Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday). 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-accuses-who-of-bias-toward-china-threatened-to-put-hold-on-us-funding-291237">Also read: Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding</a> 
 
The record daily figure of 1,939 brings the total number of deaths in the US to 12,722, which is approaching tolls in the worst-hit countries so far -- Italy with 17,127 dead and Spain with 13,798. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-a-half-million-americans-could-die-top-advisor-peter-navarro-warned-trump-291157" hreflang="en">'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump</a>

President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he blamed the World Health Organization for reacting slowly.

He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China.

"They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said.

Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday).

Nearly 2,000 people infected with the new coronavirus have died in the United States in the last 24 hours, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University as of 8:30 pm Tuesday (0030 GMT Wednesday). Also read: Donald Trump accuses WHO of bias toward China, threatened to ‘put hold on’ US funding The record daily figure of 1,939 brings the total number of deaths in the US to 12,722, which is approaching tolls in the worst-hit countries so far -- Italy with 17,127 dead and Spain with 13,798. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump President Donald Trump has defended his response to the crisis, and on Tuesday he blamed the World Health Organization for reacting slowly. He questioned why the WHO had given "such a faulty recommendation," apparently referring to the UN body's advice against curtailing international travel to stop the virus which first spread from China. "They called it wrong. They really missed the call. They could have called it months earlier," he said. Trump has been widely criticized for initially downplaying the virus, which he likened to the ordinary flu and said was under control in the United States, before later accepting that it was a national emergency.

Nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths in US in the last 24 hours: Report

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-a-half-million-americans-could-die-top-advisor-peter-navarro-warned-trump-291157" hreflang="en">'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump</a>

According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-exploit-coronavirus-pandemic-for-sea-disputes-us-warns-china-291057" hreflang="en">Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China</a>

Around &nbsp;301,649 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-equip-is-healthcare-systems-in-worlds-most-affected-covid-19-nations-291315/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

From New York to Paris to New Delhi life has ground to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments scramble to halt the disease's deadly march across the world.&nbsp;

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 14 lacs worldwide on Wednesday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: 'More than a half-million Americans could die': Top advisor Peter Navarro warned Trump According to Johns Hopkins University, COVID-19 has now infected 1,432,577 people worldwide and 82,195 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Also read: Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China Around 301,649 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. From New York to Paris to New Delhi life has ground to a standstill with some three billion people confined to their homes as governments scramble to halt the disease's deadly march across the world.

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 1,400,000; death toll rises to 82,195

In this segment of WION, let's take a look on how equip is healthcare systems in world's most affected COVID-19 nations.

How equip is healthcare systems in world's most affected COVID-19 nations

More than 50 patients who recovered from COVID-19 in South Korea have now tested positive again, this is due to the concept called reactivation of the virus.

South Korea: 51 COVID-19 survivors test positive of COVID-19 again

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy.

Lt Gen BS Jaswal former Army Cdr Northern Command said, "They also have the intention, which is part of the DNA, instrument of state policy to undermine India in whatever manner it can and as such is trying to infiltrate people. We have had encounters in the last couple of day, maybe an intention, to infiltrate people who carry coronavirus into our country."

Explaining, "Within Pakistan also, if you see the kind of people who are being infused into POK, they are the ones, who are within the spectrum of the pandemic, so Pakistan is not behaving very rationally. The advantage which Pakistan is trying to take is, cry baby, cry wolf to the world, we are country of a small economy, the pandemic has hit us, give us. In the same breath, I would like to say, it is high time Pakistan should follow, the Indian model to deal with the pandemic"

Over the weekend, Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para SF Units were airdropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received. An intense hand to hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated. In the battle, however, Army lost five of its soldiers, three on the site and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital.

Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, retd Director CENJOWS and former (DGMO) Director General of Military Operations highlighting the how India and Pakistan dealing with the COVID crisis said, "The world is combating COVID, India has played a major role while our neighbour Pakistan has continued the policy of terrorism, the policy of infiltrating terrorist into our territories, to perpetuate terrorism."

Adding, "We have summers coming and Pakistan has realised post 5th August Kashmir has seen relative peace, nothing has happened, and a terrorist has been eliminated and Pakistan tried infiltration. Maybe there is COVID carrier, they could be, hopefully not, but it will be a possibility. Pakistan has to look inwards, fight COVID. It is Pakistan's interest to look after its people." 
 
Former Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, Satish Dua said "What was peculiar in the encounter is that when they were intercepted, the movement was detected, special forces landed and movement intercepted. In close contact battle, we lost 3 soldiers and 2 succumbed later. What I want to highlight, in these times, when the world is coming to fight the COVID crisis, India also offered help to Pakistan among other SAARC nations, to assist them in the fight against COVID, yet Pakistan continues to push in terrorist. May be Pakistan army has compulsion because this is the first summer after the revocation of article 370 but our counter-infiltration grid is robust and strong."

Several COVID positive cases in Pakistan have crossed 3750 with over 50 deaths even as reports have emerged over the difference in opinion between Pak Federal and Provincial admin concerning lockdown. Reports have also emerged of a number of COVID cases being shifted to Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This is in sharp contrast to what India has been doing, at global front calling a coordinate policy in SAARC and G20. India army has also led the national efforts, with quartine camps being set up in Manesar, Jaislamer, Jodhpur to sending teams of doctor to the Maldives for 14 days.

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy.

Even as the Indian army in a major anti-infiltration operation neutralised 5 terrorists over the weekend, former top Indian army brass has said that Pakistan is trying to divert attention domestically due to COVID crisis as it continues to use terror as a policy. Lt Gen BS Jaswal former Army Cdr Northern Command said, "They also have the intention, which is part of the DNA, instrument of state policy to undermine India in whatever manner it can and as such is trying to infiltrate people. We have had encounters in the last couple of day, maybe an intention, to infiltrate people who carry coronavirus into our country." Explaining, "Within Pakistan also, if you see the kind of people who are being infused into POK, they are the ones, who are within the spectrum of the pandemic, so Pakistan is not behaving very rationally. The advantage which Pakistan is trying to take is, cry baby, cry wolf to the world, we are country of a small economy, the pandemic has hit us, give us. In the same breath, I would like to say, it is high time Pakistan should follow, the Indian model to deal with the pandemic" Over the weekend, Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para SF Units were airdropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received. An intense hand to hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated. In the battle, however, Army lost five of its soldiers, three on the site and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital. Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, retd Director CENJOWS and former (DGMO) Director General of Military Operations highlighting the how India and Pakistan dealing with the COVID crisis said, "The world is combating COVID, India has played a major role while our neighbour Pakistan has continued the policy of terrorism, the policy of infiltrating terrorist into our territories, to perpetuate terrorism." Adding, "We have summers coming and Pakistan has realised post 5th August Kashmir has seen relative peace, nothing has happened, and a terrorist has been eliminated and Pakistan tried infiltration. Maybe there is COVID carrier, they could be, hopefully not, but it will be a possibility. Pakistan has to look inwards, fight COVID. It is Pakistan's interest to look after its people." Former Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff, Satish Dua said "What was peculiar in the encounter is that when they were intercepted, the movement was detected, special forces landed and movement intercepted. In close contact battle, we lost 3 soldiers and 2 succumbed later. What I want to highlight, in these times, when the world is coming to fight the COVID crisis, India also offered help to Pakistan among other SAARC nations, to assist them in the fight against COVID, yet Pakistan continues to push in terrorist. May be Pakistan army has compulsion because this is the first summer after the revocation of article 370 but our counter-infiltration grid is robust and strong." Several COVID positive cases in Pakistan have crossed 3750 with over 50 deaths even as reports have emerged over the difference in opinion between Pak Federal and Provincial admin concerning lockdown. Reports have also emerged of a number of COVID cases being shifted to Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This is in sharp contrast to what India has been doing, at global front calling a coordinate policy in SAARC and G20. India army has also led the national efforts, with quartine camps being set up in Manesar, Jaislamer, Jodhpur to sending teams of doctor to the Maldives for 14 days.

Pakistan diverting attention from COVID-19 with old policy of terrorism says former top Indian army brass

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president.&nbsp;

Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared"

The Department of pharma and &nbsp;MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country.&nbsp;

On Monday sources told India that, "On basis of domestic supply and taking in consideration importance of diplomatic relations a call will be taken. Its a function of demand and supply. If a scope is present.. but country requirement first"

In an order issued on April 4, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade had announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19.

Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places. Meanwhile, US President said that he may retaliate if India doesn't send HCQ.&nbsp;

He Said, "I know that he(PM Modi) stopped it for other countries...I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him. I said, we appreciate you allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be ok. But of course, there may be retaliation. Why would not be there?"

India has also got requests from Gulf countries regarding it.

Late yesterday night, Govt amended Export Policy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations made from these APIs by removing them from restricted to free category.

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president. Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared" The Department of pharma and MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country.

Indian authorities have partially lifted the ban on the export of hydroxychloroquine, which is being called as a gamechanger drug against COVID by US president. Sources said, "Depending on the availability of stock after meeting domestic requirements, existing orders will be cleared" The Department of pharma and MEA will decide on allocations depending on the humanitarian situation and COVID related situation in any foreign country. On Monday sources told India that, "On basis of domestic supply and taking in consideration importance of diplomatic relations a call will be taken. Its a function of demand and supply. If a scope is present.. but country requirement first" In an order issued on April 4, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade had announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him. From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places. Meanwhile, US President said that he may retaliate if India doesn't send HCQ. He Said, "I know that he(PM Modi) stopped it for other countries...I spoke to him Sunday morning, called him. I said, we appreciate you allowing our supply to come out. If he doesn't allow it to come out, that would be ok. But of course, there may be retaliation. Why would not be there?" India has also got requests from Gulf countries regarding it. Late yesterday night, Govt amended Export Policy of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations made from these APIs by removing them from restricted to free category.

COVID-19 crisis: India partially lifts export ban on hydroxychloroquine; MEA & pharma department to take the final call

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot.

The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok. The US embassy representative in Thailand simply claimed to have no knowledge.

Calling it an “act of modern piracy”, Berlin Secretary of Interior Andreas Geisel on Friday had claimed that over 200,000 masks were “confiscated” in Bangkok, and then rerouted to the United States.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005" hreflang="en">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

“The United States Government did not take any action to divert any 3M supplies that were destined to Germany nor did we have any knowledge of such a shipment,” Jillian Bonnardeaux, the US embassy spokeswoman in Bangkok, told Reuters.

“We remain concerned about pervasive attempts to divide international efforts through unsourced, unattributed disinformation campaigns”, the representative added.

When Reuters reached out to Thai authorities, there was no response.&nbsp;

Rerouting a shipment may not come off as a big deal in the larger scheme of things, but as the world is grappling with a killer pandemic, countries across the globe are racing it out to secure the most protective gear.

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This is not the first such accusation. Many countries in Europe and South America have complained of the US trying to block shipments of essential medical supplies heading for their countries.

Over 74,000 people have died from the virus as of now, with over 1,300,000 reported positive cases.

There’s no clarity on how the shipment was rerouted. The masks were ordered from a German wholesaler, and not from the US company 3M, which has denied any involvement.

US President Donald Trump recently asserted that “there had been no act of privacy”.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot. The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok.

After German officials accused the United States of diverting a shipment of masks heading to Germany, an American spokesperson has denied any such plot. The shipment was allegedly diverted from an airport in Bangkok. The US embassy representative in Thailand simply claimed to have no knowledge. Calling it an “act of modern piracy”, Berlin Secretary of Interior Andreas Geisel on Friday had claimed that over 200,000 masks were “confiscated” in Bangkok, and then rerouted to the United States. Also read: Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 “The United States Government did not take any action to divert any 3M supplies that were destined to Germany nor did we have any knowledge of such a shipment,” Jillian Bonnardeaux, the US embassy spokeswoman in Bangkok, told Reuters. “We remain concerned about pervasive attempts to divide international efforts through unsourced, unattributed disinformation campaigns”, the representative added. When Reuters reached out to Thai authorities, there was no response. Rerouting a shipment may not come off as a big deal in the larger scheme of things, but as the world is grappling with a killer pandemic, countries across the globe are racing it out to secure the most protective gear. Also read: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! This is not the first such accusation. Many countries in Europe and South America have complained of the US trying to block shipments of essential medical supplies heading for their countries. Over 74,000 people have died from the virus as of now, with over 1,300,000 reported positive cases. There’s no clarity on how the shipment was rerouted. The masks were ordered from a German wholesaler, and not from the US company 3M, which has denied any involvement. US President Donald Trump recently asserted that “there had been no act of privacy”. (With inputs from Reuters)

'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?

With new 354 new Covid-19 infections reported in past 24 hours, the total number of coronavirus cases in India today jumped to 4,421, showed the latest data released from Health Ministry.

Total infected cases leap to 4,421 in India | Coronavirus News | COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this!

The Singapore government has rolled in relief measures to ease the economic fallout from lockdowns induced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-drugs-to-life-saving-paraphernalia-how-the-dark-web-is-capitalising-on-pandemic-panic-291049" hreflang="en">From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!</a>

Almost the whole world is currently shut down, with economic and industrial activity resuming only in China, the original epicentre of COVID-19.

The government intends to pay over 75 per cent salaries of all local and permanent resident workers for April to compensate for losses.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealands-health-minister-calls-himself-an-idiot-for-circumventing-lockdown-directives-gets-demoted-291065" hreflang="en">New Zealand's health minister calls himself 'an idiot' for circumventing lockdown directives; gets demoted</a>

Additionally, as expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, people would also receive money under the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS). It will be fast tracked for this month to avoid shortage of cash!

According to local news portal Straits Times, this is the third attempt in a series of relief measures aimed at workers.

Almost 2 million workers in the country will receive wage subsidies and assistance from the government.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-extends-coronavirus-lockdown-till-april-30-291067" hreflang="en">Philippines extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30</a>

The lockdown has halted most industries, with no firms operating in the country right now. “Circuit breaker measures” were announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday.

As part of this circuit-breaking, only essential services will operate for a month, with everything else ordered to remain shut.

Heng reiterated that employers should pay their workers even during the period, otherwise operations will not resume smoothly after the lockdown is lifted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this!

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economies, and rendered many people without wages, especially in the unorganised sector. One country has stepped up efforts to deal with this! The Singapore government has rolled in relief measures to ease the economic fallout from lockdowns induced by the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic! Almost the whole world is currently shut down, with economic and industrial activity resuming only in China, the original epicentre of COVID-19. The government intends to pay over 75 per cent salaries of all local and permanent resident workers for April to compensate for losses. Also read: New Zealand's health minister calls himself 'an idiot' for circumventing lockdown directives; gets demoted Additionally, as expressed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, people would also receive money under the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS). It will be fast tracked for this month to avoid shortage of cash! According to local news portal Straits Times, this is the third attempt in a series of relief measures aimed at workers. Almost 2 million workers in the country will receive wage subsidies and assistance from the government. Also read: Philippines extends coronavirus lockdown till April 30 The lockdown has halted most industries, with no firms operating in the country right now. “Circuit breaker measures” were announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Friday. As part of this circuit-breaking, only essential services will operate for a month, with everything else ordered to remain shut. Heng reiterated that employers should pay their workers even during the period, otherwise operations will not resume smoothly after the lockdown is lifted. (With inputs from agencies)

This Asian country is paying 75% wages of 2 million workers this month to beat economic slowdown

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities.&nbsp;

"In view of the humanitarian aspects of #COVID19 pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol &amp; Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

The Foreign Ministry said that We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter.

The Foreign Ministry said given the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community "must display strong solidarity and cooperation".

Earlier in the day, the Indian government lifted restrictions on 24 key active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations made from them. The list didn't mention paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible retaliation if India does not lift its hold on the export of Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.

"I didn't hear that that was his (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) decision. I know that he stopped it for other countries. I spoke to him yesterday. [It was a] very very good talk, and we'll see whether or not that stays I wouldn't be surprised if he would you know because India does very well with the United States," Trump said at a press briefing from the White House, on Monday.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday informed that govt has decided to licence paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all the neighbouring countries, dependent on the country's capabilities. "In view of the humanitarian aspects of #COVID19 pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol & Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. The Foreign Ministry said that We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter. The Foreign Ministry said given the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community "must display strong solidarity and cooperation". Earlier in the day, the Indian government lifted restrictions on 24 key active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations made from them. The list didn't mention paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in it. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible retaliation if India does not lift its hold on the export of Hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malarial drug being used in the treatment of coronavirus patients. Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine. "I didn't hear that that was his (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) decision. I know that he stopped it for other countries. I spoke to him yesterday. [It was a] very very good talk, and we'll see whether or not that stays I wouldn't be surprised if he would you know because India does very well with the United States," Trump said at a press briefing from the White House, on Monday.

Coronavirus outbreak: India to supply hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol to other badly-affected nations

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers!

The virus has now killed over 70,000 people worldwide, with China, the US, and Italy serving as the major hotspots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-new-israeli-tech-can-diagnose-anomalies-with-your-vehicle-and-also-detect-covid-19-symptoms-291036" hreflang="en">This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms!</a>

Amidst the chaos and a crumbling healthcare infrastructure, protective gear like masks and gloves are increasingly running out.

The notorious corner of the internet: what is called the “dark web”, which can be accessed only using certain browsers is famous for selling arms and drugs. The dark web hosts multiple shopping websites that deliver all these goods to your doorstep.

However, the murky side of the internet is now selling face masks in the times of a pandemic.

What’s interesting is that while the rates of masks in the physical world as well as on the safer side of the internet have shot up due to overwhelming demand, the price of the same commodities on the dark web is much lesser. This could be as alarming as comforting, for people may be selling counterfeit or ineffective products.

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One N95 mask on Amazon or eBay costs about $10, while dark web is selling it for a much acceptable price of $1.75.

From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: One can also apparently buy testing kits for the virus online for over $90 per kit. Currently, many countries are hesitant in terms of testing because of the shortage of kits, and also due to the focus on serious life-threatening cases.

Additionally, capitalising on the panic-stricken people, sellers on the dark web are offering unverified cures with unverifiable descriptions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024" hreflang="en">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a>

However, unlike Amazon and eBay, there is no buyer protection here. Once you are duped, there is no turning back: no refunds or exchanges.&nbsp;

Additionally, you could get caught in a legal crossfire as most of these web portals sell goods that remain largely illegal. Besides drugs, exotic animals, and banned visual material like underage pornography is openly sold across the web.

Many sellers could simply be hackers looking for a way into your system. By impersonating health officials and agencies, they may attack your computer/phone and steal access to your private information without you even realising it!

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers!

The world is currently experiencing the biggest pandemic of the last few decades: No major countries have been spared by the fury of COVID-19, which only takes a sneeze to catch on to potential carriers! The virus has now killed over 70,000 people worldwide, with China, the US, and Italy serving as the major hotspots. Also read: This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms! Amidst the chaos and a crumbling healthcare infrastructure, protective gear like masks and gloves are increasingly running out. The notorious corner of the internet: what is called the “dark web”, which can be accessed only using certain browsers is famous for selling arms and drugs. The dark web hosts multiple shopping websites that deliver all these goods to your doorstep. However, the murky side of the internet is now selling face masks in the times of a pandemic. What’s interesting is that while the rates of masks in the physical world as well as on the safer side of the internet have shot up due to overwhelming demand, the price of the same commodities on the dark web is much lesser. This could be as alarming as comforting, for people may be selling counterfeit or ineffective products. In Pics: Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences One N95 mask on Amazon or eBay costs about $10, while dark web is selling it for a much acceptable price of $1.75. From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: One can also apparently buy testing kits for the virus online for over $90 per kit. Currently, many countries are hesitant in terms of testing because of the shortage of kits, and also due to the focus on serious life-threatening cases. Additionally, capitalising on the panic-stricken people, sellers on the dark web are offering unverified cures with unverifiable descriptions. Also read: 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? However, unlike Amazon and eBay, there is no buyer protection here. Once you are duped, there is no turning back: no refunds or exchanges. Additionally, you could get caught in a legal crossfire as most of these web portals sell goods that remain largely illegal. Besides drugs, exotic animals, and banned visual material like underage pornography is openly sold across the web. Many sellers could simply be hackers looking for a way into your system. By impersonating health officials and agencies, they may attack your computer/phone and steal access to your private information without you even realising it!

From drugs to life-saving paraphernalia: How the dark web is capitalising on pandemic panic!

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">Also&nbsp;read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug</a> 
 
Amid the global focus on fighting COVID-19, China has ramped up self-described research stations and landed special military aircraft in the dispute-rife sea, according to the State Department.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/modern-piracy-did-united-states-reroute-a-shipment-of-face-masks-headed-to-germany-291024">'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany?</a> 
 
"We call on the PRC to remain focused on supporting international efforts to combat the global pandemic, and to stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005" hreflang="en">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

Vietnam said last week that it lodged a protest with Beijing after the Chinese Coast Guard "hindered, rammed and sunk" a Vietnamese boat with eight fishermen on board near the Paracel Islands. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-animals-next-see-how-many-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19-so-far-290812">Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far!</a>

Vietnam - which, like China and Taiwan, claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands - called in a foreign ministry statement for Beijing to compensate the fishermen, "strictly discipline" the officers responsible and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

The United States said it was "seriously concerned" about the episode.

"This incident is the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea," Ortagus said.

The United States, which has a growing relationship with Vietnam, has challenged China's claims in the South China Sea - one of the world's busiest waterways and also home to bountiful energy reserves.

China last month accused the United States of a "provocative" act after saying that the USS McCampbell missile destroyer sailed near the Paracel Islands without Beijing's permission.

Tensions have risen sharply in recent years between China and the United States, which has also alleged that Beijing has not promptly controlled SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has now infected more than one million people around the world.

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler.

The United States on Monday warned China not to take advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to exert itself in the South China Sea after Vietnam said Beijing sank a trawler. Also read — 'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Amid the global focus on fighting COVID-19, China has ramped up self-described research stations and landed special military aircraft in the dispute-rife sea, according to the State Department. 'Modern piracy': Did United States reroute a shipment of face masks headed to Germany? "We call on the PRC to remain focused on supporting international efforts to combat the global pandemic, and to stop exploiting the distraction or vulnerability of other states to expand its unlawful claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement. Also read: Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 Vietnam said last week that it lodged a protest with Beijing after the Chinese Coast Guard "hindered, rammed and sunk" a Vietnamese boat with eight fishermen on board near the Paracel Islands. Also read: Are animals next? See how many have tested positive for COVID-19 so far! Vietnam - which, like China and Taiwan, claims sovereignty over the Paracel Islands - called in a foreign ministry statement for Beijing to compensate the fishermen, "strictly discipline" the officers responsible and prevent similar occurrences in the future. The United States said it was "seriously concerned" about the episode. "This incident is the latest in a long string of PRC actions to assert unlawful maritime claims and disadvantage its Southeast Asian neighbours in the South China Sea," Ortagus said. The United States, which has a growing relationship with Vietnam, has challenged China's claims in the South China Sea - one of the world's busiest waterways and also home to bountiful energy reserves. China last month accused the United States of a "provocative" act after saying that the USS McCampbell missile destroyer sailed near the Paracel Islands without Beijing's permission. Tensions have risen sharply in recent years between China and the United States, which has also alleged that Beijing has not promptly controlled SARS-CoV-2, the virus that has now infected more than one million people around the world.

Don't 'exploit' coronavirus pandemic for sea disputes: US warns China

President Donald Trump has warned India that the US may retaliate if it did not export anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine despite his personal request, saying he would be surprised in case of a negative outcome as New Delhi has good relations with Washington.

Donald Trump alludes to retaliation over HCQ export ban

Germany has drafted a plan to scale back its coronavirus lockdown and allow a gradual return to public life

Germany to relax lockdown after April 19

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump are among those who have sent their best wishes to the UK prime minister. Johnson is currently in intensive care in London suffering from coronavirus.

World leaders wish UK PM a speedy recovery

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact.

The contact-free emergency vehicle inspection system is equipped with thermal tech that can pick up any anomalies in the vehicle’s performance, while checking the temperature of the driver, or other passengers.&nbsp;

But how will they detect the fever? The company claims that the windshields are equipped with detection tech to record the temperatures.

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/divided-in-the-time-of-a-pandemic-coronavirus-separates-lovers-friends-at-swiss-german-border-fences-290765">Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences</a>

Besides this, the company can safely diagnose issues with the vehicles. These include tire quality, issues with the braking system, oil health, et cetera.

“Atlas” and “Helios” are the two flagship inspection technologies that have been embedded into the vehicular system.

According to a statement released by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UVeye, Amir Hever, the tech can alleviate the need for a “hands on” approach to testing and inspection. The basic rationale behind this is to limit potential contact among people, especially automobile sector workers who have to manually diagnose and fix issues with the vehicles.&nbsp;

Considering it’s hard to detect who is carrying the virus, it might as well save many lives. Many reports have claimed that the virus can live on metal and plastic surfaces for up to three days.

To help deal with the pandemic, the start-up recently offered to equip emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles with this technology on a not-for-profit basis. Additionally, they have shown interest in fitting the same tech into vehicles that are used for delivering food and medical supplies.&nbsp;

In Pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-there-nations-untouched-by-coronavirus-check-this-out-290468">Are there nations untouched by coronavirus? Check this out</a>

The contactless inspection system has received numerous orders globally, especially the United States and the United Kingdom.

The COVID-19 pandemic has so far killed over 70,000 people and infected over 1,000,000 people worldwide.

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact.

A company in Israel has done the unthinkable! Uveye, a start-up claims that not only can it detect issues with a vehicle remotely, but now it can also test potential carriers of coronavirus without contact. The contact-free emergency vehicle inspection system is equipped with thermal tech that can pick up any anomalies in the vehicle’s performance, while checking the temperature of the driver, or other passengers. But how will they detect the fever? The company claims that the windshields are equipped with detection tech to record the temperatures. In Pics: Divided in the time of a pandemic: Coronavirus separates lovers, friends at Swiss-German border fences Besides this, the company can safely diagnose issues with the vehicles. These include tire quality, issues with the braking system, oil health, et cetera. “Atlas” and “Helios” are the two flagship inspection technologies that have been embedded into the vehicular system. According to a statement released by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UVeye, Amir Hever, the tech can alleviate the need for a “hands on” approach to testing and inspection. The basic rationale behind this is to limit potential contact among people, especially automobile sector workers who have to manually diagnose and fix issues with the vehicles. Considering it’s hard to detect who is carrying the virus, it might as well save many lives. Many reports have claimed that the virus can live on metal and plastic surfaces for up to three days. To help deal with the pandemic, the start-up recently offered to equip emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire brigades, and police vehicles with this technology on a not-for-profit basis. Additionally, they have shown interest in fitting the same tech into vehicles that are used for delivering food and medical supplies. In Pics: Are there nations untouched by coronavirus? Check this out The contactless inspection system has received numerous orders globally, especially the United States and the United Kingdom. The COVID-19 pandemic has so far killed over 70,000 people and infected over 1,000,000 people worldwide.

This new Israeli tech can diagnose anomalies with your vehicle, and also detect COVID-19 symptoms!

As the official U.S. death toll surpassed 10,000 — standing at 10,530, including 4,758 in New York.

US Coronavirus death toll surpases 10,000 mark

US President Donald Trump had also spoken out in favour of using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, terming it a “game changer” in the fight against the pandemic.

30 countries raise demand for HCQ from India

The decision to approve the ordinance to amend the salary, allowances and pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, was taken at the Union cabinet meeting chaired by PM Modi Monday.

Centre approves ordinance to cut salary of MP'S, PM & President by 30%

With Boris Johnson in intensive care, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, has been asked to step up “where necessary” and run the country during the biggest public health crisis in a generation.

UK Foreign Secretary to deputise for Boris Johnson

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/04/135611-trump-corona.jpg?itok=RfSzjHdH" />

Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-wouldnt-there-be-trump-hints-at-retaliation-if-india-doesnt-send-anti-malarial-drug-291003">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-refrains-from-directly-blaming-russia-for-syria-hospital-attacks-290997">UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/12/49834-Untitled%2520design%2520%252822%2529_11.jpg?itok=pMp6Kn8d" /> 
A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-refrains-from-directly-blaming-russia-for-syria-hospital-attacks-290997">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-slams-colonial-mentality-says-covid-19-vaccines-wont-be-tested-in-africa-290999">WHO slams 'colonial mentality', says COVID-19 vaccines won't be tested in Africa</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/07/135915-vaccine-research-afp.jpg?itok=UpEfayop" /> 
World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Africa would not become a testing ground for any vaccines against COVID-19.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-slams-colonial-mentality-says-covid-19-vaccines-wont-be-tested-in-africa-290999">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005">Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19</a>

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12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pain-solitude-fear-stories-of-surviving-covid-19-291005">READ MORE</a> 
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'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.

'Why wouldn't there be': Trump hints at retaliation if India doesn't send anti-malarial drug Trump added he saw no reason why India would not lift the hold on the US order of the medicine.READ MORE UN refrains from directly blaming Russia for Syria hospital attacks A UN board of inquiry investigating attacks on civilian establishments in Syria, including hospitals, has refrained from directly holding Russia responsible, according to a summary of its report published Monday.READ MORE WHO slams 'colonial mentality', says COVID-19 vaccines won't be tested in Africa World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Africa would not become a testing ground for any vaccines against COVID-19.READ MORE Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus.READ MORE

Morning news brief: Stories of surviving COVID-19, Trump hints at retaliation and more

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was diagnosed with coronavirus on March 26, is in intensive care in a London hospital after his condition worsened on Monday evening.

Coronavirus crisis worsens in UK

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus:

- A painful 'roller coaster' &nbsp;-&nbsp;

With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan.

It had started with a dry cough and sore throat, he said, followed a few days later by shortness of breath so severe he fainted while waiting for a hospital coronavirus test.

It came back positive and he was admitted to hospital where his condition fluctuated wildly every day and several times he thought he would die.&nbsp;

"It was like a roller coaster," he said. "I was feeling like there is a thick plate pressuring my chest and also needles poking my chest."

Some of his symptoms may have been the side effects of his treatment, he believes.&nbsp;

But after eight days and two negative tests, he was discharged.

"I had a very bad situation," Park said. Whenever his condition was slightly better "I was thinking that might be my last time where I can write something in my life," he added.&nbsp;

"So I tried to write something short on Facebook to share with friends."

- 'Death prowls' the ward -

Cardiologist Fabio Biferali spent eight days "isolated from the world" at Rome's Policlinico Umberto I hospital in an orthodontics department that had been converted into an intensive care unit.

Describing the pain he felt as "strange", the 65-year-old said it almost resembled having a little monkey on his back, just like one of his patients had described it to him.

Oxygen therapy is painful and finding a radial artery is difficult, he said. "They would do it up to twice a day. Being a doctor helped me bear the pain. Other patients would desperately shout 'enough' 'enough'."

The hardest part were the nights, alone with his fears.

"I couldn't sleep, anxiety invaded the room... nightmares came, death prowled," he said.&nbsp;

"I was afraid of dying without being able to cling on to the hands of my family and friends, despair overcame me."

While medical staff were covered head to toe in protective gear, Biferali said he found some solace in being able to see their "affectionate" eyes behind the glass masks and hear their voices.&nbsp;

"Many were young, doctors on the front line. It was a moment of hope."

- Going to 'gate of hell and back' -&nbsp;

Wan Chunhui, 44, said he was "terrified" at first but that going to the "gate of hell" and coming back to survive the virus had transformed his outlook on life.

"I think the biggest change for me is that my way of looking at things is different now," said Wan, who spent 17 days at the makeshift Huoshenshan Hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in central Hubei province, where the outbreak began.

"I feel really calm about everything, really calm... I went to the gate of hell and came back. I saw with my own eyes that others failed to recover and died, which has had a big impact on me."

He had initially isolated himself to protect his family after getting a temperature, but, still feverish a couple of days later, he walked an hour to hospital.

Tests were not available but he was prescribed antibiotics and flu medication and asked to quarantine himself at home due to a hospital bed shortage.

"I was terrified at first," he said. "But I went back home, switched to a positive mood, and braced myself for the situation. Anyway it’s pointless to panic," Wan told AFP.

The 44-year-old investor and married father of a nine-year-old daughter already suffered from high blood pressure before the virus.

At home, he began recording his illness in an online diary, but a bad cough set in and he was admitted to hospital.

Hormone therapy helped lower his temperature, although he remained short of breath, but medical supplies were scarce, Wan said, and healthcare workers wore poor-quality protective suits and rubbish bags as shoe covers.

Wan was transferred to one of the two field hospitals built for virus sufferers in Wuhan, a well-supplied centre, he said, where he was treated mostly with Western medicines.

- Keeping the faith -

Song Myung-hee, 72, was afraid of dying alone after being infected during a service at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southern city of Daegu, a secretive religious group at the centre of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak.

She was at the same event as the woman known as Patient 31, a 61-year-old who attended four services before being diagnosed with the virus.

Song was quarantined at home as a precaution but remained asymptomatic for several days before the virus struck suddenly with a severe cough.&nbsp;

"I could not sleep at all," she told AFP. "It lasted for two days. I had to hold a plastic bag at all times because I kept on coughing up phlegm.

"Then my face started swelling. I was scared I might die alone."

Facing an influx, no hospital beds were available at the time in Daegu, so she was taken to Seongnam, 220 kilometres (137 miles) away.

"I was relieved when I entered the hospital room -- because at least there, I knew I wouldn't have died alone," she said.

The Shincheonji Church leader has apologised over its role in the spread of the disease but, despite her family's pleas, Song is resolute about staying a member.

"I'm never leaving my church, it doesn't matter what other people say."

- Comes and goes in waves -&nbsp;

"The best way to describe it is: when you are at a high altitude, you struggle to breathe," said Christine, 28, from South Africa, who suffers from syringomyelia, a disorder affecting the spinal cord.

Two days after being in contact with a sick work colleague, the analyst said she felt the first symptoms and COVID-19 was confirmed.

Her partner, lawyer Dawie, 30, could not take the test because "the system was already under a lot of pressure" but within a few days had the same symptoms.

Self-isolated, the couple who did not wish for their full names to be published, continue to work from home.

Sometimes they wondered if they were overreacting because some days they felt fine, Dawie said.

"Within days, it fluctuates. You get chilled and later on you feel better...The worst for me was last week... I was really short of breath... I called my doctor. She told me to look at the signs showing that I am not getting enough oxygen.&nbsp;

"You should look at your fingernails if they turn blue," he said.

- Despairing at home -&nbsp;

French housewife and mother-of-three Djemila Kerrouche said the worst part was the challenge her three children faced continuing their schoolwork while confined at home.

After developing symptoms, she wore gloves and a mask at home and didn't touch food, she said, but two of the children -- who are aged six, 11 and 19 -- were already coughing.

"My children put themselves under great pressure, they want to succeed at school," said the 47-year-old from Mulhouse in eastern France, which has been badly hit by the pandemic.

"Their teachers give them work as if the situation were normal," she said.

"The big one is preparing for her bac (end of secondary school exam) and I see her cry when she can't manage and I can't hold her in my arms, console her, help her."

"My morale is rock bottom. &nbsp;I can't stop crying..." &nbsp;

- Shock and solitude -&nbsp;

Marisol San Roman, a sociologist and student from Argentina, said she was shocked to find she had the virus and described the "total solitude" of being infected.

She is thought to have caught COVID-19 at a farewell dinner in Madrid after the closure of the Instituto de Empresa business school where she was studying, before returning home to Argentina.

"I'm 25, I'm young, I'm in good health -- it's mad," she said, expressing her shock.

Her 65-year-old father with whom she lives avoided her, leaving her food at the door of her room.&nbsp;

On her own, she treated a lung infection and gauged the oxygen saturation rate in her blood. "Coronavirus is an illness which is lived in solitude, in total solitude," she said.&nbsp;

Her case went viral after she gave Skype interviews to the media, and she said she received several insults via social media for having returned to the country when she was carrying the virus.

She has tried to stop the stigmatisation associated with having it, she said.&nbsp;

On her Instagram account she writes of wanting to be a kind of social conscience, warning people to be aware, that "this isn't a joke, being young doesn't immunise you against anything and that the coronavirus isn't flu".

- Sharing our experience with others -&nbsp;

Entrepreneurs Julia, 27, and Megan, 35, wanted to share what they went through to help others after being among the 50 first cases recorded in South Africa.

They caught the virus, with three other family members, on a ski trip to Switzerland, probably in a bar.

The two women, who didn't want their full names published, are behind the @livingcoronapositive Instagram account, which documents their recovery, responds to questions and aims to "bring some light and positivity to this dark time".

They all experienced different versions of the symptoms; some mild, others lasted a week, they said.

On testing, they said, "having a large earbud stuck down the back of your nose is not pleasant but it's quick".

And their advice, said Megan, is to remember that "stress, anxiety and panic are normal human reactions to something as massive and unknown as this pandemic! So please be kind to your loved ones who feel out-of-control. They need your love and reassurance."

- Anger -&nbsp;

Frenchman Charlie Barres, 29, works in hospitals in his job as a physical educator and worries about the added strain the pandemic is putting on the health system.

"Warnings about the state of the system don't date from yesterday. Not so long ago, the caregivers were on strike... And now, it's blowing up. At the same time, we're on a disaster footing in hospitals," he said.

Married and with a two-year-old son, he was confined at his Paris home after the disease began with chills and a sore throat.

A doctor diagnosed him. "The tests are expensive and they keep them for the complex cases," he said.

After two days of feeling bad, he began to improve gradually. His son has been ill and his wife suffered headaches and a bad throat, he said.

- Patient zero -&nbsp;

Thirty-three-year-old Lorena's aunt was Ecuador's "patient zero", who had returned from holiday in Spain to a family welcome home party with about 30 people in late February in the southwestern city of Babahoyo.

"Already on her arrival, she wasn't well... She told us she had felt feverish during the trip and that a lot of people were coughing" on the plane, Lorena, a teacher, said.

Her 71-year-old aunt was hospitalised in Guayaquil, the epicentre of Ecuador's outbreak, and the virus was confirmed a week later.

When the family, themselves isolated and tested, then saw now-former health minister Catalina Andramuno announce five coronavirus cases during a press conference on TV, they realised "it was us!', Lorena said.

Her aunt later died, and a dozen family members were infected, including Lorena, who has now recovered.

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus: - A painful 'roller coaster' - With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan.

A sense of death stalking the hospital ward, fear of dying alone, tearful despair and disarray at home, solitude, anger and the desire to share, or change their life: 12 people from different parts of the world who have survived COVID-19 share emotional and harrowing stories of the pain and fear after catching the virus: - A painful 'roller coaster' - With no pre-existing health conditions, South Korean engineering professor Park Hyun, 47, said he'd originally thought the coronavirus was "not my problem" until he developed symptoms and ended up in intensive care in the southern city of Busan. It had started with a dry cough and sore throat, he said, followed a few days later by shortness of breath so severe he fainted while waiting for a hospital coronavirus test. It came back positive and he was admitted to hospital where his condition fluctuated wildly every day and several times he thought he would die. "It was like a roller coaster," he said. "I was feeling like there is a thick plate pressuring my chest and also needles poking my chest." Some of his symptoms may have been the side effects of his treatment, he believes. But after eight days and two negative tests, he was discharged. "I had a very bad situation," Park said. Whenever his condition was slightly better "I was thinking that might be my last time where I can write something in my life," he added. "So I tried to write something short on Facebook to share with friends." - 'Death prowls' the ward - Cardiologist Fabio Biferali spent eight days "isolated from the world" at Rome's Policlinico Umberto I hospital in an orthodontics department that had been converted into an intensive care unit. Describing the pain he felt as "strange", the 65-year-old said it almost resembled having a little monkey on his back, just like one of his patients had described it to him. Oxygen therapy is painful and finding a radial artery is difficult, he said. "They would do it up to twice a day. Being a doctor helped me bear the pain. Other patients would desperately shout 'enough' 'enough'." The hardest part were the nights, alone with his fears. "I couldn't sleep, anxiety invaded the room... nightmares came, death prowled," he said. "I was afraid of dying without being able to cling on to the hands of my family and friends, despair overcame me." While medical staff were covered head to toe in protective gear, Biferali said he found some solace in being able to see their "affectionate" eyes behind the glass masks and hear their voices. "Many were young, doctors on the front line. It was a moment of hope." - Going to 'gate of hell and back' - Wan Chunhui, 44, said he was "terrified" at first but that going to the "gate of hell" and coming back to survive the virus had transformed his outlook on life. "I think the biggest change for me is that my way of looking at things is different now," said Wan, who spent 17 days at the makeshift Huoshenshan Hospital in the Chinese city of Wuhan, in central Hubei province, where the outbreak began. "I feel really calm about everything, really calm... I went to the gate of hell and came back. I saw with my own eyes that others failed to recover and died, which has had a big impact on me." He had initially isolated himself to protect his family after getting a temperature, but, still feverish a couple of days later, he walked an hour to hospital. Tests were not available but he was prescribed antibiotics and flu medication and asked to quarantine himself at home due to a hospital bed shortage. "I was terrified at first," he said. "But I went back home, switched to a positive mood, and braced myself for the situation. Anyway it’s pointless to panic," Wan told AFP. The 44-year-old investor and married father of a nine-year-old daughter already suffered from high blood pressure before the virus. At home, he began recording his illness in an online diary, but a bad cough set in and he was admitted to hospital. Hormone therapy helped lower his temperature, although he remained short of breath, but medical supplies were scarce, Wan said, and healthcare workers wore poor-quality protective suits and rubbish bags as shoe covers. Wan was transferred to one of the two field hospitals built for virus sufferers in Wuhan, a well-supplied centre, he said, where he was treated mostly with Western medicines. - Keeping the faith - Song Myung-hee, 72, was afraid of dying alone after being infected during a service at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in the southern city of Daegu, a secretive religious group at the centre of South Korea's coronavirus outbreak. She was at the same event as the woman known as Patient 31, a 61-year-old who attended four services before being diagnosed with the virus. Song was quarantined at home as a precaution but remained asymptomatic for several days before the virus struck suddenly with a severe cough. "I could not sleep at all," she told AFP. "It lasted for two days. I had to hold a plastic bag at all times because I kept on coughing up phlegm. "Then my face started swelling. I was scared I might die alone." Facing an influx, no hospital beds were available at the time in Daegu, so she was taken to Seongnam, 220 kilometres (137 miles) away. "I was relieved when I entered the hospital room -- because at least there, I knew I wouldn't have died alone," she said. The Shincheonji Church leader has apologised over its role in the spread of the disease but, despite her family's pleas, Song is resolute about staying a member. "I'm never leaving my church, it doesn't matter what other people say." - Comes and goes in waves - "The best way to describe it is: when you are at a high altitude, you struggle to breathe," said Christine, 28, from South Africa, who suffers from syringomyelia, a disorder affecting the spinal cord. Two days after being in contact with a sick work colleague, the analyst said she felt the first symptoms and COVID-19 was confirmed. Her partner, lawyer Dawie, 30, could not take the test because "the system was already under a lot of pressure" but within a few days had the same symptoms. Self-isolated, the couple who did not wish for their full names to be published, continue to work from home. Sometimes they wondered if they were overreacting because some days they felt fine, Dawie said. "Within days, it fluctuates. You get chilled and later on you feel better...The worst for me was last week... I was really short of breath... I called my doctor. She told me to look at the signs showing that I am not getting enough oxygen. "You should look at your fingernails if they turn blue," he said. - Despairing at home - French housewife and mother-of-three Djemila Kerrouche said the worst part was the challenge her three children faced continuing their schoolwork while confined at home. After developing symptoms, she wore gloves and a mask at home and didn't touch food, she said, but two of the children -- who are aged six, 11 and 19 -- were already coughing. "My children put themselves under great pressure, they want to succeed at school," said the 47-year-old from Mulhouse in eastern France, which has been badly hit by the pandemic. "Their teachers give them work as if the situation were normal," she said. "The big one is preparing for her bac (end of secondary school exam) and I see her cry when she can't manage and I can't hold her in my arms, console her, help her." "My morale is rock bottom. I can't stop crying..." - Shock and solitude - Marisol San Roman, a sociologist and student from Argentina, said she was shocked to find she had the virus and described the "total solitude" of being infected. She is thought to have caught COVID-19 at a farewell dinner in Madrid after the closure of the Instituto de Empresa business school where she was studying, before returning home to Argentina. "I'm 25, I'm young, I'm in good health -- it's mad," she said, expressing her shock. Her 65-year-old father with whom she lives avoided her, leaving her food at the door of her room. On her own, she treated a lung infection and gauged the oxygen saturation rate in her blood. "Coronavirus is an illness which is lived in solitude, in total solitude," she said. Her case went viral after she gave Skype interviews to the media, and she said she received several insults via social media for having returned to the country when she was carrying the virus. She has tried to stop the stigmatisation associated with having it, she said. On her Instagram account she writes of wanting to be a kind of social conscience, warning people to be aware, that "this isn't a joke, being young doesn't immunise you against anything and that the coronavirus isn't flu". - Sharing our experience with others - Entrepreneurs Julia, 27, and Megan, 35, wanted to share what they went through to help others after being among the 50 first cases recorded in South Africa. They caught the virus, with three other family members, on a ski trip to Switzerland, probably in a bar. The two women, who didn't want their full names published, are behind the @livingcoronapositive Instagram account, which documents their recovery, responds to questions and aims to "bring some light and positivity to this dark time". They all experienced different versions of the symptoms; some mild, others lasted a week, they said. On testing, they said, "having a large earbud stuck down the back of your nose is not pleasant but it's quick". And their advice, said Megan, is to remember that "stress, anxiety and panic are normal human reactions to something as massive and unknown as this pandemic! So please be kind to your loved ones who feel out-of-control. They need your love and reassurance." - Anger - Frenchman Charlie Barres, 29, works in hospitals in his job as a physical educator and worries about the added strain the pandemic is putting on the health system. "Warnings about the state of the system don't date from yesterday. Not so long ago, the caregivers were on strike... And now, it's blowing up. At the same time, we're on a disaster footing in hospitals," he said. Married and with a two-year-old son, he was confined at his Paris home after the disease began with chills and a sore throat. A doctor diagnosed him. "The tests are expensive and they keep them for the complex cases," he said. After two days of feeling bad, he began to improve gradually. His son has been ill and his wife suffered headaches and a bad throat, he said. - Patient zero - Thirty-three-year-old Lorena's aunt was Ecuador's "patient zero", who had returned from holiday in Spain to a family welcome home party with about 30 people in late February in the southwestern city of Babahoyo. "Already on her arrival, she wasn't well... She told us she had felt feverish during the trip and that a lot of people were coughing" on the plane, Lorena, a teacher, said. Her 71-year-old aunt was hospitalised in Guayaquil, the epicentre of Ecuador's outbreak, and the virus was confirmed a week later. When the family, themselves isolated and tested, then saw now-former health minister Catalina Andramuno announce five coronavirus cases during a press conference on TV, they realised "it was us!', Lorena said. Her aunt later died, and a dozen family members were infected, including Lorena, who has now recovered.

Pain, solitude, fear: Stories of surviving COVID-19

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