America and China are playing a rather ugly blame game at the moment. The Trump administration is demanding transparency from Beijing.

They want China to report the right numbers and disclose what they know.&nbsp;

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>

A Chinese activist has shared that china mobile lost more than eight million users in January and February.

Where did they go?

China mobile is the largest telecom company in China. It is state-owned. Losing more than eight million customers is unprecedented.

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>

Netizens tracking this story have a theory. They say economic numbers from Beijing cannot be trusted.

So, they track data like mobile users and electrical consumption to make an assessment.

A twitter user says that the world needs to do the same if they want to track the coronavirus deaths.

The fact is, all telecom companies in china have lost users. A whopping 21 million users who were active before the outbreak — have disconnected.

Does this mean millions died due to the Wuhan virus in China?

No one can confirm this theory for now. A report in Bloomberg offers some clues. It says growth has dropped to record lows. Factories and businesses were shut due to the outbreak.

Migrant workers, who operated two connections — simply stopped using their work phones and disconnected.

One secretly shot video posted on Twitter shows 8 dead bodies in 5 minutes.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bilingual titles added. 8 bodies in 5 minutes! More are lying inside to be moved out. Somebody secretly shot this video from No. 3 Hopital in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> during <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronarovirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronarovirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%AD%A6%E6%B1%89%E8%82%BA%E7%82%8E?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#武汉肺炎</a> 
字幕版 
某網友秘訪武漢第三醫院，五分钟功夫就見到八具屍體拉走去火化場，而且里面还有。 <a href="https://t.co/VBS6U7HIWW">pic.twitter.com/VBS6U7HIWW</a>
— Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferatntd/status/1223639844829769734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

There could be several cases that are undocumented. An article in the journal "science" claims that 86 per cent of cases in Hubei were undocumented at the time of the lockdown.

Wuhan is located inside Hubei. There is another reason why we should not trust china's number.

Beijing has a track record of fudging it. Especially when it comes to economic numbers.

It is a well-known fact that Chinese officials are rewarded with promotions and bonuses — if their provinces or cities do well on certain metrics like the GDP, investment and revenues.

To achieve targets, some officials fudge the numbers. So, a cover-up is possible in the case of the coronavirus too.

America and China are playing a rather ugly blame game at the moment. The Trump administration is demanding transparency from Beijing. They want China to report the right numbers and disclose what they know.

America and China are playing a rather ugly blame game at the moment. The Trump administration is demanding transparency from Beijing. They want China to report the right numbers and disclose what they know. Also read: British writer Pat Condell slams China on Coronavirus, calls it enemy of humanity A Chinese activist has shared that china mobile lost more than eight million users in January and February. Where did they go? China mobile is the largest telecom company in China. It is state-owned. Losing more than eight million customers is unprecedented. Also read: Florida sues China for 'covering up' coronavirus pandemic Netizens tracking this story have a theory. They say economic numbers from Beijing cannot be trusted. So, they track data like mobile users and electrical consumption to make an assessment. A twitter user says that the world needs to do the same if they want to track the coronavirus deaths. The fact is, all telecom companies in china have lost users. A whopping 21 million users who were active before the outbreak — have disconnected. Does this mean millions died due to the Wuhan virus in China? No one can confirm this theory for now. A report in Bloomberg offers some clues. It says growth has dropped to record lows. Factories and businesses were shut due to the outbreak. Migrant workers, who operated two connections — simply stopped using their work phones and disconnected. One secretly shot video posted on Twitter shows 8 dead bodies in 5 minutes. Bilingual titles added. 8 bodies in 5 minutes! More are lying inside to be moved out. Somebody secretly shot this video from No. 3 Hopital in #Wuhan during #coronarovirus #武汉肺炎 字幕版 某網友秘訪武漢第三醫院，五分钟功夫就見到八具屍體拉走去火化場，而且里面还有。 pic.twitter.com/VBS6U7HIWW — Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) February 1, 2020 × There could be several cases that are undocumented. An article in the journal "science" claims that 86 per cent of cases in Hubei were undocumented at the time of the lockdown. Wuhan is located inside Hubei. There is another reason why we should not trust china's number. Beijing has a track record of fudging it. Especially when it comes to economic numbers. It is a well-known fact that Chinese officials are rewarded with promotions and bonuses — if their provinces or cities do well on certain metrics like the GDP, investment and revenues. To achieve targets, some officials fudge the numbers. So, a cover-up is possible in the case of the coronavirus too.

Coronavirus death toll: Is China reporting the right numbers?

A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.S. economy.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he was considering how to restart business life when a 15-day shutdown ends next week, even as the highly contagious virus spreads rapidly and poorly equipped hospitals struggle with a wave of deadly cases.

A Republican, Trump is seeking to win re-election in November on a promise of economic growth.

Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat whose state of New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak with 25,665 cases, strongly opposed allowing people to travel, socialize and get back to workplaces too quickly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cure-cant-be-worse-than-problem-announces-trump-as-he-vows-to-reopen-us-economy-amid-covid-19-crisis-288294" hreflang="en">'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

"If you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy, then it's no contest. No American is going to say accelerate the economy at the cost of human life," he said at a convention center in Manhattan that is being repurposed to fit beds for coronavirus patients.

Cuomo said the projected need for hospital beds in New York at the peak of the outbreak has jumped to 140,000, compared with the 53,000 that are available and that the apex of the outbreak could still be 14-21 days away

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, told CNN on Tuesday: "We don't think that we're going to be in any way ready to be out of this in five or six days or so, or whenever this 15 days is up from the time that they started this imaginary clock."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

More than 42,000 people in the United States have contracted COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and at least 620 have died. The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned that the United States has the potential to become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, citing a "very large acceleration" in infections.

Senior Pentagon leaders said on Tuesday that the outbreak could continue for months.

Trump issued guidelines last week that he said aimed to slow the spread of the disease over 15 days, including curbing unnecessary travel. Economic activity has ground to a halt in major states such as New York and California.

The coronavirus has shuttered thousands of U.S. businesses, thrown millions out of work and led state governors to order about 100 million people - nearly a third of the nation's population - to stay at home.

There were signs that nerves had begun fraying after days of people working from home, looking after children whose schools are shut and severely scaling back on everyday activities.

Steve Rubinstein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer dangling from his belt loop, was juggling his two small children as they played in a New York park. Both he and his wife are working from home.

"It's very challenging, my wife and I both work, we have fulltime jobs," he said. "But it's, yeah, it's nonstop, it's relentless," Rubinstein, 35, added about balancing work demands and keeping their children safe and entertained.

Trump told a White House news conference on Monday that "America will again and soon be open for business," saying the crisis should not "turn into a long-lasting financial problem."

Rapidly reopening the economy might backfire, with higher deaths and people remaining fearful of going out, according to investors who remain anxious about the coronavirus’ uncertain trajectory and its economic toll.

“Markets will react badly because they have learned that this approach doesn’t work,” Axel Merk, chief investment officer of Merk Investments, said. “From a medical point of view, you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/donald-trump-spreading-of-coronavirus-not-fault-of-asian-americans-288166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wall street jumps

After taking a beating for most days in recent weeks, Wall Street bounced from three-year lows on Tuesday amid signs that Washington was nearing a deal on a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from coronavirus. All three main U.S. stock indexes jumped more than 5%.

Negotiators predicted the U.S. Senate could pass the stimulus bill, which includes financial aid for ordinary Americans, small businesses and critically affected industries, as soon as Tuesday.

After criticism from Cuomo and others that Trump was not wielding special powers to force businesses to make medical equipment likes masks and ventilators, the federal government said on Tuesday it would use the Defense Production Act to procure 60,000 coronavirus test kits.

Peter Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, told CNN the Trump administration had decided to use the act because "there are some test kits we need to get our hands on." It would be the first time the act is being used for the coronavirus crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

For right now, Birx said people in the United States should continue to follow the guidelines of social distancing.

"What the president is doing is looking for the future ... not looking to change what we're doing now," she said.

Stephen Moore, an economic commentator said by Trump's aides to be influencing the president, told Reuters on Monday there was a re-examination in the White House of the wisdom of “a full scale … shutdown of the economy.”

He said there were some who thought that “if we go on too long with the economy shut down, the human toll for that could be greater than the risk of the virus."

Despite the huge changes to daily life, many Americans still say they are willing to make sacrifices.

Christine Schindler, 58, a former receptionist, was alone waiting for a bus on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Tuesday. She said she thought it was dangerous to lift the restrictions too early for the sake of the economy.

“It’s going to come back up anyway, really, once things hit the bottom,” she said. “This is supposed to be the number one economy in the world.”

A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.

A week after millions of Americans began taking shelter at home from the coronavirus, states warned on Tuesday against easing restrictions too soon even though the clampdown is devastating the U.S. economy. President Donald Trump said on Monday he was considering how to restart business life when a 15-day shutdown ends next week, even as the highly contagious virus spreads rapidly and poorly equipped hospitals struggle with a wave of deadly cases. A Republican, Trump is seeking to win re-election in November on a promise of economic growth. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat whose state of New York has become the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak with 25,665 cases, strongly opposed allowing people to travel, socialize and get back to workplaces too quickly. Also read: 'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy amid COVID-19 crisis "If you ask the American people to choose between public health and the economy, then it's no contest. No American is going to say accelerate the economy at the cost of human life," he said at a convention center in Manhattan that is being repurposed to fit beds for coronavirus patients. Cuomo said the projected need for hospital beds in New York at the peak of the outbreak has jumped to 140,000, compared with the 53,000 that are available and that the apex of the outbreak could still be 14-21 days away Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, told CNN on Tuesday: "We don't think that we're going to be in any way ready to be out of this in five or six days or so, or whenever this 15 days is up from the time that they started this imaginary clock." Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? More than 42,000 people in the United States have contracted COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, and at least 620 have died. The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned that the United States has the potential to become the global epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic, citing a "very large acceleration" in infections. Senior Pentagon leaders said on Tuesday that the outbreak could continue for months. Trump issued guidelines last week that he said aimed to slow the spread of the disease over 15 days, including curbing unnecessary travel. Economic activity has ground to a halt in major states such as New York and California. The coronavirus has shuttered thousands of U.S. businesses, thrown millions out of work and led state governors to order about 100 million people - nearly a third of the nation's population - to stay at home. There were signs that nerves had begun fraying after days of people working from home, looking after children whose schools are shut and severely scaling back on everyday activities. Steve Rubinstein, a small bottle of hand sanitizer dangling from his belt loop, was juggling his two small children as they played in a New York park. Both he and his wife are working from home. "It's very challenging, my wife and I both work, we have fulltime jobs," he said. "But it's, yeah, it's nonstop, it's relentless," Rubinstein, 35, added about balancing work demands and keeping their children safe and entertained. Trump told a White House news conference on Monday that "America will again and soon be open for business," saying the crisis should not "turn into a long-lasting financial problem." Rapidly reopening the economy might backfire, with higher deaths and people remaining fearful of going out, according to investors who remain anxious about the coronavirus’ uncertain trajectory and its economic toll. “Markets will react badly because they have learned that this approach doesn’t work,” Axel Merk, chief investment officer of Merk Investments, said. “From a medical point of view, you have to break the exponential growth and you do that with shelter in place policies.” Wall street jumps After taking a beating for most days in recent weeks, Wall Street bounced from three-year lows on Tuesday amid signs that Washington was nearing a deal on a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from coronavirus. All three main U.S. stock indexes jumped more than 5%. Negotiators predicted the U.S. Senate could pass the stimulus bill, which includes financial aid for ordinary Americans, small businesses and critically affected industries, as soon as Tuesday. After criticism from Cuomo and others that Trump was not wielding special powers to force businesses to make medical equipment likes masks and ventilators, the federal government said on Tuesday it would use the Defense Production Act to procure 60,000 coronavirus test kits. Peter Gaynor, the Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator, told CNN the Trump administration had decided to use the act because "there are some test kits we need to get our hands on." It would be the first time the act is being used for the coronavirus crisis. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase For right now, Birx said people in the United States should continue to follow the guidelines of social distancing. "What the president is doing is looking for the future ... not looking to change what we're doing now," she said. Stephen Moore, an economic commentator said by Trump's aides to be influencing the president, told Reuters on Monday there was a re-examination in the White House of the wisdom of “a full scale … shutdown of the economy.” He said there were some who thought that “if we go on too long with the economy shut down, the human toll for that could be greater than the risk of the virus." Despite the huge changes to daily life, many Americans still say they are willing to make sacrifices. Christine Schindler, 58, a former receptionist, was alone waiting for a bus on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Tuesday. She said she thought it was dangerous to lift the restrictions too early for the sake of the economy. “It’s going to come back up anyway, really, once things hit the bottom,” she said. “This is supposed to be the number one economy in the world.”

States reject Trump talk of restarting US economy early

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases?

Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/has-the-original-epicentre-of-coronavirus-wuhan-really-recovered-288306">Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?</a>

The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions.

They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell.

For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points.

Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/study-high-temperature-may-reduce-its-spread-but-wont-kill-coronavirus-covid-19-your-story-288290/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus.

As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days.&nbsp;

During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly.

Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach.

The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius.

The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest.

The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus.

Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no!

Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

Summer is fast-approaching most parts of the world. However, it coincides with one of the biggest pandemics our societies have witnessed: the novel coronavirus COVID-19. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. Will the rise in temperatures across the globe mean a dip in the number of infected cases? Many Chinese experts claim that high temperature and humidity can significantly reduce the transmission of the virus. The research was undertaken at Beihang and Tsinghua University in China. Also read: Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered? The focus of the study was 100 Chinese cities. The scientists realised that the transmission rate varied across cities with different weather conditions. They realised that as the weather became warmer and humid, the rate of transmission fell. For every degree of rise in temperatures (in Celsius), the rate of transmission fell by 0.0383 points. Similarly, for every one per cent increase in relative humidity, the transmission rate fell by 0.0224 points. Even though an important development, the rise in temperature is simply not enough to slow down the spread of the virus. As it turns out, heat weakens all kinds of viruses. The COVID-19 is capable of living on surfaces for many days. During its initial period, countries that experience lower temperatures and humidity witnessed severe outbreaks. These include South Korea, Japan, and Iran. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase On the other hand, warmer countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were able to contain it much quickly. Another study conducted at the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland took a different approach. The researchers mapped the outbreak in different regions and discovered that the most severe outbreaks happened in countries where the temperature ranged between five and 11 degree Celsius. The virus was found to be clustered in a narrow band of consistently similar weather conditions across the northern hemisphere. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? This zone included countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Iran , Italy, France and the US Pacific Northwest. The study has also indicated that the coronavirus could be a seasonal respiratory virus. Both studies point out to the same verdict: the forthcoming summers could bring relief, but would it completely stop the virus? The answer remains no! Many doctors have warned of the virus resurfacing during autumn, and reiterate the importance of maintaining personal hygiene and practicing social distancing.

Heat kills coronavirus, after all!

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan.

A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens.&nbsp;

Amid the crisis, the Chinese authorities disrupted the flow of information to and from the city, which was cut off from the rest of the world until now.

61 days after the lockdown was imposed, authorities in Wuhan are making claims that the coronavirus pandemic in the city is buried, ie, that it has reached a zero transmission rate.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

Workers have been instructed to return to factories, businesses are attempting to reboot, and most travel bans have been lifted.

Even though China claims that Wuhan has returned to normal, the country has kept mum about what happened in the city during the two-month long lockdown.

<h6><img alt="hhh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4265bac2-eec8-463d-a343-0db58ec47998" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_113.jpg" /> 
Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 24, 2020 | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

Multiple reports and videos clearly showed Chinese authorities dragging citizens out of their homes for testing and containment.

Additionally, there has been no acknowledgment of the intense control exercised by China over what information is shared with the world.

Amid the global outcry against China for withholding initial information and prosecuting medical officials who tried to warn the world, China now claims that the city of Wuhan has recovered.

However, the facts and voices from the ground have a different story to tell.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-is-china-downplaying-the-number-of-victims-288137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

A video posted by Jennifer Zeng on Twitter claims that hospitals in the country are no longer accepting patients to display a zero-case record.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Hospital refuses to admit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CCPVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CCPVirus</a> patient as they want to keep "zero new case" record. Upset family starts a fight with staff, on Mar. 23, Not sure which hospital. 
Click here for more : <a href="https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp">https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusOutbreak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusOutbreak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusPandemic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusPandemic</a> <a href="https://t.co/uUGQTEgEgt">pic.twitter.com/uUGQTEgEgt</a>
— Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferatntd/status/1242190711732285440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Zeng is a prominent Chinese activist who has ardently recorded Beijing’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

With a state-initiated crackdown on independent reporting, China wants to display to the world their medical prowess.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

Just last week, China expelled American reporters based in the country. The officials have been attempting to plant conspiracy theories regarding the origin of the virus, one of which claimed that the virus was sent to the country by US army.

For now, it’s hard to say what’s really happening in the country.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan. A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens.

At the end of 2019, a viral coronavirus outbreak gripped the Chinese city of Wuhan. A few days later, the city was placed under a state-imposed lockdown, limiting the movement and daily lives of its 11 million citizens. Amid the crisis, the Chinese authorities disrupted the flow of information to and from the city, which was cut off from the rest of the world until now. 61 days after the lockdown was imposed, authorities in Wuhan are making claims that the coronavirus pandemic in the city is buried, ie, that it has reached a zero transmission rate. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Workers have been instructed to return to factories, businesses are attempting to reboot, and most travel bans have been lifted. Even though China claims that Wuhan has returned to normal, the country has kept mum about what happened in the city during the two-month long lockdown. Staff members line up at attention as they prepare to spray disinfectant at Wuhan Railway Station in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on March 24, 2020 | AFP Multiple reports and videos clearly showed Chinese authorities dragging citizens out of their homes for testing and containment. Additionally, there has been no acknowledgment of the intense control exercised by China over what information is shared with the world. Amid the global outcry against China for withholding initial information and prosecuting medical officials who tried to warn the world, China now claims that the city of Wuhan has recovered. However, the facts and voices from the ground have a different story to tell. A video posted by Jennifer Zeng on Twitter claims that hospitals in the country are no longer accepting patients to display a zero-case record. Hospital refuses to admit #CCPVirus patient as they want to keep "zero new case" record. Upset family starts a fight with staff, on Mar. 23, Not sure which hospital. Click here for more : https://t.co/fSwmxEsPYp#COVID2019 #Coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak #CoronavirusPandemic pic.twitter.com/uUGQTEgEgt — Jennifer Zeng 曾錚 (@jenniferatntd) March 23, 2020 × Zeng is a prominent Chinese activist who has ardently recorded Beijing’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. With a state-initiated crackdown on independent reporting, China wants to display to the world their medical prowess. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Just last week, China expelled American reporters based in the country. The officials have been attempting to plant conspiracy theories regarding the origin of the virus, one of which claimed that the virus was sent to the country by US army. For now, it’s hard to say what’s really happening in the country. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

Has the original epicentre of coronavirus - Wuhan really recovered?

President Vladimir Putin donned a hazmat suit and respirator on Tuesday during a visit to a hospital treating coronavirus patients and the mayor of Moscow said the outbreak in the Russian capital was much worse than official figures showed.

The comments, by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, marked the strongest statement yet by Russian authorities suggesting they do not have a full grasp of how widely the coronavirus has spread throughout the world's largest country by territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-reports-first-coronavirus-death-as-infections-spike-288300" hreflang="en">Saudi reports first coronavirus death as infections spike</a>

Russia has so far reported 495 cases of the virus, a figure that is much lower than in many European countries. One woman, who tested positive for the virus, has also died.

Putin has previously said the situation is under control, but some doctors have questioned how far official data reflects reality, a point taken up by Sobyanin, a close Putin ally, on Tuesday.

"A serious situation is unfolding," Sobyanin told Putin at a meeting, saying the real number of cases was unclear but that they were increasing quickly.

Testing for the virus was at a low level, he said, and many people in the capital were self-isolating at their apartments or at homes in the countryside and not being tested after returning from trips abroad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-coronavirus-cases-seen-10-times-higher-than-official-tally-288283" hreflang="en">Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally</a>

"...In reality there are significantly more of those who are sick," Sobyanin said.

Putin on Tuesday donned a bright yellow full-body protective suit and respirator as he visited a hospital on the outskirts of Moscow that is treating coronavirus patients.

The Russian leader used the visit to praise doctors for their work, saying he had been impressed by what he had seen.

Separately, two senior lawmakers, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday proposed legislation that would make it an offence punishable by jail time to violate quarantine measures imposed to limit the virus's spread.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a>

Under their proposals, people who flout mandatory quarantine could be jailed for up to seven years if their actions led to the death of two or more people, or for up to three years if it led to mass infection, the RIA news agency reported.

Pavel Krasheninnikov, a senior lawmaker, said the legislation could be adopted by the lower house of parliament as soon as next week, RIA reported.

President Vladimir Putin donned a hazmat suit and respirator on Tuesday during a visit to a hospital treating coronavirus patients and the mayor of Moscow said the outbreak in the Russian capital was much worse than official figures showed.

President Vladimir Putin donned a hazmat suit and respirator on Tuesday during a visit to a hospital treating coronavirus patients and the mayor of Moscow said the outbreak in the Russian capital was much worse than official figures showed. The comments, by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, marked the strongest statement yet by Russian authorities suggesting they do not have a full grasp of how widely the coronavirus has spread throughout the world's largest country by territory. Also read: Saudi reports first coronavirus death as infections spike Russia has so far reported 495 cases of the virus, a figure that is much lower than in many European countries. One woman, who tested positive for the virus, has also died. Putin has previously said the situation is under control, but some doctors have questioned how far official data reflects reality, a point taken up by Sobyanin, a close Putin ally, on Tuesday. "A serious situation is unfolding," Sobyanin told Putin at a meeting, saying the real number of cases was unclear but that they were increasing quickly. Testing for the virus was at a low level, he said, and many people in the capital were self-isolating at their apartments or at homes in the countryside and not being tested after returning from trips abroad. Also read: Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally "...In reality there are significantly more of those who are sick," Sobyanin said. Putin on Tuesday donned a bright yellow full-body protective suit and respirator as he visited a hospital on the outskirts of Moscow that is treating coronavirus patients. The Russian leader used the visit to praise doctors for their work, saying he had been impressed by what he had seen. Separately, two senior lawmakers, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, on Tuesday proposed legislation that would make it an offence punishable by jail time to violate quarantine measures imposed to limit the virus's spread. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Under their proposals, people who flout mandatory quarantine could be jailed for up to seven years if their actions led to the death of two or more people, or for up to three years if it led to mass infection, the RIA news agency reported. Pavel Krasheninnikov, a senior lawmaker, said the legislation could be adopted by the lower house of parliament as soon as next week, RIA reported.

Putin dons hazmat suit as Moscow says coronavirus outbreak is worse than it looks

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. 
 
An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-coronavirus-cases-seen-10-times-higher-than-official-tally-288283" hreflang="en">Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally</a> 
 
Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. 
 
The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. 
 
King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271" hreflang="en">New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase</a> 
 
Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. 
 
Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. 
 
Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iceland-confirms-first-death-from-coronavirus-288268" hreflang="en">Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. 
 
Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reported its first death from the new coronavirus as the total number of infections spiked to 767, according to the health ministry. An Afghan resident in the western city of Medina died from the virus, the ministry said, while reporting 205 new infections -– the biggest jump in the kingdom in a single day. Also read: Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally Saudi Arabia, which has reported the highest number of infections in the Gulf, began implementing a nationwide dusk-to-dawn curfew on Monday to limit the spread of the deadly COVID-19. The Arab world's biggest economy has also closed down cinemas, malls and restaurants, halted flights and suspended the year-round umrah pilgrimage as it steps up efforts to contain the virus. King Salman warned on Thursday of a "more difficult" fight ahead against the virus, as the kingdom faces the double blow of virus-led shutdowns and crashing oil prices. Also read: New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Last week, the kingdom unveiled stimulus measures amounting to 120 billion riyals ($32 billion) to support businesses and said it plans to raise borrowing to 50 percent of GDP. Similar restrictions and stimulus measures have been reported by other countries in the Gulf, where more than 2,100 coronavirus infections have been reported so far. Bahrain recorded its third death from the virus on Tuesday, while Oman said it would from March 29 suspend all passenger flights -- except to and from Musandam bordering the United Arab Emirates. Also read: Iceland confirms first death from coronavirus Meanwhile, Kuwait's cabinet on Tuesday said anyone caught intentionally spreading the virus could face up to 10 years in jail, according to state media. Kuwait -- which has recorded 191 cases so far -- has taken the strictest measures in the Gulf by largely locking down the country to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Saudi reports first coronavirus death as infections spike

China's imported virus cases spike as fears grow of second wave

<img alt="yyy" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d970ed7a-d7b1-4872-89b8-caccf019a3c4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/iiii.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-imported-virus-cases-spike-as-fears-grow-of-second-wave-288149">Read more here</a>

Nobel-winning peace negotiator Ahtisaari has coronavirus

<img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44639df4-0f76-48c8-9aa3-3ef486825a20" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ehehehehe_0.png" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobel-winning-peace-negotiator-ahtisaari-has-coronavirus-288212">Read more here</a>

US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54145a94-ba5f-443b-88eb-0169e73c6a10" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/trump%20us.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-newspapers-call-on-china-to-reverse-expulsion-of-journalists-288224">Read more here</a>

Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0cc9aef7-c299-459c-be56-4d5f86a0bcb0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/16443-taiwanpres-20161231122313.jpeg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-who-ignored-its-coronavirus-questions-at-start-of-outbreak-288233">Read more here</a>

Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2cef644f-7588-4e3d-981e-4b6096316f4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134162-untitled-design-2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258">Read more here</a>

Emergency G20 summit on Covid-19 on Thursday via video conference

<img alt="yo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d809159-2038-49b4-b879-c5fe058ec73f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/yo.jpeg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/emergency-g20-summit-on-covid-19-on-thursday-via-video-conference-288227">Read more here</a>

Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive

<img alt="hehe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="34f2dd63-413a-4b6a-aa34-6cecb418daed" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134160-hanta.jpeg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-dies-from-hantavirus-on-bus-in-china-other-passengers-tested-positive-288252">Read more here</a>

New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase

<img alt="hehehe" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="57533de8-cd9e-4760-9a5e-d4dc6c74e43f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134168-untitled-design-5.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-state-accounts-for-over-5-of-global-coronavirus-cases-numbers-expected-to-increase-288271">Read more here</a>

Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bd1ade2f-1e28-45da-9ad0-cff2ef800021" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134178-untitled-design-2.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-coronavirus-cases-seen-10-times-higher-than-official-tally-288283">Read more here</a>

'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy as COVID-19 cases rise

<img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89c48eea-a2aa-4e67-a8db-d59ce54e46eb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/134183-untitled-design-3.jpg" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cure-cant-be-worse-than-problem-announces-trump-as-he-vows-to-reopen-us-economy-amid-covid-19-crisis-288294">Read more here</a>

China's imported virus cases spike as fears grow of second wave Read more here Nobel-winning peace negotiator Ahtisaari has coronavirus Read more here US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists Read more here Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak Read more here Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?

China's imported virus cases spike as fears grow of second wave Read more here Nobel-winning peace negotiator Ahtisaari has coronavirus Read more here US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists Read more here Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak Read more here Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Read more here Emergency G20 summit on Covid-19 on Thursday via video conference Read more here Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive Read more here New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase Read more here Italian coronavirus cases seen '10 times higher' than official tally Read more here 'Cure can't be worse than problem', announces Trump as he vows to reopen US economy as COVID-19 cases rise Read more here

Top 10 world news: US next COVID-19 epicentre, China fears second wave, and more!

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far.

The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800&nbsp; in the state.

The World Health Organisation had recently warned that the US could become the next epicentre of the virus.

Within the US, New York continues to be the epicentre.&nbsp;Over 46,000 have been infected in the United States alone.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/could-united-states-become-the-next-epicentre-of-covid-19-288258" hreflang="en">Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?</a>

Recently, the cases have increased tremendously owing to the improved testing mechanisms in the face of a rapid contraction rate.

By Monday, New York City had recorded over 12,300 cases. To begin proper containment measures, around 16,000 tests are being undertaken everyday.

New York City accounts for 25 per cent of all testing happening in the United States, as iterated by the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-self-medicates-with-chloroquine-against-coronavirus-in-us-man-dies-288245" hreflang="en">Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies</a>

While sharing these numbers with the public and media, Cuomo called for the need to increase hospital capacity in the state, especially in New York City.

“We have a lot of work to do to get that rate down and get the hospital capacity up”, he said during a briefing.

<h6><img alt="ooo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c29b3c5b-2b8d-4a01-ad3a-b3b986942197" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_46.jpg" /> 
An empty New York Subway car is seen on March 23, 2020 in New York City | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

So far, over 157 people have died in New York owing to the virus. Additionally, 2,653 have been hospitalised in the state. This represents 13 per cent of the total cases recorded in New York state.

Cuomo claimed that a quarter of these patients are under intensive care.

White House has been stepping up efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading nationally. Yesterday, over 400 ventilators were sent to New York by the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-dies-from-hantavirus-on-bus-in-china-other-passengers-tested-positive-288252" hreflang="en">Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive</a>

The Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio thanked the White House, but added that the city requires over thousands of ventilators, with 400 being a start.

New York currently has 53,000 hospital beds. However, to tackle and treat the coronavirus pandemic, the state requires over 113,000 beds.

The city has been struggling to increase its hospital capacity in the face of ever-growing cases. However, the mayor recently announced that Javits Centre and Coler Speciality Hospital will add beds very soon.

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far. The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800 in the state.

The US state of New York currently has over 20,000 positive cases of coronavirus. Statistically, this amounts for five per cent of all global cases so far. The number of cases saw a sharp spike from 5,700 to over 20,800 in the state. The World Health Organisation had recently warned that the US could become the next epicentre of the virus. Within the US, New York continues to be the epicentre. Over 46,000 have been infected in the United States alone. Also read: Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19? Recently, the cases have increased tremendously owing to the improved testing mechanisms in the face of a rapid contraction rate. By Monday, New York City had recorded over 12,300 cases. To begin proper containment measures, around 16,000 tests are being undertaken everyday. New York City accounts for 25 per cent of all testing happening in the United States, as iterated by the Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. Also read: Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies While sharing these numbers with the public and media, Cuomo called for the need to increase hospital capacity in the state, especially in New York City. “We have a lot of work to do to get that rate down and get the hospital capacity up”, he said during a briefing. An empty New York Subway car is seen on March 23, 2020 in New York City | AFP So far, over 157 people have died in New York owing to the virus. Additionally, 2,653 have been hospitalised in the state. This represents 13 per cent of the total cases recorded in New York state. Cuomo claimed that a quarter of these patients are under intensive care. White House has been stepping up efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading nationally. Yesterday, over 400 ventilators were sent to New York by the Trump administration. Also read: Man dies from hantavirus on bus in China, other passengers tested positive The Mayor of New York City Bill de Blasio thanked the White House, but added that the city requires over thousands of ventilators, with 400 being a start. New York currently has 53,000 hospital beds. However, to tackle and treat the coronavirus pandemic, the state requires over 113,000 beds. The city has been struggling to increase its hospital capacity in the face of ever-growing cases. However, the mayor recently announced that Javits Centre and Coler Speciality Hospital will add beds very soon.

New York state accounts for over 5% of global coronavirus cases, numbers expected to increase

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said India could show the world the way to deal with pandemics as it came over small-pox and polio in the 1990s.

"There is a need in the number of labs where a surge is seen. India is a very populous country and the future of this virus will be considered in a very highly and densely populated country. India led the world in eradicating two pandemics, small-pox and polio so India has a tremendous capacity," the executive director of WHO, Michael J Ryan, on Tuesday said, during a daily press brief on COVID-19 pandemic.

"There are no easy answers. It is exceptionally important that countries like India show the way to the world as they have done before," he added.

According to WHO, the number of cases worldwide has surpassed 3,30,000, while the number of deaths has exceeded 14,000.

In India, the coronavirus tally has crossed the 500-mark — with the first case coming to the fore from the North East on Tuesday.

Over 30 fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported from across the country on Tuesday, taking the number to&nbsp;536.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said India could show the world the way to deal with pandemics as it came over small-pox and polio in the 1990s. "There is a need in the number of labs where a surge is seen.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said India could show the world the way to deal with pandemics as it came over small-pox and polio in the 1990s. "There is a need in the number of labs where a surge is seen. India is a very populous country and the future of this virus will be considered in a very highly and densely populated country. India led the world in eradicating two pandemics, small-pox and polio so India has a tremendous capacity," the executive director of WHO, Michael J Ryan, on Tuesday said, during a daily press brief on COVID-19 pandemic. "There are no easy answers. It is exceptionally important that countries like India show the way to the world as they have done before," he added. According to WHO, the number of cases worldwide has surpassed 3,30,000, while the number of deaths has exceeded 14,000. In India, the coronavirus tally has crossed the 500-mark — with the first case coming to the fore from the North East on Tuesday. Over 30 fresh cases of Covid-19 were reported from across the country on Tuesday, taking the number to 536.

WHO praises India, says it led world in eradicating two pandemics and can again show the way

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic.

“A very large acceleration” in the number of coronavirus cases has been recorded recently.

Out of the new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, 85 per cent came from Europe and the United States. Out of these, 40 per cent cases alone came from the US.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-staring-at-another-epidemic-man-dies-from-hantavirus-in-china-288252" hreflang="en">World staring at another epidemic? Man dies from hantavirus in China</a>

Margaret Harris, a doctor working with the WHO said that the US has “the potential” to become the next epicentre if the cases continue to rise at the same rate.

“... They [the US] have a very large outbreak and an outbreak that is increasing in intensity,” she told reporters during a briefing.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

The United States currently accounts for more than 46,000 infections, with over 530 deaths, and is expected to overtake Italy, the current epicentre soon in terms of recorded positive cases.

In fact, many researchers believe that the United States could overtake even China’s numbers. Over 82,000 infections were recorded in China.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-chief-calls-for-global-ceasefire-amid-coronavirus-outbreak-focus-on-true-fight-of-lives-288168/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States President Donald Trump recently admitted that they were facing difficulties in the procurement of healthcare supplies in the midst of the pandemic.

“The world market is crazy”, iterated the president while adding that the process of procuring face masks and ventilators has not been easy.

He additionally reaffirmed his commitment to reopening business in the coming weeks. According to him, prolonged closures of services and borders could kill more people than the pandemic itself.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/couple-self-medicates-with-chloroquine-against-coronavirus-in-us-man-dies-288245" hreflang="en">Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies</a>

“We can’t have the cure be worse than the problem,” Mr Trump told reporters at a briefing Monday.

&nbsp;“We have to open our country because that causes problems that, in my opinion, could be far bigger problems”, he added.

The United States healthcare system is not equipped to deal with a spike in the number of cases. Experts have continuously asserted the need for social distance and self-isolation, with no vaccine or cure in sight.

“Life is fragile, and economies are fragile,” Mr Trump said, while claiming that he will protect both.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-who-ignored-its-coronavirus-questions-at-start-of-outbreak-288233" hreflang="en">Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak</a>

If economic closures extended for over a month, there would be “probably more death from that than anything that we’re talking about with respect to the virus”, the president said.

He also said that the warnings of limiting social contact shall be withdrawn in weeks, not months. “I’m not looking at months, I can tell you right now.”

Additionally, he requested the states with less cases to resume work while the hard-hit states should focus on enforcing precautionary measures.

(With inputs from agencies)

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic.

With the number of coronavirus cases rising rapidly, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the United States could become the next epicentre of the pandemic. “A very large acceleration” in the number of coronavirus cases has been recorded recently. Out of the new cases recorded in the last 24 hours, 85 per cent came from Europe and the United States. Out of these, 40 per cent cases alone came from the US. Also read: World staring at another epidemic? Man dies from hantavirus in China Margaret Harris, a doctor working with the WHO said that the US has “the potential” to become the next epicentre if the cases continue to rise at the same rate. “... They [the US] have a very large outbreak and an outbreak that is increasing in intensity,” she told reporters during a briefing. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. The United States currently accounts for more than 46,000 infections, with over 530 deaths, and is expected to overtake Italy, the current epicentre soon in terms of recorded positive cases. In fact, many researchers believe that the United States could overtake even China’s numbers. Over 82,000 infections were recorded in China. The United States President Donald Trump recently admitted that they were facing difficulties in the procurement of healthcare supplies in the midst of the pandemic. “The world market is crazy”, iterated the president while adding that the process of procuring face masks and ventilators has not been easy. He additionally reaffirmed his commitment to reopening business in the coming weeks. According to him, prolonged closures of services and borders could kill more people than the pandemic itself. Also read: Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies “We can’t have the cure be worse than the problem,” Mr Trump told reporters at a briefing Monday. “We have to open our country because that causes problems that, in my opinion, could be far bigger problems”, he added. The United States healthcare system is not equipped to deal with a spike in the number of cases. Experts have continuously asserted the need for social distance and self-isolation, with no vaccine or cure in sight. “Life is fragile, and economies are fragile,” Mr Trump said, while claiming that he will protect both. Also read: Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak If economic closures extended for over a month, there would be “probably more death from that than anything that we’re talking about with respect to the virus”, the president said. He also said that the warnings of limiting social contact shall be withdrawn in weeks, not months. “I’m not looking at months, I can tell you right now.” Additionally, he requested the states with less cases to resume work while the hard-hit states should focus on enforcing precautionary measures. (With inputs from agencies)

Could United States become the next epicentre of COVID-19?

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported.

The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition.

Recently, United States President Donald Trump referred to chloroquine phosphate as a potential treatment for the virus. However, the potion is also used to clean fish tanks at aquariums.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved chloroquine to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. It’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 still remains unclear.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-says-who-ignored-its-coronavirus-questions-at-start-of-outbreak-288233" hreflang="en">Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak</a>

Many experts around the world have warned against self-medication. There are rumours floating on the internet: ranging from consumption of alcohol to a combination of anti-viral and an antibiotic. The former has led to at least 194 deaths in Iran due to poisoning.

CNN spoke to Daniel Brooks, the Medical Director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Centre. Brooks asserted that “self-medicating is not the way to [treat the virus]”.

The couple, who were in their 60s, didn’t say how they acquired the combination and where they were treated

They were admitted at a hospital called “Banner Health”. As per the hospital’s statement, the couple started feeling the ill-effects thirty minutes after ingesting the concoction.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="007a0d9a-1a9c-4aa5-9838-6138a5754e7f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_111.jpg" /> 
A picture shows a near empty A21 main dual carriageway near Sevenoaks, Kent, south of London on March 24, 2020 after Britain ordered a lockdown to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

The US president has referred to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential game changers in the battle against coronavirus.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE &amp; AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents).....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241367239900778501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE &amp; AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine," he <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1241367239900778501?s=20">tweeted</a> Saturday.

However, a lot of research is needed to verify these claims. Even though many researchers claim that the combination could help in treating the virus, there is no proof yet.

After Trump’s claims, three people in Nigeria have so far overdosed on the medicine.&nbsp;

Health care providers have been urged to not prescribe the medicine to patients who have not been hospitalised.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-newspapers-call-on-china-to-reverse-expulsion-of-journalists-288224" hreflang="en">US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists</a>

"The last thing that we want right now is to inundate our emergency departments with patients who believe they found a vague and risky solution that could potentially jeopardise their health," Brooks told CNN.

As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000.

(With inputs from agencies)

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported. The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition.

A couple from Phoenix, Arizona recently took chloroquine phosphate in a bid to self-medicate against the novel coronavirus COVID-19, CNN reported. The man has reportedly died while the woman remains in critical condition. Recently, United States President Donald Trump referred to chloroquine phosphate as a potential treatment for the virus. However, the potion is also used to clean fish tanks at aquariums. The Food and Drug Administration has approved chloroquine to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and malaria. It’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 still remains unclear. Also read: Taiwan says WHO ignored its coronavirus questions at start of outbreak Many experts around the world have warned against self-medication. There are rumours floating on the internet: ranging from consumption of alcohol to a combination of anti-viral and an antibiotic. The former has led to at least 194 deaths in Iran due to poisoning. CNN spoke to Daniel Brooks, the Medical Director at Banner Poison and Drug Information Centre. Brooks asserted that “self-medicating is not the way to [treat the virus]”. The couple, who were in their 60s, didn’t say how they acquired the combination and where they were treated They were admitted at a hospital called “Banner Health”. As per the hospital’s statement, the couple started feeling the ill-effects thirty minutes after ingesting the concoction. A picture shows a near empty A21 main dual carriageway near Sevenoaks, Kent, south of London on March 24, 2020 after Britain ordered a lockdown to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus | AFP The US president has referred to chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as potential game changers in the battle against coronavirus. HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine. The FDA has moved mountains - Thank You! Hopefully they will BOTH (H works better with A, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents)..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 21, 2020 × "HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE & AZITHROMYCIN, taken together, have a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine," he tweeted Saturday. However, a lot of research is needed to verify these claims. Even though many researchers claim that the combination could help in treating the virus, there is no proof yet. After Trump’s claims, three people in Nigeria have so far overdosed on the medicine. Health care providers have been urged to not prescribe the medicine to patients who have not been hospitalised. Also read: US newspapers call on China to reverse expulsion of journalists "The last thing that we want right now is to inundate our emergency departments with patients who believe they found a vague and risky solution that could potentially jeopardise their health," Brooks told CNN. As of figures from today, more than 380,000 cases have been registered worldwide. Additionally, over 16,500 have died. The global tally of the recovered patients so far stands at 100,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Couple self-medicates with chloroquine against coronavirus in US, man dies

The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru. The war room was built by the BBMP in just 24 hours and will bring all relevant departments under one roof to tackle the virus problem in a more streamlined manner. &nbsp;

'This war room is a tool to track the location of the Covid-19 positive patients, monitor those home quarantined and those who have returned from various foreign countries. The war room will also monitor the primary and secondary contacts of all the positive cases' said Anil Kumar, BBMP Commissioner. &nbsp;

The war room will run 24/7 and will serve as a virtual training centre for health professionals and government officials. The technologies in the war room will enable the integration of the health department with police, hospitals, surveillance teams, Asha workers and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Interactive screens in the war room allow for mapping of each Covid-19 case, positive and suspected, using Geographical Information System. Bengaluru-based pro-digital labs that have set up the war room might also set up one nationally.

'Till today we have been tracking patients manually through excel sheets. But going forward if the data builds up we need to be equipped with the right technologies and infrastructure to tackle the situation. At the command centre, we also have GPS tracking system to track the movement of our health workers and service vehicles. We have plans of purchasing disinfection vehicles to spray disinfectants across the city. The movement of each of these vehicles will be monitored from our command centre. This allows transparency in the administration.' said Upendra Kumar, Director, Pro Digital Labs&nbsp;

The system can also draw up containment plans using Heat Mapping Technologies. The home quarantined cases are tracked using GPS and if they are found to be leaving their homes. 'All the zones are mapped. From Jt Commissioners to Asha workers, everyone will be given the information. Those who are home quarantined and attempt to violate it, we can track it when their phones leave the house. We inform the local police and the local health department. That is how we are managing it.' said Upendra Kumar.&nbsp;

Apart from using the GPS mechanism to restrict home quarantined persons, officials are also employing the physical method where neighbours and RWAs are asked to keep a watch on the person(s). The home quarantined patients are stamped and notice is served to ask them to follow the home quarantine rules prescribed by the GOI. The primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases are also being stamped to ensure they stay in-home quarantine.&nbsp;

'Once the stamping has been done, as a follow-up measure, every 2-3 days there will be a phone call which will go from the war room to ascertain whether the person has started developing symptoms like cough, cold, fever, sneezing etc. If he/she has developed symptoms we immediately take them for testing. Secondly, we check if any of their family members are showing symptoms and the same protocol is followed. We will do this 3-4 times over 14 days to keep a track if the suspected cases are turning into positive cases. This monitoring is happening from the war room.' said Anil Kumar. &nbsp;

The war room also provides facilities where doctors and healthcare professionals can be apprised of Covid-19 protocols using video conferencing. Most importantly, the war room will be handling the growingly cumbersome data of contact tracing. 'So if a person has been identified as a positive case, the person is shifted to the isolation hospital. Then a 3km radius around the patient's home will be identified as the containment zone. Another 5km radius beyond that is the buffer zone. All houses in this 8km radius will be visited by our teams from the BBMP and Health dept and awareness given to them about coronavirus and what precautionary measures they have to take. These activities are tracked and initiated from the war room' said the BBMP Commissioner.&nbsp;

A team of 40-50 professionals have been working round the clock to build the war room and develop software applications on a war footing. The war room will soon be used for self-reporting and an application is being developed for the same. 27 cases in BBMP limits, 22,600 persons with a travel history and 3000 persons in the primary and secondary contact list are currently being tracked through the war room. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru.

The IT city of Bengaluru got its first integrated war room to combat the Covid-19 outbreak. The state of Karnataka has so far detected 38 cases, most of which are in the capital city Bengaluru. The war room was built by the BBMP in just 24 hours and will bring all relevant departments under one roof to tackle the virus problem in a more streamlined manner. 'This war room is a tool to track the location of the Covid-19 positive patients, monitor those home quarantined and those who have returned from various foreign countries. The war room will also monitor the primary and secondary contacts of all the positive cases' said Anil Kumar, BBMP Commissioner. The war room will run 24/7 and will serve as a virtual training centre for health professionals and government officials. The technologies in the war room will enable the integration of the health department with police, hospitals, surveillance teams, Asha workers and Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Interactive screens in the war room allow for mapping of each Covid-19 case, positive and suspected, using Geographical Information System. Bengaluru-based pro-digital labs that have set up the war room might also set up one nationally. 'Till today we have been tracking patients manually through excel sheets. But going forward if the data builds up we need to be equipped with the right technologies and infrastructure to tackle the situation. At the command centre, we also have GPS tracking system to track the movement of our health workers and service vehicles. We have plans of purchasing disinfection vehicles to spray disinfectants across the city. The movement of each of these vehicles will be monitored from our command centre. This allows transparency in the administration.' said Upendra Kumar, Director, Pro Digital Labs The system can also draw up containment plans using Heat Mapping Technologies. The home quarantined cases are tracked using GPS and if they are found to be leaving their homes. 'All the zones are mapped. From Jt Commissioners to Asha workers, everyone will be given the information. Those who are home quarantined and attempt to violate it, we can track it when their phones leave the house. We inform the local police and the local health department. That is how we are managing it.' said Upendra Kumar. Apart from using the GPS mechanism to restrict home quarantined persons, officials are also employing the physical method where neighbours and RWAs are asked to keep a watch on the person(s). The home quarantined patients are stamped and notice is served to ask them to follow the home quarantine rules prescribed by the GOI. The primary and secondary contacts of confirmed cases are also being stamped to ensure they stay in-home quarantine. 'Once the stamping has been done, as a follow-up measure, every 2-3 days there will be a phone call which will go from the war room to ascertain whether the person has started developing symptoms like cough, cold, fever, sneezing etc. If he/she has developed symptoms we immediately take them for testing. Secondly, we check if any of their family members are showing symptoms and the same protocol is followed. We will do this 3-4 times over 14 days to keep a track if the suspected cases are turning into positive cases. This monitoring is happening from the war room.' said Anil Kumar. The war room also provides facilities where doctors and healthcare professionals can be apprised of Covid-19 protocols using video conferencing. Most importantly, the war room will be handling the growingly cumbersome data of contact tracing. 'So if a person has been identified as a positive case, the person is shifted to the isolation hospital. Then a 3km radius around the patient's home will be identified as the containment zone. Another 5km radius beyond that is the buffer zone. All houses in this 8km radius will be visited by our teams from the BBMP and Health dept and awareness given to them about coronavirus and what precautionary measures they have to take. These activities are tracked and initiated from the war room' said the BBMP Commissioner. A team of 40-50 professionals have been working round the clock to build the war room and develop software applications on a war footing. The war room will soon be used for self-reporting and an application is being developed for the same. 27 cases in BBMP limits, 22,600 persons with a travel history and 3000 persons in the primary and secondary contact list are currently being tracked through the war room.

Bengaluru's war room uses technology to contain covid-19

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison &amp; Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.&nbsp;

The meet will happen from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Arabian Standard Time (AST) and before that on Wednesday G20 Sherpas will meet.&nbsp;

The Sherpa meet that will take place from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, AST. India will be represented by its G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu.

Speaking to WION last week, Suresh Prabhu said, "Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues.&nbsp;

G20, the grouping, representing 86% of the global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role. Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world. A situation like this must have prevailed during the 2nd-second world war, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive."

Other G20 member countries have lauded India's role at the grouping regarding the need for a summit via video conference on coronavirus outbreak.

French envoy Emmanuel Lenain asked about the initiative had said, "We expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20."

PM Modi had also called for a SAARC video conference on the crisis which took place earlier this month. New Delhi announced a COVID emergency fund and said its rapid response teams are at the disposal of all SAARC countries.

All SAARC countries, barring Pakistan have announced contribution for SAARC COVID Fund. Total contribution by COVID SAARC Fund by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives &amp; Bhutan stands at $18.3 million.

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud.

G20 leaders will meet via video conference on Thursday to discuss the coronavirus crisis. The idea of the summit was discussed by Indian PM Modi with other G20 leaders like Australian PM Scott Morrison & Chair of G20 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud. The meet will happen from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Arabian Standard Time (AST) and before that on Wednesday G20 Sherpas will meet. The Sherpa meet that will take place from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, AST. India will be represented by its G20 Sherpa Suresh Prabhu. Speaking to WION last week, Suresh Prabhu said, "Our honourable Prime Minister has always taken a lead in dealing with global issues. G20, the grouping, representing 86% of the global GDP is a forum that can play a leadership role. Coronavirus has become one of the most destabilising factors, economically, socially, politically all over the world. A situation like this must have prevailed during the 2nd-second world war, businesses are shutting down, people are apprehensive." Other G20 member countries have lauded India's role at the grouping regarding the need for a summit via video conference on coronavirus outbreak. French envoy Emmanuel Lenain asked about the initiative had said, "We expect a lot from India, India is going to be the chair of G20 in 2022. In the run-up to this big year, we expect India to be very dynamic in raising the issue within G20." PM Modi had also called for a SAARC video conference on the crisis which took place earlier this month. New Delhi announced a COVID emergency fund and said its rapid response teams are at the disposal of all SAARC countries. All SAARC countries, barring Pakistan have announced contribution for SAARC COVID Fund. Total contribution by COVID SAARC Fund by India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Maldives & Bhutan stands at $18.3 million.

Emergency G20 summit on Covid-19 on Thursday via video conference

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him.

The National Conference leader, who turned 50 on March 10, has been under detention since August 5, when the Centre announced the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and its bifurcation into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The order revoking the PSA against him was issued by Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra. Abdullah was booked under the stringent act on February 5, hours before his six-month custody under preventive detention was to end.

The government has revoked his detention with immediate effect, the order stated.

Abdullah’s mother was the first to arrive at the makeshift detention centre after news came in that her son was about to be released. He was kept at the state guesthouse Hari Nivas, just a few hundred metres from his official residence.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had lunch with my mum &amp; dad for the first time in almost 8 months. I can’t remember a better meal even though I’ve been in a bit of a daze &amp; don’t remember what I ate ☺️ <a href="https://t.co/W4duuhCVjI">pic.twitter.com/W4duuhCVjI</a>
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) <a href="https://twitter.com/OmarAbdullah/status/1242372950692528129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

His father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, was also charged under the PSA and released on March 13 after 221 days in detention. PDP leader and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to be under detention.

On February 5, Omar Abdullah, who was junior foreign minister and commerce minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, was served with a three-page dossier that was challenged in the Supreme Court by his sister Sara Abdullah Pilot.

The Supreme Court last week asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to inform by this week if it was releasing him.

A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah told the counsel appearing for the Centre that Abdullah’s sister’s plea against his detention would be heard on merit if he was not released soon.

The petition, which may now become infructuous, could have come up for hearing on Wednesday or later this week.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s eight-month detention ended on Tuesday after the administration revoked the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) against him. The National Conference leader, who turned 50 on March 10, has been under detention since August 5, when the Centre announced the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and its bifurcation into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The order revoking the PSA against him was issued by Home Secretary Shaleen Kabra. Abdullah was booked under the stringent act on February 5, hours before his six-month custody under preventive detention was to end. The government has revoked his detention with immediate effect, the order stated. Abdullah’s mother was the first to arrive at the makeshift detention centre after news came in that her son was about to be released. He was kept at the state guesthouse Hari Nivas, just a few hundred metres from his official residence. Had lunch with my mum & dad for the first time in almost 8 months. I can’t remember a better meal even though I’ve been in a bit of a daze & don’t remember what I ate ☺️ pic.twitter.com/W4duuhCVjI — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 24, 2020 × His father, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, was also charged under the PSA and released on March 13 after 221 days in detention. PDP leader and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti continues to be under detention. On February 5, Omar Abdullah, who was junior foreign minister and commerce minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 2000, was served with a three-page dossier that was challenged in the Supreme Court by his sister Sara Abdullah Pilot. The Supreme Court last week asked the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to inform by this week if it was releasing him. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and M R Shah told the counsel appearing for the Centre that Abdullah’s sister’s plea against his detention would be heard on merit if he was not released soon. The petition, which may now become infructuous, could have come up for hearing on Wednesday or later this week.

Omar Abdullah released after 8 months in detention, PSA charges revoked

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order.

Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country. As Maharashtra remains the worst-affected in India, section 144 has been imposed in the state from Monday.

The number of positive cases in India jumps to 509 and the death toll stands at 10, the lockdown comes into effect in 32 states and Union Territories in the country.&nbsp;

Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown.

The Centre has also decided to restrict all 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.

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order. Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country.

The government of India on Tuesday has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order. Multiple new positive cases have been reported from various parts of the country. As Maharashtra remains the worst-affected in India, section 144 has been imposed in the state from Monday. The number of positive cases in India jumps to 509 and the death toll stands at 10, the lockdown comes into effect in 32 states and Union Territories in the country. Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally. Meanwhile, as many as 30 states/UTs have been placed under complete lockdown. The Centre has also decided to restrict all 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.

Impose curfew wherever necessary: Centre tells states

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived.

According to the National Health Authority (NHA) all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will be included in the scheme.

According to health ministry data, there are 492 confirmed cases in the country at present; this number has been rising continuously.

Currently, the Ayushman-PMJAY scheme, which does not deal with preventive healthcare cover, offers hospitalisation packages for intensive care units, high-dependency units and normal wards.&nbsp;

There’s no provision for isolation wards under the universal health assurance scheme, which caters to underprivileged citizens with an annual cover of Rs 5 lakh per family.&nbsp;

Since isolation wards, a necessity for patients infected with the virus will be like private wards, the cost, to be borne by PMJAY, will be significantly higher.

Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp;

The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally.&nbsp;

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived.

The government of India has decided to cover Covid-19 treatment of in private hospitals under Ayushman Bharat — the central government’s health insurance scheme for the deprived. According to the National Health Authority (NHA) all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries will be included in the scheme. According to health ministry data, there are 492 confirmed cases in the country at present; this number has been rising continuously. Currently, the Ayushman-PMJAY scheme, which does not deal with preventive healthcare cover, offers hospitalisation packages for intensive care units, high-dependency units and normal wards. There’s no provision for isolation wards under the universal health assurance scheme, which caters to underprivileged citizens with an annual cover of Rs 5 lakh per family. Since isolation wards, a necessity for patients infected with the virus will be like private wards, the cost, to be borne by PMJAY, will be significantly higher. Over 1.5 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. The deadly coronavirus has claimed 16,524 lives and infected 379,080 people globally.

Ayushman Bharat to cover coronavirus treatment as number of cases rise in India

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">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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.”

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&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

pandemic

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