France have rolled out new measures to combat coronavirus amid reports of a flareup of COVID-19 across Europe.

Video: Europe announces new COVID-19 restrictions

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the country to have broad the COVID-19 outbreak under control it must have a positivity rate below 5%. But, presently Spain has a positivity rate of 12%.

COVID-19: Spain has a positivity rate of 12%, more than 650,000 cases recorded so far

A wedding ring worn by her father 84 years ago when he was shot dead by General Francisco Franco's fascist forces finally gave certainty to Rosa Maria Insua, who received it, tears in her eyes, last week at the site of a mass grave found near Madrid.

Ring found in mass grave brings closure to Spanish civil war victim's family

Health workers in the Spanish capital protested on Tuesday (September 15) against the regional health authority's lack of support and demanding better working conditions.

Health workers protest in Madrid against lack of support, demand better conditions

The Spanish government intends to transform the Franco-era monument known as "The Valley of the Fallen" into a cemetery to hold the remains of people killed on both sides of the Spanish Civil War, Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said on Tuesday (September 15).

Spain to transform 'Valley of the Fallen' Franco monument into civilian cemetery

Fineprint: The missing victims of Spanish civil war

A wedding ring worn by her father 84 years ago when he was shot dead by General Francisco Franco's fascist forces finally gave certainty to Rosa Maria Insua, who received it, tears in her eyes, last week at the site of a mass grave found near Madrid.

The discovery of the ring by the Historic Memory Recovery Association (ARMH) confirmed the resting place of Eugenio Juan Insua, which his family had tried to find out for decades in vain.

More than 110,000 people are still considered missing since the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship that ended in 1975, which remain divisive subjects in Spain.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spains-former-king-juan-carlos-has-been-in-uae-since-august-3-321297" hreflang="en">Spain's former king Juan Carlos has been in UAE since August 3</a>

The left-wing coalition government on Tuesday approved a draft 'democratic memory' bill that envisages state-funded exhumation of the bodies of victims of war and the dictatorship, with the aim to help families like Insua's to bury them alongside their loved ones or claim state pensions.&nbsp;

"What a joy, we always thought he was here, but this gives us a lot of certainty," the 84-year-old said, thanking ARMH researchers who found the ring with her parents' 1931 wedding date - 1-6-931 - engraved on the inside in a mass grave in El Espinar, 65 km northwest of Madrid.

"I've been rather frail lately. Years are going by and I'd be very happy for this all to be solved, to be over, in peace," she told Reuters.

Eugenio Juan Insua was killed in July 1936 at the age of 29 in an ambush along with 16 other defenders of the Republican government, just days after the war broke out.

"I hope he will be genetically identified so that the family can bury him where they want and not where the murderers decided to in 1936," said ARMH deputy head Marco Gonzalez.

The association's president Emilio Silva said there was much work to be done yet across Spain: "We are talking about a drop in the ocean. There are 114,226 people missing and we are an association that is trying to resolve a small part of this problem without any public help".

The government has already taken a series of steps to remove dictatorship-era symbols, including last year removing Franco's remains from a massive mausoleum near Madrid.&nbsp;

But the recent rise of the far right such as the party VOX, already the third-largest force in parliament, makes Insua "scared that there could be an election after which they'll say 'that's it, we don't do this (mass grave search) anymore'".

A wedding ring worn by her father 84 years ago when he was shot dead by General Francisco Franco's fascist forces finally gave certainty to Rosa Maria Insua, who received it, tears in her eyes, last week at the site of a mass grave found near Madrid. The discovery of the ring by the Historic Memory Recovery Association (ARMH) confirmed the resting place of Eugenio Juan Insua, which his family had tried to find out for decades in vain. More than 110,000 people are still considered missing since the 1936-39 Spanish Civil War and Franco's dictatorship that ended in 1975, which remain divisive subjects in Spain. Also read: Spain's former king Juan Carlos has been in UAE since August 3 The left-wing coalition government on Tuesday approved a draft 'democratic memory' bill that envisages state-funded exhumation of the bodies of victims of war and the dictatorship, with the aim to help families like Insua's to bury them alongside their loved ones or claim state pensions. "What a joy, we always thought he was here, but this gives us a lot of certainty," the 84-year-old said, thanking ARMH researchers who found the ring with her parents' 1931 wedding date - 1-6-931 - engraved on the inside in a mass grave in El Espinar, 65 km northwest of Madrid. "I've been rather frail lately. Years are going by and I'd be very happy for this all to be solved, to be over, in peace," she told Reuters. Eugenio Juan Insua was killed in July 1936 at the age of 29 in an ambush along with 16 other defenders of the Republican government, just days after the war broke out. "I hope he will be genetically identified so that the family can bury him where they want and not where the murderers decided to in 1936," said ARMH deputy head Marco Gonzalez. The association's president Emilio Silva said there was much work to be done yet across Spain: "We are talking about a drop in the ocean. There are 114,226 people missing and we are an association that is trying to resolve a small part of this problem without any public help". The government has already taken a series of steps to remove dictatorship-era symbols, including last year removing Franco's remains from a massive mausoleum near Madrid. But the recent rise of the far right such as the party VOX, already the third-largest force in parliament, makes Insua "scared that there could be an election after which they'll say 'that's it, we don't do this (mass grave search) anymore'".

India on Thursday recorded 95,735 new cases of the coronavirus disease which pushed the overall tally to 44,65,863, according to Union health ministry data.

The number of active cases stand at 9,19,018, while the number of patients discharged from the hospital has reached 34,71,783.

The disease also claimed 1,172 lives in the last 24 hours, which pushed the overall death toll to 75,062, the health ministry data showed.

Meanwhile, a grim global milestone was also reported today as the worldwide toll due to the virus crossed the 9 lakh mark, according to Johns Hopkins tally.

The death toll now stands at 901,050 with 27.7 million total cases and 18.6 million recoveries.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Thursday recorded 95,735 new cases of the coronavirus disease which pushed the overall tally to 44,65,863, according to Union health ministry data. The number of active cases stand at 9,19,018, while the number of patients discharged from the hospital has reached 34,71,783.

India on Thursday recorded 95,735 new cases of the coronavirus disease which pushed the overall tally to 44,65,863, according to Union health ministry data. The number of active cases stand at 9,19,018, while the number of patients discharged from the hospital has reached 34,71,783. The disease also claimed 1,172 lives in the last 24 hours, which pushed the overall death toll to 75,062, the health ministry data showed. Meanwhile, a grim global milestone was also reported today as the worldwide toll due to the virus crossed the 9 lakh mark, according to Johns Hopkins tally. The death toll now stands at 901,050 with 27.7 million total cases and 18.6 million recoveries. (With inputs from agencies)

With 95,735 fresh cases, India records highest ever daily spike; tally breaches 44.6 lakh

Twenty-six scientists, most of them working at universities in Italy, have signed an open letter questioning the reliability of the data presented in the early-stage trial results of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine, named "Sputnik-V".

Addressing the editor of The Lancet, the international peer-reviewed medical journal in which Moscow's Gamaleya Institute published its early-stage trial results, the scientists said they saw patterns in the data that looked "highly unlikely".

The letter, published on the personal blog page of one of the signatories, said the Phase I/II trial results data showed multiple participants reporting identical antibody levels.

"On the ground of simple probabilistic evaluations the fact of observing so many data points preserved among different experiments is highly unlikely," the open letter said.

However, the scientists said they were basing their conclusions on summaries of the Russian trial result data, published in the journal, rather than the original data itself.

"In lack of the original numerical data, no conclusions can be definitively drawn on the reliability of the data presented, especially regarding the apparent duplications detected," the letter said.

The Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, rejected the critique.

"The published results are authentic and accurate and were examined by five reviewers at The Lancet," Denis Logunov, a deputy director at the institute, said in a statement.

He said his institute submitted the entire body of raw data on the trial results to The Lancet.

"We presented specifically the data that was produced (by the trial), not the data that is supposed to please Italian experts," Logunov said.

Naor Bar-Zeev, deputy director at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who peer reviewed the Russian data, defended his analysis of the research.

"Science must maintain a balance between incredulity, skepticism and trust. That trust is borne out through plausibility, repeatability and falsifiability."

"The results are plausible, and not very different to those seen with other AdV vectored products," he said.

The researchers had provided more detail than was needed for the review and responded to his questions "intelligently and in a matter-of-fact and confident but understated manner".

"Bottom line, I saw no reason to doubt the legitimacy of these results over others I have read and reviewed. But of course one can never know," he said in an email.

A spokeswoman for the Lancet said the journal had invited the study's authors to respond to the questions raised in the open letter. It was following the situation closely, she said.

Russia published results on Friday of its Phase I/II trial, which included 76 participants and was conducted in June-July this year. Participants developed a positive immune response and no serious side effects, the study's authors said.

A Phase III trial, involving 40,000 participants, was launched on Aug. 26. Around 31,000 people have already subscribed to take part, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

Twenty-six scientists, most of them working at universities in Italy, have signed an open letter questioning the reliability of the data presented in the early-stage trial results of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine, named "Sputnik-V".

Twenty-six scientists, most of them working at universities in Italy, have signed an open letter questioning the reliability of the data presented in the early-stage trial results of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine, named "Sputnik-V". Addressing the editor of The Lancet, the international peer-reviewed medical journal in which Moscow's Gamaleya Institute published its early-stage trial results, the scientists said they saw patterns in the data that looked "highly unlikely". The letter, published on the personal blog page of one of the signatories, said the Phase I/II trial results data showed multiple participants reporting identical antibody levels. "On the ground of simple probabilistic evaluations the fact of observing so many data points preserved among different experiments is highly unlikely," the open letter said. However, the scientists said they were basing their conclusions on summaries of the Russian trial result data, published in the journal, rather than the original data itself. "In lack of the original numerical data, no conclusions can be definitively drawn on the reliability of the data presented, especially regarding the apparent duplications detected," the letter said. The Gamaleya Institute, which developed the vaccine, rejected the critique. "The published results are authentic and accurate and were examined by five reviewers at The Lancet," Denis Logunov, a deputy director at the institute, said in a statement. He said his institute submitted the entire body of raw data on the trial results to The Lancet. "We presented specifically the data that was produced (by the trial), not the data that is supposed to please Italian experts," Logunov said. Naor Bar-Zeev, deputy director at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, who peer reviewed the Russian data, defended his analysis of the research. "Science must maintain a balance between incredulity, skepticism and trust. That trust is borne out through plausibility, repeatability and falsifiability." "The results are plausible, and not very different to those seen with other AdV vectored products," he said. The researchers had provided more detail than was needed for the review and responded to his questions "intelligently and in a matter-of-fact and confident but understated manner". "Bottom line, I saw no reason to doubt the legitimacy of these results over others I have read and reviewed. But of course one can never know," he said in an email. A spokeswoman for the Lancet said the journal had invited the study's authors to respond to the questions raised in the open letter. It was following the situation closely, she said. Russia published results on Friday of its Phase I/II trial, which included 76 participants and was conducted in June-July this year. Participants developed a positive immune response and no serious side effects, the study's authors said. A Phase III trial, involving 40,000 participants, was launched on Aug. 26. Around 31,000 people have already subscribed to take part, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said.

‘Unlikely patterns in Russia vaccine data’: 26 scientists warn in open letter

The government of Britain is banning gatherings of more than six people in England from September 14, as officials try to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections after a sharp spike across the UK. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-astrazeneca-voluntarily-pauses-clinical-trials-after-unexplained-illness-326112">Also read | COVID-19 vaccine: AstraZeneca 'voluntarily pauses' clinical trials after unexplained illness</a> 
 
The sharp increase in the number of cases has been largely blamed on party-going young adults disregarding social distancing rules. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-handled-covid-19-openly-and-transparently-xi-jinping-325898" hreflang="en">China handled COVID-19 openly and transparently: Xi Jinping</a>

First offenders will be fined £100, which will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.

The new rule does not apply to households or bubbles of more than six, or gatherings for work or education. Weddings, funerals, and organised team sports carried out in a COVID secure way are also exempted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-releases-first-batch-of-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-into-public-325883" hreflang="en">Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public</a>

The full list of exemptions will be revealed by the government before the law changes on Monday.

The number of cases in the United Kingdom has begun to rise sharply again in recent days.

There were 2,460 new infections reported on Tuesday, 2,948 on Monday and 2,988 on Sunday - a sharp rise from levels of around 1,000 per day in August and attributed to high levels of transmission among young people.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which together make up the United Kingdom, set their own lockdown policies.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government of Britain is banning gatherings of more than six people in England from September 14, as officials try to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections after a sharp spike across the UK.

The government of Britain is banning gatherings of more than six people in England from September 14, as officials try to keep a lid on daily new coronavirus infections after a sharp spike across the UK. Also read | COVID-19 vaccine: AstraZeneca 'voluntarily pauses' clinical trials after unexplained illness The sharp increase in the number of cases has been largely blamed on party-going young adults disregarding social distancing rules. Also read: China handled COVID-19 openly and transparently: Xi Jinping First offenders will be fined £100, which will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200. The new rule does not apply to households or bubbles of more than six, or gatherings for work or education. Weddings, funerals, and organised team sports carried out in a COVID secure way are also exempted. Also read: Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public The full list of exemptions will be revealed by the government before the law changes on Monday. The number of cases in the United Kingdom has begun to rise sharply again in recent days. There were 2,460 new infections reported on Tuesday, 2,948 on Monday and 2,988 on Sunday - a sharp rise from levels of around 1,000 per day in August and attributed to high levels of transmission among young people. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, which together make up the United Kingdom, set their own lockdown policies. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19: Social gatherings of more than 6 people banned in England from September 14

Spain saw one of the most draconian Covid-19 lockdowns in Europe, but two months after it was lifted, the virus is spreading faster than in any neighbouring nation.

Coronavirus: Can Spain deal with a second wave?

From behind the large windows of Barcelona's Centre Parc nursing home, elderly residents blow kisses, give virtual hugs and speak to loved ones on the other side of the glass using mobile phones.

Love through a nursing home's glass window in times of COVID-19

A homeless shelter in Spain's capital Madrid reported 26 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday (September 2), workers at the centre said, bringing the shelter's caseload to 32 in the last 4 weeks, with one fatality.

Coronavirus outbreak tears through Madrid homeless shelter

Virtual hugs and kisses for Spain's care home residents

Love and care through a nursing home's glass window in times of COVID

After one of the most intense lockdowns, Spain is now experiencing one of the most intense surges in COVID-19 cases.

Sharp surge of COVID-19 cases in Spain

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 47 million women and girls into extreme poverty by 2021 in South Asia.

The report, "From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of COVID-19", said that the gender poverty gap will worsen further still in South Asia.

According to new data released by the UN, the female poverty rate in South Asia will increase in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more women than men in the 25-34 age group will be poorer in the next decade.

"The expected rise of poverty in South Asia as a result of the economic fallout of the pandemic showcases the vulnerability of women and girls living in households that have only recently been able to escape poverty, the report released on Wednesday said.

The pre-pandemic female poverty rate in South Asia was projected to be 10 per cent in 2021 but is now expected to reach 13 per cent.

"Moreover, before the pandemic, projections for the region suggested that by 2030 only 15.8 per cent of the world's poor women and girls would be living in South Asia.

In the 25-34 age group, there will be 118 poor women for every 100 poor men in South Asia, and that ratio will increase to 129 women for every 100 men by 2030.

Meanwhile, the Washington-based development lender previously estimated that 60 million people would fall into extreme poverty due to COVID-19, but the new estimate puts the deterioration at 70 to 100 million, and he said "that number could go higher" if the pandemic worsens or drags on.

The situation makes it "imperative" that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries at risk, going beyond the commitment to suspend debt payments, Malpass said in an interview with AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 47 million women and girls into extreme poverty by 2021 in South Asia. The report, "From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of COVID-19", said that the gender poverty gap will worsen further still in South Asia.

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 47 million women and girls into extreme poverty by 2021 in South Asia. The report, "From Insights to Action: Gender Equality in the wake of COVID-19", said that the gender poverty gap will worsen further still in South Asia. According to new data released by the UN, the female poverty rate in South Asia will increase in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more women than men in the 25-34 age group will be poorer in the next decade. "The expected rise of poverty in South Asia as a result of the economic fallout of the pandemic showcases the vulnerability of women and girls living in households that have only recently been able to escape poverty, the report released on Wednesday said. The pre-pandemic female poverty rate in South Asia was projected to be 10 per cent in 2021 but is now expected to reach 13 per cent. "Moreover, before the pandemic, projections for the region suggested that by 2030 only 15.8 per cent of the world's poor women and girls would be living in South Asia. In the 25-34 age group, there will be 118 poor women for every 100 poor men in South Asia, and that ratio will increase to 129 women for every 100 men by 2030. Meanwhile, the Washington-based development lender previously estimated that 60 million people would fall into extreme poverty due to COVID-19, but the new estimate puts the deterioration at 70 to 100 million, and he said "that number could go higher" if the pandemic worsens or drags on. The situation makes it "imperative" that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries at risk, going beyond the commitment to suspend debt payments, Malpass said in an interview with AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Female poverty rate in South Asia projected to rise due to covid-19: UN 

Wineries are at risk of shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grape harvest this season is better than last many years but still, there is gloom in vineyards.

Vineyards in Spain at risk of bankruptcy, demand for wine down by 80%

Millions of kids will attend schools in new academic year from September as countries like France, Spain & US are looking at reopening amid Coronavirus pandemic. Several months long closure has widened educational gap.

Back to school in times of pandemic, France, Spain & US look at reopening

Plans to reopen schools are under pressure as coronavirus cases continue to rise in Spain where classes, in most regions, are set to begin the first week of September.

Basque school banks on distance, ventilation and hygiene for safe return to class

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm. 
 
The authorities were successfully able to head off an outbreak there.

According to the media reports, the researchers prevented a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by asymptomatic individuals inside one of its dormitory by conducting a test program on wastewater coming from campus hostel.

“We did test — I think there are 311 individuals in that dorm — and we did the antigen test yesterday and found two positive cases there,” said campus President Robert Robbins to tucson.com.&nbsp;

“We’re running down contact tracing their contacts, and those two individuals have gone to isolation yesterday morning.”

The wastewater testing provides a way to monitor for potential cases, particularly asymptomatic ones, beyond individual tests for the virus, researchers said.

Meanwhile, US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 180,000 on Thursday after a surge of new cases in June and July, many of them in hotspots like California, Florida, and Texas.

There were some signs of an improving outlook. Last week, deaths fell 17% from the prior week and below an average of 1,000 a day for the first time in weeks, according to a Reuters analysis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm.

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm. The authorities were successfully able to head off an outbreak there. According to the media reports, the researchers prevented a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by asymptomatic individuals inside one of its dormitory by conducting a test program on wastewater coming from campus hostel. “We did test — I think there are 311 individuals in that dorm — and we did the antigen test yesterday and found two positive cases there,” said campus President Robert Robbins to tucson.com. “We’re running down contact tracing their contacts, and those two individuals have gone to isolation yesterday morning.” The wastewater testing provides a way to monitor for potential cases, particularly asymptomatic ones, beyond individual tests for the virus, researchers said. Meanwhile, US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 180,000 on Thursday after a surge of new cases in June and July, many of them in hotspots like California, Florida, and Texas. There were some signs of an improving outlook. Last week, deaths fell 17% from the prior week and below an average of 1,000 a day for the first time in weeks, according to a Reuters analysis. (With inputs from agencies)

US university claims to stop Covid-19 outbreak with help of 'poop'

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of&nbsp;22,683,769 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 793,773.

The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,745,520 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,505,097. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 22 million people, with 7.93 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,683,769 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 793,773. The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,745,520 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,505,097. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 22 million; death toll at 793,773

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 24,234,340 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 827,110.

The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,832,581 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,717,156 cases.

The US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said that the underlying US economy remains solid, but high unemployment could persist for years in the sectors most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

"There's is still a healthy economy under here, except for this area that's been directly affected by COVID," Powell said in a discussion as part of the Jackson Hole central banking conference.

But millions of workers in travel, hotels and restaurants have been directly impacted, which means "a couple of years of... relatively high unemployment."

People in those industries are "really going to struggle to find work... We need to support them."

Meanwhile, the European Commission has made a 336 million euros ($396 million) down payment to British drug maker AstraZeneca to secure at least 300 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine.

The deal covers development, liability and other costs faced by the vaccine maker. The EU has also secured an option to buy 100 million additional doses of the vaccine under development.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 24 million people, with 8.27 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 24,234,340 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 827,110. The US, the worst-hit country, has 5,832,581 cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,717,156 cases. The US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has said that the underlying US economy remains solid, but high unemployment could persist for years in the sectors most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. "There's is still a healthy economy under here, except for this area that's been directly affected by COVID," Powell said in a discussion as part of the Jackson Hole central banking conference. But millions of workers in travel, hotels and restaurants have been directly impacted, which means "a couple of years of... relatively high unemployment." People in those industries are "really going to struggle to find work... We need to support them." Meanwhile, the European Commission has made a 336 million euros ($396 million) down payment to British drug maker AstraZeneca to secure at least 300 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine. The deal covers development, liability and other costs faced by the vaccine maker. The EU has also secured an option to buy 100 million additional doses of the vaccine under development. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 24 million; death toll at 827,110

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 100 million people back into extreme poverty, World Bank President David Malpass warned Thursday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italy-records-highest-coronavirus-cases-since-may-322010">Also read: Italy records highest coronavirus cases since May</a> 
 
The Washington-based development lender previously estimated that 60 million people would fall into extreme poverty due to COVID-19, but the new estimate puts the deterioration at 70 to 100 million, and he said "that number could go higher" if the pandemic worsens or drags on. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supply-nationalism-exacerbated-the-pandemic-many-countries-still-do-not-have-enough-who-chief-tedros-321964">Also Read:&nbsp;Supply nationalism exacerbated the pandemic,&nbsp;says WHO chief Tedros</a>

The situation makes it "imperative" that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries at risk, going beyond the commitment to suspend debt payments, Malpass said in an interview with AFP.

Even so, more countries will be obliged to restructure their debt.

"The debt vulnerabilities are high, and the imperative of getting light at the end of the tunnel so that new investors can come in is substantial," Malpass said.

Advanced economies in the Group of 20 already have committed to suspending debt payments from the poorest nations through the end of the year, and there is growing support for extending that moratorium into next year.

But Malpass said that will not be enough, since the economic downturn means those countries, which already are struggling to provide a safety net for their citizens, will not be in a better position to deal with the payments.

The amount of debt reduction needed will depend on the situation in each country, he said, but the policy "makes a lot of sense."

"So I think the awareness of this will be gradually, more and more apparent" especially "for the countries with the highest vulnerability to the debt situation."

The World Bank has committed to deploying $160 billion in funding to 100 countries through June 2021 in an effort to addresses the immediate emergency, but even so, extreme poverty, defined as earning less than $1.90 a day, continues to rise.

Malpass said the deterioration is due to a combination of the destruction of jobs during the pandemic as well as supply issues that make access to food more difficult.

"All of this contributes to pushing people back into extreme poverty the longer the economic crisis persists."

Newly-installed World Bank Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart called the economic crisis a "pandemic depression," but Malpass was less concerned with terminology.

"We can start calling it a depression. Our focus is on how we help countries be resilient in working out on the other side."

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 100 million people back into extreme poverty, World Bank President David Malpass warned Thursday. Also read: Italy records highest coronavirus cases since May The Washington-based development lender previously estimated that 60 million people would fall into extreme poverty due to COVID-19, but the new estimate puts the deterioration at 70 to 100 million, and he said "that number could go higher" if the pandemic worsens or drags on.

The coronavirus pandemic may have driven as many as 100 million people back into extreme poverty, World Bank President David Malpass warned Thursday. Also read: Italy records highest coronavirus cases since May The Washington-based development lender previously estimated that 60 million people would fall into extreme poverty due to COVID-19, but the new estimate puts the deterioration at 70 to 100 million, and he said "that number could go higher" if the pandemic worsens or drags on. Also Read: Supply nationalism exacerbated the pandemic, says WHO chief Tedros The situation makes it "imperative" that creditors reduce the amount of debt held by poor countries at risk, going beyond the commitment to suspend debt payments, Malpass said in an interview with AFP. Even so, more countries will be obliged to restructure their debt. "The debt vulnerabilities are high, and the imperative of getting light at the end of the tunnel so that new investors can come in is substantial," Malpass said. Advanced economies in the Group of 20 already have committed to suspending debt payments from the poorest nations through the end of the year, and there is growing support for extending that moratorium into next year. But Malpass said that will not be enough, since the economic downturn means those countries, which already are struggling to provide a safety net for their citizens, will not be in a better position to deal with the payments. The amount of debt reduction needed will depend on the situation in each country, he said, but the policy "makes a lot of sense." "So I think the awareness of this will be gradually, more and more apparent" especially "for the countries with the highest vulnerability to the debt situation." The World Bank has committed to deploying $160 billion in funding to 100 countries through June 2021 in an effort to addresses the immediate emergency, but even so, extreme poverty, defined as earning less than $1.90 a day, continues to rise. Malpass said the deterioration is due to a combination of the destruction of jobs during the pandemic as well as supply issues that make access to food more difficult. "All of this contributes to pushing people back into extreme poverty the longer the economic crisis persists." Newly-installed World Bank Chief Economist Carmen Reinhart called the economic crisis a "pandemic depression," but Malpass was less concerned with terminology. "We can start calling it a depression. Our focus is on how we help countries be resilient in working out on the other side."

Pandemic could cause extreme poverty to surge by 100 million: World Bank  

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,148,472 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 781,139.

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that "It's critical that countries don't repeat the same mistakes. We need to prevent vaccine nationalism. And for this reason, WHO is working with governments and the private sector to both accelerate the signs through the ACT accelerator and ensure that new innovations are available to everyone, everywhere, starting with those at highest risk," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21.14 million people, with 7.78 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 22,148,472 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 781,139. Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that "It's critical that countries don't repeat the same mistakes. We need to prevent vaccine nationalism. And for this reason, WHO is working with governments and the private sector to both accelerate the signs through the ACT accelerator and ensure that new innovations are available to everyone, everywhere, starting with those at highest risk," said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

Global cases of COVID-19 reach 21.14 million, death toll tops 780,000

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. 
 
The death count has also surged to 774,160. 
 
Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). 
 
Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. 
 
WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 21 million people, with 7.74 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 21,891,107 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 774,160. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,443,162 coronavirus cases and 170,548 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,359,570 cases and 108,536 deaths, and India (2,702,742 cases, 51,797 deaths). Meanwhile, The World Health Organization said it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 21 million; death toll at 774,160 

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups.

WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services.

"The epidemic is changing," WHO Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, told a virtual briefing. "People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected."

"This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added.

A surge in new cases has prompted some countries to re-impose curbs as companies race to find a vaccine for a virus that has battered economies, killed more than 770,000 people and infected nearly 22 million, according to a Reuters tally.

Surges were reported in countries that had appeared to have the virus under control, including Vietnam, which until recently went three months without domestic transmission due to its aggressive mitigation efforts.

"What we are observing is not simply a resurgence. We believe it's a signal that we have entered a new phase of pandemic in the Asia-Pacific," Kasai said.

He said countries were better able to reduce disruption to lives and economies by combining early detection and response to manage infections.

While mutations had been observed, the WHO still saw the virus as "relatively stable", Kasai said.

WHO also reminded drugmakers to follow all necessary research and development steps when creating a vaccine.

Socorro Escalante, its technical officer and medicines policy advisor, said the WHO was coordinating with Russia, which this month became the first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine.

"We hope to get the response in terms of the evidence of this new vaccine," Escalante said.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday it was concerned that the novel coronavirus spread was being driven by people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, many of which were unaware they were infected, posing a danger to vulnerable groups. WHO officials said this month the proportion of younger people among those infected had risen globally, putting at risk vulnerable sectors of the population worldwide, including the elderly and sick people in densely populated areas with weak health services. "The epidemic is changing," WHO Western Pacific regional director, Takeshi Kasai, told a virtual briefing. "People in their 20s, 30s and 40s are increasingly driving the spread. Many are unaware they are infected." "This increases the risk of spillovers to the more vulnerable," he added. A surge in new cases has prompted some countries to re-impose curbs as companies race to find a vaccine for a virus that has battered economies, killed more than 770,000 people and infected nearly 22 million, according to a Reuters tally. Surges were reported in countries that had appeared to have the virus under control, including Vietnam, which until recently went three months without domestic transmission due to its aggressive mitigation efforts. "What we are observing is not simply a resurgence. We believe it's a signal that we have entered a new phase of pandemic in the Asia-Pacific," Kasai said. He said countries were better able to reduce disruption to lives and economies by combining early detection and response to manage infections. While mutations had been observed, the WHO still saw the virus as "relatively stable", Kasai said. WHO also reminded drugmakers to follow all necessary research and development steps when creating a vaccine. Socorro Escalante, its technical officer and medicines policy advisor, said the WHO was coordinating with Russia, which this month became the first country to grant regulatory approval for a COVID-19 vaccine. "We hope to get the response in terms of the evidence of this new vaccine," Escalante said.

WHO says people in 20s, 30s, 40s increasingly driving coronavirus pandemic

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos is reportedly in the United Arab Emirates, where had been staying since August 3 after leaving Spain in the aftermath of a corruption scandal.

The detail was divulged by a spokesperson for the royal household on Monday, first reported by state network TVE.

"That is what King Juan Carlos has told us”, the royal household’s spokesperson said while alluding to reports of him being in the UAE.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/catalan-parliament-voices-opinion-against-juan-carlos-exile-318994" hreflang="en">Catalan parliament voices opinion against Juan Carlos' exile</a>

Asked on Monday whether the TVE report was correct, a spokesman for the royal household said: "That is what King Juan Carlos has told us”, the royal household’s spokesperson said while alluding to reports of him being in the UAE.

The royal palace said that Carlos was leaving the country to allow his son Felipe to act as king, devoid of his interference, especially due to the corruption scandal. At the same time, the palace hadn’t announced where the 82-year-old former king was headed.

Bribe allegations

Recently, Spanish and Swiss authorities started looking at allegations of bribing involved in a high-speed railway project’s contract.

In terms of the bribing allegations, the ex-king has rejected all such allegations.&nbsp;Carlos was an important player in Spain’s transition to democracy, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/spains-ex-king-juan-carlos-is-in-abu-dhabi-media-reports-318844" hreflang="en">Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports</a>

Protests had erupted over the sudden exit of Carlos, one protester told Reuters it was a “rash decision”. "I think it is a bit of a rash decision because he should be judged like any other Spanish citizen," Pablo Lopez said outside the Royal Palace.

Currently, prosecutors in Switzerland and Spain are investigating cases of potential bribes covering offshore accounts.

Even though there are allegations against him, no formal investigation has been launched which implies that he is not technically a fugitive.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos is reportedly in the United Arab Emirates, where had been staying since August 3 after leaving Spain in the aftermath of a corruption scandal.

Former Spanish king Juan Carlos is reportedly in the United Arab Emirates, where had been staying since August 3 after leaving Spain in the aftermath of a corruption scandal. The detail was divulged by a spokesperson for the royal household on Monday, first reported by state network TVE. "That is what King Juan Carlos has told us”, the royal household’s spokesperson said while alluding to reports of him being in the UAE. Also read: Catalan parliament voices opinion against Juan Carlos' exile Asked on Monday whether the TVE report was correct, a spokesman for the royal household said: "That is what King Juan Carlos has told us”, the royal household’s spokesperson said while alluding to reports of him being in the UAE. The royal palace said that Carlos was leaving the country to allow his son Felipe to act as king, devoid of his interference, especially due to the corruption scandal. At the same time, the palace hadn’t announced where the 82-year-old former king was headed. Bribe allegations Recently, Spanish and Swiss authorities started looking at allegations of bribing involved in a high-speed railway project’s contract. In terms of the bribing allegations, the ex-king has rejected all such allegations. Carlos was an important player in Spain’s transition to democracy, after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. Also read: Spain's ex-king Juan Carlos is in Abu Dhabi: Media reports Protests had erupted over the sudden exit of Carlos, one protester told Reuters it was a “rash decision”. "I think it is a bit of a rash decision because he should be judged like any other Spanish citizen," Pablo Lopez said outside the Royal Palace. Currently, prosecutors in Switzerland and Spain are investigating cases of potential bribes covering offshore accounts. Even though there are allegations against him, no formal investigation has been launched which implies that he is not technically a fugitive.

Spain's former king Juan Carlos has been in UAE since August 3

Cases are rising across the region at the fastest pace since tough lockdown measures were lifted

COVID-19: Second wave of infections across Spain | Nearly 3,000 cases in last 24 hours

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic.

As the cases have been on a constant rise in specific regions of Spain, Germany decided to impose a compulsory two-weeks quarantine rule for all travelers coming from Spain.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-imposes-14-day-quarantine-on-people-travelling-from-france-320337">Also read:&nbsp;UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France</a>

“I know how much the Germans love Spain ... But unfortunately the infection rates there are rising sharply, too sharply,” Jens Spahn told a local newspaper.

After Germany coronavirus tally rose from&nbsp;1,415 to 222,828, the biggest increase since late April, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious disease, the government decided to declare all of Spain, except for the&nbsp;the Canary Islands, a virus risk area, and imposed a compulsory quarantine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-removes-13-million-coronavirus-tests-from-tally-320437">Also read:&nbsp;UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally</a>

“Whoever goes to Spain despite the warning should protect themselves and others while on holiday. Party holidays are irresponsible in this pandemic,” he added.

This decision will be affecting the number of tourists flocking through the borders, and that has put the livelihoods of vendors of the tourist island of Mallorca in danger. The locals of the Mallorca island, a popular tourist attraction, have voiced their concerns against this move asking the government to look into it as the local vendors believe that if they close their shop, they won't be able to even re-open, let alone survive the pandemic.

The concerns were raised after majority of the big travel agencies, such as Europe's popular company TUI, cancelled all German packages to Spain, due to the fear in spread of the novel coronavirus.

There are currently around 30,000 Germans on holiday with tour operators in Spain’s Balearic islands, the vast majority in Mallorca, plus more independent travellers, the German travel association said.

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic.

It is the time of the year when people like to unwind a little from their hectic schedules and head to the beaches, or other countries, for a much-needed break. However, the German Health Minister feels these "party holidays" show irresponsible behaviour in a pandemic. As the cases have been on a constant rise in specific regions of Spain, Germany decided to impose a compulsory two-weeks quarantine rule for all travelers coming from Spain. Also read: UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France “I know how much the Germans love Spain ... But unfortunately the infection rates there are rising sharply, too sharply,” Jens Spahn told a local newspaper. After Germany coronavirus tally rose from 1,415 to 222,828, the biggest increase since late April, according to data from the Robert Koch Institute for infectious disease, the government decided to declare all of Spain, except for the the Canary Islands, a virus risk area, and imposed a compulsory quarantine. Also read: UK government removes 1.3 million coronavirus tests from tally “Whoever goes to Spain despite the warning should protect themselves and others while on holiday. Party holidays are irresponsible in this pandemic,” he added. This decision will be affecting the number of tourists flocking through the borders, and that has put the livelihoods of vendors of the tourist island of Mallorca in danger. The locals of the Mallorca island, a popular tourist attraction, have voiced their concerns against this move asking the government to look into it as the local vendors believe that if they close their shop, they won't be able to even re-open, let alone survive the pandemic. The concerns were raised after majority of the big travel agencies, such as Europe's popular company TUI, cancelled all German packages to Spain, due to the fear in spread of the novel coronavirus. There are currently around 30,000 Germans on holiday with tour operators in Spain’s Balearic islands, the vast majority in Mallorca, plus more independent travellers, the German travel association said.

Germany imposes compulsory quarantine for Spain travellers; health minister criticises 'party holidays'

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 20,924,603 confirmed coronavirus cases.

The death count has also surged to 759,716.

Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,254,171 coronavirus cases and 167,113 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,224,876 cases and 105,463 deaths, and India (2,461,190 cases, 48,040 deaths).

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday. The reported death toll rose by 14 to 9,225.

New Zealand Friday reported 12 new cases of coronavirus, as the country awaited an announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on whether a lockdown in its biggest city, Auckland, will be eased or extended. Auckland, home to 1.7 million people, was put under lockdown on Wednesday, hours after four new cases were discovered.

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019.

The deadly Covid-19 across the world has now infected more than 20 million people, with 7.59 lakh people succumbing to the virus that was first reported in late December 2019. According to Johns Hopkins University, the world has witnessed a total of 20,924,603 confirmed coronavirus cases. The death count has also surged to 759,716. Country-wise, the United States remains the most affected, with 5,254,171 coronavirus cases and 167,113 deaths. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,224,876 cases and 105,463 deaths, and India (2,461,190 cases, 48,040 deaths). The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 1,449 to 221,413, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday. The reported death toll rose by 14 to 9,225. New Zealand Friday reported 12 new cases of coronavirus, as the country awaited an announcement from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on whether a lockdown in its biggest city, Auckland, will be eased or extended. Auckland, home to 1.7 million people, was put under lockdown on Wednesday, hours after four new cases were discovered. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases exceed 20 million; death toll at 759,716

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