knowing they had the coronavirus. Also read: Two more doctors die from coronavirus in France "Toy gun" Only in early March, the family doctors of Bergamo were given 25-30 surgical masks, he said. "If a person with the disease contaminates on average another two people, a doctor who is moving around the community can contaminate at least another 10 people and this spreads the contagion in an exponential way," Marinoni said. "It's like fighting a war with a toy gun. I hope the rest of Europe learn from the good things Italy did, but also from our mistakes." The head of the government's coronavirus relief effort says Italy needs 90 million masks a month and it has "activated all possible channels" to achieve that. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus Protective and medical equipment, including masks and ventilators, "are produced in faraway places, we don't have a national industry with the capacity to make them on a big scale", Domenico Arcuri told state television on Sunday. Lombardy governor Attilio Fontana said on Thursday he had signed a contract for 4 million masks from Jordan. At several hospitals and health centres of Italy's financial capital Milan, public and private, staff and unions also complain of inadequate measures to protect personnel. At Milan's Niguarda hospital, a patient and a nurse in the psychiatric ward started showing symptoms a few hours apart from each other on March 10, according to a letter sent by CISL union representative Rossella Delcuratolo to hospital managers. Within days, 11 patients and eight nurses in the ward had contracted the virus, Delcuratolo said. "We are fighting the spread of the virus by imposing a lockdown on society, but we also need to stop it spreading within the health sector," she told Reuters. "Health workers live in fear of infecting people at work and at home." Even in places where protective gear was present from the start, such as Policlinico San Marco near Bergamo, several staff were still infected, said Roberto Mezzetti, a vascular surgeon who volunteered to help out with coronavirus patients. They probably contracted the virus outside the hospital as they went about their normal lives in the early stages of the outbreak, he said. Three of them were in serious condition. Also read: Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines Many health workers say they should all be tested. Lombardy said at the weekend family doctors would be given swabs, while hospital staff would have their temperature taken daily. But some doctors warn that if everyone is tested, the real rate of infection among medics could be so high that hospitals would stop working. "I fear that hospitals would empty," said Mario Riccio, head of anaesthesiology at the Oglio Po hospital.

Italy's medics at 'end of our strength' as they too fall ill

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights.

"Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement.

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 15,303 lives and infected 349,676 people globally.&nbsp;

“Our biggest challenge is how do we break this chain of transmission,” Lav Agarwal, a senior health ministry official, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Sunday.

The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 19 states and 6 Union Territories across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported till March 31.

Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Railways decided to cancel all train services till March 31.

The Railways said that movement of goods trains will continue to ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the government of India has asked state governments to strictly enforce lockdown and take legal action against violators, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country.

The government has decided to restrict domestic transport services—railways, flights and interstate buses—across the country on a massive scale that has never been witnessed by the country. All domestic flights from midnight on March 24 have been cancelled. However, these restrictions will not apply to cargo flights. "Airlines have to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 2359 hours on 24/3/2020," the Ministry said in a statement. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 15,303 lives and infected 349,676 people globally. “Our biggest challenge is how do we break this chain of transmission,” Lav Agarwal, a senior health ministry official, said at a briefing in New Delhi on Sunday. The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 19 states and 6 Union Territories across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported till March 31. Earlier on Sunday, the Indian Railways decided to cancel all train services till March 31. The Railways said that movement of goods trains will continue to ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country. Meanwhile, the government of India has asked state governments to strictly enforce lockdown and take legal action against violators, according to an official statement issued on Monday.

No flights, no trains and no buses: India halts its transport network to contain coronavirus

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image.

Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-babur-ii-missile-suffers-second-consecutive-setback-crashes-after-two-minutes-288073" hreflang="en">Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes</a>

All suspended officials hail from different districts.

"Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification.

<h6><img alt="oo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bf6a5fdf-dc06-442a-9059-7678cfe592c9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_109.jpg" /> 
The official government notification 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cant-impose-lockdown-in-pakistan-as-one-fourth-of-population-survives-on-daily-wages-imran-khan-287959" hreflang="en">Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as&nbsp;one-fourth of population survives&nbsp;on daily wages: Imran Khan</a>

The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown&nbsp;to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below&nbsp;the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Six district administrative officials in the Pakistani province of Sindh were recently suspended after they took a picture with one of their colleagues who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The notification was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Khairpur yesterday. Based on information from authorities, the six revenue officials who were seen in the picture were suspended soon after people took notice of the image. Allegedly, the revenue officials had no idea about the medical state of the person in question, who had recently returned from Iran. He was later tested positive for the novel coronavirus, as reported by The Dawn. Also read: Pakistan's 'Babur II' missile suffers second consecutive setback; crashes after two minutes All suspended officials hail from different districts. "Due to the information received through social media regarding selfie by the revenue staff with Irshad Ali Rajpar who recently returned from Iran and was reported as a positive case of coronavirus, the following staff in the selfie are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," said the notification. The official government notification So far, over 803 people in Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus, with 150 new cases registered in the last 24 hours. Also read: Can't impose lockdown in Pakistan as one-fourth of population survives on daily wages: Imran Khan The death toll in the country now stands at six, after a doctor died of the virus in Gilgit-Baltistan region, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in southern Sindh province rose to 352, Punjab province to 225, in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to 31, western Balochistan province 108, Gilgit-Baltistan 71, the capital's Islamabad 15 while one case confirmed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday rejected the proposal for the complete lockdown to combat the coronavirus outbreak, saying that state-imposed curfew is not possible in the country as one-fourth of its population is under the below the poverty line and survives on daily wages.

Pakistan suspends six officials for taking selfie with coronavirus-infected colleague

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data.

Under the new system, people would be sent information if they came into contact with someone who was infected and the same information would be passed on to special regional headquarters set up to fight the respiratory disease pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-death-toll-tops-2000-after-462-deaths-in-24-hours-288065" hreflang="en">Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours</a>

The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of a raft of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus.

The measure will trace "citizens who are in contact with patients with new coronavirus infection on the basis of information from cellular operators about the geolocation of a cell phone of a particular person, which would allow citizens to be notified (over the phone) if they have been in contact with a person suffering from the new coronavirus, sending relevant messages to inform them of the need for self-isolation..." the communications ministry said in a statement.

Russia, which has a temporary ban on the entry of foreigners in place, has 438 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and one virus-related death - less than many European countries.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-provides-unexpected-boost-for-kenyan-fishermen-288063" hreflang="en">Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen</a>

On Monday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told residents of the Russian capital over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses to remain at home.

Russia is gradually tightening quarantine rules and readying its healthcare system for more cases. Sobyanin told the elderly and other vulnerable residents to only make trips to pharmacies and shops if absolutely necessary from Thursday until April 14.

Stay at home or dachas

Where possible, he also advised the elderly to leave the city and stay at their dachas - out-of-town cottages on private plots of land which many Russian families traditionally own.

The city, which has 262 confirmed infections out of the total of 438 reported across Russia, will give 4,000 roubles ($49) to all over 65s and people with chronic illnesses.

City hall has required mobile phone operators not to switch off phone and internet access for the elderly if their balance hits zero, and temporarily cancelled fines for late payment of utility bills.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061" hreflang="en">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

Moscow has also changed its coronavirus testing system. Samples will no longer be sent to a lab in Siberia for a second round of testing to confirm a positive result received during tests conducted in labs in the capital, the city's coronavirus response headquarters said in a statement.

"The diagnosis of 'coronavirus infection' will be registered after the first positive test...Repeated testing, if necessary, will also be conducted in Moscow," the head office said.

Russia is also taking steps to prepare its food supply and medical system for a potential upsurge in coronavirus cases.

The government said on Monday it had asked the agriculture ministry and other officials to prepare proposals on whether exports of any food, essential products or medicine should be limited. [nL8N2BG1RX]

The government also ordered the labour and justice ministries to devise plans to prevent workers from being fired for coronavirus-related reasons, such as self-isolation.

"I believe that overall, we have the situation with coronavirus under control," Mishustin said. "But preparation for more serious challenges is necessary."

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Monday gave the authorities five days to develop a system to track people who have come into contact with anyone with coronavirus by using mobile phone geolocation data. Under the new system, people would be sent information if they came into contact with someone who was infected and the same information would be passed on to special regional headquarters set up to fight the respiratory disease pandemic. Also read: Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours The Kremlin said the measure was legal and part of a raft of measures Russia is taking to try to halt spread of the virus. The measure will trace "citizens who are in contact with patients with new coronavirus infection on the basis of information from cellular operators about the geolocation of a cell phone of a particular person, which would allow citizens to be notified (over the phone) if they have been in contact with a person suffering from the new coronavirus, sending relevant messages to inform them of the need for self-isolation..." the communications ministry said in a statement. Russia, which has a temporary ban on the entry of foreigners in place, has 438 confirmed cases of coronavirus so far and one virus-related death - less than many European countries. Also read: Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen On Monday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin told residents of the Russian capital over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses to remain at home. Russia is gradually tightening quarantine rules and readying its healthcare system for more cases. Sobyanin told the elderly and other vulnerable residents to only make trips to pharmacies and shops if absolutely necessary from Thursday until April 14. Stay at home or dachas Where possible, he also advised the elderly to leave the city and stay at their dachas - out-of-town cottages on private plots of land which many Russian families traditionally own. The city, which has 262 confirmed infections out of the total of 438 reported across Russia, will give 4,000 roubles ($49) to all over 65s and people with chronic illnesses. City hall has required mobile phone operators not to switch off phone and internet access for the elderly if their balance hits zero, and temporarily cancelled fines for late payment of utility bills. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus Moscow has also changed its coronavirus testing system. Samples will no longer be sent to a lab in Siberia for a second round of testing to confirm a positive result received during tests conducted in labs in the capital, the city's coronavirus response headquarters said in a statement. "The diagnosis of 'coronavirus infection' will be registered after the first positive test...Repeated testing, if necessary, will also be conducted in Moscow," the head office said. Russia is also taking steps to prepare its food supply and medical system for a potential upsurge in coronavirus cases. The government said on Monday it had asked the agriculture ministry and other officials to prepare proposals on whether exports of any food, essential products or medicine should be limited. [nL8N2BG1RX] The government also ordered the labour and justice ministries to devise plans to prevent workers from being fired for coronavirus-related reasons, such as self-isolation. "I believe that overall, we have the situation with coronavirus under control," Mishustin said. "But preparation for more serious challenges is necessary."

Russia to use mobile phones to track people at risk of coronavirus

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday.

The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Despite an unprecedented national lockdown which was put in place on March 14, the number of deaths and infections have spiralled in Spain, with the figures growing as the country steps up its capacity for testing.

And the lockdown, which was initially put in place for two weeks, will be extended until April 11 to try to curb the spread, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said -- in a measure which will be put to parliament on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The rise in infections in this country of 46 million people has brought Spain's healthcare system to the brink of collapse, particularly in Madrid, the worst-hit area, which has registered 10,575 cases, and where 1,263 people have died -- accounting for 58 percent of the national death toll.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Some 3,910 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, or around 12 percent of those infected, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said.

Officials have repeatedly warned that the number of deaths and infections would continue to rise this week and that the worst was yet to come.&nbsp;

"We have yet to see the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," Sanchez said on Sunday.&nbsp;

In terms of people who have recovered, government figures show there are currently 3,355 cases, just over 60 percent of whom are in Madrid.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday. The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy.

The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday. The death rate showed a 27-percent increase on the figures released a day earlier, with the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rising to 33,089 in Spain, one of the worst-hit countries in the world after China and Italy. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Despite an unprecedented national lockdown which was put in place on March 14, the number of deaths and infections have spiralled in Spain, with the figures growing as the country steps up its capacity for testing. And the lockdown, which was initially put in place for two weeks, will be extended until April 11 to try to curb the spread, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said -- in a measure which will be put to parliament on Tuesday. The rise in infections in this country of 46 million people has brought Spain's healthcare system to the brink of collapse, particularly in Madrid, the worst-hit area, which has registered 10,575 cases, and where 1,263 people have died -- accounting for 58 percent of the national death toll. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Some 3,910 healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus, or around 12 percent of those infected, the health ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said. Officials have repeatedly warned that the number of deaths and infections would continue to rise this week and that the worst was yet to come. "We have yet to see the impact of the strongest, most damaging wave, which will test our material and moral capacities to the limit, as well as our spirit as a society," Sanchez said on Sunday. In terms of people who have recovered, government figures show there are currently 3,355 cases, just over 60 percent of whom are in Madrid. Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Spain death toll tops 2,000 after 462 deaths in 24 hours

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade.

The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes.

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Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches.

Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish.

"As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said.

The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings.

Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi.

"The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch.

"We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said.

Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures.

Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said.

"Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-one-billion-people-self-isolating-globally-to-limit-the-spread-of-coronavirus-288061">More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus</a>

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria.

The coronavirus pandemic has handed Kenyan fishermen an unexpected boon - a rush of customers who now shun imported Chinese frozen fillets in favour of freshly caught fish from Lake Victoria. Kenya bought $23.2 million worth of frozen fish from China in 2018, according to the International Trade Center, almost all of its fish imports. Fishermen have long complained that the cheap imports were strangling local trade. The coronavirus has slowed Chinese imports. Nervous customers have turned to local fish. But Kenya will soon face shortages unless imports from China resume; it produces just over a third of what it consumes. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Kenyan fishermen like 38-year-old Maurice Misodhi, whose skin has been weathered by the sun and wind during two decades on the water, have had a bumper month. Based at Dunga Beach in Kisumu, customers want every fish he catches. Misodhi says the Chinese lockdown seemed to have dried up imports of cheaper Chinese fish. "As fishermen we can now smile, not because people are suffering from coronavirus, but because we can now sell our fish, and at a good price," he said. The price of a kilo of Nile perch - 250 shillings ($2.50) a month ago - has shot up to 350 shillings. Fish trader Mary Didi usually buys from Chinese suppliers but has now turned to Misodhi. "The supply at the Chinese importers has gone down, and many of my customers were also scared of the Chinese fish, thinking they would contract the virus," she said. "To keep the business running, I had to turn to fish from the lake." Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Bob Otieno, chairman of Dunga Beach Management Unit, says sales have shot up. The beach registers a catch of between 1 and 1.5 tonnes of fish each day and sales have gone up from 50% of the catch to 90% in the last two weeks. Previously, fishermen would eat, barter or give away around half their catch. "We used to have many fishermen sell their catch at low prices because of competition from the Chinese fish," he said. Kenya produces 180,000 tonnes per year but consumes about 500,000 tonnes, according to 2019 government figures. Christine Adhiambo, the government's assistant director of fisheries for the lake region, said the two biggest importers of Chinese fish had not shipped from China since November and were running down stocks. Kenya could face shortages soon, she said. "Kenya cannot satisfy its local fish demand," she said. "That is why we heavily rely on supplements from China." Also read: More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Coronavirus provides unexpected boost for Kenyan fishermen

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today.&nbsp;

Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Countries with serious cases and escalating death toll like Italy have compulsory lockdown measures in place, while self-quarantining advisories have been put out in other countries.

More than 659 million people are currently isolated at their homes globally, centred in 34 countries with compulsory lockdowns in place. These countries include&nbsp;Italy, France, California in the US, Rwanda, Iraq, and Argentina.

The most recent imposition of mandatory isolation took place in Greece.

Starting Tuesday, Colombia will enforce a complete lockdown, followed by New Zealand on Wednesday.

However, lockdowns do not imply the discontinuation of essential services. All emergency services, including fire, healthcare, and police will function as usual, with grocery stores and ATMs running as they otherwise would.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d1cf7b7-7c0e-4738-a2d6-781fcf8fac6f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_89.jpg" /> 
Trains are seen idle on Amritsar Railway station during a one-day Janata (civil) curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Amritsar on March 22, 2020 | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

Iran, Britain, and Germany, which have a collective population of over 228 million people, have requested their citizens to not venture outside their homes to limit social contact.

However, these optional lockdowns have not been completely successful in persuading the people. For instance, people in Britain gathered in parks and beaches over the weekend, while people in Iran didn’t cancel their travel plans for the Persian New Year.

Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently advised countries to do more than lockdowns, for it is not enough to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Many countries have issued curfews and some have barred travel after dark. These ten countries include Chile, the Philippines’ capital city Manila, Mauritania, Serbia, Burkina Faso, with Saudi Arabia to follow suit tonight. These countries account for 117 million people.

Many countries have also isolated major cities, limiting the entry and exit of people. Almaty and&nbsp; Bulgaria are among these countries that account for 10 million people.

As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died.

Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based.

The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today. Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19.

More than a billion people have been directed to practice self-isolation and to stay at home, as per an AFP tally released today. Almost 50 countries and territories around the world have enforced lockdowns to limit the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers Countries with serious cases and escalating death toll like Italy have compulsory lockdown measures in place, while self-quarantining advisories have been put out in other countries. More than 659 million people are currently isolated at their homes globally, centred in 34 countries with compulsory lockdowns in place. These countries include Italy, France, California in the US, Rwanda, Iraq, and Argentina. The most recent imposition of mandatory isolation took place in Greece. Starting Tuesday, Colombia will enforce a complete lockdown, followed by New Zealand on Wednesday. However, lockdowns do not imply the discontinuation of essential services. All emergency services, including fire, healthcare, and police will function as usual, with grocery stores and ATMs running as they otherwise would. Trains are seen idle on Amritsar Railway station during a one-day Janata (civil) curfew imposed as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 coronavirus, in Amritsar on March 22, 2020 | AFP Iran, Britain, and Germany, which have a collective population of over 228 million people, have requested their citizens to not venture outside their homes to limit social contact. However, these optional lockdowns have not been completely successful in persuading the people. For instance, people in Britain gathered in parks and beaches over the weekend, while people in Iran didn’t cancel their travel plans for the Persian New Year. Additionally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently advised countries to do more than lockdowns, for it is not enough to contain the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Many countries have issued curfews and some have barred travel after dark. These ten countries include Chile, the Philippines’ capital city Manila, Mauritania, Serbia, Burkina Faso, with Saudi Arabia to follow suit tonight. These countries account for 117 million people. Many countries have also isolated major cities, limiting the entry and exit of people. Almaty and Bulgaria are among these countries that account for 10 million people. As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died. Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based. The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? (With inputs from agencies)

More than one billion people self-isolating globally to limit the spread of coronavirus

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind.

Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus.

Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

"I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath.

Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable.

Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain.

Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention

Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight.

After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend.

"Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO).

Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit.

The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala.

Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat.

In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles.

During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range.

Tiny Graves

Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated.

Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient.

The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044" hreflang="en">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died.

It is unclear why the vaccines failed.

Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry.

But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting.

"There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping.

Thomas the Tank Engine beams from the front of Dobo Mambanza's ripped pullover. Unlike the cartoon train's face, Dobo's is blistered and scrunched as she struggles for breath, her eyes shuttered and weeping. The three-year-old is going blind. Cradled by her mother, Dobo lies in the ward of a health centre in a remote town in northern Democratic Republic of Congo where mosquito nets on sticks droop over rusting metal beds, and doctors work frantically to contain a deadly virus. Dobo does not have the new coronavirus or Ebola. She has measles, a preventable but extremely contagious disease that since January 2019 has ripped through Congo unchecked into remote regions. Some 6,400 people have died, according to official figures, though healthcare workers say the number is likely much higher because reporting rates are so low. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers "I feel guilty because I’m afraid people might say it’s because I didn't get my daughter treatment quickly," Dobo’s mother Wanea Mabele said over her writhing child’s rattling breath. Mabele is hardly to blame. Underfunded and delayed government vaccination drives in the vast Central African nation have left millions of hard-to-reach children vulnerable. Dud vaccines have left thousands of others at risk without knowing, local and international health workers say, in a nation of 81 million people that is ten times the size of Britain. Coronavirus, Ebola divert attention Complicating matters, authorities have funnelled hundreds of millions of dollars and manpower into a 19-month Ebola outbreak in the east that has killed over 2,000 people, weakening efforts to contain measles, health officials say. Ebola is finally on the wane, but COVID-19 threatens to steal the limelight. After a first case in the capital Kinshasa this month, reported infections rose to 18 by the weekend. "Priority will be given to COVID-19 in the coming weeks or months depending on the trend of the disease. Consequently, we will face challenges in resources mobilization for measles," said Vincent Sodjinou, who leads the measles response for the World Heath Organization (WHO). Measles is on the rise globally, but Congo is worst hit. The disease, contracted when a carrier coughs or sneezes, carries risks of brain damage, blindness and deafness. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? Dobo’s ward sits among the palm and mango trees of Busu-Mandji, a dilapidated old colonial town deep in the jungle, 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) from Kinshasa. The nearest paved road is 125 km south in the city of Lisala. Keeping vaccines refrigerated for the duration of the journey from the capital is vital but tricky. On a recent vaccination campaign, medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) flew 2,700 vials to Lisala in large cool boxes fitted with digital thermometers to ensure the temperature remains between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius in the equatorial heat. In Lisala, the boxes were lashed to the back of a dozen motorbikes for a ten-hour ride along bamboo-thronged dirt tracks and precarious log bridges too pitted for 4X4 vehicles. During the 10-hour ride to Busu-Mandji, the convoy was halted by three flat tyres, engine trouble and a broken chain. MSF workers said the vaccines remained in the right temperature range. Tiny Graves Congo's government has year-round vaccination campaigns, but there was no emergency response targeting high risk areas until an October-December 2019 campaign. When the government vaccines did finally come, health workers say some may have overheated. Malnutrition and poorly-trained health workers make the vaccine, normally 85% effective, less efficient. The health ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Mada Maddow lives at the edge of Macau, a village near Busu-Mandji where front gardens are peppered with tiny plots of freshly-turned earth, each a child's grave. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? Her seven children were vaccinated in the December campaign, she said, but they all subsequently contracted measles. One died. It is unclear why the vaccines failed. Official statistics suggest 100% of children have been vaccinated in the area, said Mushadi Gidion, a local official from the health ministry. But that calculation is based on 1984 census data: health workers have no idea how many children actually need vaccinating, and there is no data on the effectiveness of the vaccine after it is administered in this setting. "There can be many causes that can lead to the epidemic," Mushadi said. "Perhaps our vaccination campaign was not of high quality."

In the shadow of Ebola and Covid-19, measles rips through Congo

While millions in the Philippines are finding tight restrictions a little difficult, home quarantine would be luxury for the thousands of urban street dwellers who have no homes to go to.

But temporary shelters being set up in the capital Manila are making life a little easier for those whose presence on the streets is in breach of coronavirus lockdown measures, putting them at risk of arrest.

Tents have since last week been set up at one shelter in a Manila gymnasium, where people wearing cloth masks napped on mats or read books, fanning themselves with sheets of cardboard.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/are-inadequate-testing-techniques-causing-silent-carriers-to-spread-covid-19-288044" hreflang="en">Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?</a>

Not all those were permanently on the streets. Some had travelled from the countryside in search of work, but got stranded when the authorities shut down the capital, a city of at least 13 million people.

Social workers said the conditions were far better than on the streets.

"They are given meals three times a day regularly," said social worker Lourdes Penalosa.

"We have a good supply of diapers for babies and sanitary napkins for the women. They are also allowed to bathe every morning."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

The Philippines has reported 462 cases of coronavirus and 33 deaths, but health authorities are concerned that the number of infections could be far greater, with only a limited number of tests carried out.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking emergency powers to allow him to redistribute funds and order private and state-run businesses to help the fight against the spread.

While millions in the Philippines are finding tight restrictions a little difficult, home quarantine would be luxury for the thousands of urban street dwellers who have no homes to go to.

While millions in the Philippines are finding tight restrictions a little difficult, home quarantine would be luxury for the thousands of urban street dwellers who have no homes to go to. But temporary shelters being set up in the capital Manila are making life a little easier for those whose presence on the streets is in breach of coronavirus lockdown measures, putting them at risk of arrest. Tents have since last week been set up at one shelter in a Manila gymnasium, where people wearing cloth masks napped on mats or read books, fanning themselves with sheets of cardboard. Also read: Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19? Not all those were permanently on the streets. Some had travelled from the countryside in search of work, but got stranded when the authorities shut down the capital, a city of at least 13 million people. Social workers said the conditions were far better than on the streets. "They are given meals three times a day regularly," said social worker Lourdes Penalosa. "We have a good supply of diapers for babies and sanitary napkins for the women. They are also allowed to bathe every morning." Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers The Philippines has reported 462 cases of coronavirus and 33 deaths, but health authorities are concerned that the number of infections could be far greater, with only a limited number of tests carried out. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is seeking emergency powers to allow him to redistribute funds and order private and state-run businesses to help the fight against the spread.

Home quarantine no option for thousands in Philippines

Dormant carriers of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, or “silent carriers”, as they are being&nbsp; dubbed show no evident symptoms of the virus or display symptoms very later on, may account for almost one-third of the total positive cases, the South China Morning Post reported.

The portal further claimed that these documents were classified.&nbsp;

By the end of February 2020, around 43,000 people had tested positive for the virus in China, but remained asymptomatic.&nbsp;

Even though the authorities had placed them under quarantine, these people were not included in the official tally. During that time, government sources claimed 80,000 were infected.

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8eb91d79-86e1-48d1-92b0-92924d5c40eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_108.jpg" /> 
People, wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, sit at a bus stop in front of an advertisement for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics| AFP</h6>

With the incubation period lasting for as long as three weeks in rare cases, it’s hard to ascertain the role played by silent carriers.

With different tally systems in place, countries have taken different approaches to count their cases.

The World Health Organisation claims that people who test positive with or without symptoms shall be included in the tally of confirmed cases.&nbsp;

South Korea has followed this calculative model. However, China changed its approach starting February 7, and started to include people in the tally only if they displayed considerable symptoms.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-lockdown-due-to-coronavirus-is-the-world-staring-at-another-great-depression-287950" hreflang="en">With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression?</a>

The model followed by China and South Korea includes testing anybody who may have come in contact with a person carrying the coronavirus, which helps in consolidating the numbers accurately.

However, many countries around the globe have opted for testing only people with symptoms, explaining why the number of cases have been rising tremendously in European countries like France and Italy.

The WHO had earlier claimed that the transmission from and among asymptomatic people was “extremely rare”.&nbsp; However, their recent report claims that one to three per cent of coronavirus transmission is caused by asymptomatic patients.

The major gap between cases counted in China and the rest of the world may be due to the different approach at testing patients.

Due to the extensive testing undertaken in South Korea, more than 20 per cent cases were asymptomatic. This could explain how the country was able to effectively contain the spread of the virus.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-dos-and-dont-in-the-situation-of-lockdown-288016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Italy, which has surpassed the Chinese death toll and is now being called the new epicentre of the virus has almost 44 per cent asymptomatic cases. The intensity of the havoc caused by the virus in the country may be attributed to the fact that majority of the testing is limited to people who show symptoms.

The number of asymptomatic cases and the health risk they post to others may be much higher than anticipated. For instance, Hong Kong recorded 138 cases of the virus, out of which 16 showed no symptoms.

This is in stark contrast to the official data released by China, for they claimed only 889 people were asymptomatic out of the 44,672 cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponing-tokyo-olympics-may-become-inevitable-says-japan-pm-abe-as-coronavirus-emergency-grows-287958" hreflang="en">Postponing Tokyo Olympics may become 'inevitable', says Japan PM Abe as coronavirus emergency grows</a>

Even though the WHO claims that dormant carriers were not a key factor in the transmission, it seems like the role played by such carriers may have been swept under the rug.

Before the virus was identified, it was referred to as a pneumonia outbreak, for the symptoms were similar. A reported obtained by the South China Morning Post claimed that undocumented cases that displayed pneumonia like symptoms were responsible for 79 per cent of the documented cases in Wuhan.

Another study undertaken by the University of Texas at Austin claims that asymptomatic or pre symptomatic patients were responsible for at least ten per cent transmission in 93 Chinese cities.

As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died.

Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based.

The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-donates-720000-masks-to-health-workers-287990" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers</a>

Dormant carriers of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, or “silent carriers”, as they are being dubbed show no evident symptoms of the virus or display symptoms very later on, may account for almost one-third of the total positive cases, the South China Morning Post reported.

Dormant carriers of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, or “silent carriers”, as they are being dubbed show no evident symptoms of the virus or display symptoms very later on, may account for almost one-third of the total positive cases, the South China Morning Post reported. The portal further claimed that these documents were classified. By the end of February 2020, around 43,000 people had tested positive for the virus in China, but remained asymptomatic. Even though the authorities had placed them under quarantine, these people were not included in the official tally. During that time, government sources claimed 80,000 were infected. People, wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, sit at a bus stop in front of an advertisement for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics| AFP With the incubation period lasting for as long as three weeks in rare cases, it’s hard to ascertain the role played by silent carriers. With different tally systems in place, countries have taken different approaches to count their cases. The World Health Organisation claims that people who test positive with or without symptoms shall be included in the tally of confirmed cases. South Korea has followed this calculative model. However, China changed its approach starting February 7, and started to include people in the tally only if they displayed considerable symptoms. Also read: With lockdown due to coronavirus, is the world staring at another Great Depression? The model followed by China and South Korea includes testing anybody who may have come in contact with a person carrying the coronavirus, which helps in consolidating the numbers accurately. However, many countries around the globe have opted for testing only people with symptoms, explaining why the number of cases have been rising tremendously in European countries like France and Italy. The WHO had earlier claimed that the transmission from and among asymptomatic people was “extremely rare”. However, their recent report claims that one to three per cent of coronavirus transmission is caused by asymptomatic patients. The major gap between cases counted in China and the rest of the world may be due to the different approach at testing patients. Due to the extensive testing undertaken in South Korea, more than 20 per cent cases were asymptomatic. This could explain how the country was able to effectively contain the spread of the virus. Italy, which has surpassed the Chinese death toll and is now being called the new epicentre of the virus has almost 44 per cent asymptomatic cases. The intensity of the havoc caused by the virus in the country may be attributed to the fact that majority of the testing is limited to people who show symptoms. The number of asymptomatic cases and the health risk they post to others may be much higher than anticipated. For instance, Hong Kong recorded 138 cases of the virus, out of which 16 showed no symptoms. This is in stark contrast to the official data released by China, for they claimed only 889 people were asymptomatic out of the 44,672 cases. Also read: Postponing Tokyo Olympics may become 'inevitable', says Japan PM Abe as coronavirus emergency grows Even though the WHO claims that dormant carriers were not a key factor in the transmission, it seems like the role played by such carriers may have been swept under the rug. Before the virus was identified, it was referred to as a pneumonia outbreak, for the symptoms were similar. A reported obtained by the South China Morning Post claimed that undocumented cases that displayed pneumonia like symptoms were responsible for 79 per cent of the documented cases in Wuhan. Another study undertaken by the University of Texas at Austin claims that asymptomatic or pre symptomatic patients were responsible for at least ten per cent transmission in 93 Chinese cities. As of now, based on the Johns Hopkins University tracker, at least 341,000 people have been infected with COVID-19. Around 14,700 have died. Starting today, more than 750 million people in India have been placed under lockdown until March 31. Restrictions are travel, work, and movement based. The US recently reported 400 deaths owing to the virus. Also read: Coronavirus: Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg donates 720,000 masks to health workers

Are inadequate testing techniques causing 'silent carriers' to spread COVID-19?

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation.

Although the cross-border human movement is halted till midnight of March 29, the supply of goods from the countries will continue as usual, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada told a press conference on Sunday night.

"The government decided to seal both the southern and the northern borders as entire South Asia and South East Asia are heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a greater risk of the disease spreading into Nepal due to cross-border human movement," Khatiwada said.

Nepal, which shares an 1,800-km open border with India, has total 37 motorable land entry points with it, while with China it has four such entry points.

The government's decision to seal the border with India and China came following its decision to suspend all international flights to and from Nepal effective from March 22 to March 31 as a precautionary measure to control the spread of COVID-19.

Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Sunday held a discussion with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on closing the border, officials said, adding that the two sides agreed to cooperate with each other to contain the coronavirus spread.

The Nepal government will develop the Armed Police Force (APF) hospital in Kathmandu as a dedicated medical centre for COVID-19 patients, Khatiwada said.

The government will deploy medics from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the paramilitary forces to treat COVID-19 cases, if any, he said.

The government has also decided to set up quarantine facilities at provincial and local levels as a precautionary measure to provide quick treatment to people infected with the deadly virus.

Khatiwada said the government will contribute Rs 500 million to the Coronavirus fund it has created to purchase logistics to be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in case of an outbreak.

All Cabinet ministers will donate their one-month salary to the fund, he said. Meanwhile, a prominent industrialist and Norvic International Hospital chairman Basanta Kumar Chaudhary has announced to donate NPR 100 million to fund.&nbsp;

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation.

The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation. Although the cross-border human movement is halted till midnight of March 29, the supply of goods from the countries will continue as usual, Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada told a press conference on Sunday night. "The government decided to seal both the southern and the northern borders as entire South Asia and South East Asia are heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic. There is a greater risk of the disease spreading into Nepal due to cross-border human movement," Khatiwada said. Nepal, which shares an 1,800-km open border with India, has total 37 motorable land entry points with it, while with China it has four such entry points. The government's decision to seal the border with India and China came following its decision to suspend all international flights to and from Nepal effective from March 22 to March 31 as a precautionary measure to control the spread of COVID-19. Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa on Sunday held a discussion with Indian Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra on closing the border, officials said, adding that the two sides agreed to cooperate with each other to contain the coronavirus spread. The Nepal government will develop the Armed Police Force (APF) hospital in Kathmandu as a dedicated medical centre for COVID-19 patients, Khatiwada said. The government will deploy medics from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the paramilitary forces to treat COVID-19 cases, if any, he said. The government has also decided to set up quarantine facilities at provincial and local levels as a precautionary measure to provide quick treatment to people infected with the deadly virus. Khatiwada said the government will contribute Rs 500 million to the Coronavirus fund it has created to purchase logistics to be used for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in case of an outbreak. All Cabinet ministers will donate their one-month salary to the fund, he said. Meanwhile, a prominent industrialist and Norvic International Hospital chairman Basanta Kumar Chaudhary has announced to donate NPR 100 million to fund.

Coronavirus outbreak: Nepal seals borders with India, China

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to kill hundreds on a daily basis, the world has increasingly been put under lockdown.

As directed by health agencies worldwide, millions of individuals are practising social distancing and staying indoors.

However, to stay indoors means our dependency on the internet increases.

The internet is used globally to engage, entertain, and to educate. However, in the absence of any physical movement, the demand for online gratification increases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-biomedical-agency-claims-covid-19-vaccine-could-be-ready-in-11-months-287684" hreflang="en">Russia's Biomedical Agency claims COVID-19 vaccine could be ready in 11 months</a>

Whether it is to “Netflix and Chill”, work-related video conferences, or exercising with an online fitness coach, the internet is the only tool harnessing one’s creativity within the confines of four walls during the coronavirus pandemic.

As more people are limiting social contact, while seeking productivity at the same, the internet is bearing the brunt of the overwhelming demand.

With millions using the internet at the same time, the speed has been compromised.

Netflix recently announced that it will reduce the streaming quality in Europe to avoid a breakdown of the internet. For the next 30 days, Netflix is reducing the bitrate of all its content.

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This announcement came after pleas by the European Union to users. They had asked people not to watch, and companies not to run content in high definition during the pandemic.

The European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Thierry Breton recently tweeted and requested people to switch to standard definition on all streaming platforms.

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Pour sécuriser l'accès à Internet pour tous, passons à la définition standard lorsque la HD n'est pas nécessaire.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwitchToStandard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwitchToStandard</a>
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&nbsp;

Facebook also recently admitted that its services are facing “big surges” that are pushing the service to the limit.

As the global workforce is under pressure to work from home, the internet is being strained to the hilt.

India is attempting a voluntary curfew this Sunday as endorsed by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

With such developments, internet speeds in India could also be hit.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-crucial-step-towards-vaccine-powered-by-ai-supercomputer-287500">COVID-19: Crucial step towards vaccine powered by AI supercomputer</a>

Based on data released by telecom regulators, the average monthly wireless data usage for every user currently stands at 10.37 gigabytes.&nbsp;

Owing to the sudden spike in demand, the consumption in India could rise by 15 per cent in the next two quarters if people continue to work from home.

Many experts have reiterated that the infrastructure in India is incapable of handling the surge in demand.

The modern world is now witnessing its biggest stay-at-home social experiment to contain the pandemic which has killed over 10,000 worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-kills-over-5000-in-europe-number-likely-to-increase-overnight-287648">Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight</a>

Video calls that drop regularly, slowdown in buffer speeds, and more is expected globally.

As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally.

As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over&nbsp;14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to kill hundreds on a daily basis, the world has increasingly been put under lockdown. As directed by health agencies worldwide, millions of individuals are practising social distancing and staying indoors.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to kill hundreds on a daily basis, the world has increasingly been put under lockdown. As directed by health agencies worldwide, millions of individuals are practising social distancing and staying indoors. However, to stay indoors means our dependency on the internet increases. The internet is used globally to engage, entertain, and to educate. However, in the absence of any physical movement, the demand for online gratification increases. Also read: Russia's Biomedical Agency claims COVID-19 vaccine could be ready in 11 months Whether it is to “Netflix and Chill”, work-related video conferences, or exercising with an online fitness coach, the internet is the only tool harnessing one’s creativity within the confines of four walls during the coronavirus pandemic. As more people are limiting social contact, while seeking productivity at the same, the internet is bearing the brunt of the overwhelming demand. With millions using the internet at the same time, the speed has been compromised. Netflix recently announced that it will reduce the streaming quality in Europe to avoid a breakdown of the internet. For the next 30 days, Netflix is reducing the bitrate of all its content. This announcement came after pleas by the European Union to users. They had asked people not to watch, and companies not to run content in high definition during the pandemic. The European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Thierry Breton recently tweeted and requested people to switch to standard definition on all streaming platforms. Pour sécuriser l'accès à Internet pour tous, passons à la définition standard lorsque la HD n'est pas nécessaire.#SwitchToStandard — Thierry Breton (@ThierryBreton) March 18, 2020 × Facebook also recently admitted that its services are facing “big surges” that are pushing the service to the limit. As the global workforce is under pressure to work from home, the internet is being strained to the hilt. India is attempting a voluntary curfew this Sunday as endorsed by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. With such developments, internet speeds in India could also be hit. Also read: COVID-19: Crucial step towards vaccine powered by AI supercomputer Based on data released by telecom regulators, the average monthly wireless data usage for every user currently stands at 10.37 gigabytes. Owing to the sudden spike in demand, the consumption in India could rise by 15 per cent in the next two quarters if people continue to work from home. Many experts have reiterated that the infrastructure in India is incapable of handling the surge in demand. The modern world is now witnessing its biggest stay-at-home social experiment to contain the pandemic which has killed over 10,000 worldwide. Also read: Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Video calls that drop regularly, slowdown in buffer speeds, and more is expected globally. As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally. As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over 14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

Coronavirus versus the internet: Who will win?

With the onslaught of coronavirus induced panic buying along with global air pollution, face masks have become an inseparable part of our lives.

Along with hand sanitisers, masks are currently one of the most sought-after items.

Everyone across the world is sporting a mask right now, ranging from offices to public spaces to modes of public transport.

Masks are no longer just protective gear, they’re also a fashion statement and a political tool.

To understand how face masks gained such a strong symbolic identity, we need to understand its history.

Almost two centuries ago in 1897, the face mask made its debut in Paris. French surgeon Paul Berger wore it while performing a surgery.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-versus-the-internet-who-will-win-287686" hreflang="en">Coronavirus versus the internet: Who will win?</a>

In 1910, the mask made its way to China, and soon became a symbol of medical modernity. As the Pneumonic Plague hit the globe, the mask was seen as the primary preventive measure.

Later, with the advent of the Spanish Flu, the masks became a global phenomenon.

By 1918, everyone was trying to get hold of a surgical mask to protect themselves.

In the years following World War I, masks became a symbol of caring for the community. In China, they featured in the Communist Party's health campaigns.

In 2002, the world was hit with yet another epidemic, this time it was called SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The demand for masks rose across Hong Kong, South East Asia and East Asia.

People were advised to wear a mask, and not to sneeze on others.

As times changed, so did the role of the face masks.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-nasa-suspends-work-on-moon-rocket-287633" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket</a>

In 2014, the surgical masks walked the runway in the China Fashion Week.

In 2015, designer Mash Ma brought it to the ramps of Paris. This time, it was studded with Swarovskis.

Soon, rappers were seen wearing masks.

For Ayleo and Mateo Bowles, it became a shield against&nbsp; those making fun of their facial expressions.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-wallet-demand-for-air-masks-increase-in-us-283995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Masks and 2019

During the Hong kong protests, masks were a sign of unity, of exercising political dissent, of defiance, of anonymity, and most importantly - of revolution!

When pollution cast its spell on the Indian capital city, New Delhi, masks became a symbol of one’s struggle for survival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565" hreflang="en">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

When Australia was burning, masks assumed the role of harbingers of climate crisis.

From an air filter, to an Instagram prop, and an emblem of our fight against another pandemic, the surgical masks have come a long way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today, they come in different colours, shapes and styles.

They can be found in the pharmacies and also at designer stores.

Masks are a modern day shield against 21st century battles, be it climate change, autocracy, or pandemics.

With the onslaught of coronavirus induced panic buying along with global air pollution, face masks have become an inseparable part of our lives. Along with hand sanitisers, masks are currently one of the most sought-after items.

With the onslaught of coronavirus induced panic buying along with global air pollution, face masks have become an inseparable part of our lives. Along with hand sanitisers, masks are currently one of the most sought-after items. Everyone across the world is sporting a mask right now, ranging from offices to public spaces to modes of public transport. Masks are no longer just protective gear, they’re also a fashion statement and a political tool. To understand how face masks gained such a strong symbolic identity, we need to understand its history. Almost two centuries ago in 1897, the face mask made its debut in Paris. French surgeon Paul Berger wore it while performing a surgery. Also read: Coronavirus versus the internet: Who will win? In 1910, the mask made its way to China, and soon became a symbol of medical modernity. As the Pneumonic Plague hit the globe, the mask was seen as the primary preventive measure. Later, with the advent of the Spanish Flu, the masks became a global phenomenon. By 1918, everyone was trying to get hold of a surgical mask to protect themselves. In the years following World War I, masks became a symbol of caring for the community. In China, they featured in the Communist Party's health campaigns. In 2002, the world was hit with yet another epidemic, this time it was called SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). The demand for masks rose across Hong Kong, South East Asia and East Asia. People were advised to wear a mask, and not to sneeze on others. As times changed, so did the role of the face masks. Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket In 2014, the surgical masks walked the runway in the China Fashion Week. In 2015, designer Mash Ma brought it to the ramps of Paris. This time, it was studded with Swarovskis. Soon, rappers were seen wearing masks. For Ayleo and Mateo Bowles, it became a shield against those making fun of their facial expressions. Masks and 2019 During the Hong kong protests, masks were a sign of unity, of exercising political dissent, of defiance, of anonymity, and most importantly - of revolution! When pollution cast its spell on the Indian capital city, New Delhi, masks became a symbol of one’s struggle for survival. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? When Australia was burning, masks assumed the role of harbingers of climate crisis. From an air filter, to an Instagram prop, and an emblem of our fight against another pandemic, the surgical masks have come a long way. Today, they come in different colours, shapes and styles. They can be found in the pharmacies and also at designer stores. Masks are a modern day shield against 21st century battles, be it climate change, autocracy, or pandemics.

The face mask: More than protective gear!

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund&nbsp;for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced&nbsp;USD 100,000 for it.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations"

The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund&nbsp;and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)."

Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-scare-universal-screening-for-passengers-coming-from-australia-uk-and-us-287687" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US</a>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in&nbsp;USD 10 million for the emergency fund.

The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-indian-diplomat-infected-with-covid-19-say-indian-government-sources-287660" hreflang="en">No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources</a>

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced USD 100,000 for it. Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, "I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations" The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, "The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund and has decided to make an initial contribution of USD 100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only)." Recognising the urgent need for "collective efforts to combat such crisis", Bhutan government said, it "would like to reassure its full support and cooperation to do everything possible in close collaboration with all Member States to overcome the COVID- 19 pandemic". Also read: Coronavirus scare: Universal screening for passengers coming from Australia, UK and US Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the formation of the fund during the SAARC video conference that took place last Sunday to curate a joint COVID-19 strategy. India had offered to pitch in USD 10 million for the emergency fund. The proposal for the video conference was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week on Twitter, and the video conference happened on Sunday. All SAARC leaders were present in the meet except Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had sent a junior representative, Special Advisor on Health Dr Zafar Mirza to represent him. Also read: No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

Nepal, Bhutan pledge contribution to COVID-19 SAARC emergency fund announced by PM Modi

The Federal Biomedical Agency (FMBA) of Russia today claimed that it had accelerated work on developing a vaccine against COVID-19.&nbsp;

Sputnik reported that three prototypes are ready, with tests on mice underway.

The results from tests are expected in June, and the vaccine should be ready in 11 months if all goes as planned.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-crucial-step-towards-vaccine-powered-by-ai-supercomputer-287500">COVID-19: Crucial step towards vaccine powered by AI supercomputer</a>

In its statement, FMBA claimed that the three prototypes are based on “epitopes of the surface S-protein SARS-CoV-2” and that they have launched immunological potency tests on mice.

With the initial results expected to come out in June, the second phase of the research will end in the third quarter of the year.

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“The vaccine will be ready in 11 months”, said FMBA head and ex-Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova.

As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-kills-over-5000-in-europe-number-likely-to-increase-overnight-287648">Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight</a>

Recently, the United States and China conducted the first human trials to curate a vaccine against the virus.

The UK is expected to begin testing next week.

Recently, the world's fastest supercomputer was able to identify&nbsp;chemicals that could curb the widespread of coronavirus outbreak by finding it's cure, according to experts.

IBM's supercomputer known as Summit is the world's fastest supercomputer and is equipped with the "brain of Artificial Intelligence".

(With inputs from Sputnik)

The Federal Biomedical Agency (FMBA) of Russia today claimed that it had accelerated work on developing a vaccine against COVID-19. Sputnik reported that three prototypes are ready, with tests on mice underway.

The Federal Biomedical Agency (FMBA) of Russia today claimed that it had accelerated work on developing a vaccine against COVID-19. Sputnik reported that three prototypes are ready, with tests on mice underway. The results from tests are expected in June, and the vaccine should be ready in 11 months if all goes as planned. Also read: COVID-19: Crucial step towards vaccine powered by AI supercomputer In its statement, FMBA claimed that the three prototypes are based on “epitopes of the surface S-protein SARS-CoV-2” and that they have launched immunological potency tests on mice. With the initial results expected to come out in June, the second phase of the research will end in the third quarter of the year. “The vaccine will be ready in 11 months”, said FMBA head and ex-Russian Health Minister Veronika Skvortsova. As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally. Also read: Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Recently, the United States and China conducted the first human trials to curate a vaccine against the virus. The UK is expected to begin testing next week. Recently, the world's fastest supercomputer was able to identify chemicals that could curb the widespread of coronavirus outbreak by finding it's cure, according to experts. IBM's supercomputer known as Summit is the world's fastest supercomputer and is equipped with the "brain of Artificial Intelligence". (With inputs from Sputnik)

Russia's Biomedical Agency claims COVID-19 vaccine could be ready in 11 months

Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight

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Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket

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Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid

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UK turns to car manufacturers to fulfill ventilator shortage due to coronavirus 
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Coronavirus pandemic: Ukraine expects to receive 10 million virus test kits from China 
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Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Read more here Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket Read more here UK: Government releases list of 'key workers' whose kids will be prioritised at schools amid coronavirus Read more here Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid Read more here UK turns to car manufacturers to fulfill ventilator shortage due to coronavirus Read more here Coronavirus pandemic: Ukraine expects to receive 10 million virus test kits from China Read more here

Top world news: COVID-19 kills 5,000 in Europe, NASA suspends work on moon rocket, and more!

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak.

Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-reports-third-coronavirus-death-287658" hreflang="en">Malaysia reports third coronavirus death</a>

"Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said.

As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-kills-over-5000-in-europe-number-likely-to-increase-overnight-287648" hreflang="en">Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight</a>

Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary.

Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited.

The governor of Jakarta on Friday declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks in the Indonesian capital, centre of the country's coronavirus outbreak. Governor Anies Baswedan also said that public entertainment such as bars, spas and cinemas would be shut from Monday and public transportation limited. He urged companies to let staff work from home. Also read: Malaysia reports third coronavirus death "Our medical teams across Jakarta are dealing with a great number of people. Our response capability has a limit because the numbers of hospitals and staff are not in line with the growth of cases," he said. As of Friday, Indonesia had 369 confirmed cases and 32 deaths, according to a health ministry official. Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, had 215 confirmed infections and 18 deaths. Also read: Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight Baswedan said he would provide support for people who relied on a daily salary. Jakarta has suspended religious activities, such as Islamic Friday prayers and Christian services, for two weeks.

Indonesian capital declares emergency over coronavirus

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens.&nbsp;

On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We&nbsp;have restrictions in terms of medical facilities"&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/study-says-no-age-group-is-immune-from-coronavirus-287645" hreflang="en">Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus</a>

Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges.&nbsp;Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories".

The Indian mission in China&nbsp;helped evacuate&nbsp;723 Indian citizens&nbsp;and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was&nbsp;the pilot&nbsp;epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three&nbsp;evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February.

In Iran, the Indian Mission did&nbsp;not only evacuate&nbsp;but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country.&nbsp;More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-metro-train-services-to-remain-closed-on-sunday-in-wake-of-pms-janta-curfew-call-287596" hreflang="en">Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call</a>

Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians.

As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over&nbsp;14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus.

The Indian government sources have said that no Indian diplomat, especially in worst impacted countries like China, Iran and Italy, has been infected with the novel coronavirus. Indian diplomats in all the three countries played an important role in the evacuation of stranded Indian citizens. On Thursday, at a special press conference organised by the Ministry of External Affairs on the crisis, Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "Indian missions across the world, and wherever you have the pandemic are working under tremendous local challenges because the ecosystem is not under our control. We have restrictions in terms of medical facilities" Also read: Study says no age-group is immune from coronavirus Adding further, he said, "People right in the front are trying best to be able to help, in term of providing accommodation, in term of arranging food in the lockdown situation. So there are challenges. Mission officials who are right at the forefront are operating under complex environment, they have to follow local advisories". The Indian mission in China helped evacuate 723 Indian citizens and 45 foreign nationals from Wuhan, which was the pilot epicentre of COVID-19. India had led three evacuations from Wuhan in the month of February. In Iran, the Indian Mission did not only evacuate but also helped in establishing a quarantine facility in Qom city, the centre of the crisis in the West Asian country. More than 250 Indians are infected with the virus in the country, with one death of an Indian reported so far. Also read: Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call Many Indians have been evacuated from Italy, and an Air India flight will be sent to Rome this weekend to bring back more Indians. As per the numbers released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 196 positive cases have been reported in India so far. Four deaths have been locally recorded, with 22 people being marked as ''cured/discharged''. Additionally, India has so far screened over 14,59,993 people at airports across the country.

No Indian diplomat infected with COVID-19, say Indian government sources

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported.

Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The most number of deaths were recorded in Italy, with over 3,405 fatalities.

In the last 24 hours, Europe has registered 1,034 new cases. Over 110,568 infections have been registered in the continent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-italian-medical-workers-on-their-toes-to-combat-covid-19-287524/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-3d-printing-be-the-answer-to-coronavirus-induced-supply-shortages-287639" hreflang="en">Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages?</a>

With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported. Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus.

5,000 people have officially died in Europe due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19, news agency AFP reported. Various media outlets have reported that 5,168 deaths have occurred on the continent, and are directly related to the coronavirus. The most number of deaths were recorded in Italy, with over 3,405 fatalities. In the last 24 hours, Europe has registered 1,034 new cases. Over 110,568 infections have been registered in the continent. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing. The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation. Also read: Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages? With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks. (With inputs from AFP)

Coronavirus kills over 5,000 in Europe; number likely to increase overnight

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology.

Hewlett-Packard (HP), and other companies like the teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub are looking for ways to employ their preexisting 3D-printing technology to build medical supplies that are already running short across the world, as most countries have halted trade and are exercising self-protectionism in the face of the pandemic.

Reported first by CNET, HP is allegedly looking at "entirely new parts such as plastic door handle adaptors which enable easy elbow opening to prevent further spread of the virus."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-pandemic-nasa-suspends-work-on-moon-rocket-287633" hreflang="en">Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket</a>

The paraphernalia in question involves ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps.

"We will make available any HP proprietary design files for these parts so they can be produced anywhere in the world and are also helping end-customers bridge potential supply chain interruptions by expanding distributed print-on-demand capabilities," HP announced in a press release.

3D printing has been for long employed in the orthodontic industry to provide accuracy. SmileDirectClub is one of the largest 3D-printing manufacturers in the United States. The company has recently started donating plastic to medical supply companies and health organisations to quickly fill the supply gap in terms of medical equipment.

<h6><img alt="ppppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bbe534c-157c-4376-a833-12dc4a187286" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_106.jpg" /> 
Kinds of 3D printing machines | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

3D printers can easily build ventilators and face masks, however the safety imbued in this process remains in question.

Printing most of the equipment requires special tools, with no clarity on the effectiveness of the products created using this technology.

In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing.

The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eight-out-of-ten-people-expected-to-contract-covid-19-in-spanish-capital-madrid-287607" hreflang="en">Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid</a>

With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months.&nbsp;

In the face of supply shortages, people have been hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes, and masks, which has, in turn created an endless cycle of shortages.

Leaders across the world have urged people not to stock on essential medical supplies as it could cause a problem for emergency responders who are most vulnerable to contracting the virus.&nbsp;

As per data released by The Society of Critical Care Medicine, nearly one million patients in the United States will need ventilators at some point in the near future. However, the country currently has only 200,000 machines.

Recently, Elon Musk’s Tesla also offered to build ventilators for countries facing shortages.

Even though 3D printing started a way to design prototypes, it is now being used to make finished products. The benefit of the technology is the fact that it uses lighter plastic, and is a viable alternative to heavy metals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565" hreflang="en">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

However, 3D printing may not be the definitive answer to supply shortages, as many items like face masks use complicated material. Additionally, 3D printers are slow and take hours to print designs. But printing relatively simpler items like valves would be easier.

The primary drawback of 3D printing is that it is capable of mass-production, if compared to the factory model of bulk production.

But this is not the end! Open Source Ventilator, a Facebook group aims to build ventilators using material which are already available. The group currently has 300 members, ranging from engineers to doctors. They have been able to conjure a prototype which could be approved for use in Ireland as soon as next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology.

3D printers could end the woes of supply shortage induced by the novel coronavirus COVID-19, as companies like HP have stepped up efforts to create life-saving medical tools using the technology. Hewlett-Packard (HP), and other companies like the teeth straightener vendor SmileDirectClub are looking for ways to employ their preexisting 3D-printing technology to build medical supplies that are already running short across the world, as most countries have halted trade and are exercising self-protectionism in the face of the pandemic. Reported first by CNET, HP is allegedly looking at "entirely new parts such as plastic door handle adaptors which enable easy elbow opening to prevent further spread of the virus." Also read: Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket The paraphernalia in question involves ventilator valves, breathing filters, and face mask clasps. "We will make available any HP proprietary design files for these parts so they can be produced anywhere in the world and are also helping end-customers bridge potential supply chain interruptions by expanding distributed print-on-demand capabilities," HP announced in a press release. 3D printing has been for long employed in the orthodontic industry to provide accuracy. SmileDirectClub is one of the largest 3D-printing manufacturers in the United States. The company has recently started donating plastic to medical supply companies and health organisations to quickly fill the supply gap in terms of medical equipment. Kinds of 3D printing machines | AFP 3D printers can easily build ventilators and face masks, however the safety imbued in this process remains in question. Printing most of the equipment requires special tools, with no clarity on the effectiveness of the products created using this technology. In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing. The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation. Also read: Eight out of ten people expected to contract COVID-19 in Spanish capital Madrid With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. In the face of supply shortages, people have been hoarding toilet paper, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes, and masks, which has, in turn created an endless cycle of shortages. Leaders across the world have urged people not to stock on essential medical supplies as it could cause a problem for emergency responders who are most vulnerable to contracting the virus. As per data released by The Society of Critical Care Medicine, nearly one million patients in the United States will need ventilators at some point in the near future. However, the country currently has only 200,000 machines. Recently, Elon Musk’s Tesla also offered to build ventilators for countries facing shortages. Even though 3D printing started a way to design prototypes, it is now being used to make finished products. The benefit of the technology is the fact that it uses lighter plastic, and is a viable alternative to heavy metals. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? However, 3D printing may not be the definitive answer to supply shortages, as many items like face masks use complicated material. Additionally, 3D printers are slow and take hours to print designs. But printing relatively simpler items like valves would be easier. The primary drawback of 3D printing is that it is capable of mass-production, if compared to the factory model of bulk production. But this is not the end! Open Source Ventilator, a Facebook group aims to build ventilators using material which are already available. The group currently has 300 members, ranging from engineers to doctors. They have been able to conjure a prototype which could be approved for use in Ireland as soon as next week. (With inputs from agencies)

Could 3D-printing be the answer to coronavirus-induced supply shortages?

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community.&nbsp;

The space agency is shutting down its Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the Space Launch System rocket is being built, and the nearby Stennis Space Center, administrator Jim Bridenstine said late Thursday.

“The change at Stennis was made due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community around the centre, the number of self-isolation cases within our workforce there, and one confirmed case among our Stennis team,” he said. “NASA will temporarily suspend production and testing of Space Launch System and Orion hardware. The NASA and contractors teams will complete an orderly shutdown that puts all hardware in a safe condition until work can resume.” The Space Launch System is a powerful deep-space rocket to transport astronauts to the Moon and beyond while Orion is the crew module.

The virus outbreak could hit the US plans to return to the Moon by 2024. “We realize there will be impacts to NASA missions, but as our teams work to analyze the full picture and reduce risks we understand that our top priority is the health and safety of the NASA workforce,” Bridenstine said.

A manned return to the Moon is the first part of the Artemis program to set up a long-term colony and test technologies for a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community.

NASA said it has suspended work on building and testing the rocket and capsule for its Artemis manned mission to the Moon due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the community. The space agency is shutting down its Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where the Space Launch System rocket is being built, and the nearby Stennis Space Center, administrator Jim Bridenstine said late Thursday. “The change at Stennis was made due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the community around the centre, the number of self-isolation cases within our workforce there, and one confirmed case among our Stennis team,” he said. “NASA will temporarily suspend production and testing of Space Launch System and Orion hardware. The NASA and contractors teams will complete an orderly shutdown that puts all hardware in a safe condition until work can resume.” The Space Launch System is a powerful deep-space rocket to transport astronauts to the Moon and beyond while Orion is the crew module. The virus outbreak could hit the US plans to return to the Moon by 2024. “We realize there will be impacts to NASA missions, but as our teams work to analyze the full picture and reduce risks we understand that our top priority is the health and safety of the NASA workforce,” Bridenstine said. A manned return to the Moon is the first part of the Artemis program to set up a long-term colony and test technologies for a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s.

Coronavirus pandemic: NASA suspends work on Moon rocket

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-complete-shutdown-in-mumbai-malls-closed-in-delhi-287550">Also read: Complete shutdown in Mumbai, malls closed in Delhi</a> 
 
Yesterday in a video telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi propounded the enforcement of 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 (Sunday) from 7 am to 9 pm -- under which nobody, apart from people involved in duties of emergency and national importance, shall come out of their respective houses.

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In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JantaCurfew?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JantaCurfew</a>
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDMRC/status/1240939400898301954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In his 30-minute-long televised address to the nation, PM Modi pleaded to the countrymen to exercise "restraint" while interacting with others and resolve to fight COVID-19.&nbsp;

The number of coronavirus cases in India is 223 and 23 people have been discharged. India has put over 1,12,000 under community surveillance. 6,700 are begin monitored for close contact.

The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic now exceeds 10,000, according to an AFP tally based on official data at 1030 GMT Friday.

In total, 10,080 deaths have been reported, most of them in Europe (4,932) and Asia (3,431). Italy is the worst affected country with 3,405 fatalities, followed by China with 3,248, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, and Iran with 1,433.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India.

The Delhi Metro services will be closed on Sunday as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Janata Curfew" initiative to contain the spread of the COVID-19 in India. Also read: Complete shutdown in Mumbai, malls closed in Delhi Yesterday in a video telecast Prime Minister Narendra Modi propounded the enforcement of 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 (Sunday) from 7 am to 9 pm -- under which nobody, apart from people involved in duties of emergency and national importance, shall come out of their respective houses. In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e, on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19. #JantaCurfew — Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 20, 2020 × In his 30-minute-long televised address to the nation, PM Modi pleaded to the countrymen to exercise "restraint" while interacting with others and resolve to fight COVID-19. The number of coronavirus cases in India is 223 and 23 people have been discharged. India has put over 1,12,000 under community surveillance. 6,700 are begin monitored for close contact. The number of people who have died as a result of the coronavirus pandemic now exceeds 10,000, according to an AFP tally based on official data at 1030 GMT Friday. In total, 10,080 deaths have been reported, most of them in Europe (4,932) and Asia (3,431). Italy is the worst affected country with 3,405 fatalities, followed by China with 3,248, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, and Iran with 1,433. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Metro train services to remain closed on Sunday in wake of PM's 'Janta curfew' call

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to infect hundreds daily, people have begun hoarding groceries and other goods to be prepared for a lockdown if the number of cases continue to escalate.&nbsp;

One of these items is none other than the mighty toilet paper. While the shortage of toilet paper caused panic in Australia and the United States, one European country claims to have enough stock to last them ten years.

The Netherlands doesn’t have to worry about the disrupted supply chain of goods across the globe. The country’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte yesterday claimed that toilet paper has started to resurface on store shelves a week after people finished the stock when the majorly infected parts of the world went into panic buying mode.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-coronavirus-is-leading-to-mass-purchase-of-toilet-papers-285979">Why coronavirus is leading to mass purchase of toilet papers</a>

"There's enough in the whole country for the coming 10 years," Rutte was heard saying at a supermarket he was visiting in support of workers.&nbsp;

"We can all poop for 10 years", the PM added.

The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the whole world and poses a risk to not only groceries, but medical and food supplies, especially with people hoarding in bulk.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="Prime Minister Mark Rutte (C) speaks with a worker in grocery store in The Hague, on March 19, 2020 amid the spread of the novel coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="86c1b7ef-f077-4c63-9cda-55b09a743381" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_105.jpg" /> 
Prime Minister Mark Rutte (C) speaks with a worker in grocery store in The Hague, on March 19, 2020 amid the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

 
In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing.

The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation.

With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks for toilet paper.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-the-duration-of-covid-19-treatment-be-minimised-by-using-a-combination-of-drugs-287565">Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs?</a>

Most stores in the US states of California and Iowa. In the meantime, companies have assured people that they’re working on ensuring the supply of toilet paper&nbsp; as soon as they can.&nbsp;

As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to infect hundreds daily, people have begun hoarding groceries and other goods to be prepared for a lockdown if the number of cases continue to escalate.

As the novel coronavirus COVID-19 continues to infect hundreds daily, people have begun hoarding groceries and other goods to be prepared for a lockdown if the number of cases continue to escalate. One of these items is none other than the mighty toilet paper. While the shortage of toilet paper caused panic in Australia and the United States, one European country claims to have enough stock to last them ten years. The Netherlands doesn’t have to worry about the disrupted supply chain of goods across the globe. The country’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte yesterday claimed that toilet paper has started to resurface on store shelves a week after people finished the stock when the majorly infected parts of the world went into panic buying mode. Also read: Why coronavirus is leading to mass purchase of toilet papers "There's enough in the whole country for the coming 10 years," Rutte was heard saying at a supermarket he was visiting in support of workers. "We can all poop for 10 years", the PM added. The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the whole world and poses a risk to not only groceries, but medical and food supplies, especially with people hoarding in bulk. Prime Minister Mark Rutte (C) speaks with a worker in grocery store in The Hague, on March 19, 2020 amid the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP In the end of last year, the novel coronavirus was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan, and hails from the same family of coronaviruses as SARS and MERS. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently labelled the outbreak as a pandemic. As part of the precautionary measures, people across the globe have been advised to stay indoors and to practice social distancing. The pandemic has shut down major countries and industries around the world. Italy continues to be in complete lockdown mode, with over 300 deaths being reported daily. This may partly be due to the large number of senior citizens in the country. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and bars have been ordered shut across the globe. Sporting events have also been cancelled until the virus threat simmers down. The US state of California recently enforced a complete lockdown which places over 40 million people in self-isolation. With no clear picture in sight of how long the pandemic might last, people have been compelled to hoard for not weeks, but for months. The US has shown considerable anxiety over the stocks for toilet paper. Also read: Can the duration of COVID-19 treatment be minimised by using a combination of drugs? Most stores in the US states of California and Iowa. In the meantime, companies have assured people that they’re working on ensuring the supply of toilet paper as soon as they can. As per data from the Johns Hopkins University coronavirus tracker, over 10,000 people have been killed worldwide. Additionally, over 244,500 people remain infected globally.

'Can poop for ten years', announces Dutch PM as people hoard toilet paper

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