Hong Kong will ease some social distancing measures later this month, allowing people to dine in at restaurants in the evening and lifting restrictions on private gatherings, as the number of COVID-19 infections declined in recent weeks.

From April 21, restaurants will be able to operate until 10 p.m. With a maximum of four people per table, officials said Thursday.

Other businesses that were ordered to temporarily close due to Hong Kong's fifth wave of infections, such as beauty parlors, gyms, theme parks and cinemas, will also be allowed to re-open, although capacity will be limited to 50 per cent. Bars and pubs will remain closed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leadership-contender-john-lee-says-he-plans-a-new-chapter-for-the-global-financial-hub-469610">Hong Kong leadership contender John Lee says he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub</a>

Restrictions that currently only allow two households to gather will also be lifted.

To relax these measures, to allow some degree of normal activities in society, with more interactions among citizens, inevitably they will come with some transmission risks,&nbsp;Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said during a news conference Thursday.

Lam appealed to the public to comply with the social distancing measures that remain in place and to get vaccinated.

While the number of positive cases reported every day has dropped to a relatively low level, in absolute terms they are still rather high ,&nbsp;she said.

Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-to-step-down-as-citys-chief-executive-wont-seek-re-election-468254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The city reported 1,260 cases in the community on Wednesday, down more than 95 per cent&nbsp;from the peak of the outbreak in March, when over 30,000 daily infections were reported.

Lam said the city is now much, much better prepared&nbsp;to handle another wave if it hits, due to increased levels of vaccination and more facilities to handle patients, such as community isolation and treatment centers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-deputy-chief-says-he-plans-to-run-for-citys-top-job-468986">Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job</a>

Lam also said the government has not given up on mass testing for the city, but that timing was important.

Other restrictions will be also lifted later this month. Local tours will be allowed to resume and public gatherings of four people instead of two will also be permitted.

Hong Kong will ease some social distancing measures later this month, allowing people to dine in at restaurants in the evening and lifting restrictions on private gatherings, as the number of COVID-19 infections declined in recent weeks.

Hong Kong will ease some social distancing measures later this month, allowing people to dine in at restaurants in the evening and lifting restrictions on private gatherings, as the number of COVID-19 infections declined in recent weeks. From April 21, restaurants will be able to operate until 10 p.m. With a maximum of four people per table, officials said Thursday. Other businesses that were ordered to temporarily close due to Hong Kong's fifth wave of infections, such as beauty parlors, gyms, theme parks and cinemas, will also be allowed to re-open, although capacity will be limited to 50 per cent. Bars and pubs will remain closed. Also read | Hong Kong leadership contender John Lee says he plans a new chapter for the global financial hub Restrictions that currently only allow two households to gather will also be lifted. To relax these measures, to allow some degree of normal activities in society, with more interactions among citizens, inevitably they will come with some transmission risks, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam said during a news conference Thursday. Lam appealed to the public to comply with the social distancing measures that remain in place and to get vaccinated. While the number of positive cases reported every day has dropped to a relatively low level, in absolute terms they are still rather high , she said. Watch | Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam to step down as city's chief executive, won't seek re-election The city reported 1,260 cases in the community on Wednesday, down more than 95 per cent from the peak of the outbreak in March, when over 30,000 daily infections were reported. Lam said the city is now much, much better prepared to handle another wave if it hits, due to increased levels of vaccination and more facilities to handle patients, such as community isolation and treatment centers. Also read | Hong Kong deputy chief says he plans to run for city's top job Lam also said the government has not given up on mass testing for the city, but that timing was important. Other restrictions will be also lifted later this month. Local tours will be allowed to resume and public gatherings of four people instead of two will also be permitted.

Hong Kong to ease COVID-19 restrictions as infections fall

Global&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;surpassed&nbsp;500&nbsp;million&nbsp;on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally, as the highly contagious&nbsp;BA.2&nbsp;sub-variant of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;surges&nbsp;in many countries in Europe and Asia.

The rise of&nbsp;BA.2&nbsp;has been blamed for recent&nbsp;surges&nbsp;in China as well as record infections in Europe. It has been called the "stealth variant" because it is slightly harder to track than others. &nbsp;

South Korea leads the world in the daily average number of new&nbsp;cases, reporting more than 182,000 new infections a day and accounting for one in every four infections globally, according to a Reuters analysis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-medicines-regulator-approves-valneva-covid-19-vaccine-for-adult-use-470950">UK medicines regulator approves Valneva COVID-19 vaccine for adult use</a>

New&nbsp;cases&nbsp;are rising in 20 out of more than 240 countries and territories tracked, including Taiwan, Thailand and Bhutan.

Shanghai is fighting China's worst&nbsp;COVID-19 outbreak since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, with almost 25,000 new local&nbsp;cases&nbsp;reported, although the city's quarantine policy is criticized for separating children from parents and putting asymptomatic cases&nbsp;among those with symptoms.&nbsp;

"Shanghai's epidemic prevention and control is at the most difficult and most critical stage," Wu Qianyu, an official with the municipal health commission, told a briefing.&nbsp;

Europe, US still affected

Some European countries are now seeing a slower uptick in new&nbsp;cases, or even a decline, but the region is still reporting over 1 million cases&nbsp;about every two days, according to the Reuters tally.&nbsp;

In Germany, the seven-day average of new infections has fallen and is now at 59 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;of its previous peak in late March. New cases&nbsp;are also falling in the United Kingdom and Italy, while they are holding steady in France.

Overall,&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in the United States have dropped sharply after hitting record levels in January, but the resurgence of&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in parts of Asia and Europe has raised concerns that another wave could follow in the United States.

Watch |&nbsp;Reports: UK PM Boris Johnson faces 3 more fines for breaking covid-19 lockdown norms

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The US&nbsp;national public health agency said on Monday the&nbsp;BA.2&nbsp;sub-variant&nbsp;of&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;was estimated to account for nearly three of every four coronavirus&nbsp;variants in the country.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;BA.2&nbsp;variant&nbsp;now makes up about 86 per cent of all sequenced&nbsp;cases&nbsp;globally, according to the World Health Organization. It is known to be more transmissible than the BA.1 and BA.1.1&nbsp;Omicron&nbsp;sub-variants. Evidence so far, though, suggests&nbsp;BA.2&nbsp;is no more likely to cause severe disease.&nbsp;

Scientists continue to emphasize vaccines are critical for avoiding the devastation the virus can cause.

Roughly 64.8 per cent&nbsp;of the world population has received at least one dose of a&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;vaccine, although only 14.8 per cent&nbsp;of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose, according to figures from Our World in Data.&nbsp;

While&nbsp;cases&nbsp;have flared in Europe and Asia recently, the United States still has the highest total&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;infections since the start of the pandemic with 80.41&nbsp;million, followed by India with 43.04&nbsp;million&nbsp;and Brazil with 30.14&nbsp;million.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Since 2020, about 37 per cent&nbsp;of the world’s covid&nbsp;cases&nbsp;have been in Europe, 21 per cent&nbsp;in Asia and 17 per cent&nbsp;in North America.

About 6.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;people have lost their lives to covid since the pandemic began. The United States has reported the highest number of deaths, followed by Russia, Brazil and India.

Russia overtook Brazil to have the world's second-highest death toll from&nbsp;COVID-19, data from Russia's state statistics service and Reuters calculations showed on Thursday.&nbsp;

Global COVID-19 cases surpassed 500 million on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally, as the highly contagious BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron surges in many countries in Europe and Asia.

Global COVID-19 cases surpassed 500 million on Thursday, according to a Reuters tally, as the highly contagious BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron surges in many countries in Europe and Asia. The rise of BA.2 has been blamed for recent surges in China as well as record infections in Europe. It has been called the "stealth variant" because it is slightly harder to track than others. South Korea leads the world in the daily average number of new cases, reporting more than 182,000 new infections a day and accounting for one in every four infections globally, according to a Reuters analysis. Also read | UK medicines regulator approves Valneva COVID-19 vaccine for adult use New cases are rising in 20 out of more than 240 countries and territories tracked, including Taiwan, Thailand and Bhutan. Shanghai is fighting China's worst COVID-19 outbreak since the virus first emerged in Wuhan in late 2019, with almost 25,000 new local cases reported, although the city's quarantine policy is criticized for separating children from parents and putting asymptomatic cases among those with symptoms. "Shanghai's epidemic prevention and control is at the most difficult and most critical stage," Wu Qianyu, an official with the municipal health commission, told a briefing. Europe, US still affected Some European countries are now seeing a slower uptick in new cases, or even a decline, but the region is still reporting over 1 million cases about every two days, according to the Reuters tally. In Germany, the seven-day average of new infections has fallen and is now at 59 per cent of its previous peak in late March. New cases are also falling in the United Kingdom and Italy, while they are holding steady in France. Overall, COVID-19 cases in the United States have dropped sharply after hitting record levels in January, but the resurgence of cases in parts of Asia and Europe has raised concerns that another wave could follow in the United States. Watch | Reports: UK PM Boris Johnson faces 3 more fines for breaking covid-19 lockdown norms The US national public health agency said on Monday the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron was estimated to account for nearly three of every four coronavirus variants in the country. The BA.2 variant now makes up about 86 per cent of all sequenced cases globally, according to the World Health Organization. It is known to be more transmissible than the BA.1 and BA.1.1 Omicron sub-variants. Evidence so far, though, suggests BA.2 is no more likely to cause severe disease. Scientists continue to emphasize vaccines are critical for avoiding the devastation the virus can cause. Roughly 64.8 per cent of the world population has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, although only 14.8 per cent of people in low-income countries have received at least one dose, according to figures from Our World in Data. While cases have flared in Europe and Asia recently, the United States still has the highest total COVID infections since the start of the pandemic with 80.41 million, followed by India with 43.04 million and Brazil with 30.14 million. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Since 2020, about 37 per cent of the world’s covid cases have been in Europe, 21 per cent in Asia and 17 per cent in North America. About 6.5 million people have lost their lives to covid since the pandemic began. The United States has reported the highest number of deaths, followed by Russia, Brazil and India. Russia overtook Brazil to have the world's second-highest death toll from COVID-19, data from Russia's state statistics service and Reuters calculations showed on Thursday.

Worldwide covid cases surpass 500 million as Omicron variant BA.2 surges

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation.

With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/std-cases-in-us-including-syphilis-rose-during-pandemic-cdc-report-470645">Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report</a>

Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive.

As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines.

The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive,&nbsp;said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests &amp; more

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-covid-19-booster-shots-for-adults-peru-protests-more-469480/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses,&nbsp;he said.

The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/what-is-myocarditis-a-rare-complication-of-covid-19-and-non-covid-vaccination-470438">What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations</a>

The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus.

Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country.

The UK's medicines regulator on Thursday approved Valneva as a new vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the first whole-virus inactivated COVID vaccine to gain regulatory approval in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said it is the first in the world to approve the Valneva vaccine, which becomes the sixth COVID-19 vaccine to be granted an MHRA authorisation. With this type of vaccine, the virus is grown in a lab and then made completely inactive so that it cannot infect cells or replicate in the body but can still trigger an immune response to the COVID-19 virus. Also read | Cases of syphilis, other STDs rose in US during Covid pandemic: CDC report Our approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Valneva today follows a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of this vaccine, and expert advice from the government's independent scientific advisory body, the Commission on Human Medicines, said Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive. As with the Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines in use in the UK, Valneva is designed to be given as two doses. The vaccine is approved for use in people aged 18 to 50 years, with the first and second doses to be taken at least 28 days apart. The process used in the Valneva vaccine is widely used already in the production of flu and polio vaccines. The independent Commission on Human Medicines and its COVID-19 Expert Working Group has carefully considered the available evidence are pleased to say that we have advised that the benefit risk balance is positive, said Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Chair of the independent Commission on Human Medicines. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Covid-19 booster shots for adults, Peru protests & more Each type of vaccine has a different pattern of antibody response over time. For the Valneva vaccine, two doses are required before a robust antibody response is raised. This means that people will need to be made aware that protection will only start after two doses, he said. The storage temperature for the Valneva vaccine is between 2 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius, which is similar to that of a domestic fridge. The MHRA says this makes it appropriate for use in countries where storage at very low temperatures is not possible. Also read | What is myocarditis? A rare complication of COVID-19 and non-Covid vaccinations The vaccine has been produced at the Valneva factory in Livingston near Edinburgh in Scotland. In trials, blood results from volunteers who received the jab had high levels of neutralising antibodies against the pandemic virus. Some experts hope that it is possible that by using the whole virus, rather than just the spike protein, the new vaccine may be more useful against future emerging variants of COVID-19.

UK medicines regulator approves Valneva COVID-19 vaccine for adult use

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy.

Wu Qianyu, a senior official with the east Chinese city's public health commission, told a media briefing on Sunday that the patients would be put under home quarantine and no further controls should be imposed on them.

"Relevant authorities in the areas they live in have to be alerted that they are allowed to go home. At the same time, the officials are required to monitor their health (during the quarantine period)," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

Over 11,000 recovered patients have been released, it said.

But much to the disquiet of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by President Xi Jinping, single-day new infections in Shanghai hit 24,944 on Sunday, setting a new record for the ninth consecutive day.

However, positive cases dropped slightly to 1,006 from 1,015 on Saturday.

Shanghai, China's commercial and financial capital, has seen more than 179,000 cases since the current outbreak, driven by the Omicron variant, began on March 1, the Post report said.

About 5,400 patients were reported to have mild symptoms, while others were asymptomatic.

As the cases continue to rise, Shanghai on Saturday inaugurated 50,000 bed makeshift hospital, its largest till date, amid heightened efforts in battling Omicron, as new daily infections continued to climb, the state-run Global Times reported.

In total, Shanghai has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals with over 160,000 beds, the report said.

Neighbouring cities are also on alert to stop the disease from spreading further in Yangtze Delta, one of the country's most important economic areas.

Watch |&nbsp;Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lockdown-in-shanghai-to-be-lifted-strict-measures-irk-residents-469842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Yangzhou have reserved thousands of quarantine sites for accommodating infected patients and their close contacts from Shanghai to support the city's antivirus measures, the Post report said.

Wu Fan, a leading expert with Shanghai's COVID-19 medical team, said China should stick to dynamic zero-covid&nbsp;policy rather than "lie flat", adding that antivirus measures should be properly followed to tame the virus with the lowest costs.

Wu, who is also the deputy dean of the Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, said during an interview that nobody knows how the virus will mutate in the future. She said it is possible that the virus may become less lethal yet more contagious and pathogenic, another daily The Paper reported.

The sudden rise of cases has led to the much-criticised lockdown of the city of 26 million people amid public criticism of the separation of children from parents in hospitals and testing centres as well distribution of food supplies to the people who were confined for days to the apartment blocks.

"The tidal wave has yet to peak, and worries are that the citywide lockdown will last for another few weeks, which may cripple the local economy," said Wang Feng, chairman of Shanghai-based financial service group Ye Lang Capital.

The business community is keeping a close eye on how the government will lift the lockdown, Wang told the Post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-vows-to-improve-food-deliveries-as-discontent-grows-over-covid-curbs-469021">Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs</a>

Thousands of businesses in Shanghai, from small restaurants to big-name multinational firms, have been forced to halt production.

Shanghai set an economic growth target of 5.5 per cent for 2022, but analysts believe it will miss that goal because of the Covid controls, the Post report said.

At present, the Yangshan deep water port can use just more than half of its handling capacity while flights to and from the city's two airports are mostly grounded.

On Sunday, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 27,745 close contacts of people who tested positive in different cities have been released.

Altogether 137,166 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the mainland after recovery by the end of Saturday, the NHC said.

The recurring spikes of coronavirus cases in number of cities in the last few months including Xian, Shenzhen, Jilin province, Beijing, Hong Kong and now Shanghai leading to mass lockdowns raised question marks about the rigid dynamic zero-COVID policy, which China claims largely kept the country safe from the coronavirus pandemic which first emerged in Wuhan in December, 2019.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang</a>

On Friday, President Xi defended China's stringently implemented zero- case policy notwithstanding the spiralling cases in Shanghai and previous outbreaks in different cities.

"Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that rages across the world, we have put first the health of all participants, adhered to the policy of preventing the coronavirus from re-entering the country to cause a new epidemic, and strictly implemented the prevention and control measures," Xi said, addressing a gathering to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.&nbsp;

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy.

Shanghai, which is reeling under a massive outbreak of coronavirus cases, has released over 11,000 recovered COVID-19 patients from hospitals, but infection numbers continued to climb, raising questions about China's much-touted dynamic zero-case policy. Wu Qianyu, a senior official with the east Chinese city's public health commission, told a media briefing on Sunday that the patients would be put under home quarantine and no further controls should be imposed on them. "Relevant authorities in the areas they live in have to be alerted that they are allowed to go home. At the same time, the officials are required to monitor their health (during the quarantine period)," the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on Over 11,000 recovered patients have been released, it said. But much to the disquiet of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by President Xi Jinping, single-day new infections in Shanghai hit 24,944 on Sunday, setting a new record for the ninth consecutive day. However, positive cases dropped slightly to 1,006 from 1,015 on Saturday. Shanghai, China's commercial and financial capital, has seen more than 179,000 cases since the current outbreak, driven by the Omicron variant, began on March 1, the Post report said. About 5,400 patients were reported to have mild symptoms, while others were asymptomatic. As the cases continue to rise, Shanghai on Saturday inaugurated 50,000 bed makeshift hospital, its largest till date, amid heightened efforts in battling Omicron, as new daily infections continued to climb, the state-run Global Times reported. In total, Shanghai has built more than 100 makeshift hospitals with over 160,000 beds, the report said. Neighbouring cities are also on alert to stop the disease from spreading further in Yangtze Delta, one of the country's most important economic areas. Watch | Lockdown in Shanghai to be lifted, strict measures irk residents Nearby cities such as Hangzhou and Yangzhou have reserved thousands of quarantine sites for accommodating infected patients and their close contacts from Shanghai to support the city's antivirus measures, the Post report said. Wu Fan, a leading expert with Shanghai's COVID-19 medical team, said China should stick to dynamic zero-covid policy rather than "lie flat", adding that antivirus measures should be properly followed to tame the virus with the lowest costs. Wu, who is also the deputy dean of the Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, said during an interview that nobody knows how the virus will mutate in the future. She said it is possible that the virus may become less lethal yet more contagious and pathogenic, another daily The Paper reported. The sudden rise of cases has led to the much-criticised lockdown of the city of 26 million people amid public criticism of the separation of children from parents in hospitals and testing centres as well distribution of food supplies to the people who were confined for days to the apartment blocks. "The tidal wave has yet to peak, and worries are that the citywide lockdown will last for another few weeks, which may cripple the local economy," said Wang Feng, chairman of Shanghai-based financial service group Ye Lang Capital. The business community is keeping a close eye on how the government will lift the lockdown, Wang told the Post. Also read | Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs Thousands of businesses in Shanghai, from small restaurants to big-name multinational firms, have been forced to halt production. Shanghai set an economic growth target of 5.5 per cent for 2022, but analysts believe it will miss that goal because of the Covid controls, the Post report said. At present, the Yangshan deep water port can use just more than half of its handling capacity while flights to and from the city's two airports are mostly grounded. On Sunday, the National Health Commission (NHC) reported that 27,745 close contacts of people who tested positive in different cities have been released. Altogether 137,166 patients have been discharged from hospitals across the mainland after recovery by the end of Saturday, the NHC said. The recurring spikes of coronavirus cases in number of cities in the last few months including Xian, Shenzhen, Jilin province, Beijing, Hong Kong and now Shanghai leading to mass lockdowns raised question marks about the rigid dynamic zero-COVID policy, which China claims largely kept the country safe from the coronavirus pandemic which first emerged in Wuhan in December, 2019. Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang On Friday, President Xi defended China's stringently implemented zero- case policy notwithstanding the spiralling cases in Shanghai and previous outbreaks in different cities. "Against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic that rages across the world, we have put first the health of all participants, adhered to the policy of preventing the coronavirus from re-entering the country to cause a new epidemic, and strictly implemented the prevention and control measures," Xi said, addressing a gathering to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.

Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise

China's most populous and wealthiest city, Shanghai has started easing its lockdown&nbsp;on Monday after&nbsp;reporting more than 25,000 covid cases a day earlier.

The Communist Party is pressurising authorities to make the city work again after more than two weeks. Earlier as&nbsp;the lockdown stretched on, it was difficult for people to get adequate food and medicines, Reuters reported.

On Sunday, Shanghai reported 25,173 new asymptomatic infections, up from 23,973 the day before, though symptomatic cases fell from 1,006 to 914.<o:p></o:p>

The city official Gu Honghui, that the city is now categorising the residential units into three safety categories in order to allow the residents in neighbourhood with no positive cases for a two- week period to engage in “suitable activity.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-closes-guangzhou-to-most-arrivals-as-outbreak-spreads-470136">COVID-19: China closes Guangzhou to most arrivals as outbreak spreads</a>

However, it’s still unclear that how many of the city’s 25 million residents will be released from lockdown right away, the moves offer some relief for those who have been cooped up for more than three weeks in fight against the coronavirus since its outbreak in late 2019 in central Wuhan.

Gu Honghui said, Shanghai was divided into 7,624 sealed regions, 2,460 being subjected to ‘control’ after a week of no new infections and 7,565 ‘prevention areas’ to be opened up after two weeks with any coronavirus cases. The ones in prevention areas who travel around their neighbourhood must maintain social distance and may by sealed again after new cases emerge.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-shanghais-covid-19-infections-rise-by-25000-authorities-shaping-an-exit-plan-from-lockdown-470183/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The industrial neighbourhood of Jinshan, on the southwestern outskirts of Shanghai was the first one to publish its list, which included name of residentials locations classified into high and medium risks section.

Many social media users criticised the Shanghai government saying relaxing action as a major risk at a time when the city is dealing with a record number of cases every day, while some claimed that the city does not have any choice. While the complaints about controlling still continues as people in Xuhui district told Reuters, neighbouring committees had put locks in their bicycle to confine them to their homes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-releases-thousands-of-recovered-covid-patients-but-new-cases-continue-to-rise-470006">Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise</a>

The highly contagious but less lethal Omicron variant is straining China’s zero tolerance attitude towards COVID-19, which mandates one to be in quarantine even if they have no symptoms.&nbsp;

However, other countries are trying to live with the virus, China’s policy has halted all international travels and is taking a growing economic toll as towns apply limitations and eastern Ningbo and Guangzhou are the recent ones to do so.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

China's most populous and wealthiest city, Shanghai has started easing its lockdown on Monday after reporting more than 25,000 covid cases a day earlier. The Communist Party is pressurising authorities to make the city work again after more than two weeks.

China's most populous and wealthiest city, Shanghai has started easing its lockdown on Monday after reporting more than 25,000 covid cases a day earlier. The Communist Party is pressurising authorities to make the city work again after more than two weeks. Earlier as the lockdown stretched on, it was difficult for people to get adequate food and medicines, Reuters reported. On Sunday, Shanghai reported 25,173 new asymptomatic infections, up from 23,973 the day before, though symptomatic cases fell from 1,006 to 914. The city official Gu Honghui, that the city is now categorising the residential units into three safety categories in order to allow the residents in neighbourhood with no positive cases for a two- week period to engage in “suitable activity.” Also read | COVID-19: China closes Guangzhou to most arrivals as outbreak spreads However, it’s still unclear that how many of the city’s 25 million residents will be released from lockdown right away, the moves offer some relief for those who have been cooped up for more than three weeks in fight against the coronavirus since its outbreak in late 2019 in central Wuhan. Gu Honghui said, Shanghai was divided into 7,624 sealed regions, 2,460 being subjected to ‘control’ after a week of no new infections and 7,565 ‘prevention areas’ to be opened up after two weeks with any coronavirus cases. The ones in prevention areas who travel around their neighbourhood must maintain social distance and may by sealed again after new cases emerge. Watch | China: Shanghai's covid-19 infections rise by 25,000, authorities shaping an exit plan from lockdown The industrial neighbourhood of Jinshan, on the southwestern outskirts of Shanghai was the first one to publish its list, which included name of residentials locations classified into high and medium risks section. Many social media users criticised the Shanghai government saying relaxing action as a major risk at a time when the city is dealing with a record number of cases every day, while some claimed that the city does not have any choice. While the complaints about controlling still continues as people in Xuhui district told Reuters, neighbouring committees had put locks in their bicycle to confine them to their homes. Also read | Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise The highly contagious but less lethal Omicron variant is straining China’s zero tolerance attitude towards COVID-19, which mandates one to be in quarantine even if they have no symptoms. However, other countries are trying to live with the virus, China’s policy has halted all international travels and is taking a growing economic toll as towns apply limitations and eastern Ningbo and Guangzhou are the recent ones to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: Shanghai to ease lockdown in some areas despite rise in cases

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders.

The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unusual-step-mexico-president-asks-voters-if-he-should-go-469282">In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go</a>

The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding.

Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence.

"Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP.

Useless exercise

But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living.

"It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher.

Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace.

"Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards.

Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then.

Watch |&nbsp;India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-is-an-important-partner-in-trade-space-says-mexico-foreign-minister-ebrard-467044/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs."

"Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added.

But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources."

Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans."

Sustenance of democracy

Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative.

Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters.

Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms.

The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum.

Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus&nbsp;firm.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/space-and-pharma-to-be-key-focus-of-mexico-fms-india-visit-tomorrow-466726">Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday</a>

Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador.

"I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital.

Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy."

The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Sunday easily survived a divisive referendum on whether he should step down or complete his term -- a vote marked by low turnout, initial results showed. With an approval rating of nearly 60 per cent, Lopez Obrador's presidency had never appeared seriously at risk, and the left-wing populist was himself one of the vote's biggest cheerleaders. The 68-year-old president, elected in 2018 for a six-year term, won a majority of around 90.3-91.9 per cent in favor of his staying in office until 2024, according to a preliminary vote count by the National Electoral Institute. Also read | In an unusual step, Mexico president asks voters if he should go The turnout rate was between 17 and 18.2 per cent, meaning that even if Lopez Obrador had lost, the result would not have been legally binding. Supporters of the referendum -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- said it was a way of increasing democratic accountability, giving voters the opportunity to remove the president due to loss of confidence. "Now we have the chance to change what's not right. There have been presidents who, after being elected by the people, ended up serving other interests," Benigno Gasca, a 57-year-old mathematician and musician, told AFP. Useless exercise But critics saw it as expensive propaganda and an unnecessary distraction from the many challenges facing the country, including drug-related violence, poverty and the rising cost of living. "It's a useless exercise -- money thrown away," said Laura Gonzalez, a 62-year-old retired teacher. Lopez Obrador cast his vote early Sunday with his wife at a polling station near the presidential palace. "Let no one forget that the people are in charge," he declared afterwards. Mexico's constitution limits presidents to one term, and Lopez Obrador has vowed to retire in 2024, following accusations by opponents that the referendum was a step towards trying to stay in power beyond then. Watch | India is an important partner in Trade, Space says Mexico Foreign minister Ebrard Mario Delgado, leader of the ruling party Morena, said voters had recognized Lopez Obrador's "dedication to the most needy and the enormous moral authority with which he governs." "Only an indomitable, unwavering democrat like him can subject himself to a recall process," he added. But Marko Cortes, of the conservative opposition party PAN, said the vote was marked "by illegality, lies, manipulation and the diversion of public resources." Alejandro Moreno of the PRI, which ruled Mexico for seven decades until 2000, tweeted that Morena had turned the referendum into a "mockery" to "satisfy its own ego and continue deceiving Mexicans." Sustenance of democracy Some 93 million voters were eligible to participate in the midterm referendum, which was incorporated into Mexico's constitution in 2019 at Lopez Obrador's initiative. Most of the signatures that were collected in order for the vote to happen came from his supporters. Experts had predicted that a win could give impetus to Lopez Obrador's policy agenda, such as controversial energy reforms. The president also has his eye on the 2024 elections and the prospects for his party and possible successors, including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum. Lopez Obrador enjoyed an approval rating of 58 per cent in March, although that was far below a peak of 81 per cent seen in February 2019, according to a poll of polls by the Oraculus firm. Also read | Space and pharma to be key focus of Mexico FM’s India visit on Wednesday Carmen Sobrino, a 64-year-old housewife, said she heeded the call to vote because she was happy with Lopez Obrador. "I hope he continues," she said after casting her ballot in the capital. Another voter, 59-year-old economist Flor Mercedes Rodriguez, saw the referendum as a chance to "resume the culture of citizen participation... It's the sustenance of democracy." The president accused the National Electoral Institute before the vote of sabotaging the exercise in collusion with his political opponents by failing to do enough to promote it.

Mexico President survives recall vote marked by low turnout, doesn't have to step down

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities.

Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-releases-thousands-of-recovered-covid-patients-but-new-cases-continue-to-rise-470006">Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise</a>

No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday.

However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing.

Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement.

China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services.

China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US&nbsp;after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US&nbsp;Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters

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China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US&nbsp;Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said.

Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader.

The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China.

Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants.

City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities.

Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks.

China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms.

The manufacturing hub of Guangzhou closed itself to most arrivals Monday as China battles a major COVID-19 surge in its big eastern cities. Shanghai has taken the brunt of the surge, with another 26,087 cases announced on Monday, only 914 of which showed symptoms. The city of 26 million is under a tight lockdown, with many residents confined to their homes for up to three weeks. Also read | Shanghai releases thousands of recovered Covid patients, but new cases continue to rise No such lockdown has yet been announced for Guangzhou, a metropolis of 18 million northwest of Hong Kong that is home to many top companies and China's busiest airport. Just 27 cases were reported in the city on Monday. However, primary and middle schools have been switched to online after an initial 23 local infections were detected last week. An exhibition center was being converted into a makeshift hospital after authorities said earlier they would begin citywide mass testing. Only citizens with a "definite need" to leave Guangzhou can do so, and only if they test negative for the virus within 48 hours of departure, city spokesperson Chen Bin said in a social media announcement. China has stuck to its zero-covid strategy of handling outbreaks with strict isolation and mass testing, despite complaints in Shanghai over shortages of food and medical services. China's government and the entirely state-controlled media are growing increasingly defensive about complaints over the COVID-19 prevention measures, censoring content online and rebuking foreign critics. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Sunday said China had lodged solemn representations with the US after the State Department advised Americans to reconsider travelling to China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws and COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in Hong Kong, Jilin province and Shanghai. US Officials cited a risk of parents and children being separated. Watch | Gravitas | Shanghai Covid Outbreak: China deploys drones to silence protesters China was strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposed to the US Side's groundless accusation against China's epidemic response, Zhao said. Despite that, and indications the hardline policy is being dictated by the head of the ruling Communist Party Xi Jinping, China has rejected any notion that its response is political in nature. Xi has demanded social stability above all else in the runup to a key party congress later this year at which he is expected to bestow on himself an unprecedented third term as party leader. The English-language China Daily acknowledged that Shanghai's measures are far from perfect," and pointed to the firing last week of three local officials for failing in their duties. But it said that shouldn't become an excuse to politicise the event and blame China. Despite the large number of cases, no new deaths have been reported in the Shanghai wave, possibly because the omicron variant is less deadly than older variants. City authorities also say they have secured daily supplies for residents, following complaints about deliveries of food and other necessities. Residents have resorted to group buying of groceries because they are not allowed to leave their buildings, with only partial success in obtaining needed items. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on The capital Beijing has seen relatively few restrictions, although the Erjiefang neighborhood including the famed 798 art district has been cordoned off and classified as high risk after eight infections were reported there over the past two weeks. China is facing one of its worst local outbreaks since the pandemic began. China is still mostly closed to international travel, even as most of the world has sought ways to live with the virus.

COVID-19: China closes Guangzhou to most arrivals as outbreak spreads

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of people in hospital with &nbsp;respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday.

The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region.

As the storm swept south, it shrouded Baghdad and cities as far south as Nasiriyah in a ghostly orange.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-presidential-vote-delayed-again-over-lack-of-quorum-465780">&nbsp;Iraq presidential vote delayed again over lack of quorum</a>

In the capital, buildings and vehicles were covered in ochre-coloured dust, AFP journalists reported.

The storm has caused "dozens&nbsp;of hospitalisations across Iraq due to respiratory problems", health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr told AFP.

The director of Iraq's meteorological office, Amer al-Jabri, said that while dust storms were not uncommon in Iraq, they are becoming more frequent "due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-12-iranian-missiles-land-in-iraq-462331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iraq is particularly vulnerable to climate change, having already witnessed record low rainfall and high temperatures in recent years.

Experts have said these factors threaten social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-warned-iraq-often-about-threats-posed-to-iran-foreign-ministry-462111">Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry</a>

In November, the World Bank warned that Iraq could suffer a 20 percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change.

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left dozens of people in hospital with respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday. The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region.

A dust storm that has swept through much of Iraq has left dozens of people in hospital with respiratory problems, a health ministry spokesman said Saturday. The storm erupted in the north of the country on Thursday, prompting the cancellation of flights serving Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region. As the storm swept south, it shrouded Baghdad and cities as far south as Nasiriyah in a ghostly orange. Also read | Iraq presidential vote delayed again over lack of quorum In the capital, buildings and vehicles were covered in ochre-coloured dust, AFP journalists reported. The storm has caused "dozens of hospitalisations across Iraq due to respiratory problems", health ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr told AFP. The director of Iraq's meteorological office, Amer al-Jabri, said that while dust storms were not uncommon in Iraq, they are becoming more frequent "due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall". Watch | Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq Iraq is particularly vulnerable to climate change, having already witnessed record low rainfall and high temperatures in recent years. Experts have said these factors threaten social and economic disaster in the war-scarred country. Also read | Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry In November, the World Bank warned that Iraq could suffer a 20 percent drop in water resources by 2050 due to climate change.

Dozens hospitalised as Iraq gripped by dust storm

Cash-strapped&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's central bank hiked interest rates by a record 700 basis points on Friday as police fired tear gas at hundreds of students protesting about the economic crisis.

Severe shortages of food, fuel and electricity have led to widespread anti-government demonstrations with calls for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign.

The latest protests saw students try to march to the national parliament on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-former-minister-calls-sri-lankas-current-situation-chaos-says-govt-trying-to-hold-on-to-power-469337">Exclusive | Sri Lanka crisis: Govt trying to hold on to power, cricket icon Arjuna Ranatunga tells WION</a>

Elsewhere demonstrators nationwide carried placards demanding Rajapaksa step down over the country's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948.

Buddhists monks, who had largely led Rajapaksa's election bid in November 2019, were also seen joining demonstrations in the capital Colombo.

The Central Bank of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;said its benchmark lending rate had been raised to 14.5 per cent to "stabilise the exchange rate" after the rupee tumbled over 35 per cent in a month.

The rate for deposits was also increased by seven percentage points to 13.5 per cent as reports said&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's rupee was the worst performing currency in the world, edging out the Russian ruble.

The bank said the shock-treatment rate hike was due to its belief that the embattled island's inflation, which is already at record levels, could get worse.

The Colombo Consumer Price Index rose 18.7 per cent in March while food inflation stood at more than 25 per cent, but private analysts placed inflation at over 50 per cent in the month.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: A Chinese bailout for Sri Lanka?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-chinese-bailout-for-sri-lanka-469229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
International rating agencies have downgraded&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;as fears grow that it could default on its $51 billion external debt after foreign reserves fell below $2 billion at the end of March.

This week Rajapaksa appointed a panel of experts to organise a restructuring of foreign debt.

His government is preparing for bailout negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and finance ministry officials told AFP the panel will prepare a programme for sovereign bond holders and other creditors to take a haircut.

"What&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;is keen to do is avoid a hard default," a source from the ministry who requested anonymity told AFP.&nbsp;

"It will be a negotiated restructuring of the debt with the help of the IMF."

Meetings with the IMF are set to begin by next week but finance minister Basil Rajapaksa -- the president's brother -- resigned on Sunday night along with nearly the entire cabinet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-parliament-passes-bill-to-impose-tax-on-rich-to-garner-quick-revenue-469305">Sri Lankan parliament passes bill to impose tax on rich to garner quick revenue</a>

The country is still without a replacement, with his successor quitting after just one day in office.

Public anger is at fever pitch, and thousands of people were expected to take part on Saturday in what likely will be the biggest protest since the crisis began.

Recent days have seen civil servants and schoolchildren join in demonstrations largely organised through social media.

In an apparent bid to head off more protests, the government on Thursday declared extra public holidays for next week to coincide with the traditional Sinhalese and Tamil New Year.

Opposition parties have rejected an overture from the president to form a unity administration and instead joined calls for him to step down.

The shortages of essentials have been caused by a wide-ranging import ban as&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;seeks to conserve its meagre foreign currency reserves to pay its debts.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-heathcare-sector-witnesses-major-downfall-amid-shortage-of-essential-medicines-469146">Sri Lanka's healthcare sector witnesses downfall amid shortage of essential medicines</a>

In recent years the vital tourism sector has also been hit hard by Islamist bomb attacks in 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic, which dried up remittances from&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankans abroad.

Economists say the crisis has been exacerbated&nbsp;by government mismanagement, years of accumulated borrowing and ill-advised tax cuts.
</div>

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka's central bank hiked interest rates by a record 700 basis points on Friday as police fired tear gas at hundreds of students protesting about the economic crisis.

Cash-strapped Sri Lanka's central bank hiked interest rates by a record 700 basis points on Friday as police fired tear gas at hundreds of students protesting about the economic crisis. Severe shortages of food, fuel and electricity have led to widespread anti-government demonstrations with calls for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign. The latest protests saw students try to march to the national parliament on Friday. Also read | Exclusive | Sri Lanka crisis: Govt trying to hold on to power, cricket icon Arjuna Ranatunga tells WION Elsewhere demonstrators nationwide carried placards demanding Rajapaksa step down over the country's worst economic crisis since independence in 1948. Buddhists monks, who had largely led Rajapaksa's election bid in November 2019, were also seen joining demonstrations in the capital Colombo. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka said its benchmark lending rate had been raised to 14.5 per cent to "stabilise the exchange rate" after the rupee tumbled over 35 per cent in a month. The rate for deposits was also increased by seven percentage points to 13.5 per cent as reports said Sri Lanka's rupee was the worst performing currency in the world, edging out the Russian ruble. The bank said the shock-treatment rate hike was due to its belief that the embattled island's inflation, which is already at record levels, could get worse. The Colombo Consumer Price Index rose 18.7 per cent in March while food inflation stood at more than 25 per cent, but private analysts placed inflation at over 50 per cent in the month. Watch | Gravitas: A Chinese bailout for Sri Lanka? International rating agencies have downgraded Sri Lanka as fears grow that it could default on its $51 billion external debt after foreign reserves fell below $2 billion at the end of March. This week Rajapaksa appointed a panel of experts to organise a restructuring of foreign debt. His government is preparing for bailout negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, and finance ministry officials told AFP the panel will prepare a programme for sovereign bond holders and other creditors to take a haircut. "What Sri Lanka is keen to do is avoid a hard default," a source from the ministry who requested anonymity told AFP. "It will be a negotiated restructuring of the debt with the help of the IMF." Meetings with the IMF are set to begin by next week but finance minister Basil Rajapaksa -- the president's brother -- resigned on Sunday night along with nearly the entire cabinet. Also read | Sri Lankan parliament passes bill to impose tax on rich to garner quick revenue The country is still without a replacement, with his successor quitting after just one day in office. Public anger is at fever pitch, and thousands of people were expected to take part on Saturday in what likely will be the biggest protest since the crisis began. Recent days have seen civil servants and schoolchildren join in demonstrations largely organised through social media. In an apparent bid to head off more protests, the government on Thursday declared extra public holidays for next week to coincide with the traditional Sinhalese and Tamil New Year. Opposition parties have rejected an overture from the president to form a unity administration and instead joined calls for him to step down. The shortages of essentials have been caused by a wide-ranging import ban as Sri Lanka seeks to conserve its meagre foreign currency reserves to pay its debts. Also read | Sri Lanka's healthcare sector witnesses downfall amid shortage of essential medicines In recent years the vital tourism sector has also been hit hard by Islamist bomb attacks in 2019 and the coronavirus pandemic, which dried up remittances from Sri Lankans abroad. Economists say the crisis has been exacerbated by government mismanagement, years of accumulated borrowing and ill-advised tax cuts.

Crisis-hit: Sri Lanka hikes rates by record as protests spiral

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The death toll climbed to 5,21,573 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-covid-xe-variant-in-india-yet-government-clarifies-469066">No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies</a>

A reduction of 147 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.24 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,00,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.38 crore.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-abstains-despite-russias-warning-469230/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year.

The 43 new fatalities include 36 from Kerala.

A total of 5,21,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,806 from Maharashtra, 68,264 from Kerala, and 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,498 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/till-further-notice-tata-group-owned-air-india-suspends-non-stop-flights-to-russia-469222">Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia &nbsp;</a>

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

India logged 1,109 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,30,33,067, while the active cases dipped to 11,492, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,21,573 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | No Covid XE variant in India yet, government clarifies A reduction of 147 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.24 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.23 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,25,00,002, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.38 crore. Watch | Gravitas: India abstains despite Russia's warning India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crores on May 4 and three crores on June 23 last year. The 43 new fatalities include 36 from Kerala. A total of 5,21,573 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,806 from Maharashtra, 68,264 from Kerala, and 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,498 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal. Also read | Till further notice, Tata Group-owned Air India suspends non-stop flights to Russia The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that the state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India records 1,109 new cases

Videos of&nbsp;a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media.

The world's most populous country is glued to an aggressive "zero-Covid" strategy, with Beijing extracting political value from China's relatively low death rates since the pandemic began and gloating over its handling of the virus compared to Western rivals.

But well over two years since the virus first emerged,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;now simmers under an Omicron-fulled outbreak that has 25 million city residents locked down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-moves-a-number-of-covid-19-patients-to-neighbouring-province-of-zhejiang-469095">Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang</a>

Record caseloads have topped 20,000 a day and the lockdown -- initially billed as a phased, localised measure -- appears set to drag on, even as much of the world learns to live with Covid.

Many residents have tired of the government's grandstanding and social media has opened a window into their fury at food shortages, strict quarantines and overzealous officialdom.

In one particularly egregious video clip verified by AFP, a person in a hazmat suit is seen bludgeoning a corgi dog to death in the street.

A state-run&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;media outlet said Thursday the local neighbourhood committee had admitted culling the creature because they were "afraid of being infected", but conceded the act was "thoughtless".

The video has zipped across social media despite China's strict internet censorship.

Watch |&nbsp;China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reports-highest-ever-daily-cases-shanghai-insufficiently-prepared-says-top-official-468761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"That post about the corgi just keeps getting reshared on my WeChat moments," a&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;resident told AFP, requesting anonymity.

"I think a lot of people are going to be trying to be taking action through petitions and talking to their community... so hopefully the anger and fear turns into something more positive."

Shortages

In another dystopia-tinged viral video, a drone whirrs through a housing compound at night broadcasting a message urging residents to "control your soul's desire for freedom".&nbsp;

The video is unverified, but was billed as a local government reaction to a&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;neighbourhood, which serenaded officials with swear-word laden chants in a widely-shared clip.

Other viral videos -- whose locations have been verified by AFP -- appear to show residents scuffling with hazmat-clad officials and bursting through a barricade onto a street, yelling "we want to eat cheap vegetables!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-chinese-people-claim-quarantine-facilities-in-shanghai-have-insufficient-staff-shortage-of-food-468545">Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food</a>

Sudden stay-at-home orders have left residents short of fresh food, while delivery apps are overwhelmed each morning as demand surges and many drivers are reportedly off work fearing a positive Covid test could send them into state quarantine.

Taken together, the videos form a rare montage of public anger and a riposte to the government's narrative that it is in complete control of the pandemic.

Covid conundrum&nbsp;

China has refused to abandon its "dynamic zero" Covid strategy of border restrictions, lengthy quarantines and targeted lockdowns, even as new variants test the limits of the policy.

Any shift is unlikely while Beijing touts its pandemic controls as vindication of its right to rule, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London.&nbsp;

"Zero-Covid is not just a Party policy, but ... a Xi policy", he said, referring to China's President Xi Jinping.

"As such it cannot be wrong and cannot be abandoned -- at least not until Xi sees its continuation will harm himself or his hold on power."

Official figures show the vast majority of the more than 100,000 cases in&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;in the past month show no symptoms of Covid-19.

Yet tens of thousands of beds have been set up in centres to quarantine the infected.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-might-have-longer-impacts-on-your-brain-study-468522">Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study</a>

Officials only softened a policy of splitting Covid-positive children and babies from their virus-free parents after videos of wards full of young kids stoked public outrage.

For experts, what is happening in&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;-- and the social media backlash -- is exposing the conundrum at the heart of the central policy.

"In terms of ... balancing the need to protect health against the need to protect socioeconomic stability, I'm not sure that this is the right approach," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Videos of a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down Shanghai residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media.

Videos of a pet dog killed in the name of Covid controls, expletive-strewn songs aimed at Communist authorities and scuffles with hazmat-suited officials –- seething, locked-down Shanghai residents are pouring scorn on China's hardline virus measures via social media. The world's most populous country is glued to an aggressive "zero-Covid" strategy, with Beijing extracting political value from China's relatively low death rates since the pandemic began and gloating over its handling of the virus compared to Western rivals. But well over two years since the virus first emerged, Shanghai now simmers under an Omicron-fulled outbreak that has 25 million city residents locked down. Also read | Shanghai moves a number of COVID-19 patients to neighbouring province of Zhejiang Record caseloads have topped 20,000 a day and the lockdown -- initially billed as a phased, localised measure -- appears set to drag on, even as much of the world learns to live with Covid. Many residents have tired of the government's grandstanding and social media has opened a window into their fury at food shortages, strict quarantines and overzealous officialdom. In one particularly egregious video clip verified by AFP, a person in a hazmat suit is seen bludgeoning a corgi dog to death in the street. A state-run Shanghai media outlet said Thursday the local neighbourhood committee had admitted culling the creature because they were "afraid of being infected", but conceded the act was "thoughtless". The video has zipped across social media despite China's strict internet censorship. Watch | China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official "That post about the corgi just keeps getting reshared on my WeChat moments," a Shanghai resident told AFP, requesting anonymity. "I think a lot of people are going to be trying to be taking action through petitions and talking to their community... so hopefully the anger and fear turns into something more positive." Shortages In another dystopia-tinged viral video, a drone whirrs through a housing compound at night broadcasting a message urging residents to "control your soul's desire for freedom". The video is unverified, but was billed as a local government reaction to a Shanghai neighbourhood, which serenaded officials with swear-word laden chants in a widely-shared clip. Other viral videos -- whose locations have been verified by AFP -- appear to show residents scuffling with hazmat-clad officials and bursting through a barricade onto a street, yelling "we want to eat cheap vegetables!" Also read | Watch | Shanghai residents claim quarantine facilities have insufficient staff, shortage of food Sudden stay-at-home orders have left residents short of fresh food, while delivery apps are overwhelmed each morning as demand surges and many drivers are reportedly off work fearing a positive Covid test could send them into state quarantine. Taken together, the videos form a rare montage of public anger and a riposte to the government's narrative that it is in complete control of the pandemic. Covid conundrum China has refused to abandon its "dynamic zero" Covid strategy of border restrictions, lengthy quarantines and targeted lockdowns, even as new variants test the limits of the policy. Any shift is unlikely while Beijing touts its pandemic controls as vindication of its right to rule, said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute in London. "Zero-Covid is not just a Party policy, but ... a Xi policy", he said, referring to China's President Xi Jinping. "As such it cannot be wrong and cannot be abandoned -- at least not until Xi sees its continuation will harm himself or his hold on power." Official figures show the vast majority of the more than 100,000 cases in Shanghai in the past month show no symptoms of Covid-19. Yet tens of thousands of beds have been set up in centres to quarantine the infected. Also read | Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study Officials only softened a policy of splitting Covid-positive children and babies from their virus-free parents after videos of wards full of young kids stoked public outrage. For experts, what is happening in Shanghai -- and the social media backlash -- is exposing the conundrum at the heart of the central policy. "In terms of ... balancing the need to protect health against the need to protect socioeconomic stability, I'm not sure that this is the right approach," said Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for Global Health at the Council on Foreign Relations.

COVID-19: Shanghai social media unpicks China's Covid lockdown story

With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

The death toll climbed to 5,21,530 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-detects-first-case-of-omicron-xe-variant-in-mumbai-468855">COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai</a>

A reduction of 232 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.

The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.21 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.22 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,98,789 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent.

The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.20 crore.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is it time to go mask-less?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-it-time-to-go-mask-less-468728/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year.

The 43 new fatalities include 32 from Kerala.

A total of 5,21,530 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,800 from Maharashtra, 68,228 from Kerala, 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,497 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/second-booster-shot-protects-against-covid-19-but-effect-remains-short-lived-study-468788">Second booster shot protects against COVID-19 but effect remains short-lived: Study</a>

The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

With 1,033 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,30,31,958, while the active cases dipped to 11,639, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 5,21,530 with 43 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.03 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate remained at 98.76 per cent, the ministry said. Also read | COVID-19: India detects first case of Omicron XE variant in Mumbai A reduction of 232 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded as 0.21 per cent and the weekly positivity rate as 0.22 per cent, according to the ministry. The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,24,98,789 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.21 per cent. The cumulative doses administered in the country so far under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive has exceeded 185.20 crore. Watch | Gravitas: Is it time to go mask-less? India's COVID-19 tally had crossed the 20-lakh mark on August 7, 2020, 30 lakh on August 23, 40 lakh on September 5 and 50 lakh on September 16. It went past 60 lakh on September 28, 70 lakh on October 11, crossed 80 lakh on October 29, 90 lakh on November 20 and surpassed the one-crore mark on December 19. The country crossed the grim milestone of two crore on May 4 and three crore on June 23 last year. The 43 new fatalities include 32 from Kerala. A total of 5,21,530 deaths have been reported so far in the country including 1,47,800 from Maharashtra, 68,228 from Kerala, 40,056 from Karnataka, 38,025 from Tamil Nadu, 26,155 from Delhi, 23,497 from Uttar Pradesh and 21,200 from West Bengal. Also read | Second booster shot protects against COVID-19 but effect remains short-lived: Study The ministry stressed that more than 70 per cent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said on its website, adding that state-wise distribution of figures is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

COVID-19: India logs 1,033 new cases, active cases dipped to 11,639

Shanghai&nbsp;on Thursday said it was trying its best to&nbsp;improve&nbsp;the distribution of&nbsp;food&nbsp;and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing&nbsp;discontent&nbsp;over&nbsp;such difficulties as covid&nbsp;curbs&nbsp;stretched into an 11th day.

China's financial hub has fallen largely silent after the city imposed harsh movement restrictions to stem the spread of&nbsp;Covid, with only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission allowed on the streets.

Authorities say that has whittled the number of couriers, who must keep the city's 26 million residents supplied, to just 11,000. Among still operating, but&nbsp;overloaded services, include Meituan as well as Alibaba's Freshippo online grocery platform and its Ele.me service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-might-have-longer-impacts-on-your-brain-study-468522">Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study</a>

Lockdowns for the city's residents eastern of the Huangpu river began on March 28, while lockdowns for the rest of the city started on April 1. The exercise originally was intended to last five days at most.

The&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;branch of China's Communist Party called on members to "dare show their swords and fight against all kind of behaviour that interferes with and destroys the&nbsp;overall efforts against the pandemic" in an open letter on Wednesday night.

Shanghai&nbsp;has sufficient reserves of staples such as rice and meat, but issues have cropped up in distribution and last-mile&nbsp;deliveries&nbsp;because of epidemic control measures,&nbsp;Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday.

He said the city would try to reopen some wholesale markets and&nbsp;food&nbsp;stores and allow more delivery personnel out of locked-down areas. Officials will also crack down on price gouging, he added.

"In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings&nbsp;overnight to try and figure out solutions," he said.

Many residents are beginning to worry about&nbsp;food&nbsp;and drinking water, as well as obtaining products such as infant formula.

Watch |&nbsp;China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-reports-highest-ever-daily-cases-shanghai-insufficiently-prepared-says-top-official-468761/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
Some have complained on social media waking up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, but finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables.

Social media users have also widely shared outrage&nbsp;over&nbsp;individual tragedies, including the alleged suicide of woman after being cyberbullied for paying too little to a delivery worker, and a healthcare worker beating to death a corgi after its owner allegedly was taken to quarantine.
</div>

Reuters could not independently verify either story.

Shanghai, which has been conducting multiple rounds of testing, reported close to 20,000 new locally transmitted cases for Wednesday, 98% of which it said where asymptomatic.

However, there are signs that transmission is still happening in spite of the lockdowns. Of its 19,660 asymptomatic infections, 633 involved people who were not under quarantine or who faced control measures, the data showed.

Shanghai&nbsp;denied rumours on Wednesday that it planned to suspend all delivery services amid concerns that the virus was being spread through such workers. It requires them to take PCR and antigen tests every day, and they can only deliver goods if they test negative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-eases-child-separation-under-covid-policy-but-extends-lockdown-468926">Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown</a>

China's most-populous city has yet to give an indication of when lockdown measures will lift, fuelling uncertainty and prompting European businesses and economists to warn about the mounting toll they are having on its economy and attractiveness as an international financial hub.

Although&nbsp;Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-Covid strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts.

On Thursday,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;city officials said they would continue to conduct more testing among its residents who will be asked to take PCR or self-administered antigen tests.

Shanghai&nbsp;has converted dozens of buildings into quarantine facilities that can house tens of thousands of positive cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghais-covid-mission-impossible-38k-health-workers-deployed-sampling-of-25-million-residents-completed-468430">Shanghai's COVID 'mission impossible': 38k health workers deployed, sampling of 25 million residents completed</a>

On Tuesday construction began on a new facility that can house 40,000 beds will be finished by Friday, local media The Paper said on Thursday.

Late on Wednesday, the China News Service said the neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang will also provide 60,000 more rooms which patients from&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;can quarantine.

Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as covid curbs stretched into an 11th day.

Shanghai on Thursday said it was trying its best to improve the distribution of food and essential goods to locked-in residents, responding to growing discontent over such difficulties as covid curbs stretched into an 11th day. China's financial hub has fallen largely silent after the city imposed harsh movement restrictions to stem the spread of Covid, with only healthcare workers, volunteers, delivery personnel or people with special permission allowed on the streets. Authorities say that has whittled the number of couriers, who must keep the city's 26 million residents supplied, to just 11,000. Among still operating, but overloaded services, include Meituan as well as Alibaba's Freshippo online grocery platform and its Ele.me service. Also read | Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study Lockdowns for the city's residents eastern of the Huangpu river began on March 28, while lockdowns for the rest of the city started on April 1. The exercise originally was intended to last five days at most. The Shanghai branch of China's Communist Party called on members to "dare show their swords and fight against all kind of behaviour that interferes with and destroys the overall efforts against the pandemic" in an open letter on Wednesday night. Shanghai has sufficient reserves of staples such as rice and meat, but issues have cropped up in distribution and last-mile deliveries because of epidemic control measures, Shanghai's vice mayor Chen Tong said at a news conference on Thursday. He said the city would try to reopen some wholesale markets and food stores and allow more delivery personnel out of locked-down areas. Officials will also crack down on price gouging, he added. "In response to the various problems reported by the public, we have been holding meetings overnight to try and figure out solutions," he said. Many residents are beginning to worry about food and drinking water, as well as obtaining products such as infant formula. Watch | China reports highest ever-daily cases, 'Shanghai insufficiently prepared,' says top official Some have complained on social media waking up at dawn for a chance at booking a grocery delivery, but finding them sold out within seconds. Others have turned to community WeChat groups to try to bulk-buy fruit and vegetables. Social media users have also widely shared outrage over individual tragedies, including the alleged suicide of woman after being cyberbullied for paying too little to a delivery worker, and a healthcare worker beating to death a corgi after its owner allegedly was taken to quarantine. Reuters could not independently verify either story. Shanghai, which has been conducting multiple rounds of testing, reported close to 20,000 new locally transmitted cases for Wednesday, 98% of which it said where asymptomatic. However, there are signs that transmission is still happening in spite of the lockdowns. Of its 19,660 asymptomatic infections, 633 involved people who were not under quarantine or who faced control measures, the data showed. Shanghai denied rumours on Wednesday that it planned to suspend all delivery services amid concerns that the virus was being spread through such workers. It requires them to take PCR and antigen tests every day, and they can only deliver goods if they test negative. Also read | Shanghai eases child separation under COVID policy but extends lockdown China's most-populous city has yet to give an indication of when lockdown measures will lift, fuelling uncertainty and prompting European businesses and economists to warn about the mounting toll they are having on its economy and attractiveness as an international financial hub. Although Shanghai's case numbers remain small by global standards, the city has emerged as a test bed for China's "dynamic clearance" anti-Covid strategy, which seeks to test, trace and centrally quarantine all positive cases and their close contacts. On Thursday, Shanghai city officials said they would continue to conduct more testing among its residents who will be asked to take PCR or self-administered antigen tests. Shanghai has converted dozens of buildings into quarantine facilities that can house tens of thousands of positive cases. Also read | Shanghai's COVID 'mission impossible': 38k health workers deployed, sampling of 25 million residents completed On Tuesday construction began on a new facility that can house 40,000 beds will be finished by Friday, local media The Paper said on Thursday. Late on Wednesday, the China News Service said the neighbouring provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang will also provide 60,000 more rooms which patients from Shanghai can quarantine.

Shanghai vows to improve food deliveries as discontent grows over Covid curbs

Hundreds of&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people began gathering in the&nbsp;Brazilian&nbsp;capital&nbsp;on Monday for a 10-day&nbsp;protest&nbsp;camp&nbsp;to defend their&nbsp;land&nbsp;rights&nbsp;and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations.

Organizers are hoping to gather 7,000 people from 200 of Brazil's 305 tribes to&nbsp;press&nbsp;Congress not to pass legislation proposed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that would open their protected&nbsp;lands to commercial mining and agriculture.

"We will not retreat," said Sonia Guajajara, head of the country's main&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;umbrella organization, the Articulation of&nbsp;Indigenous&nbsp;Peoples (APIB) that represents most of Brazil's 900,000&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-company-using-proceeds-acquired-by-selling-nfts-to-preserve-amazon-rainforest-465996">Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest</a>

Warriors in feathered headdresses with their bodies painted with the black and red dyes of Amazon fruit seeds danced chanting ritual songs as they put up tents on the grassy esplanade next to government ministries in central Brasilia.

Bolsonaro has said&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people have too much&nbsp;land, holding up the development of the country, and vowed not to recognize an inch more of reservation&nbsp;lands. Environmentalists say the reservations save the rainforest from destruction.

Guajajara said 13 per cent&nbsp;of Brazil's territory is protected&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;reservation&nbsp;land, with 98 per cent&nbsp;of that in the Amazon region. But 400&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;communities are still struggling to get their ancestral&nbsp;lands recognized.

Watch |&nbsp;At least 14 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/at-least-14-dead-as-torrential-rains-wreak-havoc-in-brazil-468411/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bill 191 is being fast-tracked in the lower house of Congress by lawmakers allied to the government who argue that it is needed to extract potash for fertilizer for Brazil's grain crops that depend on imports disrupted by the Ukraine war.

The legislation, backed by the powerful farm lobby, would also allow hydroelectric dams to be built&nbsp;on&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;lands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-hospitalized-after-feeling-unwell-press-466561">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized after feeling unwell: press</a>

Guajajara said at a news conference APIB will&nbsp;campaign to get more&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;people elected to Congress in this year's general election. At present, there is only one&nbsp;indigenous&nbsp;representative, Congresswoman Joenia Wapichana.

"We need to increase our voices in Congress," said Guajajara.

Guajajara said she will stand for the left-wing PSOL party representing Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Hundreds of indigenous people began gathering in the Brazilian capital on Monday for a 10-day protest camp to defend their land rights and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations.

Hundreds of indigenous people began gathering in the Brazilian capital on Monday for a 10-day protest camp to defend their land rights and oppose a government bill in Congress that would allow mining and oil exploration on their reservations. Organizers are hoping to gather 7,000 people from 200 of Brazil's 305 tribes to press Congress not to pass legislation proposed by far-right President Jair Bolsonaro that would open their protected lands to commercial mining and agriculture. "We will not retreat," said Sonia Guajajara, head of the country's main indigenous umbrella organization, the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples (APIB) that represents most of Brazil's 900,000 indigenous people. Also read | Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest Warriors in feathered headdresses with their bodies painted with the black and red dyes of Amazon fruit seeds danced chanting ritual songs as they put up tents on the grassy esplanade next to government ministries in central Brasilia. Bolsonaro has said indigenous people have too much land, holding up the development of the country, and vowed not to recognize an inch more of reservation lands. Environmentalists say the reservations save the rainforest from destruction. Guajajara said 13 per cent of Brazil's territory is protected indigenous reservation land, with 98 per cent of that in the Amazon region. But 400 indigenous communities are still struggling to get their ancestral lands recognized. Watch | At least 14 dead as torrential rains wreak havoc in Brazil Bill 191 is being fast-tracked in the lower house of Congress by lawmakers allied to the government who argue that it is needed to extract potash for fertilizer for Brazil's grain crops that depend on imports disrupted by the Ukraine war. The legislation, backed by the powerful farm lobby, would also allow hydroelectric dams to be built on indigenous lands. Also read | Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized after feeling unwell: press Guajajara said at a news conference APIB will campaign to get more indigenous people elected to Congress in this year's general election. At present, there is only one indigenous representative, Congresswoman Joenia Wapichana. "We need to increase our voices in Congress," said Guajajara. Guajajara said she will stand for the left-wing PSOL party representing Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city.

Indigenous protest camp erected in Brazilian capital to press land rights

Scientists recently discovered that SARS-CoV-2 virus-infected people show&nbsp;signs of severe brain injury and inflammation, including a reduction in oxygen and blood flow into the brain, neuron damage and even small areas of haemorrhage.

Researchers at Tulane University&nbsp;explained how Covid affects the central nervous system of humans. The observation is the first comprehensive report of neuropathology in a nonhuman primate model linked with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

These findings by researchers were published in the journal ‘Nature Communications.’

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/viruses-that-could-save-millions-of-lives-468373">Viruses that could save millions of lives</a>

However,&nbsp;what’s interesting, is that similar findings were noticed in people who never had any serious respiratory infection from the virus.

Trachy Fischer, PhD, the lead investigator and associate professor in microbiology and immunology at Tulane National Primate Research Centre, has been studying the brain&nbsp;for decades now. Fischer began studying the brain tissues of many infected animals soon after the primate centre launched its COVID-19 pilot programme in mid-2020.

Fischer’s preliminary reports showed that the level of brain damage caused by SARS-Cov-2&nbsp;is severe. Over the next few&nbsp;years, she tried to&nbsp;ensure the results were traceable to the illness.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai lockdown extended: City records 13,086 asymptomatic cases

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shanghai-lockdown-extended-city-records-13086-asymptomatic-cases-468469/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fischer said, “Because the subjects didn’t experience significant respiratory symptoms, no one expected them to have the severity of disease that we found in the brain. But the findings were distinct and profound, and undeniably a result of the infection.”&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/how-does-covid-19-actually-infect-humans-study-reveals-467325">How does COVID-19 actually infect humans? World's first human challenge study reveals &nbsp;</a>

The findings also aligned with COVID-19 related deaths, suggesting that non-human models or primates will be a good model to determine the human experience. &nbsp;Neurological infections are amongst the first symptoms of the infection that can be severe and even long-lasting.

As per Fischer, this study as well as the ones in future that focus on how SARS-CoV-2 impacts the human brain will help in better understanding and treatment of patients suffering from neurological effects of COVID-19 and long Covid.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists recently discovered that SARS-CoV-2 virus-infected people show signs of severe brain injury and inflammation, including a reduction in oxygen and blood flow into the brain, neuron damage and even small areas of haemorrhage.

Scientists recently discovered that SARS-CoV-2 virus-infected people show signs of severe brain injury and inflammation, including a reduction in oxygen and blood flow into the brain, neuron damage and even small areas of haemorrhage. Researchers at Tulane University explained how Covid affects the central nervous system of humans. The observation is the first comprehensive report of neuropathology in a nonhuman primate model linked with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings by researchers were published in the journal ‘Nature Communications.’ Also read | Viruses that could save millions of lives However, what’s interesting, is that similar findings were noticed in people who never had any serious respiratory infection from the virus. Trachy Fischer, PhD, the lead investigator and associate professor in microbiology and immunology at Tulane National Primate Research Centre, has been studying the brain for decades now. Fischer began studying the brain tissues of many infected animals soon after the primate centre launched its COVID-19 pilot programme in mid-2020. Fischer’s preliminary reports showed that the level of brain damage caused by SARS-Cov-2 is severe. Over the next few years, she tried to ensure the results were traceable to the illness. Watch | Shanghai lockdown extended: City records 13,086 asymptomatic cases Fischer said, “Because the subjects didn’t experience significant respiratory symptoms, no one expected them to have the severity of disease that we found in the brain. But the findings were distinct and profound, and undeniably a result of the infection.” Also read | How does COVID-19 actually infect humans? World's first human challenge study reveals The findings also aligned with COVID-19 related deaths, suggesting that non-human models or primates will be a good model to determine the human experience. Neurological infections are amongst the first symptoms of the infection that can be severe and even long-lasting. As per Fischer, this study as well as the ones in future that focus on how SARS-CoV-2 impacts the human brain will help in better understanding and treatment of patients suffering from neurological effects of COVID-19 and long Covid. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid might have longer impacts on your brain: Study

China&nbsp;has sent the&nbsp;military&nbsp;and thousands of healthcare workers into&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;to help carry out&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;tests for all of its&nbsp;26&nbsp;million&nbsp;residents&nbsp;as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses.

Some&nbsp;residents&nbsp;woke up before dawn for white-suited healthcare workers to swab their throats as part of nucleic acid&nbsp;testing at their housing compounds, many queuing up in their pyjamas and standing the required two metres apart.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday dispatched more than 2,000 medical personnel from across the army, navy and joint logistics support forces to&nbsp;Shanghai, an armed forces newspaper reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-china-reports-highest-number-of-cases-since-february-2020-467851">COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020</a>

So far 38,000 healthcare workers from provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the capital Beijing have been dispatched to&nbsp;Shanghai, according to state media, which showed them arriving, suitcase-laden and masked up, by high-speed rail and aircraft.

It is&nbsp;China's largest public health response since it tackled the initial&nbsp;COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus was first discovered in late 2019. The State Council said the PLA dispatched more than 4,000 medical personnel to the province of Hubei, where Wuhan is, at that time.

Shanghai, which began a two-stage lockdown on March 28 that has been expanded to confine practically all&nbsp;residents&nbsp;to their homes, reported 8,581 asymptomatic&nbsp;COVID-19 cases and 425 symptomatic&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;cases for April 3. It also asked&nbsp;residents&nbsp;to self-test&nbsp;on Sunday.

The city has emerged as a&nbsp;test&nbsp;of&nbsp;China's&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;elimination strategy based on&nbsp;testing, tracing and quarantining all positive cases and their close contacts.

The exercise in&nbsp;China's most populous city takes place on the eve of when&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;initially said it planned to lift the city's lockdown.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-official-signals-commitment-to-zero-covid-as-shanghai-battles-outbreak-468066">China official signals commitment to ‘zero Covid’ as Shanghai battles outbreak</a>

The country has 12,400 institutions capable of processing&nbsp;tests from as many as 900&nbsp;million&nbsp;people a day, a senior Chinese health official was reported as saying last month.

China's primarily uses pool&nbsp;testing, a process in which up to 20 swab samples are mixed together for more rapid processing.

The city has also converted multiple hospitals, gymnasiums, apartment blocks and other venues into central quarantine sites, including the&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;New International Expo Center which can hold 15,000 patients at full capacity.

On Monday,&nbsp;residents&nbsp;said they received the results on their personal health app about four hours after they were swabbed. But in other parts of the city some said they had yet to receive any notification on when their&nbsp;tests would be.

Individuals who refuse to be&nbsp;tested for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;for no justifiable reason will face administrative or criminal punishment,&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;police said on Saturday.

Watch |&nbsp;Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-covid-19-battle-china-discovers-new-omicron-subtype-468192/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Public Frustration

The surge in state support for&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;comes as the city is straining under the demands of the country's "dynamic clearance" strategy, with some&nbsp;residents&nbsp;complaining of crowded and unsanitary central quarantine centres, as well as difficulties in securing food and essential medical help.

Some have begun to question the policies, asking why&nbsp;Covid-positive children are separated from their parents and why mild or asymptomatic infections - the majority of&nbsp;Shanghai's cases - cannot isolate at home.

On Monday&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;official Wu Qianyu told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not, adding that policies were still being refined.

A&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;resident, who declined to be named for privacy reasons, told Reuters he had been transported to a central quarantine facility on Sunday night after reporting a positive result on a self&nbsp;test&nbsp;more than a week ago.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/chinese-vignettes-china-is-steadily-making-gains-overseas-at-home-it-struggles-to-fight-covid-468057">Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid</a>

Another antigen&nbsp;test&nbsp;on Saturday showed he was no longer infected, but authorities insisted on sending him to quarantine, where he has been put in a flat where he has to share a toilet with two other patients, both of whom are still&nbsp;testing positive.

"How is this isolation?," he said, adding that he was now afraid of being re-infected. "I'm not in any mood to do anything right now, I can't sleep."

On Monday, videos circulating on the WeChat messaging app showed scores of people rushing to grab bedding and supplies from the dirty floor of what the poster said was a quarantine centre whose premises were still littered with construction materials.

Reuters could not independently verify the footage.

Workers under strain

The pressure on the city's healthcare workers and Communist Party members has also been great, as they work around the clock to manage the city's lockdown and deal with&nbsp;residents' frustrations.

Photos and videos have gone viral on Chinese social media of exhausted workers and volunteers sleeping in plastic chairs or on the grass outside housing compounds, or being berated by&nbsp;residents.

On Saturday, the city's Pudong Chinese Center for Disease Control said it was investigating a leaked recording of a call between a staff member and the relative of a patient, who was perplexed by his father's&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test&nbsp;results.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-parents-fear-separation-from-kids-after-positive-covid-test-467727">Shanghai parents fear separation from kids after positive Covid test</a>

The CDC staff member, who local media identified as infectious disease expert Zhu Weiping, could be heard saying exasperatedly that she herself had raised concerns over the current quarantine and&nbsp;testing rules and that the virus had become a "political" one.

Reuters was not able to independently verify the recording which went viral on Chinese social media.

Users of the Weibo social media platform started a hashtag "protect Zhu Weiping," which by Monday had 2.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;views, amid concerns that she could face punishment for speaking out against the official line.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country to curb the momentum of the outbreak as soon as possible while sticking to the "dynamic-clearance" policy.

On Saturday, Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, who was sent to&nbsp;Shanghai&nbsp;by the central government, urged the city to "make resolute and swift moves" to curb the pandemic.

&nbsp;

The eastern city of Suzhou said it had detected a version of the Omicron BA.1.1 subvariant that doesn't match any others in the domestic database or the international variant tracking database GISAID, state television reported.

The state-backed Science and Technology Daily said it remains unclear whether the virus is a new sub-branch of Omicron and that the emergence of one or two new versions is normal given the spread of Omicron in&nbsp;China, citing an unidentified expert with a national database.

China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses.

China has sent the military and thousands of healthcare workers into Shanghai to help carry out COVID-19 tests for all of its 26 million residents as cases continued to rise on Monday, in one of the country's biggest-ever public health responses. Some residents woke up before dawn for white-suited healthcare workers to swab their throats as part of nucleic acid testing at their housing compounds, many queuing up in their pyjamas and standing the required two metres apart. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Sunday dispatched more than 2,000 medical personnel from across the army, navy and joint logistics support forces to Shanghai, an armed forces newspaper reported. Also read | COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020 So far 38,000 healthcare workers from provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and the capital Beijing have been dispatched to Shanghai, according to state media, which showed them arriving, suitcase-laden and masked up, by high-speed rail and aircraft. It is China's largest public health response since it tackled the initial COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, where the novel coronavirus was first discovered in late 2019. The State Council said the PLA dispatched more than 4,000 medical personnel to the province of Hubei, where Wuhan is, at that time. Shanghai, which began a two-stage lockdown on March 28 that has been expanded to confine practically all residents to their homes, reported 8,581 asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and 425 symptomatic Covid cases for April 3. It also asked residents to self-test on Sunday. The city has emerged as a test of China's Covid elimination strategy based on testing, tracing and quarantining all positive cases and their close contacts. The exercise in China's most populous city takes place on the eve of when Shanghai initially said it planned to lift the city's lockdown. Also read | China official signals commitment to ‘zero Covid’ as Shanghai battles outbreak The country has 12,400 institutions capable of processing tests from as many as 900 million people a day, a senior Chinese health official was reported as saying last month. China's primarily uses pool testing, a process in which up to 20 swab samples are mixed together for more rapid processing. The city has also converted multiple hospitals, gymnasiums, apartment blocks and other venues into central quarantine sites, including the Shanghai New International Expo Center which can hold 15,000 patients at full capacity. On Monday, residents said they received the results on their personal health app about four hours after they were swabbed. But in other parts of the city some said they had yet to receive any notification on when their tests would be. Individuals who refuse to be tested for Covid for no justifiable reason will face administrative or criminal punishment, Shanghai police said on Saturday. Watch | Amid COVID-19 battle, China discovers new Omicron subtype Public Frustration The surge in state support for Shanghai comes as the city is straining under the demands of the country's "dynamic clearance" strategy, with some residents complaining of crowded and unsanitary central quarantine centres, as well as difficulties in securing food and essential medical help. Some have begun to question the policies, asking why Covid-positive children are separated from their parents and why mild or asymptomatic infections - the majority of Shanghai's cases - cannot isolate at home. On Monday Shanghai official Wu Qianyu told a news conference that children could be accompanied by their parents if the parents were also infected, but separated if they were not, adding that policies were still being refined. A Shanghai resident, who declined to be named for privacy reasons, told Reuters he had been transported to a central quarantine facility on Sunday night after reporting a positive result on a self test more than a week ago. Also read | Chinese vignettes | China is steadily making gains overseas. At home, it struggles to fight Covid Another antigen test on Saturday showed he was no longer infected, but authorities insisted on sending him to quarantine, where he has been put in a flat where he has to share a toilet with two other patients, both of whom are still testing positive. "How is this isolation?," he said, adding that he was now afraid of being re-infected. "I'm not in any mood to do anything right now, I can't sleep." On Monday, videos circulating on the WeChat messaging app showed scores of people rushing to grab bedding and supplies from the dirty floor of what the poster said was a quarantine centre whose premises were still littered with construction materials. Reuters could not independently verify the footage. Workers under strain The pressure on the city's healthcare workers and Communist Party members has also been great, as they work around the clock to manage the city's lockdown and deal with residents' frustrations. Photos and videos have gone viral on Chinese social media of exhausted workers and volunteers sleeping in plastic chairs or on the grass outside housing compounds, or being berated by residents. On Saturday, the city's Pudong Chinese Center for Disease Control said it was investigating a leaked recording of a call between a staff member and the relative of a patient, who was perplexed by his father's Covid test results. Also read | Shanghai parents fear separation from kids after positive Covid test The CDC staff member, who local media identified as infectious disease expert Zhu Weiping, could be heard saying exasperatedly that she herself had raised concerns over the current quarantine and testing rules and that the virus had become a "political" one. Reuters was not able to independently verify the recording which went viral on Chinese social media. Users of the Weibo social media platform started a hashtag "protect Zhu Weiping," which by Monday had 2.9 million views, amid concerns that she could face punishment for speaking out against the official line. Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country to curb the momentum of the outbreak as soon as possible while sticking to the "dynamic-clearance" policy. On Saturday, Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan, who was sent to Shanghai by the central government, urged the city to "make resolute and swift moves" to curb the pandemic. The eastern city of Suzhou said it had detected a version of the Omicron BA.1.1 subvariant that doesn't match any others in the domestic database or the international variant tracking database GISAID, state television reported. The state-backed Science and Technology Daily said it remains unclear whether the virus is a new sub-branch of Omicron and that the emergence of one or two new versions is normal given the spread of Omicron in China, citing an unidentified expert with a national database.

China sends military, doctors to Shanghai to test 26 million residents for Covid

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province.&nbsp;

The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-launched-cyberattack-against-ukraine-before-russian-invasion-report-467623">China launched cyberattack against Ukraine before Russian invasion: Report</a>

However, the country has not yet classified asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases which increased from 7,869 cases to 11,781 cases on Saturday. Amongst the confirmed cases, 1,455 cases were locally transmitted with 956 cases from Jilin and 438 from Shanghai which has virtually locked the entire city.

During a press conference on Sunday, a senior official of the Shanghai health authority said that Shanghai will be carrying out a city-wide antigen testing on Sunday and mass nucleic acid testing on Monday.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-shanghais-healthcare-system-has-collapsed-467552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Shanghai has been striving to stop the spread of cases by imposing a two-stage lockdown, pressuring the manufacturers to halt the operations and causing serious congestion at the Shanghai port.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/popular-chinese-messaging-app-wechat-suspends-several-accounts-linked-to-non-fungible-tokens-467529">Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat suspends several accounts linked to non-fungible tokens</a>

The data showed that the congestion off Shanghai has been easing for oil tankers since March 31, but the number of bulkers queuing in outer Yangtze has increased to nearly 90, the highest level since October 2021. Many ports near Shanghai such as Ningbo are now busy as firms have diverted cargos to avoid prolonged logistic turnarounds.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province. The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases.

China on Sunday reported 13,287 new Covid cases for April 2, the highest since February 2020, with the majority in Shanghai and northeastern Jilin province. The national health authority on Sunday said the country reported 1,506 confirmed Covid cases for the previous day, which is less than the day earlier with 2,129 cases. Also read | China launched cyberattack against Ukraine before Russian invasion: Report However, the country has not yet classified asymptomatic cases as confirmed cases which increased from 7,869 cases to 11,781 cases on Saturday. Amongst the confirmed cases, 1,455 cases were locally transmitted with 956 cases from Jilin and 438 from Shanghai which has virtually locked the entire city. During a press conference on Sunday, a senior official of the Shanghai health authority said that Shanghai will be carrying out a city-wide antigen testing on Sunday and mass nucleic acid testing on Monday. Watch | Gravitas: Shanghai's healthcare system has collapsed Shanghai has been striving to stop the spread of cases by imposing a two-stage lockdown, pressuring the manufacturers to halt the operations and causing serious congestion at the Shanghai port. Also read | Popular Chinese messaging app WeChat suspends several accounts linked to non-fungible tokens The data showed that the congestion off Shanghai has been easing for oil tankers since March 31, but the number of bulkers queuing in outer Yangtze has increased to nearly 90, the highest level since October 2021. Many ports near Shanghai such as Ningbo are now busy as firms have diverted cargos to avoid prolonged logistic turnarounds. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: China reports highest number of cases since February 2020

Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment.

Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment.

But with 23 percent of the population living in poverty and unemployment soaring to 14 percent alongside a series of corruption scandals, Costa Ricans seem more focused on the economy as they elect a successor to Carlos Alvarado.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/costa-rica-issues-covid-19-vaccine-requirement-for-children-427338">Costa Rica issues COVID-19 vaccine requirement for children</a>

Polls opened at 6.00 am (1200 GMT) and will close at 6.00 pm (0000 GMT). "Go to your center and vote," the electoral tribunal said on Twitter as voting began.

Costa Rica has been described as the "happiest" country in Latin America and praised for its environmental policies and eco-tourism, but the vital tourism industry was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Alongside Peru, it suffered the largest fall in employment figures in the region between 2019 and 2020.

We're very poor

"The next president has to change everything because we're very poor. There is no work here, there is nothing," said Ana Briceno, 64, a travel agent in the capital San Jose.

"In the last years with Carlos Alvarado the situation has been very difficult ... so I think the future president must focus on the economy," said Cristina Aguilar, 32.

Given their previous troubles, the two candidates have sought to keep the debate swirling around the economy.

Watch |&nbsp;Costa Rica: Hydroelectric power plant gets new lease of life from crypto mining

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"The urgent themes to address are the ones causing discomfort and suffering to the people," said Chaves, 60, a surprise qualifier for Sunday's run-off, having polled fourth ahead of February's first round.

"The first is the lack of jobs. Secondly, the cost of living."

Chaves, from the newly formed right-wing Social Democratic Progress Party, led the most recent opinion polls, with more than 41 percent support, compared to 38 percent for Figueres.

Figueres, 67, who was president from 1994 to 1998, is equally focused on the economy.

"In the economic agenda, unemployment is the most important, the creation of employment opportunities is the priority," he said.

Figueres, whose father Jose abolished the army in 1948 when he was president, topped the first round of voting among a crowded field of 25 contenders with 27.3 percent, ahead of Chaves who had 16.8 percent.

But they were a long way from the 40 percent needed to win outright.

&nbsp;'Misinterpreted' jokes&nbsp;

Both men have reached this final stage of the election despite the specter of past scandals.

Chaves, who spent six months as finance minister in the outgoing government, was investigated over sexual harassment&nbsp;complaints brought by multiple women while he was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/costa-rican-police-seize-4-tonnes-of-colombian-cocaine-399028">Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine</a>

He was demoted, though not fired, and has dismissed his behavior as jokes that were "misinterpreted due to cultural differences."

Figueres, who represents the centrist National Liberation Party (PLN), was investigated for allegedly taking $900,000 from French engineering firm Alcatel, which has admitted to bribing officials.

The ex-president, who worked abroad at the time as executive director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), refused to give evidence in the case in 2004 and returned to Costa Rica only in 2011 when the investigation expired.

"Right now, I don't know who I will vote for ... because Chaves contradicts himself in everything and given what Figueres did last time, it leaves us undecided," said Jairo Montero, 37.

In the unlikely event the election ends in a draw, Costa Rican law says the elder candidate would win, in this case Figueres.&nbsp;

The first results are expected at around 8:30 pm.&nbsp;

The winner will begin a four-year term on May 8.

Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment. Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment.

Costa Ricans began voting on Sunday to elect one of two scandal-tainted presidential candidates in a country grappling with sky-high poverty and unemployment. Former president Jose Maria Figueres was once investigated for corruption while ex-finance minister Rodrigo Chaves was previously demoted for sexual harassment. But with 23 percent of the population living in poverty and unemployment soaring to 14 percent alongside a series of corruption scandals, Costa Ricans seem more focused on the economy as they elect a successor to Carlos Alvarado. Also read | Costa Rica issues COVID-19 vaccine requirement for children Polls opened at 6.00 am (1200 GMT) and will close at 6.00 pm (0000 GMT). "Go to your center and vote," the electoral tribunal said on Twitter as voting began. Costa Rica has been described as the "happiest" country in Latin America and praised for its environmental policies and eco-tourism, but the vital tourism industry was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Alongside Peru, it suffered the largest fall in employment figures in the region between 2019 and 2020. We're very poor "The next president has to change everything because we're very poor. There is no work here, there is nothing," said Ana Briceno, 64, a travel agent in the capital San Jose. "In the last years with Carlos Alvarado the situation has been very difficult ... so I think the future president must focus on the economy," said Cristina Aguilar, 32. Given their previous troubles, the two candidates have sought to keep the debate swirling around the economy. Watch | Costa Rica: Hydroelectric power plant gets new lease of life from crypto mining "The urgent themes to address are the ones causing discomfort and suffering to the people," said Chaves, 60, a surprise qualifier for Sunday's run-off, having polled fourth ahead of February's first round. "The first is the lack of jobs. Secondly, the cost of living." Chaves, from the newly formed right-wing Social Democratic Progress Party, led the most recent opinion polls, with more than 41 percent support, compared to 38 percent for Figueres. Figueres, 67, who was president from 1994 to 1998, is equally focused on the economy. "In the economic agenda, unemployment is the most important, the creation of employment opportunities is the priority," he said. Figueres, whose father Jose abolished the army in 1948 when he was president, topped the first round of voting among a crowded field of 25 contenders with 27.3 percent, ahead of Chaves who had 16.8 percent. But they were a long way from the 40 percent needed to win outright. 'Misinterpreted' jokes Both men have reached this final stage of the election despite the specter of past scandals. Chaves, who spent six months as finance minister in the outgoing government, was investigated over sexual harassment complaints brought by multiple women while he was a senior official at the World Bank, where he worked for 30 years. Also read | Costa Rican police seize 4 tonnes of Colombian cocaine He was demoted, though not fired, and has dismissed his behavior as jokes that were "misinterpreted due to cultural differences." Figueres, who represents the centrist National Liberation Party (PLN), was investigated for allegedly taking $900,000 from French engineering firm Alcatel, which has admitted to bribing officials. The ex-president, who worked abroad at the time as executive director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), refused to give evidence in the case in 2004 and returned to Costa Rica only in 2011 when the investigation expired. "Right now, I don't know who I will vote for ... because Chaves contradicts himself in everything and given what Figueres did last time, it leaves us undecided," said Jairo Montero, 37. In the unlikely event the election ends in a draw, Costa Rican law says the elder candidate would win, in this case Figueres. The first results are expected at around 8:30 pm. The winner will begin a four-year term on May 8.

Costa Rica presidential candidates vow to tackle unemployment

Eating two servings of avocados a week was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study.

The study was published in 'Journal of the American Heart Association'.

Avocados contain dietary fibre, unsaturated fats especially monounsaturated fat (healthy fats) and other favourable components that have been associated with good cardiovascular health. Clinical trials have previously found avocados have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors including high cholesterol.

Researchers have believed this is the first, large, prospective study to support the positive association between higher avocado consumption and lower cardiovascular events, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-staying-active-travelling-can-help-people-cope-with-anxiety-depression-says-study-465151">Staying active, travelling can help people cope with anxiety, depression, says study</a>

"Our study provides further evidence that the intake of plant-sourced unsaturated fats can improve diet quality and is an important component in cardiovascular disease prevention," said Lorena S. Pacheco, PhD, M.P.H., R.D.N., lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow in the nutrition department at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.

"These are particularly notable findings since the consumption of avocados has risen steeply in the U.S. in the last 20 years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture," she added.

For 30 years, researchers followed more than 68,780 women (ages 30 to 55 years) from the Nurses 'Health Study and more than 41,700 men (ages 40 to 75 years) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. All study participants were free of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke at the start of the study and living in the United States.

Watch |&nbsp;Hidden immunity: Study gives clues on how some escape Covid-19 infection

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Researchers documented 9,185 coronary heart disease events and 5,290 strokes during more than 30 years of follow-up. Researchers assessed participants'&nbsp;diet using food frequency questionnaires given at the beginning of the study and then every four years. They calculated avocado intake from a questionnaire item that asked about the amount consumed and frequency. One serving equalled half of an avocado or a half cup of avocado.

The analysis found:

1. After considering a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors and overall diet, study participants who ate at least two servings of avocado each week had a 16 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who never or rarely ate avocados.

2. Based on statistical modelling, replacing half a serving daily of margarine, butter, egg, yoghurt, cheese or processed meats such as bacon with the same amount of avocado was associated with a 16 per cent to 22 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease events.

3. Substituting half a serving a day of avocado for the equivalent amount of olive oil, nuts and other plant oils showed no additional benefit.

4. No significant associations were noted in relation to stroke risk and how much avocado was eaten.

"The study's results have provided additional guidance for health care professionals to share. Offering the suggestion to replace certain spreads and saturated fat-containing foods, such as cheese and processed meats, with avocado is something physicians and other health care practitioners such as registered dietitians can do when they meet with patients, especially since avocado is a well-accepted food," Pacheco said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-probably-just-hormones-womens-illnesses-going-undiagnosed-460442">'Probably just hormones': Women's illnesses going undiagnosed</a>

"These findings are significant because a healthy dietary pattern is a cornerstone for cardiovascular health, however, it can be difficult for many Americans to achieve and adhere to healthy eating patterns," said Cheryl Anderson, PhD, M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association's Council on Epidemiology and Prevention.

"We desperately need strategies to improve intake of AHA-recommended healthy diets -- such as the Mediterranean diet -- that is rich in vegetables and fruits," said Anderson, who is a professor and dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego.

"Although no one food is the solution to routinely eating a healthy diet, this study is evidence that avocados have possible health benefits. This is promising because it is a food item that is popular, accessible, desirable and easy to include in meals eaten by many Americans at home and in restaurants," Cheryl concluded.

Eating two servings of avocados a week was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study. The study was published in 'Journal of the American Heart Association'.

Eating two servings of avocados a week was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a recent study. The study was published in 'Journal of the American Heart Association'. Avocados contain dietary fibre, unsaturated fats especially monounsaturated fat (healthy fats) and other favourable components that have been associated with good cardiovascular health. Clinical trials have previously found avocados have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors including high cholesterol. Researchers have believed this is the first, large, prospective study to support the positive association between higher avocado consumption and lower cardiovascular events, such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Also read | Staying active, travelling can help people cope with anxiety, depression, says study "Our study provides further evidence that the intake of plant-sourced unsaturated fats can improve diet quality and is an important component in cardiovascular disease prevention," said Lorena S. Pacheco, PhD, M.P.H., R.D.N., lead author of the study and a postdoctoral research fellow in the nutrition department at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. "These are particularly notable findings since the consumption of avocados has risen steeply in the U.S. in the last 20 years, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture," she added. For 30 years, researchers followed more than 68,780 women (ages 30 to 55 years) from the Nurses 'Health Study and more than 41,700 men (ages 40 to 75 years) from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. All study participants were free of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke at the start of the study and living in the United States. Watch | Hidden immunity: Study gives clues on how some escape Covid-19 infection Researchers documented 9,185 coronary heart disease events and 5,290 strokes during more than 30 years of follow-up. Researchers assessed participants' diet using food frequency questionnaires given at the beginning of the study and then every four years. They calculated avocado intake from a questionnaire item that asked about the amount consumed and frequency. One serving equalled half of an avocado or a half cup of avocado. The analysis found: 1. After considering a wide range of cardiovascular risk factors and overall diet, study participants who ate at least two servings of avocado each week had a 16 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21 per cent lower risk of coronary heart disease, compared to those who never or rarely ate avocados. 2. Based on statistical modelling, replacing half a serving daily of margarine, butter, egg, yoghurt, cheese or processed meats such as bacon with the same amount of avocado was associated with a 16 per cent to 22 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease events. 3. Substituting half a serving a day of avocado for the equivalent amount of olive oil, nuts and other plant oils showed no additional benefit. 4. No significant associations were noted in relation to stroke risk and how much avocado was eaten. "The study's results have provided additional guidance for health care professionals to share. Offering the suggestion to replace certain spreads and saturated fat-containing foods, such as cheese and processed meats, with avocado is something physicians and other health care practitioners such as registered dietitians can do when they meet with patients, especially since avocado is a well-accepted food," Pacheco said. Also read | 'Probably just hormones': Women's illnesses going undiagnosed "These findings are significant because a healthy dietary pattern is a cornerstone for cardiovascular health, however, it can be difficult for many Americans to achieve and adhere to healthy eating patterns," said Cheryl Anderson, PhD, M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association's Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. "We desperately need strategies to improve intake of AHA-recommended healthy diets -- such as the Mediterranean diet -- that is rich in vegetables and fruits," said Anderson, who is a professor and dean of the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California San Diego. "Although no one food is the solution to routinely eating a healthy diet, this study is evidence that avocados have possible health benefits. This is promising because it is a food item that is popular, accessible, desirable and easy to include in meals eaten by many Americans at home and in restaurants," Cheryl concluded.

Avocados may lower risk of cardiovascular disease, study finds

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;with a&nbsp;mass&nbsp;prayer&nbsp;at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for&nbsp;eased restrictions this year.

Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the&nbsp;Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, special&nbsp;prayers performed only during the month of&nbsp;Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event.

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For the past two years&nbsp;Indonesia&nbsp;has grappled with one of the highest rates of&nbsp;COVID-19 in Asia, but this&nbsp;Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and&nbsp;prayer, cases have&nbsp;eased enough to allow for&nbsp;mass&nbsp;gatherings.

"I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih&nbsp;prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28.

"I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together."

Watch |&nbsp;A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia

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Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic,&nbsp;Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago.

President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years.

"The improving covid&nbsp;situation has brought optimism as the&nbsp;Ramadan&nbsp;holy month is upon us," he told a news conference.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-cooking-oil-shortage-turns-deadly-two-killed-after-queuing-for-liquid-gold-463809">Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold</a>

The start of&nbsp;Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon.

This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year.

The world's largest Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia welcomed the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan with a mass prayer at Jakarta's grand mosque on Saturday, with plateauing coronavirus cases allowing for eased restrictions this year. Thousands gathered after dusk at Istiqlal mosque in the Indonesian capital to join the Tarawih prayer, special prayers performed only during the month of Ramadan, donning masks and using check-in apps to take part in the event. Also read | Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia For the past two years Indonesia has grappled with one of the highest rates of COVID-19 in Asia, but this Ramadan, traditionally a time of community, reflection and prayer, cases have eased enough to allow for mass gatherings. "I feel grateful that we are finally able to gather for the Tarawih prayer, and there are no strict restrictions this time like before," said Tri Haryono, 28. "I'm very grateful that we can finally pray here together." Watch | A story of hope: Rare Sumatran rhino born in Indonesia Amid the worst spikes in the coronavirus pandemic, Indonesian Muslims have been prohibited from praying at the mosque, and joining the annual mudik or exodus tradition, when millions travel to visit their families across the sprawling archipelago. President Joko Widodo announced last week that mudik would be permitted this year after pandemic-related travel bans have prevented the practise for the past two years. "The improving covid situation has brought optimism as the Ramadan holy month is upon us," he told a news conference. Also read | Indonesia’s cooking oil shortage turns deadly, two killed after queuing for liquid gold The start of Ramadan, during which observers abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset, can fall on different dates due to differences in sightings of the new moon. This year fasting month began earlier in much of the Middle East and South Asia than in Southeast Asia, which started fasting on Sunday.

Indonesia greets Ramadan with mass prayer as Covid curbs ease

The holy month of Ramadan 2022

Millions more&nbsp;Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk.

The&nbsp;rising&nbsp;levels of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;forecast by United Nations agencies threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following a military takeover last year.

Sudan&nbsp;has been mired in economic crisis since before the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in an uprising&nbsp;in 2019. A transitional government attracted billions of dollars in international support, but that was suspended after the coup, placing&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;on the brink of economic collapse.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-man-killed-in-crackdown-on-anti-coup-protests-as-un-expert-arrives-454954">&nbsp;Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives</a>

Currency devaluations and subsidy reforms have driven up prices, and inflation is running at more than 250 per cent. In the capital Khartoum, the cost of ever-shrinking small loaves of bread has risen from 2&nbsp;Sudanese pounds two years ago to about 50 pounds ($0.11) today.

Some 87 per cent of&nbsp;Sudan's imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, according to FAO data, making it one of the Arab world's most exposed countries to the war in Ukraine.

"If this measly piece of bread is 50 pounds, what kind of life can we have?" said&nbsp;Haj Ahmed, an elderly man at a vegetable stall in Alhalfaya, on the capital's outskirts.

The World Bank estimates that in 2021 56&nbsp;per cent of&nbsp;Sudan's population of around 44 million were surviving on less than $3.20, or about 2,000 pounds per day, one of its global poverty lines, up from 43 per cent&nbsp;in 2009.

Last week the World Food Programme estimated that the number of people experiencing levels of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;that will force them to sell essential assets, or who will have nothing more to sell, will double by September to 18 million.

Aid&nbsp;agencies have long worked to help the rural poor and people displaced by war in&nbsp;Sudan. In 2019 the WFP extended its operations to urban centres for the first time.

"This jump didn't happen yesterday or a couple months ago, it's been building," said&nbsp;Marianne Ward, WFP deputy country director.

"It's not exclusively driven by conflict anymore, it's also about structural issues such as inflation (and) availability of foreign currency," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-sudan-revokes-license-of-al-jazeera-france-protests-and-more-445241">Top 10 world news: Sudan revokes license of Al Jazeera, France protests, and more</a>

Lower Crop Yields

Inflation means farmers are unable to afford inputs including seeds, fertilizers and fuel, experts say. There has also been increased unrest in some important farming regions, and rainfall has been scarce in some places and too heavy in others.

Yields of sorghum, millet and wheat are 30 per cent&nbsp;lower than they have been on average over the past five years, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WFP estimate.

Sudan&nbsp;will face its first deficit of sorghum, the country's traditional staple grain, since the droughts that ravaged the region in the 1980s, U.N. agencies project. Prices have doubled in the past four months, one trader said.

The ministries of finance and agriculture did not respond to requests for comment.

Billions of dollars of World Bank and IMF financing, some earmarked for budget support and agricultural development, were frozen and could be lost because of the coup.

Direct humanitarian&nbsp;aid&nbsp;has continued but USAID&nbsp;and the WFP paused programmes that had been aimed at supporting a transitional civilian government by covering about a quarter of last year's wheat consumption. The WFP says its food stocks in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;will run out in May without new funding.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-sudan-pms-resignation-us-def-secy-contracts-covid-and-more-441868">Morning news brief: Sudan PM's resignation, US def secy contracts Covid and more</a>

Frequent protests against military rule, increasingly fuelled by economic grievances, bring life to a halt in Khartoum and other cities.

"The burden of all this political mayhem falls on the citizen," said&nbsp;Ghareeballah Dafallah, an agricultural engineer in Alhalfaya who struggles to afford food and electricity.

"People used to be ashamed to say they were hungry, but now it's clear."

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan plunges deeper into political chaos, at least 7 protesters killed

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Millions more Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk.

Millions more Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk. The rising levels of hunger forecast by United Nations agencies threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following a military takeover last year. Sudan has been mired in economic crisis since before the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in an uprising in 2019. A transitional government attracted billions of dollars in international support, but that was suspended after the coup, placing Sudan on the brink of economic collapse. Also read | Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives Currency devaluations and subsidy reforms have driven up prices, and inflation is running at more than 250 per cent. In the capital Khartoum, the cost of ever-shrinking small loaves of bread has risen from 2 Sudanese pounds two years ago to about 50 pounds ($0.11) today. Some 87 per cent of Sudan's imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, according to FAO data, making it one of the Arab world's most exposed countries to the war in Ukraine. "If this measly piece of bread is 50 pounds, what kind of life can we have?" said Haj Ahmed, an elderly man at a vegetable stall in Alhalfaya, on the capital's outskirts. The World Bank estimates that in 2021 56 per cent of Sudan's population of around 44 million were surviving on less than $3.20, or about 2,000 pounds per day, one of its global poverty lines, up from 43 per cent in 2009. Last week the World Food Programme estimated that the number of people experiencing levels of hunger that will force them to sell essential assets, or who will have nothing more to sell, will double by September to 18 million. Aid agencies have long worked to help the rural poor and people displaced by war in Sudan. In 2019 the WFP extended its operations to urban centres for the first time. "This jump didn't happen yesterday or a couple months ago, it's been building," said Marianne Ward, WFP deputy country director. "It's not exclusively driven by conflict anymore, it's also about structural issues such as inflation (and) availability of foreign currency," she said. Also read | Top 10 world news: Sudan revokes license of Al Jazeera, France protests, and more Lower Crop Yields Inflation means farmers are unable to afford inputs including seeds, fertilizers and fuel, experts say. There has also been increased unrest in some important farming regions, and rainfall has been scarce in some places and too heavy in others. Yields of sorghum, millet and wheat are 30 per cent lower than they have been on average over the past five years, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WFP estimate. Sudan will face its first deficit of sorghum, the country's traditional staple grain, since the droughts that ravaged the region in the 1980s, U.N. agencies project. Prices have doubled in the past four months, one trader said. The ministries of finance and agriculture did not respond to requests for comment. Billions of dollars of World Bank and IMF financing, some earmarked for budget support and agricultural development, were frozen and could be lost because of the coup. Direct humanitarian aid has continued but USAID and the WFP paused programmes that had been aimed at supporting a transitional civilian government by covering about a quarter of last year's wheat consumption. The WFP says its food stocks in Sudan will run out in May without new funding. Also read | Morning news brief: Sudan PM's resignation, US def secy contracts Covid and more Frequent protests against military rule, increasingly fuelled by economic grievances, bring life to a halt in Khartoum and other cities. "The burden of all this political mayhem falls on the citizen," said Ghareeballah Dafallah, an agricultural engineer in Alhalfaya who struggles to afford food and electricity. "People used to be ashamed to say they were hungry, but now it's clear." Watch | Sudan plunges deeper into political chaos, at least 7 protesters killed

Rising hunger looms in Sudan, with little aid in sight

Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal.

This indicates that the new wave of illness is striking China’s financial capital harder than what the authorities have officially revealed.

Since the city’s Covid cases began to rise in March, the Shanghai government has not yet reported any Covid-related deaths or outbreaks in its hundreds of elderly-care centres.&nbsp;

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The replacement of six orderlies at the city’s Donghai Elderly Care Hospital told The Wall Street journal that they brought in previous caretakers after they were sent away to quarantine, that they had seen or heard of the recent removal of many bodies from the facility, where they said at least 100 patients had tested positive for Covid.

It could not be determined whether Covid infections or other chronic illnesses were the cause for deaths. The hospital does not publicise its data on deaths, making it difficult to compare the current rate of deaths to the previous period. Several relatives of the infected patients said that their loved ones were left unattended after the caretakers were sent for the quarantine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-enters-static-management-amid-lockdown-as-covid-19-cases-surge-467166">Shanghai enters 'static management' amid lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Shanghai’s health officials haven’t noticed the rapid spread of the illness at the hospital. On March 16 and 17, the government reported two new Covid cases at an address matching that of Donghai Hospital. In the following days, the government listed the address as a location where the infections were earlier reported but did not say how many cases were recorded there.

Watch |&nbsp;Parts of Shanghai under lockdown: 6,000 new cases recorded on Tuesday

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Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal.

Many patients have died recently at a prominent Shanghai elderly-care hospital which is currently facing a COVID-19 outbreak, according to the persons acquainted with the situation, said a report in The Wall Street Journal. This indicates that the new wave of illness is striking China’s financial capital harder than what the authorities have officially revealed. Since the city’s Covid cases began to rise in March, the Shanghai government has not yet reported any Covid-related deaths or outbreaks in its hundreds of elderly-care centres. Also read | How does COVID-19 actually infect humans? World's first human challenge study reveals The replacement of six orderlies at the city’s Donghai Elderly Care Hospital told The Wall Street journal that they brought in previous caretakers after they were sent away to quarantine, that they had seen or heard of the recent removal of many bodies from the facility, where they said at least 100 patients had tested positive for Covid. It could not be determined whether Covid infections or other chronic illnesses were the cause for deaths. The hospital does not publicise its data on deaths, making it difficult to compare the current rate of deaths to the previous period. Several relatives of the infected patients said that their loved ones were left unattended after the caretakers were sent for the quarantine. Also read | Shanghai enters 'static management' amid lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge Shanghai’s health officials haven’t noticed the rapid spread of the illness at the hospital. On March 16 and 17, the government reported two new Covid cases at an address matching that of Donghai Hospital. In the following days, the government listed the address as a location where the infections were earlier reported but did not say how many cases were recorded there. Watch | Parts of Shanghai under lockdown: 6,000 new cases recorded on Tuesday

Covid cases unreported, patients unattended, deaths plague Shanghai’s hospital: Reports

German&nbsp;unemployment stayed at five percent in March, figures published Thursday showed, as the war in Ukraine darkened the outlook for Europe's largest economy.

The number out of work went down by 18,000 in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, although the overall joblessness rate remained unchanged from February, the BA federal labour agency said.

Russia's invasion of its neighbour, which has added to supply chain disruptions and sent prices for energy rocketing, has so far only had an "isolated" impact on the labour market, BA regions director Daniel Terzenbach said.

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But the risk that supplies of natural gas and oil from Russia could be cut off if the conflict were to escalate were "weighing on the economic outlook" for Germany, Terzenbach said.

The Ukraine conflict derailed Germany's hopes of growth seeing a surge in economic growth as coronavirus-related health restrictions fell away.

Germany's reliance on imports of Russian gas and the importance to the economy of industry, which has been buffeted by supply bottlenecks, mean the country is particularly exposed to the conflict.&nbsp;

A panel of the government's economic advisers on Wednesday drastically cut their forecast for growth in 2022 to 1.8 percent, down from their previous estimate of 4.6 percent.

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The war was putting "additional strain" on supply chains stretched by the pandemic, while the spike in energy prices was weighing on businesses and consumers, said a member of the expert panel, Achim Truger.

Interruptions to deliveries of key components from suppliers in Ukraine has already led to interruptions in production at a number of&nbsp;German&nbsp;auto manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Qatar to help Germany cut reliance on Russian oil amid Ukraine conflict

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German unemployment stayed at five percent in March, figures published Thursday showed, as the war in Ukraine darkened the outlook for Europe's largest economy. The number out of work went down by 18,000 in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, although the overall joblessness rate remained unchanged from February, the BA federal labour agency said.

German unemployment stayed at five percent in March, figures published Thursday showed, as the war in Ukraine darkened the outlook for Europe's largest economy. The number out of work went down by 18,000 in March on a seasonally adjusted basis, although the overall joblessness rate remained unchanged from February, the BA federal labour agency said. Russia's invasion of its neighbour, which has added to supply chain disruptions and sent prices for energy rocketing, has so far only had an "isolated" impact on the labour market, BA regions director Daniel Terzenbach said. Also read | In Delhi, German NSA hopes no 'back filing' of sanctions will take place But the risk that supplies of natural gas and oil from Russia could be cut off if the conflict were to escalate were "weighing on the economic outlook" for Germany, Terzenbach said. The Ukraine conflict derailed Germany's hopes of growth seeing a surge in economic growth as coronavirus-related health restrictions fell away. Germany's reliance on imports of Russian gas and the importance to the economy of industry, which has been buffeted by supply bottlenecks, mean the country is particularly exposed to the conflict. A panel of the government's economic advisers on Wednesday drastically cut their forecast for growth in 2022 to 1.8 percent, down from their previous estimate of 4.6 percent. Also read | Two German states outlaw the display of Russia's 'Z' war symbol The war was putting "additional strain" on supply chains stretched by the pandemic, while the spike in energy prices was weighing on businesses and consumers, said a member of the expert panel, Achim Truger. Interruptions to deliveries of key components from suppliers in Ukraine has already led to interruptions in production at a number of German auto manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW. Watch | Qatar to help Germany cut reliance on Russian oil amid Ukraine conflict

German unemployment stable in March as war rattles economy

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday.

Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-to-further-relax-covid-19-restrictions-as-cases-decline-says-pm-465178">&nbsp;Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM</a>

SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest".

Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease.

He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council.

Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient.

He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC.

The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council.

Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-otters-get-police-escort-in-singapore-to-cross-road-safely-461804">Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely</a>

Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case.

Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH.

Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement.

Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh.

He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31.

Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua.

According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not.

Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times.

Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/singapore-planning-to-further-ease-restrictions-simplify-rules-461424">Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules</a>

He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times.

Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad.

There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254.

Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

Watch |&nbsp;India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-slams-singapore-pm-loong-after-he-targets-indian-lawmakers-454186/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported.

A 33-year-old Singapore doctor, linked to an anti-vaccination group, has been suspended after being accused of injecting patients with saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine, and uploading false vaccination statuses to the Ministry of Health's National Immunisation Registry, local media reported. Dr Jipson Quah's registration as a medical practitioner was suspended by the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) from March 23 for 18 months, or until the disciplinary proceedings are concluded, whichever is sooner, the council said on Monday. Quah, a member of the anti-coronavirus vaccination Healing the Divide, has been charged in court with conspiring to defraud Ministry of Health (MOH) by submitting false vaccination data. Also read | Singapore to further relax COVID-19 restrictions as cases decline, says PM SMC said on Monday that it received a complaint from MOH on January 23, which was referred to the Interim Orders Committee. The committee ruled that Quah's suspension was "necessary for the protection of members of the public and in the public interest". Among other things, it was alleged that Quah had administered saline solution instead of a COVID-19 vaccine to patients and that he uploaded false vaccination statuses to the MOH's National Immunisation Registry to record that these patients have been vaccinated against the disease. He allegedly "grossly overcharged" for giving these patients saline solution instead of the vaccine, the Channel News Asia reported , citing the council. Quah is also accused of being involved in the creation of a fake patient account and uploading a false COVID-19 antigen rapid test (ART) result to MOH's portal for an unvaccinated patient. He allegedly issued the patient with a letter so the patient could be exempted from vaccination-differentiated safe management measures, said SMC. The doctor is also accused of facilitating the uploading of pre-event testing (PET) results, obtained through remote PET that was "not conducted in a manner in accordance" with the prevailing regulations, added the council. Dr Quah's actions carry public health consequences and show his failure to maintain the highest standards of moral integrity and intellectual honesty and to protect and promote the health of individuals and the community, said SMC. Also read | Watch: Otters get police escort in Singapore to cross road safely Investigations are ongoing, said the council, adding that an independent complaints committee has been appointed to look into the case. Quah's assistant, Thomas Chua Cheng Soon, has also been charged with conspiring to defraud MOH. Separately, Healing the Divide founder Iris Koh faces two charges one for conspiring with Quah and another for obstructing a police inspector by refusing to sign and tearing up a copy of her statement. Quah was arrested on January 21 along with his assistant, Thomas Chua, 40, and Iris Koh. He was charged in court, before being granted bail of SGD20,000 on January 31. Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that Koh, 46, had allegedly referred clients to Quah and Chua. According to court documents, Quah and Chua are said to have falsely represented to MOH that a woman named Mehrajunnisha was vaccinated with the Sinopharm vaccine, although she was not. Four clinics owned or managed by Quah were issued notices of suspension and had their approvals to conduct rapid tests for COVID-19 revoked, according to a report by The Straits Times. Following his arrest, Quah was also suspended from his part-time position as a laboratory director at the clinical diagnostics lab of Diagnostics Development Hub, which is funded by the National Research Foundation and led by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research. Also read | Singapore planning to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, simplify rules He was also placed on leave by Thermo Fisher Scientific, which owns biomedical company PPD Global Central Lab, where Quah was listed as a director, reported The Straits Times. Meanwhile, Singapore reported 4,925 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, comprising 112 imported infections or those arriving here from abroad. There were four fatalities, taking the death toll from coronavirus complications to 1,254. Singapore has recorded 10,76,930 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic. Watch | India slams Singapore PM Loong after he targets Indian lawmakers

Singapore suspends doctor for injecting patients with saline solutions in place of Covid vaccine

Shanghai&nbsp;recorded a steep climb in&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;Tuesday as spreading&nbsp;anxiety&nbsp;in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets.

Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two,&nbsp;with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing.&nbsp;

China reported 6,886 domestic Covid&nbsp;cases&nbsp;nationwide on Tuesday, with more than 4,400 of them detected in&nbsp;Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst&nbsp;Covid-19&nbsp;outbreak since the early days of the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-lockdown-begins-as-authorities-start-mass-testing-466486">Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing</a>

Images showed some supermarket&nbsp;shelves&nbsp;in the city emptied of all goods.

"After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket," one user wrote on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform.

"I'd never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries."

In a bid to keep&nbsp;Shanghai's economy running, authorities have avoided the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities, instead opting for rolling, localised restrictions.

The area locked down on Monday is the sprawling eastern district known as Pudong, which includes the main international airport and glittering financial centre.

The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city's more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-spike-in-covid-cases-shanghai-wont-go-for-lockdown-says-official-465650">Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official</a>

The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain operational, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported.

China has largely kept virus outbreaks under control over the past two years through strict zero-tolerance measures including mass lockdowns of cities and provinces for even small numbers of&nbsp;cases.

But Omicron has proven harder to stamp out.

At a press briefing on Monday, health expert Wu Fan said it was "necessary to take more resolute measures" to eliminate community transmission.

Watch |&nbsp;Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic

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Shanghai recorded a steep climb in Covid-19 cases Tuesday as spreading anxiety in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets. Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two, with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing.

Shanghai recorded a steep climb in Covid-19 cases Tuesday as spreading anxiety in the Chinese city of about 25 million prompted panic-buying at supermarkets. Millions endured a second day of lockdown after authorities effectively split the country's biggest urban area in two, with residents of the city's eastern half confined to their homes for four days and subjected to mandatory testing. China reported 6,886 domestic Covid cases nationwide on Tuesday, with more than 4,400 of them detected in Shanghai, now the centre of the country's worst Covid-19 outbreak since the early days of the pandemic. Also read | Shanghai lockdown begins as authorities start mass testing Images showed some supermarket shelves in the city emptied of all goods. "After being unable to grab any groceries this morning, I went back to sleep, and all I dreamt about was buying food at the supermarket," one user wrote on China's Twitter-like Weibo platform. "I'd never have thought that society today would be worried over buying groceries." In a bid to keep Shanghai's economy running, authorities have avoided the hard lockdowns regularly deployed in other Chinese cities, instead opting for rolling, localised restrictions. The area locked down on Monday is the sprawling eastern district known as Pudong, which includes the main international airport and glittering financial centre. The lockdown will last until Friday, then switch to the city's more populated western Puxi section, home to the historic Bund riverfront. Also read | Despite spike in Covid cases, Shanghai won't go for lockdown, says official The city's airports, railway stations and international shipping ports remain operational, while key manufacturers are allowed to resume production after a brief halt, state media reported. China has largely kept virus outbreaks under control over the past two years through strict zero-tolerance measures including mass lockdowns of cities and provinces for even small numbers of cases. But Omicron has proven harder to stamp out. At a press briefing on Monday, health expert Wu Fan said it was "necessary to take more resolute measures" to eliminate community transmission. Watch | Shanghai tightens COVID lockdown: Curbs imposed on highway traffic

Empty shelves and anxiety as Shanghai COVID-19 cases surge

Brazilian President Jair&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests&nbsp;after&nbsp;feeling&nbsp;unwell, local&nbsp;press&nbsp;reported.

Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend.

"I'm sure the president is fine, it's just some extra exams he's doing, that's why he's not here," party chairman Marcos Pereira said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-company-using-proceeds-acquired-by-selling-nfts-to-preserve-amazon-rainforest-465996">Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest</a>

First Lady Michelle&nbsp;Bolsonaro, who attended the event, said her husband "is fine," and Minister of Communication Fabio Faria reported that the president simply felt "discomfort," according to the G1 news site.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;will remain overnight in the hospital, the publication said.

AFP contacted the presidential&nbsp;press&nbsp;service but did not immediately receive a response.&nbsp;

Culture Secretary Mario Frias meanwhile wrote on Twitter that he was "praying for the president."

Health problems&nbsp;

In January,&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;was&nbsp;hospitalized&nbsp;for two days in Sao Paulo with a partially blocked intestine.&nbsp;

The president, in power since 2019, was also admitted to hospital in mid-July with the same problem, staying for four days although he did not undergo surgery.

In September 2018, a month before the first round of&nbsp;Brazil's presidential election, an attacker stabbed&nbsp;Bolsonaro&nbsp;in the abdomen at a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, puncturing his intestine multiple times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-join-fight-in-far-away-ukraine-466227">Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine</a>

Bolsonaro&nbsp;lost some 40 percent of his blood and underwent emergency surgery in the near-fatal incident, which was carried out by a man later declared mentally unfit to stand trial.

Due to the stab wound, the far-right leader has undergone at least four surgeries, including the placement and subsequent removal of a colostomy bag, which made him more prone to intestinal disorders.

He has also undergone other unrelated procedures during his presidency, including surgery to remove a kidney stone.

Bolsonaro, a Covid-19 skeptic who campaigned against quarantine measures because he believed them too damaging to the economy and who reports that he is not vaccinated, contracted the virus in July 2020, coming down with mild symptoms.

The president is aiming for reelection next October, when he will most likely face off against leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro&nbsp;would lose the elections in the second round with 34 percent of the vote against 55 percent for Lula, according to a survey published last week by the consulting firm Datafolha.

Watch |&nbsp;Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests after feeling unwell, local press reported. Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was admitted to a military hospital in Brasilia Monday to undergo tests after feeling unwell, local press reported. Bolsonaro, 67, who was stabbed in the abdomen during the 2018 presidential campaign leaving him with repeat health problems, was absent from an evening event organized by the Republican Party which he had been slated to attend. "I'm sure the president is fine, it's just some extra exams he's doing, that's why he's not here," party chairman Marcos Pereira said. Also read | Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest First Lady Michelle Bolsonaro, who attended the event, said her husband "is fine," and Minister of Communication Fabio Faria reported that the president simply felt "discomfort," according to the G1 news site. Bolsonaro will remain overnight in the hospital, the publication said. AFP contacted the presidential press service but did not immediately receive a response. Culture Secretary Mario Frias meanwhile wrote on Twitter that he was "praying for the president." Health problems In January, Bolsonaro was hospitalized for two days in Sao Paulo with a partially blocked intestine. The president, in power since 2019, was also admitted to hospital in mid-July with the same problem, staying for four days although he did not undergo surgery. In September 2018, a month before the first round of Brazil's presidential election, an attacker stabbed Bolsonaro in the abdomen at a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, puncturing his intestine multiple times. Also read | Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine Bolsonaro lost some 40 percent of his blood and underwent emergency surgery in the near-fatal incident, which was carried out by a man later declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Due to the stab wound, the far-right leader has undergone at least four surgeries, including the placement and subsequent removal of a colostomy bag, which made him more prone to intestinal disorders. He has also undergone other unrelated procedures during his presidency, including surgery to remove a kidney stone. Bolsonaro, a Covid-19 skeptic who campaigned against quarantine measures because he believed them too damaging to the economy and who reports that he is not vaccinated, contracted the virus in July 2020, coming down with mild symptoms. The president is aiming for reelection next October, when he will most likely face off against leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro would lose the elections in the second round with 34 percent of the vote against 55 percent for Lula, according to a survey published last week by the consulting firm Datafolha. Watch | Microplastics found in Marine life: Scientists take research trips on the Brazilian coast

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro hospitalized after feeling unwell: press

Wearing a camouflage T-shirt that clings to his biceps, Brazilian policeman Saulo packs his bag with combat boots, camping gear, gun holsters and a knife -- "just the essential" to go&nbsp;fight&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine.

The 35-year-old Sao Paulo man quit his job as a military police officer to travel more than 11,000 kilometers (nearly 7,000 miles) and&nbsp;join&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;fight&nbsp;against the Russian invasion.

"I identify with the cause, with the Ukrainian people who are suffering the injustice of a foreign aggressor," said Saulo, who asked that his last name not be used for security reasons.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refrain-from-publishing-russia-warns-media-says-dont-report-interview-with-zelensky-466209">'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky</a>

"And I want to help avoid World War III," he told AFP, laying the items on his short packing list out on his bed alongside his black duffel bag.

Picking up a small Brazilian flag, he added it to the pile.

Although President Jair Bolsonaro has said Brazil will remain "neutral" over the conflict -- drawing criticism in some quarters -- hundreds of&nbsp;Brazilians&nbsp;have taken steps to go&nbsp;fight&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine.

They are looking to&nbsp;join&nbsp;the 20,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries who have applied to&nbsp;join&nbsp;the International Legion of Defense of&nbsp;Ukraine, a corps launched to help fend off the invasion, according to figures from the Ukrainian foreign ministry.

Saulo said good-bye to his partner and two children and left Wednesday for Poland, where&nbsp;Brazilians&nbsp;already on the ground have promised to help him&nbsp;join&nbsp;the war.

He bought the one-way ticket with his own money.

Saulo said he made his decision after seeing images from&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;of bombed-out residential buildings and hospitals. That convinced him to answer President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeal to&nbsp;join&nbsp;the new foreign legion and&nbsp;fight&nbsp;"elbow to elbow" with the Ukrainian army.

"There's a risk I won't come back. Anyone who goes over there knows that. We're not little kids," said Saulo, who sports a tattoo of a big black skull on his right arm, a knife clutched in its teeth.

His only fear, he said, is the conflict "erupting into nuclear war."

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&nbsp;Defending a foreign country&nbsp;

The Ukrainian foreign legion's only requirement to&nbsp;join&nbsp;is military or firearms experience, according to representatives of the website fightforua.org, which is helping organize the effort.

Other webpages set up for&nbsp;Brazilians&nbsp;rallying to the cause have hundreds of members, such as Portuguese-language Facebook group "Volunteers to&nbsp;Fight&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine," with 1,800.

The site is a forum for would-be volunteers to swap information -- though members told AFP they limited their interactions, fearing Russian spies could be watching.

One would-be volunteer, Guilherme -- his name was changed for safety reasons -- said he saw going to the front as a way to make a fresh start in life.

The 29-year-old formerly served in the Brazilian army and the French Foreign Legion, then worked as a private security guard in Rio de Janeiro, but is now unemployed.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-conflict-with-russia-intensifies-mourners-defy-missile-threats-to-attend-ukrainian-military-funerals-466200">&nbsp;As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals</a>

"Things are hard here in Brazil," he said.

"Helping in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;is an opportunity.... We have to think about what we can do to help others in this world, and not just say 'That's not my war,' because the world's ending."

Open arms

Ukraine's consul in Sao Paulo, Jorge Rybka, said would-be volunteers receive "no assistance of any kind" from the Ukrainian government.

Brazil's foreign ministry meanwhile said it "emphatically discourages" people from traveling to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;given the security situation.

That did not stop Brazilian military veteran Leandro Galvao, who is already on the ground in the suburbs of Kyiv, where he carries out patrol and civilian rescue operations alongside the Ukrainian army.

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Galvao, 49, came from Estonia, where he lives, to "defend democracy," he told AFP.

"Ever since I joined the Ukrainian army, I'm part of this nation, and I'll defend it to the end," said the Sao Paulo native, who has two children.

Foreign fighters, he said, "are welcomed here with open arms, with happiness and thanks."

Watch |&nbsp;'Ready to go for neutrality, non-nuclear status,' says Ukrainian president Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ready-to-go-for-neutrality-non-nuclear-status-says-ukrainian-president-zelensky-466211/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wearing a camouflage T-shirt that clings to his biceps, Brazilian policeman Saulo packs his bag with combat boots, camping gear, gun holsters and a knife -- "just the essential" to go fight in Ukraine.

Wearing a camouflage T-shirt that clings to his biceps, Brazilian policeman Saulo packs his bag with combat boots, camping gear, gun holsters and a knife -- "just the essential" to go fight in Ukraine. The 35-year-old Sao Paulo man quit his job as a military police officer to travel more than 11,000 kilometers (nearly 7,000 miles) and join Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. "I identify with the cause, with the Ukrainian people who are suffering the injustice of a foreign aggressor," said Saulo, who asked that his last name not be used for security reasons. Also read | 'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky "And I want to help avoid World War III," he told AFP, laying the items on his short packing list out on his bed alongside his black duffel bag. Picking up a small Brazilian flag, he added it to the pile. Although President Jair Bolsonaro has said Brazil will remain "neutral" over the conflict -- drawing criticism in some quarters -- hundreds of Brazilians have taken steps to go fight in Ukraine. They are looking to join the 20,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries who have applied to join the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, a corps launched to help fend off the invasion, according to figures from the Ukrainian foreign ministry. Saulo said good-bye to his partner and two children and left Wednesday for Poland, where Brazilians already on the ground have promised to help him join the war. He bought the one-way ticket with his own money. Saulo said he made his decision after seeing images from Ukraine of bombed-out residential buildings and hospitals. That convinced him to answer President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeal to join the new foreign legion and fight "elbow to elbow" with the Ukrainian army. "There's a risk I won't come back. Anyone who goes over there knows that. We're not little kids," said Saulo, who sports a tattoo of a big black skull on his right arm, a knife clutched in its teeth. His only fear, he said, is the conflict "erupting into nuclear war." Also read | Brazilian company using proceeds acquired by selling NFTs to preserve Amazon rainforest Defending a foreign country The Ukrainian foreign legion's only requirement to join is military or firearms experience, according to representatives of the website fightforua.org, which is helping organize the effort. Other webpages set up for Brazilians rallying to the cause have hundreds of members, such as Portuguese-language Facebook group "Volunteers to Fight in Ukraine," with 1,800. The site is a forum for would-be volunteers to swap information -- though members told AFP they limited their interactions, fearing Russian spies could be watching. One would-be volunteer, Guilherme -- his name was changed for safety reasons -- said he saw going to the front as a way to make a fresh start in life. The 29-year-old formerly served in the Brazilian army and the French Foreign Legion, then worked as a private security guard in Rio de Janeiro, but is now unemployed. Also read | As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals "Things are hard here in Brazil," he said. "Helping in Ukraine is an opportunity.... We have to think about what we can do to help others in this world, and not just say 'That's not my war,' because the world's ending." Open arms Ukraine's consul in Sao Paulo, Jorge Rybka, said would-be volunteers receive "no assistance of any kind" from the Ukrainian government. Brazil's foreign ministry meanwhile said it "emphatically discourages" people from traveling to Ukraine given the security situation. That did not stop Brazilian military veteran Leandro Galvao, who is already on the ground in the suburbs of Kyiv, where he carries out patrol and civilian rescue operations alongside the Ukrainian army. Also read | Brazil police probes education ministry's graft allegations Galvao, 49, came from Estonia, where he lives, to "defend democracy," he told AFP. "Ever since I joined the Ukrainian army, I'm part of this nation, and I'll defend it to the end," said the Sao Paulo native, who has two children. Foreign fighters, he said, "are welcomed here with open arms, with happiness and thanks." Watch | 'Ready to go for neutrality, non-nuclear status,' says Ukrainian president Zelensky

Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express&nbsp;train&nbsp;from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the&nbsp;last&nbsp;rail link between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;EU.

Finnish railway operator VR announced on Friday that it was suspending the Allegro service, which since&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been regularly sold-out&nbsp;with Russians eager to get&nbsp;out&nbsp;before Western sanctions make leaving all but impossible.

"Now that I've picked up my cats I don't have a reason to go back, I have everything that's most valuable to me," said Alex, who got off the&nbsp;train&nbsp;wheeling a carry case containing his two long-haired pets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refrain-from-publishing-russia-warns-media-says-dont-report-interview-with-zelensky-466209">'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky</a>

The Muscovite who has lived for some years in&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;gave only his first name.

"The situation in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;has become more complicated," university student Ivan told AFP, travelling with his mother from Moscow where he studies back to his home in Portugal for the Easter holidays.

He is due to return to the Russian capital for his exams in a few weeks.&nbsp;

"I can't tell how I'm going to get back to Moscow, we'll see how this situation gets resolved," he said.

Despite a lack of official statistics, thousands of Russians are reported to have left their country since the invasion.

With airspace closures grounding direct flights to Europe, those wishing to leave&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;have turned to flights via Turkey and Belgrade, or to road and rail.

Since the February 24 invasion, around 700 passengers a day have packed the trains to Finland, with the service remaining open at the request of the Finnish authorities to allow Finns in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to exit the country if they wanted.

However, on Thursday the government informed VR that "operating the service was no longer appropriate" in light of the heavy sanctions against&nbsp;Russia, and all trains were cancelled from Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-conflict-with-russia-intensifies-mourners-defy-missile-threats-to-attend-ukrainian-military-funerals-466200">As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals</a>

Symbol of partnership&nbsp;

Run jointly by Finland and&nbsp;Russia's national railways, the cross-border Allegro&nbsp;train&nbsp;was a symbol of partnership between the two nations when it opened in 2010.

President Vladimir Putin and his then Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen travelled on the inaugural service, which cut travel times on the 400km (250 mile) journey between&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;and St Petersburg down by two hours to 3.5 hours.

"I hope it will operate normally again very soon," said Aliya, in her late 50s, who works in&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;but regularly visits her friends and family in St Petersburg.

The interruption of the service will make life more difficult but "people will find a way to make the journey anyway if they have the opportunity", she said.

Although many Russians have reportedly sought to leave since the start of the war, the Allegro link to&nbsp;Helsinki&nbsp;has only been open to a select few.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-split-ukraine-in-two-like-koreas-says-intelligence-chief-466187">Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief&nbsp;</a>

Moscow stipulates that passengers must be Russian or Finnish citizens, and a visa is required as well as proof of an&nbsp;EU-recognised Covid vaccination -- not the Sputnik dose which is most commonly given in&nbsp;Russia.

Most passengers arriving in the Finnish capital have therefore been Russians who live, work or study in Europe.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-466054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express train from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the last rail link between Russia and the EU.

Just after 7pm on Sunday, the Allegro express train from St Petersburg pulled into the Finnish capital, marking the closure of the last rail link between Russia and the EU. Finnish railway operator VR announced on Friday that it was suspending the Allegro service, which since Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been regularly sold-out with Russians eager to get out before Western sanctions make leaving all but impossible. "Now that I've picked up my cats I don't have a reason to go back, I have everything that's most valuable to me," said Alex, who got off the train wheeling a carry case containing his two long-haired pets. Also read | 'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky The Muscovite who has lived for some years in Helsinki gave only his first name. "The situation in Russia has become more complicated," university student Ivan told AFP, travelling with his mother from Moscow where he studies back to his home in Portugal for the Easter holidays. He is due to return to the Russian capital for his exams in a few weeks. "I can't tell how I'm going to get back to Moscow, we'll see how this situation gets resolved," he said. Despite a lack of official statistics, thousands of Russians are reported to have left their country since the invasion. With airspace closures grounding direct flights to Europe, those wishing to leave Russia have turned to flights via Turkey and Belgrade, or to road and rail. Since the February 24 invasion, around 700 passengers a day have packed the trains to Finland, with the service remaining open at the request of the Finnish authorities to allow Finns in Russia to exit the country if they wanted. However, on Thursday the government informed VR that "operating the service was no longer appropriate" in light of the heavy sanctions against Russia, and all trains were cancelled from Monday. Also read | As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals Symbol of partnership Run jointly by Finland and Russia's national railways, the cross-border Allegro train was a symbol of partnership between the two nations when it opened in 2010. President Vladimir Putin and his then Finnish counterpart Tarja Halonen travelled on the inaugural service, which cut travel times on the 400km (250 mile) journey between Helsinki and St Petersburg down by two hours to 3.5 hours. "I hope it will operate normally again very soon," said Aliya, in her late 50s, who works in Helsinki but regularly visits her friends and family in St Petersburg. The interruption of the service will make life more difficult but "people will find a way to make the journey anyway if they have the opportunity", she said. Although many Russians have reportedly sought to leave since the start of the war, the Allegro link to Helsinki has only been open to a select few. Also read | Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief Moscow stipulates that passengers must be Russian or Finnish citizens, and a visa is required as well as proof of an EU-recognised Covid vaccination -- not the Sputnik dose which is most commonly given in Russia. Most passengers arriving in the Finnish capital have therefore been Russians who live, work or study in Europe. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Last EU train out of Russia arrives in Helsinki

&nbsp;Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of&nbsp;Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring&nbsp;social&nbsp;media&nbsp;for word of his elderly father, who is&nbsp;missing&nbsp;in the besieged&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;city of&nbsp;Mariupol.

Stranded on vacation on&nbsp;Mexico's Caribbean coast when Russia invaded Ukraine, Gorpenko, 47, has now spent more than three weeks without hearing from the 72-year-old Vladimir Gorpenko.

He does know that bombs and shelling have destroyed much of&nbsp;Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, thousands of whom are trying to escape. Vladimir's home was not spared; a photo circulating online shows the multi-story building burned out.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-significant-achievements-so-far-in-russia-ukraine-talks-kremlin-466309">No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin</a>

To find his father, Gorpenko posted a photo on Facebook showing a smiling&nbsp;man&nbsp;with thinning white hair. He is trying to get friends in Ukraine to rescue him.

"It's been impossible because&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;is under constant bombardment," Gorpenko told Reuters from the Mexican beach getaway of Playa del Carmen.

Reuters was unable to independently verify his account.

The hotel extended his stay at a tenth of the original price after he explained he could not go home, and has given him internet access to look for clues of his father.

"The first five days we were in touch ... I hope&nbsp;Dad&nbsp;is still alive and hiding in a bomb shelter."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-cites-russian-provocations-for-pausing-evacuations-of-civilians-466311">Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians</a>

'Out of this Hell'

As Russia keeps up air strikes to take the strategic port city that could help it link areas held by pro-Russian separatists in Crimea, Ukraine says 100,000 people in&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;are trapped - cut off from food, water, power and heat and blocked by fighting from being able to escape.

The Kremlin denies targeting civilians and says its forces are engaged in a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its neighbor. The West and Kyiv call that a false pretext to invade a democracy.

Russia and Ukraine have close historical ties, with family spread out across both nations.

Gorpenko's 21-year-old son, a Russian citizen, is finishing a university degree in Moscow, and Gorpenko fears he could be drafted into Russia's army.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-a-day-of-reckoning-uk-minister-thinks-war-crimes-committed-in-ukraine-466308">'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine</a>

Dozens of&nbsp;Ukrainians have fled to&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;in recent days with hopes of crossing into the United States, and&nbsp;many have been allowed by U.S. officials to enter the country and stay without fear of deportation for a year.

Gorpenko was already in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;when the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, having left Ukraine a week earlier for the beach vacation with seven friends. His companions, with children in Ukraine, went back to Europe.

With&nbsp;many friends still in&nbsp;Mariupol, Gorpenko knows he is not the only one trying to bring people to safety.

"Everyone is now searching, trying to somehow save their loved ones and get them out of this hell," he said.

More than 4,000 people fled&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;on Saturday. Ukraine and Russia on Sunday agreed to a humanitarian corridor for private cars to leave the city.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilians-join-fight-in-far-away-ukraine-466227">Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine</a>

Once he knows his father is safe, Gorpenko plans to go to the United States.

"I can't afford to go back to Europe," he said. "Besides, there's nothing left of my&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;and nothing to go back to in Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-ukraines-president-volodymyr-zelensky-466054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring social media for word of his elderly father, who is missing in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

Instead of enjoying the turquoise seas and white sands at one of Mexico's top beach resorts, Valerii Gorpenko mostly stays in his hotel, scouring social media for word of his elderly father, who is missing in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Stranded on vacation on Mexico's Caribbean coast when Russia invaded Ukraine, Gorpenko, 47, has now spent more than three weeks without hearing from the 72-year-old Vladimir Gorpenko. He does know that bombs and shelling have destroyed much of Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, thousands of whom are trying to escape. Vladimir's home was not spared; a photo circulating online shows the multi-story building burned out. Also read | No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin To find his father, Gorpenko posted a photo on Facebook showing a smiling man with thinning white hair. He is trying to get friends in Ukraine to rescue him. "It's been impossible because Mariupol is under constant bombardment," Gorpenko told Reuters from the Mexican beach getaway of Playa del Carmen. Reuters was unable to independently verify his account. The hotel extended his stay at a tenth of the original price after he explained he could not go home, and has given him internet access to look for clues of his father. "The first five days we were in touch ... I hope Dad is still alive and hiding in a bomb shelter." Also read | Ukraine cites Russian 'provocations' for pausing evacuations of civilians 'Out of this Hell' As Russia keeps up air strikes to take the strategic port city that could help it link areas held by pro-Russian separatists in Crimea, Ukraine says 100,000 people in Mariupol are trapped - cut off from food, water, power and heat and blocked by fighting from being able to escape. The Kremlin denies targeting civilians and says its forces are engaged in a "special operation" to demilitarize and "denazify" its neighbor. The West and Kyiv call that a false pretext to invade a democracy. Russia and Ukraine have close historical ties, with family spread out across both nations. Gorpenko's 21-year-old son, a Russian citizen, is finishing a university degree in Moscow, and Gorpenko fears he could be drafted into Russia's army. Also read | 'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine Dozens of Ukrainians have fled to Mexico in recent days with hopes of crossing into the United States, and many have been allowed by U.S. officials to enter the country and stay without fear of deportation for a year. Gorpenko was already in Mexico when the Russian invasion began on Feb. 24, having left Ukraine a week earlier for the beach vacation with seven friends. His companions, with children in Ukraine, went back to Europe. With many friends still in Mariupol, Gorpenko knows he is not the only one trying to bring people to safety. "Everyone is now searching, trying to somehow save their loved ones and get them out of this hell," he said. More than 4,000 people fled Mariupol on Saturday. Ukraine and Russia on Sunday agreed to a humanitarian corridor for private cars to leave the city. Also read | Brazilians join fight in far-away Ukraine Once he knows his father is safe, Gorpenko plans to go to the United States. "I can't afford to go back to Europe," he said. "Besides, there's nothing left of my Mariupol and nothing to go back to in Ukraine." Watch | Gravitas Plus: The story of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukraine War: Stuck in Mexico, Ukrainian man scours social media for missing dad in Mariupol

The White House's deputy&nbsp;spokeswoman&nbsp;said Sunday she has tested&nbsp;positive&nbsp;for&nbsp;Covid-19 following a trip to Europe with President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;that she only joined because the senior press secretary canceled after getting her own&nbsp;positive&nbsp;test.

The announcement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was the latest in a string of&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;cases among people who have spent time with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;or people around him.

Jean-Pierre said she had a&nbsp;positive&nbsp;PCR test after returning in the early hours of Sunday to the United States with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;from Brussels and Poland. But she said the president, who has been vaccinated and boosted, was not in danger.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-not-seeking-regime-change-in-russia-clarifies-white-house-465824">&nbsp;President Biden not seeking regime change in Russia, clarifies White House</a>

"This afternoon... I took a PCR test. That test came back&nbsp;positive. I last saw the president during a socially distanced meeting yesterday, and the president is not considered a close contact as defined by CDC guidance," she said in a statement.

"I am sharing the news of my&nbsp;positive&nbsp;test today out of an abundance of transparency," said Jean-Pierre, who added that she is experiencing "mild symptoms" and has been fully vaccinated.

Last Tuesday, on the eve of&nbsp;Biden's departure, Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced she had received a&nbsp;positive&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test. This required Jean-Pierre to fill in for Psaki on the high-profile trip, which included a series of summits in Belgium and a visit with US troops and Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wary-of-escalation-france-calls-for-restraint-after-bidens-butcher-jibe-466052">Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe</a>

Earlier this month,&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;attended a dinner in Washington where he met with Ireland's prime minister, Micheal Martin, who then abruptly left the gala after being informed of a&nbsp;positive&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;test.

The White House said that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;had not spent enough time with Martin to be at risk and did not require more frequent testing.

Shortly before Martin's case, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, who regularly sees&nbsp;Biden, also tested&nbsp;positive&nbsp;for&nbsp;Covid-19.

Watch |&nbsp;Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-admins-course-correction-over-regime-change-in-russia-remark-466252/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The White House's deputy spokeswoman said Sunday she has tested positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Europe with President Joe Biden that she only joined because the senior press secretary canceled after getting her own positive test.

The White House's deputy spokeswoman said Sunday she has tested positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Europe with President Joe Biden that she only joined because the senior press secretary canceled after getting her own positive test. The announcement by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was the latest in a string of Covid cases among people who have spent time with Biden or people around him. Jean-Pierre said she had a positive PCR test after returning in the early hours of Sunday to the United States with Biden from Brussels and Poland. But she said the president, who has been vaccinated and boosted, was not in danger. Also read | President Biden not seeking regime change in Russia, clarifies White House "This afternoon... I took a PCR test. That test came back positive. I last saw the president during a socially distanced meeting yesterday, and the president is not considered a close contact as defined by CDC guidance," she said in a statement. "I am sharing the news of my positive test today out of an abundance of transparency," said Jean-Pierre, who added that she is experiencing "mild symptoms" and has been fully vaccinated. Last Tuesday, on the eve of Biden's departure, Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced she had received a positive Covid test. This required Jean-Pierre to fill in for Psaki on the high-profile trip, which included a series of summits in Belgium and a visit with US troops and Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Also read | Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe Earlier this month, Biden attended a dinner in Washington where he met with Ireland's prime minister, Micheal Martin, who then abruptly left the gala after being informed of a positive Covid test. The White House said that Biden had not spent enough time with Martin to be at risk and did not require more frequent testing. Shortly before Martin's case, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, who regularly sees Biden, also tested positive for Covid-19. Watch | Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

Another Biden spokeswoman tests positive for Covid

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