Victory for the people: Sri Lanka’s protests marks 100 days, waiting for the new leader

The Uvalde shooting, in which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers, drew criticism from Texas state senators on Sunday for law enforcement’s tardy response. They said quick actions could have saved the lives. Members of the southern US state’s House of Representatives claimed in a preliminary assessment that nearly 400 policemen, bodyguards, state police and other state sheriffs reacted to the massacre on May 24. But, the MP’s said, the police’s ‘lackadaisical’ attitude to taking the shooter down was to be blamed for the chaos in the scenario, AFP reported.&nbsp;

As per&nbsp;the report, it stated the delay of 73 minutes between the arrival of the police officers and the shooter’s death is deemed to be ‘an unacceptable length of time.’ The report further claimed that “The void of leadership could have contributed to the loss of life.” However, the report also acknowledges the fact that most of the victims died right after their initial shot was fired, some of them also passed away while being taken to hospital, who could have survived it there wouldn’t have been a 73 minutes delay for help.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-school-shootout-police-chief-sent-on-leave-over-delayed-response-491003">Texas school shootout: Police chief sent on leave over delayed response</a>

The report claimed without naming any specifics, that the law enforcement officers, “failed to adhere to their active shooter training, and they failed to prioritize saving the lives of innocent victims over their own safety," AFP reprorted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-shooting-uvalde-school-district-puts-police-chief-on-administrative-leave-490779">Texas shooting: Uvalde school district puts police chief on 'administrative leave'</a>

Pete Arrendondo, the head of the police for the Uvalde school district has been receiving the most criticism. The Texas lawmakers had been suspended until the outcome of the investigation and made analytical errors due to a lack of proper information. However, there’s currently no one to replace him, the report said.&nbsp;

The scene was chaotic due to no one clearly being in charge of managing the response of the chaos. The victims’ family members have been criticising the authorities for the lack of transparency regarding the incident and accused them of covering up the mistakes. The criticism surged after the release of the camera video which showed the shooter arriving at the school with a rifle and the officer’s long time waiting in the hallway before reaching the classroom where the shooter was holed up.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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The Uvalde shooting, in which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers, drew criticism from Texas state senators on Sunday for law enforcement’s tardy response.

The Uvalde shooting, in which a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers, drew criticism from Texas state senators on Sunday for law enforcement’s tardy response. They said quick actions could have saved the lives. Members of the southern US state’s House of Representatives claimed in a preliminary assessment that nearly 400 policemen, bodyguards, state police and other state sheriffs reacted to the massacre on May 24. But, the MP’s said, the police’s ‘lackadaisical’ attitude to taking the shooter down was to be blamed for the chaos in the scenario, AFP reported. As per the report, it stated the delay of 73 minutes between the arrival of the police officers and the shooter’s death is deemed to be ‘an unacceptable length of time.’ The report further claimed that “The void of leadership could have contributed to the loss of life.” However, the report also acknowledges the fact that most of the victims died right after their initial shot was fired, some of them also passed away while being taken to hospital, who could have survived it there wouldn’t have been a 73 minutes delay for help. Also read | Texas school shootout: Police chief sent on leave over delayed response The report claimed without naming any specifics, that the law enforcement officers, “failed to adhere to their active shooter training, and they failed to prioritize saving the lives of innocent victims over their own safety," AFP reprorted. Also read | Texas shooting: Uvalde school district puts police chief on 'administrative leave' Pete Arrendondo, the head of the police for the Uvalde school district has been receiving the most criticism. The Texas lawmakers had been suspended until the outcome of the investigation and made analytical errors due to a lack of proper information. However, there’s currently no one to replace him, the report said. The scene was chaotic due to no one clearly being in charge of managing the response of the chaos. The victims’ family members have been criticising the authorities for the lack of transparency regarding the incident and accused them of covering up the mistakes. The criticism surged after the release of the camera video which showed the shooter arriving at the school with a rifle and the officer’s long time waiting in the hallway before reaching the classroom where the shooter was holed up. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

400 officers on site, no action: Searing report blames police at Texas school massacre

Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. As per a recent ‘horrifying’ officials study released on Monday, weather disasters brought by climate change have cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since the year 2018. The report commissioned by the economy and environment ministries, droughts, floods, and high heatwaves are&nbsp;to be blamed for a rough expenditure of 145 billion euros ($147 billion) in damages that occurred between 2000 and 2021 in Germany mostly occurred in recent years. In Europe’s largest economy, losses in revenue from industries like forestry and farming and damages to infrastructures totaled more than 80 billion euros since 2018, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Steffi Lemke, minister of environment said these horrifying facts showed ‘enormous damage and expenses’ of the climate crisis. Similarly, Robert Habeck, Economy Minister said that in order to keep the impact of the climate crisis at a reasonable level, the country needs to coexist with rapid global action.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/double-the-climate-financing-pacific-forum-members-call-for-action-from-biggest-emitters-of-carbon-498254">'Double the climate financing', Pacific Forum members call for action from biggest emitters of carbon</a>

The extremely hot and dry summer of 2018 and 2019, and the disastrous floods in the Rhineland a year ago were noted to be the prime destructive point, the study found which indicated accelerating consequences over time.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker | Carbon storage: Solution to climate crisis?

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According to estimates, the 2018-2019 droughts cost 34.9 billion euros, the floods 40.5 billion euros, and severe damages by storms caused 5.2 billion euros.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-us-inflicted-damage-worth-almost-2-trillion-on-other-countries-496743">Greenhouse gas emissions from US inflicted damage worth almost $2 trillion on other countries</a>

However, the authors of the study claim that because important aspects including the consequences for biodiversity and health effects were left out, the estimations made are certainly low.&nbsp;

The research was released as sections of Germany are predicted to experience heatwave gripping areas of Southwest Europe. With blaming climate change as the reason, extreme weather events will happen more frequently and intensely as to scientists.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. As per a recent ‘horrifying’ officials study released on Monday, weather disasters brought by climate change have cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since the year 2018.

Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. As per a recent ‘horrifying’ officials study released on Monday, weather disasters brought by climate change have cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since the year 2018. The report commissioned by the economy and environment ministries, droughts, floods, and high heatwaves are to be blamed for a rough expenditure of 145 billion euros ($147 billion) in damages that occurred between 2000 and 2021 in Germany mostly occurred in recent years. In Europe’s largest economy, losses in revenue from industries like forestry and farming and damages to infrastructures totaled more than 80 billion euros since 2018, AFP reported. Steffi Lemke, minister of environment said these horrifying facts showed ‘enormous damage and expenses’ of the climate crisis. Similarly, Robert Habeck, Economy Minister said that in order to keep the impact of the climate crisis at a reasonable level, the country needs to coexist with rapid global action. Also read | 'Double the climate financing', Pacific Forum members call for action from biggest emitters of carbon The extremely hot and dry summer of 2018 and 2019, and the disastrous floods in the Rhineland a year ago were noted to be the prime destructive point, the study found which indicated accelerating consequences over time. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Carbon storage: Solution to climate crisis? According to estimates, the 2018-2019 droughts cost 34.9 billion euros, the floods 40.5 billion euros, and severe damages by storms caused 5.2 billion euros. Also read | Greenhouse gas emissions from US inflicted damage worth almost $2 trillion on other countries However, the authors of the study claim that because important aspects including the consequences for biodiversity and health effects were left out, the estimations made are certainly low. The research was released as sections of Germany are predicted to experience heatwave gripping areas of Southwest Europe. With blaming climate change as the reason, extreme weather events will happen more frequently and intensely as to scientists. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Climate crisis cost Germany at least 80 billion euros since 2018: Report

Britain suffers extreme heat, people rush to beaches- see pics

Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet. After reporting more than 1,500 cases in the previous three weeks despite numerous rounds of mandatory mass testing in the city’s population, authorities planned a week of “static control” at the beginning of June. The limitations were supposed to be lifted on Monday, but the number of cases has risen, the Macau govt said that there had been 1,733 cases reported since the outbreak began, AFP reported.&nbsp;

The Macau administration declared a ‘static management’ on Saturday (July 16) and will continue till Friday (July 22).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-macau-announces-shutdown-of-casinos-and-businesses-for-one-week-496110">COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week</a>

All residents are required to remain at home, with the exception of going shopping for daily essentials and getting themselves tested for the virus. Violators might face up in prison for two years.

After city officials stated that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown, this might create financial hardships for the residents.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China gaming shares plunge as Macau shuts all its Casinos to curb Covid spread

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Greater than Las Vegas’ casino industry, Macau’s casino sector contributes to nearly one-fifth of the city’s employment and accounts for more than half of the GDP.

Despite the relatively low number of cases reported each day by international standards, authorities have responded fast to stop transmission in accordance with mainland China’s rigorous zero-Covid policy.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-uses-two-more-casino-hotels-for-covid-19-medical-facilities-495580">Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities</a>

Macau the city in China where gambling is legal has been some of the world’s strongest anti-measures such as strict border controls, lengthy quarantines, and targeted lockdowns.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet.

Another working week of partial lockdown is about to start in Macau after the city decided to extend the shutdown of its casinos and other non-essential companies in an effort to contain its biggest outbreak yet. After reporting more than 1,500 cases in the previous three weeks despite numerous rounds of mandatory mass testing in the city’s population, authorities planned a week of “static control” at the beginning of June. The limitations were supposed to be lifted on Monday, but the number of cases has risen, the Macau govt said that there had been 1,733 cases reported since the outbreak began, AFP reported. The Macau administration declared a ‘static management’ on Saturday (July 16) and will continue till Friday (July 22). Also read | COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week All residents are required to remain at home, with the exception of going shopping for daily essentials and getting themselves tested for the virus. Violators might face up in prison for two years. After city officials stated that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown, this might create financial hardships for the residents. Watch | China gaming shares plunge as Macau shuts all its Casinos to curb Covid spread Greater than Las Vegas’ casino industry, Macau’s casino sector contributes to nearly one-fifth of the city’s employment and accounts for more than half of the GDP. Despite the relatively low number of cases reported each day by international standards, authorities have responded fast to stop transmission in accordance with mainland China’s rigorous zero-Covid policy. Also read | Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities Macau the city in China where gambling is legal has been some of the world’s strongest anti-measures such as strict border controls, lengthy quarantines, and targeted lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Macau to extend its partial lockdown for one week

After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry. In the span of 24 hours, a total of 20,139 additional cases were recorded, bringing the overall number of cases to 4,36,89,989. The death toll reached 5,25,557 after 38 fatalities were reported. As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 4.37 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 5.10 per cent. The number of people recovering from illness reached 4,30,28,356 and the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent, reported by PTI.

The surge in cases comes after the government encourages people to get a third dose or booster shots with free doses starting this Friday (July 15).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worrying-trend-new-covid-variant-ba275-shows-exponential-increase-in-cases-globally-496623">Worrying trend: New Covid variant BA.2.75 shows ‘exponential’ increase in cases globally</a>

However, of the 38 fatalities reported, 16 were from Kerala, 10 were from Maharashtra, four were in West Bengal, three were in Delhi and one each from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Bihar.

As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the government declared that vaccine booster shots would be provided free to all adults at government-run facilities beginning from July 15 for next the 75 days.

&nbsp;Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-still-not-over-who-warns-as-new-cases-emerge-496937">‘Covid pandemic still not over’, WHO warns as new cases emerge</a>

The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Twitter appreciated the decision made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the vaccination programme. Mandaviya on his Twitter tweeted for the same.&nbsp;

Narendra Modi on Twitter said that the virus can effectively be combated with vaccination and the cabinet’s motive of increasing vaccination coverage in the country.

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Vaccination is an effective means to fight COVID-19. Today’s Cabinet decision will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation. <a href="https://t.co/LolQyWjK90">https://t.co/LolQyWjK90</a>
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(With inputs from agencies)

After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry.

After a gap of 145 days, India recorded a spike in daily COVID-19 instances of over 20,000 and the number of active cases rose to 1,36,076, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry. In the span of 24 hours, a total of 20,139 additional cases were recorded, bringing the overall number of cases to 4,36,89,989. The death toll reached 5,25,557 after 38 fatalities were reported. As per the ministry, the weekly positivity rate was 4.37 per cent and the daily positivity rate was 5.10 per cent. The number of people recovering from illness reached 4,30,28,356 and the case fatality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent, reported by PTI. The surge in cases comes after the government encourages people to get a third dose or booster shots with free doses starting this Friday (July 15). Also read | Worrying trend: New Covid variant BA.2.75 shows ‘exponential’ increase in cases globally However, of the 38 fatalities reported, 16 were from Kerala, 10 were from Maharashtra, four were in West Bengal, three were in Delhi and one each from Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Bihar. As a part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, the government declared that vaccine booster shots would be provided free to all adults at government-run facilities beginning from July 15 for next the 75 days. Also read | ‘Covid pandemic still not over’, WHO warns as new cases emerge The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Twitter appreciated the decision made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the vaccination programme. Mandaviya on his Twitter tweeted for the same. Narendra Modi on Twitter said that the virus can effectively be combated with vaccination and the cabinet’s motive of increasing vaccination coverage in the country. Vaccination is an effective means to fight COVID-19. Today’s Cabinet decision will further India’s vaccination coverage and create a healthier nation. https://t.co/LolQyWjK90 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2022 × WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: India reports over 20,000 cases for first time in 145 days, free booster shots on cards

Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region. According to sources in Bamyan, there are so many displaced people living on the outskirts of the Yakawlang who are in severe need of aid. As per reports of Khaama Press, recent humanitarian aid supplies delivered to Balkhab by the World Food Programme (WFP) were also displaced. Additionally, the locals of the areas have either fled or were forced to depart, leaving the Taliban in place, ANI reported.

According to UNHCR, it is crucial and urgent to provide shelter and food for displaced people who reside at a height of 2,700 meters in the chilly regions of Bamyan province.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-founder-mullah-omars-vehicle-that-he-used-to-flee-during-us-invasion-dug-up-from-ground-494717">Taliban founder Mullah Omar's vehicle that he used to flee during US invasion dug up from ground</a>

The local media said that nearly 27,000 people had been forced to flee from their homes in a matter of two weeks due to fighting in the Balkhab district of the Sar-e Pul province in the country’s north.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: UAE to run Kabul Airport | Taliban looks to make allies in Gulf

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The Khaama press reported that according to the United Nations Organisations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (UNOCHA), more than 6,000 people from the Balkhab region have been displaced and are now being relocated to Bamyan, where the situation is similarly dire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-activists-denounce-illegitimate-taliban-rule-494159">Afghan women activists denounce 'illegitimate' Taliban rule</a>

The local media also said that Afghan women in the Balkhab region are being harassed by Taliban fighters in the region. &nbsp;

Ever since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the situation of the country and its people continue too worse. The Taliban deliberately adopted actions and policies with the intent of utterly eliminating women and girls from all aspects of public life, reflecting the position of females in the South Asian country. All of this happened in just ten months after taking control of the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region.

Taliban’s atrocities in Afghanistan continue to worsen as the group continues to deny that there are displaced people and had blocked the entry of humanitarian aid into the Bamyan region. According to sources in Bamyan, there are so many displaced people living on the outskirts of the Yakawlang who are in severe need of aid. As per reports of Khaama Press, recent humanitarian aid supplies delivered to Balkhab by the World Food Programme (WFP) were also displaced. Additionally, the locals of the areas have either fled or were forced to depart, leaving the Taliban in place, ANI reported. According to UNHCR, it is crucial and urgent to provide shelter and food for displaced people who reside at a height of 2,700 meters in the chilly regions of Bamyan province. Also read | Taliban founder Mullah Omar's vehicle that he used to flee during US invasion dug up from ground The local media said that nearly 27,000 people had been forced to flee from their homes in a matter of two weeks due to fighting in the Balkhab district of the Sar-e Pul province in the country’s north. Watch | Report: UAE to run Kabul Airport | Taliban looks to make allies in Gulf The Khaama press reported that according to the United Nations Organisations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (UNOCHA), more than 6,000 people from the Balkhab region have been displaced and are now being relocated to Bamyan, where the situation is similarly dire. Also read | Afghan women activists denounce 'illegitimate' Taliban rule The local media also said that Afghan women in the Balkhab region are being harassed by Taliban fighters in the region. Ever since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, the situation of the country and its people continue too worse. The Taliban deliberately adopted actions and policies with the intent of utterly eliminating women and girls from all aspects of public life, reflecting the position of females in the South Asian country. All of this happened in just ten months after taking control of the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taliban forbid entry of humanitarian aid into Afghanistan's Bamyan province

In pics: Damaged Russian military equipment on display in Prague

India reported 16,678 new infection cases, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday (July 10), taking the number of active cases in the country to 1,30,713 and total number of Covid cases to 4,36,39,329. As per the figures updated at 8 am, the toll increased to 5,25,454 with 26 new fatalities. As per the ministry, the recovery rate was recorded at 98.50 per cent while active cases make up 0.30 per cent of all the infections. In the last 24 hours, there has been an increase of 2,023 cases in the active caseload, reported by PTI.

The death toll reached 5,25,454 with the fatalities reported. Among the 26 fatalities recorded on Monday, 18 are from Kerala, 4 from West Bengal, 2 from Delhi, and 1 each from Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-tackling-particle-pollution-leads-to-upward-push-in-photochemical-smog-495689">Why tackling particle pollution leads to upward push in photochemical smog</a>

The weekly positivity rate was 4.18 per cent, while the daily positivity rate was 5.99 per cent. The number of recovered people from illness is at 4,29,83,162, while the case mortality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent.

The number of cases recorded in Assam increased to 7,26,541 on Monday as 86 additional people had positive tests, as per official health bulletin. Over the past 24 hours, no new fatalities have been reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">Also read |&nbsp;What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a>

However, three more people tested positive for Covid on Monday, bringing the total number for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to 10,239, as per the official health bulletins.

The number of Covid infections in Maharashtra increased by 272, bringing the total to 7,31,464 as per the health officials on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India reported 16,678 new infection cases, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday (July 10), taking the number of active cases in the country to 1,30,713 and total number of Covid cases to 4,36,39,329.

India reported 16,678 new infection cases, as per the data released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday (July 10), taking the number of active cases in the country to 1,30,713 and total number of Covid cases to 4,36,39,329. As per the figures updated at 8 am, the toll increased to 5,25,454 with 26 new fatalities. As per the ministry, the recovery rate was recorded at 98.50 per cent while active cases make up 0.30 per cent of all the infections. In the last 24 hours, there has been an increase of 2,023 cases in the active caseload, reported by PTI. The death toll reached 5,25,454 with the fatalities reported. Among the 26 fatalities recorded on Monday, 18 are from Kerala, 4 from West Bengal, 2 from Delhi, and 1 each from Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Also read | Why tackling particle pollution leads to upward push in photochemical smog The weekly positivity rate was 4.18 per cent, while the daily positivity rate was 5.99 per cent. The number of recovered people from illness is at 4,29,83,162, while the case mortality rate has been reported at 1.20 per cent. The number of cases recorded in Assam increased to 7,26,541 on Monday as 86 additional people had positive tests, as per official health bulletin. Over the past 24 hours, no new fatalities have been reported. Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours However, three more people tested positive for Covid on Monday, bringing the total number for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to 10,239, as per the official health bulletins. The number of Covid infections in Maharashtra increased by 272, bringing the total to 7,31,464 as per the health officials on Monday. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: India reports 16,678 new infections, active cases rise to 1,30,713

Hospitals in the United Kingdom are struggling with staff absences, exhaustion, persistent backlogs and issues with discharging patients as Covid infection levels continue to rise. As per the data released by the Office for National Statistics indicates, almost 2.71 million people in the country had Covid in the last week of June, which is an 18 per cent increase from the week prior. According to the report, one in every 25 people in the country was infected with Covid. Hospitalisation in the country is also increasing, which showed that there were 11,316 people with the virus, up from 8,350 on June 23, reported by The Guardian.

As of July 5, there were 3,749 patients in the UK who were hospitalised primarily as a result of the Covid, up from 2,877 from the day prior.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-airways-cuts-10300-more-flights-through-october-due-to-staff-shortages-495297">British Airways cuts 10,300 more flights through October due to staff shortages</a>

Hospital admission for Covid has increased, as per Dr. David Strain, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter medical school, who said that patients with infection may exhibit respiratory issues or delirium. He further added that the spike in the number of infection cases had also had a drastic effect on labour issues with Brexit, pensions and weariness. According to Strain, issues poised by the rise in infections have been exacerbated by the changes in policy around patient testing and wearing masks in hospitals.

He&nbsp;said, "This wave, which is driven by the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants, started to hit us at exactly the same time that there was significant government pressure to stop wearing masks in hospitals because of the way it appeared. And therefore, for a very brief period, there was a fair amount of in hospital transmission as well."

Patients who have Covid or have been exposed to it cannot be discharged to care facilities, a concern raised by Strain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-causes-covid-brain-fog-this-study-has-answer-may-help-devise-new-treatments-for-long-covid-495123">What causes Covid brain fog? This study has answer; may help devise new treatments for long Covid</a>

Dr. Naru Narayanan, president of HCSA, the doctors’ union, said that they are concerned about the rising cases in the country. He also noted reports of staff absences from growing virus cases across the country.

"NHS staff are already under intense pressure amid a workforce crisis and morale is at rock bottom," he said. He further continued, "Exhausted staff are stepping up to ensure that patient care does not suffer, but every week is a battle to fill rotas. The wisdom of watering down infection control procedures and removing face masks now looks decidedly lacking. "

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hospitals in the United Kingdom are struggling with staff absences, exhaustion, persistent backlogs and issues with discharging patients as Covid infection levels continue to rise.

Hospitals in the United Kingdom are struggling with staff absences, exhaustion, persistent backlogs and issues with discharging patients as Covid infection levels continue to rise. As per the data released by the Office for National Statistics indicates, almost 2.71 million people in the country had Covid in the last week of June, which is an 18 per cent increase from the week prior. According to the report, one in every 25 people in the country was infected with Covid. Hospitalisation in the country is also increasing, which showed that there were 11,316 people with the virus, up from 8,350 on June 23, reported by The Guardian. As of July 5, there were 3,749 patients in the UK who were hospitalised primarily as a result of the Covid, up from 2,877 from the day prior. Also read | British Airways cuts 10,300 more flights through October due to staff shortages Hospital admission for Covid has increased, as per Dr. David Strain, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter medical school, who said that patients with infection may exhibit respiratory issues or delirium. He further added that the spike in the number of infection cases had also had a drastic effect on labour issues with Brexit, pensions and weariness. According to Strain, issues poised by the rise in infections have been exacerbated by the changes in policy around patient testing and wearing masks in hospitals. He said, "This wave, which is driven by the highly transmissible BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants, started to hit us at exactly the same time that there was significant government pressure to stop wearing masks in hospitals because of the way it appeared. And therefore, for a very brief period, there was a fair amount of in hospital transmission as well." Patients who have Covid or have been exposed to it cannot be discharged to care facilities, a concern raised by Strain. Also read | What causes Covid brain fog? This study has answer; may help devise new treatments for long Covid Dr. Naru Narayanan, president of HCSA, the doctors’ union, said that they are concerned about the rising cases in the country. He also noted reports of staff absences from growing virus cases across the country. "NHS staff are already under intense pressure amid a workforce crisis and morale is at rock bottom," he said. He further continued, "Exhausted staff are stepping up to ensure that patient care does not suffer, but every week is a battle to fill rotas. The wisdom of watering down infection control procedures and removing face masks now looks decidedly lacking. " (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Hospitals in UK struggle with rising infection cases and staff shortage

The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far.&nbsp; Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home. Violators might face up to two years in prison. The city reported 71 new cases on Saturday (July 9), increasing the total infections reported since the beginning of the outbreak to 1,374, a low number by international standards but nevertheless high, reported AFP.

Casinos, which in normal times account for nearly 80 per cent of the government’s earnings, will now have to be closed. Some public services and places like pharmacies and supermarkets can remain open. Despite strict health regulations, the city’s casinos had survived a 15-day closure at the beginning of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-uses-two-more-casino-hotels-for-covid-19-medical-facilities-495580">Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities</a>

More than 50 per cent of the city’s GDP and nearly one-fifth of the workforce are employed by the casinos, covering an area larger than Las Vegas.

Watch |&nbsp;China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid

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However, this week, after discovering 13 diseases connected to the location, police closed one of Macau’s most renowned casinos, the Grand Lisboa, trapping more than 500 people inside.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-locks-down-casino-as-covid-cases-rise-in-worlds-biggest-gambling-hub-494906">Macau locks down casino as Covid cases rise in world's biggest gambling hub</a>

Macau, the only city in China where casino gambling is legal, has seen one of the world’s strongest anti-virus measures, such as strict border controls, targeted lockdowns, and wiping out its essential tourism profits.

Residents of Macau may experience additional financial hardships as a result of an official’s declaration on Saturday (July 9) that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far. Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home.

The Chinese gambling capital, Macau, announced a weeklong shutdown of casinos and non-essential businesses as it battled its worst Covid outbreak so far. Andre Cheong, one of the top officials, said Macau will go under "static management" for a week starting July 11 and people are required to stay at home. Violators might face up to two years in prison. The city reported 71 new cases on Saturday (July 9), increasing the total infections reported since the beginning of the outbreak to 1,374, a low number by international standards but nevertheless high, reported AFP. Casinos, which in normal times account for nearly 80 per cent of the government’s earnings, will now have to be closed. Some public services and places like pharmacies and supermarkets can remain open. Despite strict health regulations, the city’s casinos had survived a 15-day closure at the beginning of the pandemic. Also read | Macau uses two more casino hotels for COVID-19 medical facilities More than 50 per cent of the city’s GDP and nearly one-fifth of the workforce are employed by the casinos, covering an area larger than Las Vegas. Watch | China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid However, this week, after discovering 13 diseases connected to the location, police closed one of Macau’s most renowned casinos, the Grand Lisboa, trapping more than 500 people inside. Also read | Macau locks down casino as Covid cases rise in world's biggest gambling hub Macau, the only city in China where casino gambling is legal, has seen one of the world’s strongest anti-virus measures, such as strict border controls, targeted lockdowns, and wiping out its essential tourism profits. Residents of Macau may experience additional financial hardships as a result of an official’s declaration on Saturday (July 9) that employers are not required to pay employees during the Covid-related shutdown. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

COVID-19: Macau announces shutdown of casinos and businesses for one week

In just four days, the equivalent of eight months’ worth of rain fell, paralysing certain areas of Australia’s largest city. As per the experts, the warmer waters and saturated soils are the contributing variables rather than a single factor that may fully explain this catastrophic weather. As per conspiracy theorists, they aren’t supporting this idea. They attribute the excessive rain to "cloud seeding" and "weather manipulation" on social media to be the reason. However, there is no evidence to support these beliefs, as reported by the BBC.

What is cloud seeding?

The concept of cloud seeding is a real thing. It entails modifying already existing clouds to increase the amount of rain or snow they produce. It is accomplished by spraying clouds with tiny particles made of silver iodide. This method has been used for many years throughout the world, for irrigation of crops.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-life-threatening-emergency-thousands-of-australians-to-evacuate-from-sydney-494110">&nbsp;‘A life-threatening emergency’: Thousands of Australians to evacuate from Sydney</a>

In a 2016 news report from the Australian TV network 7News, the broadcasters discuss Tasmanians' worries that cloud seeding might have contributed to the state’s worst floods in forty years. Although, a government investigation in Tasmania, concluded that cloud seeding didn’t cause or increase heavy rains, backed by independent scientists and experts.

Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Australia PM Albanese visits flood affected region on Windsor

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The heavy rain that Sydney has been receiving over the past few days, is not a result of a single factor. However, as per scientists, climate change and the La Nina weather phenomenon have made floods worse.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-australia-is-battling-floods-again-494549">Why Australia is battling floods again</a>

When powerful winds push the warm Pacific Ocean surface waters away from South America and towards Indonesia, a La Nina forms. Colder water replaces them by rising to the surface.

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(With inputs&nbsp;from agencies)

In just four days, the equivalent of eight months’ worth of rain fell, paralysing certain areas of Australia’s largest city. As per the experts, the warmer waters and saturated soils are the contributing variables rather than a single factor that may fully explain this catastrophic weather.

In just four days, the equivalent of eight months’ worth of rain fell, paralysing certain areas of Australia’s largest city. As per the experts, the warmer waters and saturated soils are the contributing variables rather than a single factor that may fully explain this catastrophic weather. As per conspiracy theorists, they aren’t supporting this idea. They attribute the excessive rain to "cloud seeding" and "weather manipulation" on social media to be the reason. However, there is no evidence to support these beliefs, as reported by the BBC. What is cloud seeding? The concept of cloud seeding is a real thing. It entails modifying already existing clouds to increase the amount of rain or snow they produce. It is accomplished by spraying clouds with tiny particles made of silver iodide. This method has been used for many years throughout the world, for irrigation of crops. Also read | ‘A life-threatening emergency’: Thousands of Australians to evacuate from Sydney In a 2016 news report from the Australian TV network 7News, the broadcasters discuss Tasmanians' worries that cloud seeding might have contributed to the state’s worst floods in forty years. Although, a government investigation in Tasmania, concluded that cloud seeding didn’t cause or increase heavy rains, backed by independent scientists and experts. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Australia PM Albanese visits flood affected region on Windsor The heavy rain that Sydney has been receiving over the past few days, is not a result of a single factor. However, as per scientists, climate change and the La Nina weather phenomenon have made floods worse. Also read | Why Australia is battling floods again When powerful winds push the warm Pacific Ocean surface waters away from South America and towards Indonesia, a La Nina forms. Colder water replaces them by rising to the surface. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia floods: False claims on cloud seeding for heavy rainfall

Tourists travelling to and from the European continent are advised to take precautions against COVID-19 because cases are on the rise, especially in the popular destination areas. Health officials have warned travellers to take personal accountability and are advocating for the quick reinstatement of the restrictions in some situations. Countries like Greece, Spain, France, and Germany have been reporting an increase in cases. Medical professionals have advised people to receive the full vaccinations- with a double dose and either one or two booster shots, depending on the age factor and health risks before travelling, reported The Guardian.

Greece is one of the nations that has noted an increase in the instances reported recently. As per the health officials, cases are currently concentrated in major tourist areas, with instances primarily affecting people between the age group of 18 and 24. However, wearing a mask is still required in public indoors, such as hospitals and on public transport.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-researchers-develop-inhalable-vaccine-stable-at-room-temperature-494947">COVID-19: US researchers develop inhalable vaccine stable at room temperature</a>

In Spain, cases have increased by more than 60 per cent. Medical professionals have stated the current level as "alarming" and the local media is reporting that after years of pandemic restrictions and probable conditions for the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant BA.5, which is assisting in the mergence of a new wave.

Watch |&nbsp;COVID-19 technology used to treat cancer patients

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However, travellers from Germany and Austria are recommended to get covid travel cancellation insurance if they are worried that illness or virus-related cancellations would cause their vacations to be cut short.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/parts-of-europe-are-now-drier-than-they-have-been-in-thousand-years-study-494782">Parts of Europe are now drier than they have been in thousand years: Study</a>

Christian Drosten, a virologist who has been a leading voice in educating Germans about the virus, issued a warning against the advice that was being disseminated on social media, encouraging people to get in touch with the virus in the summer in order to develop an immunity to it in the colder winter months.

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Tourists travelling to and from the European continent are advised to take precautions against COVID-19 because cases are on the rise, especially in the popular destination areas.

Tourists travelling to and from the European continent are advised to take precautions against COVID-19 because cases are on the rise, especially in the popular destination areas. Health officials have warned travellers to take personal accountability and are advocating for the quick reinstatement of the restrictions in some situations. Countries like Greece, Spain, France, and Germany have been reporting an increase in cases. Medical professionals have advised people to receive the full vaccinations- with a double dose and either one or two booster shots, depending on the age factor and health risks before travelling, reported The Guardian. Greece is one of the nations that has noted an increase in the instances reported recently. As per the health officials, cases are currently concentrated in major tourist areas, with instances primarily affecting people between the age group of 18 and 24. However, wearing a mask is still required in public indoors, such as hospitals and on public transport. Also read | COVID-19: US researchers develop inhalable vaccine stable at room temperature In Spain, cases have increased by more than 60 per cent. Medical professionals have stated the current level as "alarming" and the local media is reporting that after years of pandemic restrictions and probable conditions for the spread of the highly contagious Omicron variant BA.5, which is assisting in the mergence of a new wave. Watch | COVID-19 technology used to treat cancer patients However, travellers from Germany and Austria are recommended to get covid travel cancellation insurance if they are worried that illness or virus-related cancellations would cause their vacations to be cut short. Also read | Parts of Europe are now drier than they have been in thousand years: Study Christian Drosten, a virologist who has been a leading voice in educating Germans about the virus, issued a warning against the advice that was being disseminated on social media, encouraging people to get in touch with the virus in the summer in order to develop an immunity to it in the colder winter months. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Travellers warned of rising virus cases in Europe

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI.

The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/curevac-sues-biontech-over-covid-vaccine-technology-494798">CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology</a>

According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated.

Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-covarscan-a-new-covid-19-test-that-can-detect-all-variants-in-hours-494425">What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours</a>

The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer.

Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein."

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Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months.

Researchers in the United States have recently developed an inhalable, self-administered Covid vaccine that is shelf stable at room temperature for up to a duration of three months. The researchers discovered that this delivery mechanism, an exosome produced from the lung and termed LSC-Exo, is more effective for avoiding lung’s lining than the lipid-based nanoparticles currently used. These exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain metabolites, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, reported by PTI. The study, written in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, outlines the process of creating a vaccine prototype that can be used successfully with protein-based vaccines from evidence of concept to animal tests done. Also read | CureVac sues BioNTech over Covid vaccine technology According to researchers, a vaccination that is stable at room temperature and could be administered by the patient themselves would significantly minimise waiting time for patients as well as the strain on the medical community during a pandemic. However, they said that in order for it to function by inhalation, the delivery system needs to be reformulated. Ke Cheng from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill said, "An inhalable vaccine will confer both mucosal and systemic immunity, it is more convenient to store and distribute, and it could be self-administered on a large scale." He further added, "So while there are still challenges associated with scaling up production, we believe that this is a promising vaccine worthy of further research and development." Also read | What is CoVarScan? A new COVID-19 test that can detect all variants in hours The researchers sought to overcome a number of difficulties related to vaccination delivery. The first one according to researchers is vaccine taken via intramuscular is less at getting it into the lung system. Second is mRNA vaccines in their present form need to be administered by trained medical staff and kept in the freezer. Cheng said, "Vaccines can work through various means. For example, mRNA vaccines deliver a script to your cell that instructs it to produce antibodies to the spike protein (which helps the virus to gain entry into a cell)." He further added, "This VLP vaccine, on the other hand, introduces a portion of the spike protein to the body, triggering the immune system to produce antibodies to the spike protein." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: US researchers develop inhalable vaccine stable at room temperature

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP.

Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-is-actually-a-hostage-zelensky-blames-food-crisis-on-russia-490049">Also read |&nbsp;'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia</a>

The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.”

Watch |&nbsp;WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war?

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He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-north-korea-grapples-with-food-crisis-flour-now-a-luxury-item-report-492992">As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report</a>

Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan.&nbsp;

CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018.&nbsp;

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The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.

The United Nations met requests for funds on Tuesday (July 6), to help the Central African Republic deal with a growing food crisis. The organisation’s World Food Programme (WFP) said that a nation of 5.5 million people, 2.2 million amongst them are stated to be acutely food insecure and the situations are expected to get worse over the next few months. The spokesman for the WFP, Tomson Phiri, told the reporters, “The Central African Republic is facing unprecedented humanitarian needs and a deteriorating food security situation,” reported by AFP. Prior to the rainy season, which impedes access to much of the country’s food stock and lasts from July to September, WFP said it’s been difficult to pre-position the food inventories in shortage areas. Phiri said that the WFP was urgently appealing for $68.4 million. He further added that getting food into the CAR was taking longer than usual and getting petrol was a challenge. Millions of people will continue to experience food and nutrition without rapid funding, he said. Also read | 'Africa is actually a hostage': Zelensky blames food crisis on Russia The representative said, the WFP may have to reallocate food from people who are already hungry ‘to the one who are hungrier.’ He said, “Given the current levels of food insecurity and operational constraints, we expect the humanitarian needs to further deteriorate.” Watch | WION Wideangle | Food: A weapon of war? He further added, “Our teams are telling us that humanitarian assistance will be required well beyond 2022 and into 2023." Also read | As North Korea grapples with food crisis, flour now a luxury item: Report Acute food insecurity affects one of the greatest per cent in CAR, along with countries like Afghanistan, Yemen and South Sudan. CAR is one of the poorest nations in the world, it has spent much of the previous 9 years ripped apart by the civil wars, however, the intensity had decreased since the year 2018. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

UN requests for urgent funds to help Central African Republic with food crisis

&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began.

More than 13,000 people are under quarantine in the Chinese special administrative region, which has effectively shut down to limit the spread of coronavirus.

The city's more than 600,000 residents are subject to three citywide COVID-19 tests this week, with people also required to take rapid antigen tests in between.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-outbreak-more-than-700-people-locked-inside-casino-after-covid-cases-detected-490617">Macau outbreak: More than 700 people locked inside casino after Covid cases detected</a>

While the former Portuguese colony has not introduced a full scale lockdown seen in mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai, most facilities are shut and restaurants can only provide takeaway.

Only&nbsp;Macau's casinos have been allowed to stay open in a move to ensure job security. The government relies on the industry for over 80 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of its tax revenue with most of the population employed directly or indirectly by the casino resorts.

While casinos are physically open, there are hardly any gamblers inside and very few staff working, with many employees asked to stay at home, as per the government's request.

Watch |&nbsp;China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid

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The stringent measures come after&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;has been largely Covid-free since an outbreak in October 2021. It still has an open border with mainland China, with its economy firmly hinged to the inflow of Chinese visitors.

Macau&nbsp;adheres to China's "zero-Covid" policy which aims to eradicate all outbreaks, at just about any cost, running counter to a global trend of trying to co-exist with the virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macau-shuts-most-businesses-amid-covid-outbreak-casinos-stay-open-489848">Macau shuts most businesses amid Covid outbreak, casinos stay open</a>

Its cases are still far below daily infections in other places, including neighbouring Hong Kong where cases have jumped to more than 2,000 a day this month.

However,&nbsp;Macau&nbsp;only has one public hospital, whose services are already stretched on a daily basis. Officials have put up a makeshift hospital next to the city's Las Vegas style Cotai strip to help cope with the rise in cases.

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Macau reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began.

Macau reported 89 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the total to more than 900 infections since mid-June, as authorities in the world's biggest gambling hub race to contain its largest outbreak since the pandemic began. More than 13,000 people are under quarantine in the Chinese special administrative region, which has effectively shut down to limit the spread of coronavirus. The city's more than 600,000 residents are subject to three citywide COVID-19 tests this week, with people also required to take rapid antigen tests in between. Also read | Macau outbreak: More than 700 people locked inside casino after Covid cases detected While the former Portuguese colony has not introduced a full scale lockdown seen in mainland Chinese cities like Shanghai, most facilities are shut and restaurants can only provide takeaway. Only Macau's casinos have been allowed to stay open in a move to ensure job security. The government relies on the industry for over 80 per cent of its tax revenue with most of the population employed directly or indirectly by the casino resorts. While casinos are physically open, there are hardly any gamblers inside and very few staff working, with many employees asked to stay at home, as per the government's request. Watch | China: World's biggest gambling hub Macau tests more for covid The stringent measures come after Macau has been largely Covid-free since an outbreak in October 2021. It still has an open border with mainland China, with its economy firmly hinged to the inflow of Chinese visitors. Macau adheres to China's "zero-Covid" policy which aims to eradicate all outbreaks, at just about any cost, running counter to a global trend of trying to co-exist with the virus. Also read | Macau shuts most businesses amid Covid outbreak, casinos stay open Its cases are still far below daily infections in other places, including neighbouring Hong Kong where cases have jumped to more than 2,000 a day this month. However, Macau only has one public hospital, whose services are already stretched on a daily basis. Officials have put up a makeshift hospital next to the city's Las Vegas style Cotai strip to help cope with the rise in cases. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Covid-19: Macau outbreak hits more than 900 as infections spread

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since&nbsp;the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;began.

Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors&nbsp;since&nbsp;2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed.

"This is pure joy," Sudanese pilgrim Abdel Qader Kheder told AFP in Mecca, before the event which officially starts Wednesday. "I almost can't believe I am here. I am enjoying every moment."

One&nbsp;million&nbsp;people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the&nbsp;pandemic. The&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hajj-pilgrimage-confusion-among-travellers-over-new-saudi-registration-system-492290">Travel cos face losses, applicants confused over Saudi's Hajj registration system</a>

At least 650,000 overseas pilgrims have arrived so far in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia, the authorities said on Sunday.

But authorities on Monday barred nearly 100,000 people from entering Mecca, imposing a security cordon around the holy city. A security official said 288 people were arrested and fined for attempting to perform the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;without permits.

In 2019, about 2.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;people took part in the rituals, which also include gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" in Mina.

The following year, when the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;took hold, foreigners were barred and worshippers were restricted to just 10,000 to stop the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;from turning into a global super-spreader.

That figure rose to 60,000 fully vaccinated&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;citizens and residents in 2021.

Pilgrims this year -- only those younger than 65 are allowed -- will participate under strict sanitary conditions.

The&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;has seen numerous disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 people and a 1979 attack by hundreds of gunmen that, according to the official toll, left 153 dead.

Unaccompanied women&nbsp;

On Monday afternoon, pilgrims carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun flocked to souvenir and barber shops in Mecca, while others shared meals under palm trees on streets close to the Grand Mosque.

Many new arrivals had already begun performing the first ritual, which requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque.

Made from granite and draped in a cloth featuring verses from the Koran, the Kaaba stands nearly 15 metres (50 feet) tall. It is the structure all Muslims turn towards to pray, no matter where they are in the world.

"When I first saw the Kaaba I felt something weird and started crying," Egyptian pilgrim Mohammed Lotfi told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post | Saudi Hajj lottery system slammed by pilgrims

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The&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;is a powerful source of prestige for the conservative desert kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is returning from the diplomatic wilderness.

The&nbsp;hajj, which&nbsp;costs at least $5,000 per person, is a money-spinner for the world's&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;oil exporter trying to diversify its economy. In normal years the&nbsp;pilgrimage&nbsp;brings in billions of dollars.

It is also a chance to showcase the kingdom's rapid social transformation, despite persistent complaints about human rights abuses and limits on personal freedoms.

Saudi&nbsp;Arabia now allows women to attend the&nbsp;hajj&nbsp;unaccompanied by male relatives, a requirement that was dropped last year.

Serenity

Masks are no longer compulsory in most enclosed spaces in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia but they will be mandatory at the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims from abroad will have to submit a negative PCR test result.&nbsp;

The Grand Mosque will be "washed 10 times a day... by more than 4,000 male and female workers", with more than 130,000 litres (34,000 gallons) of disinfectant used each time, authorities said.

Since&nbsp;the start of the&nbsp;pandemic,&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia has registered more than 795,000 coronavirus cases, 9,000 of them fatal, in a population of about 34&nbsp;million.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/saudi-arabia-welcomes-first-foreign-pilgrims-after-covid-hiatus-485076">Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign pilgrims after COVID-19 hiatus</a>

Aside from Covid, another challenge is the scorching sun in one of the world's hottest and driest regions, where temperatures have already topped 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in parts of&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia.

But Iraqi pilgrim Ahmed Abdul-Hassan al-Fatlawi said the heat is the last thing he thinks of when in Mecca.

"I am 60 years old, so it's normal if I get physically tired because of the hot weather, but I am in a state of serenity, and that's all that matters to me," he told AFP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began.

White-robed worshippers from around the world have packed the streets of Islam's holiest city ahead of the biggest hajj pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic began. Banners welcoming the faithful, including the first international visitors since 2019, adorned squares and alleys, while armed security forces patrolled the ancient city, birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed. "This is pure joy," Sudanese pilgrim Abdel Qader Kheder told AFP in Mecca, before the event which officially starts Wednesday. "I almost can't believe I am here. I am enjoying every moment." One million people, including 850,000 from abroad, are allowed at this year's hajj after two years of drastically curtailed numbers due to the pandemic. The pilgrimage is one of five pillars of Islam, which all able-bodied Muslims with the means are required to perform at least once. Also read | Travel cos face losses, applicants confused over Saudi's Hajj registration system At least 650,000 overseas pilgrims have arrived so far in Saudi Arabia, the authorities said on Sunday. But authorities on Monday barred nearly 100,000 people from entering Mecca, imposing a security cordon around the holy city. A security official said 288 people were arrested and fined for attempting to perform the hajj without permits. In 2019, about 2.5 million people took part in the rituals, which also include gathering at Mount Arafat and "stoning the devil" in Mina. The following year, when the pandemic took hold, foreigners were barred and worshippers were restricted to just 10,000 to stop the hajj from turning into a global super-spreader. That figure rose to 60,000 fully vaccinated Saudi citizens and residents in 2021. Pilgrims this year -- only those younger than 65 are allowed -- will participate under strict sanitary conditions. The hajj has seen numerous disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 people and a 1979 attack by hundreds of gunmen that, according to the official toll, left 153 dead. Unaccompanied women On Monday afternoon, pilgrims carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the scorching sun flocked to souvenir and barber shops in Mecca, while others shared meals under palm trees on streets close to the Grand Mosque. Many new arrivals had already begun performing the first ritual, which requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque. Made from granite and draped in a cloth featuring verses from the Koran, the Kaaba stands nearly 15 metres (50 feet) tall. It is the structure all Muslims turn towards to pray, no matter where they are in the world. "When I first saw the Kaaba I felt something weird and started crying," Egyptian pilgrim Mohammed Lotfi told AFP. Watch | The West Asia Post | Saudi Hajj lottery system slammed by pilgrims The pilgrimage is a powerful source of prestige for the conservative desert kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is returning from the diplomatic wilderness. The hajj, which costs at least $5,000 per person, is a money-spinner for the world's biggest oil exporter trying to diversify its economy. In normal years the pilgrimage brings in billions of dollars. It is also a chance to showcase the kingdom's rapid social transformation, despite persistent complaints about human rights abuses and limits on personal freedoms. Saudi Arabia now allows women to attend the hajj unaccompanied by male relatives, a requirement that was dropped last year. Serenity Masks are no longer compulsory in most enclosed spaces in Saudi Arabia but they will be mandatory at the Grand Mosque, the holiest site in Islam. Pilgrims from abroad will have to submit a negative PCR test result. The Grand Mosque will be "washed 10 times a day... by more than 4,000 male and female workers", with more than 130,000 litres (34,000 gallons) of disinfectant used each time, authorities said. Since the start of the pandemic, Saudi Arabia has registered more than 795,000 coronavirus cases, 9,000 of them fatal, in a population of about 34 million. Also read | Saudi Arabia welcomes first foreign pilgrims after COVID-19 hiatus Aside from Covid, another challenge is the scorching sun in one of the world's hottest and driest regions, where temperatures have already topped 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) in parts of Saudi Arabia. But Iraqi pilgrim Ahmed Abdul-Hassan al-Fatlawi said the heat is the last thing he thinks of when in Mecca. "I am 60 years old, so it's normal if I get physically tired because of the hot weather, but I am in a state of serenity, and that's all that matters to me," he told AFP. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Saudi Arabia welcomes 1 million for biggest hajj pilgrimage since pandemic

‘A life-threatening emergency’: Thousands of Australians to evacuate from Sydney

National Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually to honour the importance of doctors in people’s lives and communities. It reflects the sacrifices made by the doctors and health staff and the values they bring to the society. Doctors have fought valiantly to save individuals in a variety of circumstances. One such can be the Covid pandemic. Doctors and health staff worked for endless hours with their commitment to help patients in any situation. The value of a doctors to a human health is immeasurable, and the rich traditions of medicine is still in its glory till this&nbsp;day. Doctors are our saviours!

The day is observed on many dates around the world, but in India it is observed on July 1 and is organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The day is also observed in honour of Dr. BC Roy, a former chief minister of West Bengal to recognise his contribution to the society.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-delhis-doctor-family-where-every-member-has-pursued-medical-profession-since-1920-492955">Meet Delhi’s ‘doctor’ family where every member has pursued medical profession since 1920</a>

So, let’s have a look on the background, theme and significance of the day:

Background:

This day was first observed in 1991 to honour Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was then the chief minister of West Bengal. This day was set aside for his outstanding contributions to the medical world during the time of his career.&nbsp;He was a well-known doctor and a freedom fighter. He received Bharat Ratna in the year 1961, the highest civilian honour in the country.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Maradona's doctors to be tried for homicide

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Theme:

The theme for this year’s National Doctors Day 2022 is ‘Family Doctors in the Front Line.’ This emphasises the value of doctors who provide care for an entire family or a community.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-tds-rule-for-doctors-and-social-media-influencers-490242">India to introduce new tax rules for social media influencers, doctors</a>

Significance:

In India, we celebrate this day to recognise and thank doctors for these relentless efforts they do to keep us well. Additionally, during the pandemic, all medical professionals saved millions of lives by placing their lives in danger.&nbsp;

This provides a chance for us to acknowledge and applaud the enthusiasm and commitment of medical professionals everywhere.&nbsp; 
The day is observed by number of healthcare organisations and host free medical check-ups, patient awareness campaigns and honorary awards for the medical professionals.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

National Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually to honour the importance of doctors in people’s lives and communities. It reflects the sacrifices made by the doctors and health staff and the values they bring to the society.

National Doctors’ Day is celebrated annually to honour the importance of doctors in people’s lives and communities. It reflects the sacrifices made by the doctors and health staff and the values they bring to the society. Doctors have fought valiantly to save individuals in a variety of circumstances. One such can be the Covid pandemic. Doctors and health staff worked for endless hours with their commitment to help patients in any situation. The value of a doctors to a human health is immeasurable, and the rich traditions of medicine is still in its glory till this day. Doctors are our saviours! The day is observed on many dates around the world, but in India it is observed on July 1 and is organised by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The day is also observed in honour of Dr. BC Roy, a former chief minister of West Bengal to recognise his contribution to the society. Also read | Meet Delhi’s ‘doctor’ family where every member has pursued medical profession since 1920 So, let’s have a look on the background, theme and significance of the day: Background: This day was first observed in 1991 to honour Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, who was then the chief minister of West Bengal. This day was set aside for his outstanding contributions to the medical world during the time of his career. He was a well-known doctor and a freedom fighter. He received Bharat Ratna in the year 1961, the highest civilian honour in the country. Watch | Gravitas: Maradona's doctors to be tried for homicide Theme: The theme for this year’s National Doctors Day 2022 is ‘Family Doctors in the Front Line.’ This emphasises the value of doctors who provide care for an entire family or a community. Also read | India to introduce new tax rules for social media influencers, doctors Significance: In India, we celebrate this day to recognise and thank doctors for these relentless efforts they do to keep us well. Additionally, during the pandemic, all medical professionals saved millions of lives by placing their lives in danger. This provides a chance for us to acknowledge and applaud the enthusiasm and commitment of medical professionals everywhere. The day is observed by number of healthcare organisations and host free medical check-ups, patient awareness campaigns and honorary awards for the medical professionals. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

National Doctors Day 2022: Theme and significance

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace.&nbsp; As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.These modification in guidelines comes after the Covid situation in Italy got worse recently. The guidelines encourage “smart working” which includes working from home rather, as well as staggered entry, exit times for employees in workplace and common places such as changing rooms and food dispensaries, reported by ANI.

Employees with body temperatures over 37.5 degrees Celsius are prohibited from accessing workplaces as per the guidelines issued for private organisations. Any employee who exhibits flu-like symptoms is obligated to notify his or her employer “timely.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/before-and-after-satellite-images-show-how-italys-po-river-shrunk-between-2020-and-2022-492702">Before and after satellite images show how Italy's Po river shrunk between 2020 and 2022</a>

The country recorded more than 83,000 cases on Thursday (June 30) and over 94,000 cases on Wednesday (June 29).&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Italy's heat wave to get worse

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Gimbe Foundation, a health monitoring organisation issued a report on Thursday (June 30) as per which the Covid infections throughout the country increased by over 50 per cent during previous week. The organisation also noted on the basis of data released by Health Ministry that the throughout the same time period, the hospitalisation got increased by 25 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/abortion-in-italy-is-legal-but-finding-one-is-hard-488006">Abortion in Italy is legal, but finding one is hard</a>

In the meantime, the weekly fatality rate increased by 16 per cent and the number of patients in intensive care units increased by 15 per cent.&nbsp;

However, the primary indices are still below the peaks reached earlier in the pandemic.

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(With inputs from agencies)

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace. As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.

As the primary pandemic indicators in the country continues to climb, Italy on Thursday (June 30), amended new coronavirus health measures in the workplace. As per the new regulations developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies and the Ministry of Health, wearing masks will be made mandatory for people who face certain health concerns or are in places where infections could be raised.These modification in guidelines comes after the Covid situation in Italy got worse recently. The guidelines encourage “smart working” which includes working from home rather, as well as staggered entry, exit times for employees in workplace and common places such as changing rooms and food dispensaries, reported by ANI. Employees with body temperatures over 37.5 degrees Celsius are prohibited from accessing workplaces as per the guidelines issued for private organisations. Any employee who exhibits flu-like symptoms is obligated to notify his or her employer “timely.” Also read | Before and after satellite images show how Italy's Po river shrunk between 2020 and 2022 The country recorded more than 83,000 cases on Thursday (June 30) and over 94,000 cases on Wednesday (June 29). Watch | Italy's heat wave to get worse Gimbe Foundation, a health monitoring organisation issued a report on Thursday (June 30) as per which the Covid infections throughout the country increased by over 50 per cent during previous week. The organisation also noted on the basis of data released by Health Ministry that the throughout the same time period, the hospitalisation got increased by 25 per cent. Also read | Abortion in Italy is legal, but finding one is hard In the meantime, the weekly fatality rate increased by 16 per cent and the number of patients in intensive care units increased by 15 per cent. However, the primary indices are still below the peaks reached earlier in the pandemic. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Italy modifies health regulations as the pandemic situation deteriorates

Around 2 million Nepalese are likely to be impacted this year by the inundation and floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall across the country.&nbsp;

In the four months of the monsoon period, from June to September, Nepal receives an average of 1,500 mm of rain which is 80.5 per cent of annual rainfall.&nbsp;

As per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, as many as 421,047 households will be affected this monsoon season.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-clash-breaks-out-between-fuel-price-protesters-and-police-490014">Nepal: Clash breaks out between fuel price protesters and police</a>

Authority's spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai told WION the estimation was made assessing the disaster risk in the past 11 years. The Meteorological Forecasting Division has forecasted above-average rainfall in most parts of the country this monsoon. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the last 11 years, 2,362 people have died and 880 missings, affecting 78,899 families across the country.&nbsp;

“This time, the government has formed a Monsoon Response Command team which includes officials from various ministries, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police. All district offices have been asked to stay alert and support the locals. We will focus on areas where we lacked in the previous year,” Bhattarai told WION.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal bans street food in Kathmandu due to Cholera outbreak

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Over 14,000 security forces are on standby and other stakeholders concerned to assist in relief and rescue operations.

The Armed Police Force (APF) has also prepared itself for natural disasters.&nbsp;

According to the Nepal Government, 22 districts are at high risk of landslides, and 23 are at high risk of floods.&nbsp;

As many as 5 lakh people need assistance with the onset of monsoon and lack of medicine and treatment has been seen as a big problem in the past.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-10000-nepali-migrant-workers-have-died-in-gulf-countries-489542">More than 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries</a>

The Meteorological Forecasting Division had officially announced the arrival of the monsoon in Nepal, eight days before the date of the normal onset of the rainy season.

There were a large number of human casualties and crops were heavily damaged by the unseasonal rainfall last year.

The Meteorological Analysis says, currently the monsoon has been affecting the entire country.&nbsp;

The department has also issued a warning for the next 24 hours of a possibility of heavy rainfall in parts of the country, increasing the risk of landslides in the hilly regions.

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Around 2 million Nepalese are likely to be impacted this year by the inundation and floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall across the country. In the four months of the monsoon period, from June to September, Nepal receives an average of 1,500 mm of rain which is 80.

Around 2 million Nepalese are likely to be impacted this year by the inundation and floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall across the country. In the four months of the monsoon period, from June to September, Nepal receives an average of 1,500 mm of rain which is 80.5 per cent of annual rainfall. As per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, as many as 421,047 households will be affected this monsoon season. Also read | Nepal: Clash breaks out between fuel price protesters and police Authority's spokesperson Dr. Dijan Bhattarai told WION the estimation was made assessing the disaster risk in the past 11 years. The Meteorological Forecasting Division has forecasted above-average rainfall in most parts of the country this monsoon. In the last 11 years, 2,362 people have died and 880 missings, affecting 78,899 families across the country. “This time, the government has formed a Monsoon Response Command team which includes officials from various ministries, Nepal Army, and Nepal Police. All district offices have been asked to stay alert and support the locals. We will focus on areas where we lacked in the previous year,” Bhattarai told WION. Watch | Nepal bans street food in Kathmandu due to Cholera outbreak Over 14,000 security forces are on standby and other stakeholders concerned to assist in relief and rescue operations. The Armed Police Force (APF) has also prepared itself for natural disasters. According to the Nepal Government, 22 districts are at high risk of landslides, and 23 are at high risk of floods. As many as 5 lakh people need assistance with the onset of monsoon and lack of medicine and treatment has been seen as a big problem in the past. Also read | More than 10,000 Nepali migrant workers have died in Gulf countries The Meteorological Forecasting Division had officially announced the arrival of the monsoon in Nepal, eight days before the date of the normal onset of the rainy season. There were a large number of human casualties and crops were heavily damaged by the unseasonal rainfall last year. The Meteorological Analysis says, currently the monsoon has been affecting the entire country. The department has also issued a warning for the next 24 hours of a possibility of heavy rainfall in parts of the country, increasing the risk of landslides in the hilly regions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Monsoon floods, landslides likely to impact 2 million people in Nepal this year

Uber reported 141 instances of sexual assaults including rapes in the United States. The safety report released on Thursday (June 30) by the ride hailing app service covers the data for 2019 and 2020. This is the second report the firm has released about the safety occurrences. According to the new, 78-page report on safety events, the company received 3,824 safety-related complaints of the five most serious types of sexual assaults, which included "non-consensual sexual penetration" and rape. Approximately 91 per cent of rape victims were passengers, and only 7 per cent were drivers (nearly double that of the first report), CNN reported.

"The change in rate of sexual assault reports over time may have been impacted by a number of factors, including how the Covid-19 pandemic altered usage of the platform as well as Uber's safety and transparency efforts. But each reported incident represents a harrowing lived experience for the survivor. Even one report is one report too many."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-arrests-capitol-hill-rioter-after-he-brags-about-crime-to-uber-driver-472930">FBI arrests Capitol Hill rioter after he brags about crime to Uber driver</a>

The current numbers are less than 5,981 reports in 2017 and 2018. Uber said that riders were alleged victims 43 per cent of the time in sexual assault incident reports.

Uber’s overall number of US trips over the two-year period dropped from 2.3 billion to 2.1 billion. The average number of rides per day dropped from 3,1 million to 2.8 million. According to the report, rape incidents accounted for just 0.00002 per cent of all journeys.

During the two-year timeframe, the company also documented 20 fatalities caused by physical assaults, amongst which 15 were passengers.

Watch |&nbsp;Uber joins protest of drivers in Brussels as drivers using app risk losing their vehicles

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As a result of Uber’s initial report, the California Public Utilities Commission fined the company $59 million for withholding information for occurrence of sexual assault and harassment. Later in December 2021, the settlement deal decreased the penalties and Uber agreed to spend $9 million for safety.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uber-relaxes-mask-rules-for-drivers-and-riders-in-us-472158">Uber relaxes mask rules for drivers and riders in US</a>

In contrast, Lyft said in its first safety report that it received 4,158 claims of sexual assaults between 2017 and 2018. Prior to this, Lyft and its shareholders reached an agreement on a $25 million settlement regarding claims and disclosures about the company’s operations particularly in regards with sexual assault and related occurrences.

Uber and Lyft in March 2021 declared that they will publish the names of the drivers who had their account suspended due to being involved in the sexual assaults.

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(With inputs from agencies)

Uber reported 141 instances of sexual assaults including rapes in the United States. The safety report released on Thursday (June 30) by the ride hailing app service covers the data for 2019 and 2020.

Uber reported 141 instances of sexual assaults including rapes in the United States. The safety report released on Thursday (June 30) by the ride hailing app service covers the data for 2019 and 2020. This is the second report the firm has released about the safety occurrences. According to the new, 78-page report on safety events, the company received 3,824 safety-related complaints of the five most serious types of sexual assaults, which included "non-consensual sexual penetration" and rape. Approximately 91 per cent of rape victims were passengers, and only 7 per cent were drivers (nearly double that of the first report), CNN reported. "The change in rate of sexual assault reports over time may have been impacted by a number of factors, including how the Covid-19 pandemic altered usage of the platform as well as Uber's safety and transparency efforts. But each reported incident represents a harrowing lived experience for the survivor. Even one report is one report too many." Also read | FBI arrests Capitol Hill rioter after he brags about crime to Uber driver The current numbers are less than 5,981 reports in 2017 and 2018. Uber said that riders were alleged victims 43 per cent of the time in sexual assault incident reports. Uber’s overall number of US trips over the two-year period dropped from 2.3 billion to 2.1 billion. The average number of rides per day dropped from 3,1 million to 2.8 million. According to the report, rape incidents accounted for just 0.00002 per cent of all journeys. During the two-year timeframe, the company also documented 20 fatalities caused by physical assaults, amongst which 15 were passengers. Watch | Uber joins protest of drivers in Brussels as drivers using app risk losing their vehicles As a result of Uber’s initial report, the California Public Utilities Commission fined the company $59 million for withholding information for occurrence of sexual assault and harassment. Later in December 2021, the settlement deal decreased the penalties and Uber agreed to spend $9 million for safety. Also read | Uber relaxes mask rules for drivers and riders in US In contrast, Lyft said in its first safety report that it received 4,158 claims of sexual assaults between 2017 and 2018. Prior to this, Lyft and its shareholders reached an agreement on a $25 million settlement regarding claims and disclosures about the company’s operations particularly in regards with sexual assault and related occurrences. Uber and Lyft in March 2021 declared that they will publish the names of the drivers who had their account suspended due to being involved in the sexual assaults. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Uber’s safety report recorded 141 sexual assaults including rapes in 2020

The Austrian government said Thursday it will&nbsp;scrap&nbsp;the country's controversial policy of&nbsp;mandatory&nbsp;vaccination&nbsp;against the coronavirus, just&nbsp;months&nbsp;after&nbsp;it&nbsp;became&nbsp;law.&nbsp;

The measure -- which was an EU first -- came into legal effect at the beginning of February and the first checks had been planned for mid-March, with those refusing to get the jab facing fines of up to 3,600 euros ($4,100).

However, the measure was suspended in March before any checks took place, with the government saying such a far-reaching measure could no longer be justified by the danger the coronavirus posed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-chancellor-nehammer-to-tell-russian-president-putin-truth-about-ukraines-invasion-470226">Austrian Chancellor Nehammer becomes first European leader to meet Russian President Putin in Moscow</a>

Health Minister Johannes Rauch told a press conference that the measure had caused deep divisions in the country of nine million and said that the element of compulsion had even deterred some people from getting the jab.

"The mandate isn't bringing anyone to get vaccinated," he said.

The Omicron variant had also "changed the rules", Rauch added, as the wave driven by that variant tended to lead to cases with milder symptoms.

Watch |&nbsp;'SOS Neusiedl Lake' event in Austria

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The mandate had applied to all over-18s except pregnant women, those who had the virus fewer than 180 days prior and those with medical exemptions.

August Woeginger, head of the parliamentary grouping of the ruling People's Party (OeVP), told the same press conference he expected the&nbsp;law&nbsp;mandating compulsory&nbsp;vaccination&nbsp;to be repealed in the coming weeks.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-series-of-avalanche-hit-austria-8-people-killed-multiple-injured-450991">Pics: Series of avalanche hit Austria; 8 people killed, multiple injured</a>

Ever since it was first floated last year as a way of boosting&nbsp;Austria's&nbsp;vaccination&nbsp;rate, the prospect of compulsory&nbsp;vaccination&nbsp;prompted frequent street protests drawing tens of thousands of people.

Current official figures show just 62 per cent of the population currently have a valid&nbsp;vaccination&nbsp;certificate, lagging behind many other Western European countries.

More than 18,700 people have died&nbsp;after&nbsp;contracting the virus in&nbsp;Austria.

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The Austrian government said Thursday it will scrap the country's controversial policy of mandatory vaccination against the coronavirus, just months after it became law.

The Austrian government said Thursday it will scrap the country's controversial policy of mandatory vaccination against the coronavirus, just months after it became law. The measure -- which was an EU first -- came into legal effect at the beginning of February and the first checks had been planned for mid-March, with those refusing to get the jab facing fines of up to 3,600 euros ($4,100). However, the measure was suspended in March before any checks took place, with the government saying such a far-reaching measure could no longer be justified by the danger the coronavirus posed. Also read | Austrian Chancellor Nehammer becomes first European leader to meet Russian President Putin in Moscow Health Minister Johannes Rauch told a press conference that the measure had caused deep divisions in the country of nine million and said that the element of compulsion had even deterred some people from getting the jab. "The mandate isn't bringing anyone to get vaccinated," he said. The Omicron variant had also "changed the rules", Rauch added, as the wave driven by that variant tended to lead to cases with milder symptoms. Watch | 'SOS Neusiedl Lake' event in Austria The mandate had applied to all over-18s except pregnant women, those who had the virus fewer than 180 days prior and those with medical exemptions. August Woeginger, head of the parliamentary grouping of the ruling People's Party (OeVP), told the same press conference he expected the law mandating compulsory vaccination to be repealed in the coming weeks. Also read | Pics: Series of avalanche hit Austria; 8 people killed, multiple injured Ever since it was first floated last year as a way of boosting Austria's vaccination rate, the prospect of compulsory vaccination prompted frequent street protests drawing tens of thousands of people. Current official figures show just 62 per cent of the population currently have a valid vaccination certificate, lagging behind many other Western European countries. More than 18,700 people have died after contracting the virus in Austria. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria to scrap mandatory Covid vaccination, just months after making it a law

In pics: Death toll in Assam floods rises to 108, govt monitoring the situation

The number of fatalities from the earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Wednesday has increased to 1,150 and more than 3,000 dwellings have been completely demolished, as reported by Associated Press. The death toll increased on Friday (June 24) from earlier estimates of 1,000 deaths caused by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake, the Bhaktar News Agency said. However, as per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the death toll is different. It estimated 770 deaths while the UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan predicted the toll to be 1036 and still counting. According to Hindustan Times, significant variations in death counts and destruction statistics are expected.

Mohammad Nassim Haqqani, a spokesperson of the ministry for disaster, while in conversation with Reuters, said that 2,000 individuals were injured and nearly 10,000 homes destroyed. This is one of the deadliest earthquakes the country has seen&nbsp;in 20 years. As per reports, the eastern district of Paktika is the worst-hit area.&nbsp;This doesn’t end here; the communication has also been impacted due to the destruction of phone towers and power lines.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-resisting-humanitarian-funding-un-491166">Taliban resisting humanitarian funding: UN</a>

According to Save the Children, the disaster has nearly impacted more than 118,000 children. It further said, “Many are now most likely without clean drinking water, food and a safe place to sleep."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 5.9 Magnitude earthquake kills 1,000 in Afghanistan

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Several countries like Germany, Norway and others will help the south Asian country through United Nations and not directly to the Taliban. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also provided the country with essentials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mass-graves-being-prepared-for-earthquake-victims-in-afghanistan-491083">Mass graves being prepared for earthquake victims in Afghanistan</a>

The Taliban takeover has isolated the country from the world, and this disaster has put the nation in tremendous difficulty. In addition to this, the prime reason for delayed global help is again the Taliban as the majority of international organisations left Afghanistan after the Taliban seized the country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The number of fatalities from the earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Wednesday has increased to 1,150 and more than 3,000 dwellings have been completely demolished, as reported by Associated Press.

The number of fatalities from the earthquake that struck Afghanistan on Wednesday has increased to 1,150 and more than 3,000 dwellings have been completely demolished, as reported by Associated Press. The death toll increased on Friday (June 24) from earlier estimates of 1,000 deaths caused by a 6.1 magnitude earthquake, the Bhaktar News Agency said. However, as per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the death toll is different. It estimated 770 deaths while the UNICEF’s representative in Afghanistan predicted the toll to be 1036 and still counting. According to Hindustan Times, significant variations in death counts and destruction statistics are expected. Mohammad Nassim Haqqani, a spokesperson of the ministry for disaster, while in conversation with Reuters, said that 2,000 individuals were injured and nearly 10,000 homes destroyed. This is one of the deadliest earthquakes the country has seen in 20 years. As per reports, the eastern district of Paktika is the worst-hit area. This doesn’t end here; the communication has also been impacted due to the destruction of phone towers and power lines. Also read | Taliban resisting humanitarian funding: UN According to Save the Children, the disaster has nearly impacted more than 118,000 children. It further said, “Many are now most likely without clean drinking water, food and a safe place to sleep." Watch | Gravitas: 5.9 Magnitude earthquake kills 1,000 in Afghanistan Several countries like Germany, Norway and others will help the south Asian country through United Nations and not directly to the Taliban. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also provided the country with essentials. Also read | Mass graves being prepared for earthquake victims in Afghanistan The Taliban takeover has isolated the country from the world, and this disaster has put the nation in tremendous difficulty. In addition to this, the prime reason for delayed global help is again the Taliban as the majority of international organisations left Afghanistan after the Taliban seized the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (with inputs from agencies)

Death toll for Afghanistan earthquake reaches 1,150 with nearly 3,000 homes destroyed

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP.

Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-records-first-recent-case-of-monkeypox-in-a-british-flight-attendant-490715">Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant</a>

Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations.

Watch |&nbsp;WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name

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According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-virus-cdc-issues-sex-guidelines-on-monkeypox-why-india-should-get-battle-ready-for-monkeypox-490589">Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox</a>

More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year.&nbsp;

Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus.

A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19.

The World Health Organization is convening a meeting on Thursday (June 23) to discuss whether the monkeypox outbreak to be declared a global emergency like COVID-19. Some experts on the other hand believe that the world organisation’s decisions are acted upon only after the disease spread to the West and could further create inequities that earlier emerged during the coronavirus pandemic. Declaring monkeypox outbreak as a global emergency would signal that the organisation views it as an ‘exceptional event’ and a danger that the illness might cross international borders, reported AP. Currently most of the monkeypox cases are documented from wealthy nations that are taking rapid steps to stop it, even as many scientists are sceptical that such proclamations will help in stopping the epidemic. Also read | Singapore reports first case of monkeypox in a flight attendant Oyewale Tomori, a Nigerian virologist who attends several WHO advisory panels said, “If WHO was really worried about monkeypox spread, they could have convened their emergency committee years ago when it re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017 and no one knew why we suddenly had hundreds of cases.” He further said that WHO only consults its experts after the illness reaches in white nations. Watch | WHO to rename Monkeypox, scientists call for a non discriminatory name According to David Fidler, a senior fellow in global health at the Council on Foreign Relations said, “There may be legitimate reasons why WHO only raised the alarm when monkeypox spread to rich countries, but to poor countries, that looks like a double standard,.” He further added that the global community was still struggling to ensure the world's poor were vaccinated against the coronavirus and that it was unclear if Africans even wanted monkeypox vaccines, given competing priorities like malaria and HIV. Also read | Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox More than 3,300 cases of monkeypox have been confirmed by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention so far in 42 nations where the virus is uncommon. Amongst which, Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of the instances. Over 1,400 cases including 62 fatalities have already been reported in Africa this year. Monkeypox had not previously produced sizable epidemic outside Africa until this month. However, the scientists haven’t discovered any significant genetic alterations in the virus. A senior WHO consultant stated last month that the recent spike in infections in Europe is probably caused by gay males engaging in sexual activity in Spain and Belgium. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO considers declaring monkeypox a global emergency

#InternationalYogaDay2022: World celebrates health- see pics

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy. The national capital of the country, Colombo, placed a restriction on the age of women working abroad after an incident that happened in Saudi Arabia when a 17-year-old Sri Lankan nanny was beheaded for the murder of a child in her care. Following&nbsp;the anger over this execution, the minimum age for women to work abroad was set to 23 for other countries and 25 for Saudi Arabia, reported by AFP.&nbsp;

The South Asian country of 22 million people, nearly 1.6 million individuals work overseas, primarily in Middle East.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/united-nations-provide-2000-food-vouchers-for-pregnant-sri-lankan-women-as-a-part-of-food-aid-relief-488821">Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka</a>

Bandula Gunawardana, an official spokesman said, “The cabinet of ministers approved the decision to lower the minimum age to 21 years for all countries given the need to increase foreign employment opportunities.”

Watch |&nbsp;Fuel shortage continues to plague Sri Lankans amid the ongoing economic crisis

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Remittances from Sri Lankans working overseas have been a major source for foreign currency, bringing an estimated amount of $7 billion per year. However, the figures dropped to $5.4 billion in the year 2021 during the Covid pandemic and expected to go down to $3.5 billion this year due to the economic downturn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-schools-govt-offices-to-shut-as-transport-grinds-to-halt-489321">Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt</a>

The Sri Lankan government has limited imports of essentials, such as fuel, food, medicines since the country’s foreign currency reserves are low.

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy.

Economic crisis-hit Sri Lanka on Tuesday (June 21) has reduced the minimum age for women to work overseas to 21 years as it needs funds for the bankrupt economy. The national capital of the country, Colombo, placed a restriction on the age of women working abroad after an incident that happened in Saudi Arabia when a 17-year-old Sri Lankan nanny was beheaded for the murder of a child in her care. Following the anger over this execution, the minimum age for women to work abroad was set to 23 for other countries and 25 for Saudi Arabia, reported by AFP. The South Asian country of 22 million people, nearly 1.6 million individuals work overseas, primarily in Middle East. Also read | Amid economic crisis, United Nations provides food vouchers to pregnant women in Sri Lanka Bandula Gunawardana, an official spokesman said, “The cabinet of ministers approved the decision to lower the minimum age to 21 years for all countries given the need to increase foreign employment opportunities.” Watch | Fuel shortage continues to plague Sri Lankans amid the ongoing economic crisis Remittances from Sri Lankans working overseas have been a major source for foreign currency, bringing an estimated amount of $7 billion per year. However, the figures dropped to $5.4 billion in the year 2021 during the Covid pandemic and expected to go down to $3.5 billion this year due to the economic downturn. Also read | Sri Lanka schools, govt offices to shut as transport grinds to halt The Sri Lankan government has limited imports of essentials, such as fuel, food, medicines since the country’s foreign currency reserves are low. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka reduces age limit of women allowed to work overseas to 21

World Refugee Day: Sparing thought for refugees amid Ukraine war

International Nystagmus Day is an initiative to celebrate to promote awareness and attention to a disorder that can cause serious eyesight difficulties. Nystagmus, sometimes known as “dancing eye syndrome,” is a condition in which the eyeball makes rhythmic involuntary movements that might be side to side, up and down or even rotatory. As per the Leicestershire Nystagmus survey, it affects roughly 24 out of every 10,000 people. This allows children and adults with Nystagmus to receive the necessary care and medical attention. Several events are held to collect funds for various research projects and support initiatives for children and others impacted by this disease.&nbsp;

There are two types of Nystagmus conditions: Congenital appears during 6 weeks- 3months of life and Acquired appears later in life and is possibly linked to major medical issues or drug usage.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/current-variants-unlikely-to-be-protected-by-early-omicron-infection-489366">&nbsp;Current variants unlikely to be protected by early Omicron infection</a>

Nystagmus is caused by miscommunication between the eye and the brain, which changes how our brains interpret eye movement signals. The connections responsible for this regulation are poor in certain people, either by birth or as a result of an illness acquired later in life. Nystagmus caused by poor vision can cause significant disruption in daily tasks, as well as a loss of confidence and self-esteem.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/plants-can-break-biochemistry-rules-by-making-secret-decisions-about-our-future-study-488289">Plants can break biochemistry rules and make 'secret decisions' about our future: Study</a>

Nystagmus is frequently acquired as a result of various health issues. If you notice any concerning symptoms like blurred vision, shaky vision problems, lacking balance, dizziness make a note of them and a visit a doctor as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Regular eye exams and earlier diagnosis enable many individuals to avoid the start of the condition as well as correct vision impairments that burden their lives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

International Nystagmus Day is an initiative to celebrate to promote awareness and attention to a disorder that can cause serious eyesight difficulties. Nystagmus, sometimes known as “dancing eye syndrome,” is a condition in which the eyeball makes rhythmic involuntary movements that might be side to side, up and down or even rotatory.

International Nystagmus Day is an initiative to celebrate to promote awareness and attention to a disorder that can cause serious eyesight difficulties. Nystagmus, sometimes known as “dancing eye syndrome,” is a condition in which the eyeball makes rhythmic involuntary movements that might be side to side, up and down or even rotatory. As per the Leicestershire Nystagmus survey, it affects roughly 24 out of every 10,000 people. This allows children and adults with Nystagmus to receive the necessary care and medical attention. Several events are held to collect funds for various research projects and support initiatives for children and others impacted by this disease. There are two types of Nystagmus conditions: Congenital appears during 6 weeks- 3months of life and Acquired appears later in life and is possibly linked to major medical issues or drug usage. Also read | Current variants unlikely to be protected by early Omicron infection Nystagmus is caused by miscommunication between the eye and the brain, which changes how our brains interpret eye movement signals. The connections responsible for this regulation are poor in certain people, either by birth or as a result of an illness acquired later in life. Nystagmus caused by poor vision can cause significant disruption in daily tasks, as well as a loss of confidence and self-esteem. Also read | Plants can break biochemistry rules and make 'secret decisions' about our future: Study Nystagmus is frequently acquired as a result of various health issues. If you notice any concerning symptoms like blurred vision, shaky vision problems, lacking balance, dizziness make a note of them and a visit a doctor as soon as possible. Regular eye exams and earlier diagnosis enable many individuals to avoid the start of the condition as well as correct vision impairments that burden their lives. (With inputs from agencies)

International Nystagmus Day 2022:  All you need to know about the syndrome

Witnesses in Ethiopia said Sunday that more than 200 people, mostly ethnic Amhara, have been killed in an attack in the country's Oromia region and are blaming a rebel group, which denies it.

It is one of the deadliest such attacks in recent memory as ethnic tensions continue in Africa's second most populous country.

"I have counted 230 bodies. I am afraid this is the deadliest attack against civilians we have seen in our lifetime,"&nbsp;Abdul-Seid Tahir, a resident of Gimbi county, told The Associated Press after barely escaping the attack on Saturday.

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"We are burying them in mass graves, and we are still collecting bodies. Federal army units have now arrived, but we fear that the attacks could continue if they leave."

Another witness, who gave only his first name, Shambel over fears for his safety, said the local Amhara community is now desperately seeking to be relocated somewhere else 'before another round of mass killings happen.'

He said ethnic Amhara that settled in the area about 30 years ago in resettlement programs are now being 'killed like chickens.'

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Both witnesses blamed the Oromo Liberation Army for the attacks. In a statement, the Oromia regional government also blamed the OLA, saying the rebels attacked 'after being unable to resist the operations launched by (federal) security forces.'

An OLA spokesman, Odaa Tarbii, denied the allegations.

"The attack you are referring to was committed by the regime's military and local militia as they retreated from their camp in Gimbi following our recent offensive,"&nbsp;he said in a message to the AP.

"They escaped to an area called Tole, where they attacked the local population and destroyed their property as retaliation for their perceived support for the OLA. Our fighters had not even reached that area when the attacks took place."

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Ethiopia is experiencing widespread ethnic tensions in several regions, most of them over historical grievances and political tensions.

The Amhara people, the second-largest ethnic group among Ethiopia's more than 110 million population, have been targeted frequently in regions like Oromia.

The government-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Sunday called on the federal government find a 'lasting solution'&nbsp;to the killing of civilians and protect them from such attacks.

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Witnesses in Ethiopia said Sunday that more than 200 people, mostly ethnic Amhara, have been killed in an attack in the country's Oromia region and are blaming a rebel group, which denies it.

Witnesses in Ethiopia said Sunday that more than 200 people, mostly ethnic Amhara, have been killed in an attack in the country's Oromia region and are blaming a rebel group, which denies it. It is one of the deadliest such attacks in recent memory as ethnic tensions continue in Africa's second most populous country. "I have counted 230 bodies. I am afraid this is the deadliest attack against civilians we have seen in our lifetime," Abdul-Seid Tahir, a resident of Gimbi county, told The Associated Press after barely escaping the attack on Saturday. Also read | Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant "We are burying them in mass graves, and we are still collecting bodies. Federal army units have now arrived, but we fear that the attacks could continue if they leave." Another witness, who gave only his first name, Shambel over fears for his safety, said the local Amhara community is now desperately seeking to be relocated somewhere else 'before another round of mass killings happen.' He said ethnic Amhara that settled in the area about 30 years ago in resettlement programs are now being 'killed like chickens.' Watch | Ethiopia: Thousands of kids face 'most deadly' malnutrition Both witnesses blamed the Oromo Liberation Army for the attacks. In a statement, the Oromia regional government also blamed the OLA, saying the rebels attacked 'after being unable to resist the operations launched by (federal) security forces.' An OLA spokesman, Odaa Tarbii, denied the allegations. "The attack you are referring to was committed by the regime's military and local militia as they retreated from their camp in Gimbi following our recent offensive," he said in a message to the AP. "They escaped to an area called Tole, where they attacked the local population and destroyed their property as retaliation for their perceived support for the OLA. Our fighters had not even reached that area when the attacks took place." Also read | Ethiopia vows probe into gruesome video of man on fire Ethiopia is experiencing widespread ethnic tensions in several regions, most of them over historical grievances and political tensions. The Amhara people, the second-largest ethnic group among Ethiopia's more than 110 million population, have been targeted frequently in regions like Oromia. The government-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on Sunday called on the federal government find a 'lasting solution' to the killing of civilians and protect them from such attacks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Witnesses say more than 200 killed in Ethiopia ethnic attack

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