The Indian Ambassador to North Korea (DPRK) Atul Malhari Gotsurve speaking on the COVID situation in the country has said life has been normal in the country's capital Pyongyang. North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Pyongyang, Ambassador Gotsurve describing the situation in the country said "shops, services, universities, schools, factories and offices" are open in the country and few Indians left the country on 9th March to Vladivostok on a flight specially arranged for foreigners by DPRK. This is the first time any Indian Ambassador to DPRK has spoken to any India based channel in past few years.

WION: How has been the ground situation in DPRK? How are Indian diplomats faring?

Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: According to the local authorities, there is no Covid- 19 case in DPRK. As per the local office of WHO, the country has carried out hundreds of tests for Covid-19 and none of them has been found to be positive. I find that life in Pyongyang is normal. Shops and services are open and so are the universities, schools, factories and offices. Public transport for locals too is functioning smoothly. Despite some difficulties created by the extraordinary Covid-19 pandemic around the world as also in DPRK, the morale of all of us at the Embassy is high.

WION: Anything about the measures taken by the DPRK Government to contain the spread?

Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: DPRK had moved very early to combat Covid-19 with several anti-pandemic measures which continue till date. The Government here took the first step of snapping all international air links with the outside world as early as 1 st February 2020. Similarly, the international land borders with China and Russia were also sealed with no one allowed to either enter or exit the country. Everyone, including diplomats who went to China in January 2020, was quarantined for a month. Any person, if allowed at all, to enter DPRK, has to undergo a 30-day quarantine at a special place designated by the local authorities. Use of face mask is compulsory for everyone, including diplomats, at all public places. Shops, restaurants, offices, factories, hospitals, etc. have the protocol to go through thermal screening and to use hand-sanitizers before entering the building. These steps seem to have shown good results in combating Covid-19.

WION: How is the Indian Mission reaching to stranded Indians, if there are any?

Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: There are no stranded Indians in DPRK. The number of the Indian diasporas is small and most of them work for UN Agencies and International Aid Organisations. The Mission is in constant touch with them at a personal level and also through social media platform on a regular basis. A few Indians left Pyongyang by a flight specially arranged for foreigners by DPRK to Vladivostok on 9 March 2020 and have reached India safely.

WION: Any plans for repatriation? 
 
Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: As of now, there is no request for repatriation from any Indian. If required, we will assist the Indian community suitably in co-ordination with the local authorities and MEA, New Delhi.

The Indian Ambassador to North Korea (DPRK) Atul Malhari Gotsurve speaking on the COVID situation in the country has said life has been normal in the country's capital Pyongyang.

The Indian Ambassador to North Korea (DPRK) Atul Malhari Gotsurve speaking on the COVID situation in the country has said life has been normal in the country's capital Pyongyang. North Korea's official name is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Pyongyang, Ambassador Gotsurve describing the situation in the country said "shops, services, universities, schools, factories and offices" are open in the country and few Indians left the country on 9th March to Vladivostok on a flight specially arranged for foreigners by DPRK. This is the first time any Indian Ambassador to DPRK has spoken to any India based channel in past few years. WION: How has been the ground situation in DPRK? How are Indian diplomats faring? Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: According to the local authorities, there is no Covid- 19 case in DPRK. As per the local office of WHO, the country has carried out hundreds of tests for Covid-19 and none of them has been found to be positive. I find that life in Pyongyang is normal. Shops and services are open and so are the universities, schools, factories and offices. Public transport for locals too is functioning smoothly. Despite some difficulties created by the extraordinary Covid-19 pandemic around the world as also in DPRK, the morale of all of us at the Embassy is high. WION: Anything about the measures taken by the DPRK Government to contain the spread? Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: DPRK had moved very early to combat Covid-19 with several anti-pandemic measures which continue till date. The Government here took the first step of snapping all international air links with the outside world as early as 1 st February 2020. Similarly, the international land borders with China and Russia were also sealed with no one allowed to either enter or exit the country. Everyone, including diplomats who went to China in January 2020, was quarantined for a month. Any person, if allowed at all, to enter DPRK, has to undergo a 30-day quarantine at a special place designated by the local authorities. Use of face mask is compulsory for everyone, including diplomats, at all public places. Shops, restaurants, offices, factories, hospitals, etc. have the protocol to go through thermal screening and to use hand-sanitizers before entering the building. These steps seem to have shown good results in combating Covid-19. WION: How is the Indian Mission reaching to stranded Indians, if there are any? Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: There are no stranded Indians in DPRK. The number of the Indian diasporas is small and most of them work for UN Agencies and International Aid Organisations. The Mission is in constant touch with them at a personal level and also through social media platform on a regular basis. A few Indians left Pyongyang by a flight specially arranged for foreigners by DPRK to Vladivostok on 9 March 2020 and have reached India safely. WION: Any plans for repatriation? Ambassador Atul Malhari Gotsurve: As of now, there is no request for repatriation from any Indian. If required, we will assist the Indian community suitably in co-ordination with the local authorities and MEA, New Delhi.

Amid Covid- 19 crisis, life in Pyongyang normal says India's envoy to North Korea

Spain’s Health Ministry reported no new deaths from the new coronavirus on Monday, with the total death toll unchanged from Sunday at 27,127

Concerts make a comeback in Spain and China; But in a whole new way

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites -- Mecca and Medina -- are located. For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat.

Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages -- which attract millions of travellers from around the world -- will remain suspended until further notice.

Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions.

The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 per cent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website.

Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news.

"If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all, I believe that everything happens with God's permission."&nbsp;

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday.

Indonesia has cancelled the haj pilgrimage this year for people in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation due to concerns over the coronavirus, the religious affairs minister said on Tuesday. Each year hundreds of thousands of Indonesians go on the haj to Saudi Arabia, where Islam's two holiest sites -- Mecca and Medina -- are located. For many Indonesians, the religious pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime event, with the average wait time 20 years due to a quota system, according to the country's cabinet secretariat. Saudi authorities have already said the haj and umrah pilgrimages -- which attract millions of travellers from around the world -- will remain suspended until further notice. Fachrul Razi, Indonesia's religious affairs minister, said the decision to cancel hajj this year was made due to concerns over the coronavirus and ongoing travel restrictions. The quota for Indonesian pilgrims this year was 221,000, with more than 90 per cent already registered to go, according to the religious affairs ministry website. Dewi, an employee of a telecommunications company in Jakarta and registered to perform the pilgrimage this year, told Reuters that while she had waited six years, she had made peace with the news. "If that is the decision, I will accept it," said Dewi, who did not want to give her full name. "After all, I believe that everything happens with God's permission."

Country with the largest Muslim population in the world cancels Haj pilgrimage over coronavirus concerns

Early graduation, flexible grading system, option to appear for exams later and no termination are among the various alternatives being offered by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for their graduating students to ensure their plans are not affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The IIT-Delhi is giving two options to its graduating batch those who have less than a semester left to graduate, they can decide to either go for an "early graduation" option, happening in June-end or go through a "regular graduation process", which will happen as and when the institute re-opens.

 
"For the early graduation option too, we are offering two choices to students-- an 'audit pass or fail' option or a 'credit' option. While the former will allow students to use their previous grades for assessment, for the latter students will have to take online tests, home exams, assignments, telephone viva, among others," IIT Delhi Director V Ramgopal said.

The IIT Roorkee has come up with a one-time special provision as per which the performance of the students in spring semester 2019-2020 would not be counted for academic performance-based termination of programs, slow pace programs, and towards any other such clauses.

"We have introduced a system to convert a pass letter grade to a Satisfactory (S) grade without grade point if a student requests for the same. The weightage ranges of various evaluation components have been revised. Further, students also have the option to appear in a re-exam to improve their grades," institute Director AK Chaturvedi said.

"Online evaluation modes have been introduced for MTech and PhD Thesis and BTech Projects. Students who wish to do more work in their thesis are allowed to get their evaluations deferred. Similarly, for MTech and PhD Course work, the students who are not prepared and require more time may request for deferred evaluation, which will be conducted within the first 4 weeks of the next semester," he added.

The IIT Gandhinagar has come up with a new grading policy for graduating students and has launched one-year post graduate diploma programme to help its graduating students whose higher education or employment plans have been disrupted due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"We will will not be issuing any letter grades for courses in the second semester. Two new grades are being introduced - P(E) and I/F' for all courses this semester. The Institute has requested faculty members to consider reworking their earlier grading or evaluation policies, if warranted," said Pratik Mutha, Dean (Academic Affairs), IIT Gandhinagar.

While P(E) grade or Pass (Emergency) is a pass grade but will have a different connotation than the usual 'P' Grade and will be so notated on the transcript.

The 'I/F' grade denotes 'Incomplete/Fail' but will not distinguish between the two.

"P(E) grade will be awarded if the faculty assesses that a student had satisfied the requirements for passing the course. An I/F grade will be assigned if the student did not complete the requirements of the course or did not perform well enough to warrant a passing grade.

"All students given an I/F grade will have one opportunity to complete the course requirement and improve their performance and earn a P(E) grade. The deadline to do so will be communicated to students well in advance," Murtha added.

The IIT Kharagpur has decided to evaluate students' performance on the basis of their grades in the mid-semester examination, assignments and viva voice in view of the students' inability to reach the campus to take the end semester examination because of the lockdown.

"We have arrived at the decision for this semester only as it is getting late and difficult to conduct the exam in June considering travel restrictions with most of the students staying at home," an institute's spokesperson said.

Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a nationwide classroom shutdown as part of a slew of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

Later, the government announced a nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25.

The lockdown was initially imposed for a 21-day period till April 14.

However, it was extended till May 31.

The government had announced the phase-wise easing of restrictions while the lockdown will continue in containment zones till June 30.

Early graduation, flexible grading system, option to appear for exams later and no termination are among the various alternatives being offered by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for their graduating students to ensure their plans are not affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Early graduation, flexible grading system, option to appear for exams later and no termination are among the various alternatives being offered by the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) for their graduating students to ensure their plans are not affected due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The IIT-Delhi is giving two options to its graduating batch those who have less than a semester left to graduate, they can decide to either go for an "early graduation" option, happening in June-end or go through a "regular graduation process", which will happen as and when the institute re-opens. "For the early graduation option too, we are offering two choices to students-- an 'audit pass or fail' option or a 'credit' option. While the former will allow students to use their previous grades for assessment, for the latter students will have to take online tests, home exams, assignments, telephone viva, among others," IIT Delhi Director V Ramgopal said. The IIT Roorkee has come up with a one-time special provision as per which the performance of the students in spring semester 2019-2020 would not be counted for academic performance-based termination of programs, slow pace programs, and towards any other such clauses. "We have introduced a system to convert a pass letter grade to a Satisfactory (S) grade without grade point if a student requests for the same. The weightage ranges of various evaluation components have been revised. Further, students also have the option to appear in a re-exam to improve their grades," institute Director AK Chaturvedi said. "Online evaluation modes have been introduced for MTech and PhD Thesis and BTech Projects. Students who wish to do more work in their thesis are allowed to get their evaluations deferred. Similarly, for MTech and PhD Course work, the students who are not prepared and require more time may request for deferred evaluation, which will be conducted within the first 4 weeks of the next semester," he added. The IIT Gandhinagar has come up with a new grading policy for graduating students and has launched one-year post graduate diploma programme to help its graduating students whose higher education or employment plans have been disrupted due to the coronavirus outbreak. "We will will not be issuing any letter grades for courses in the second semester. Two new grades are being introduced - P(E) and I/F' for all courses this semester. The Institute has requested faculty members to consider reworking their earlier grading or evaluation policies, if warranted," said Pratik Mutha, Dean (Academic Affairs), IIT Gandhinagar. While P(E) grade or Pass (Emergency) is a pass grade but will have a different connotation than the usual 'P' Grade and will be so notated on the transcript. The 'I/F' grade denotes 'Incomplete/Fail' but will not distinguish between the two. "P(E) grade will be awarded if the faculty assesses that a student had satisfied the requirements for passing the course. An I/F grade will be assigned if the student did not complete the requirements of the course or did not perform well enough to warrant a passing grade. "All students given an I/F grade will have one opportunity to complete the course requirement and improve their performance and earn a P(E) grade. The deadline to do so will be communicated to students well in advance," Murtha added. The IIT Kharagpur has decided to evaluate students' performance on the basis of their grades in the mid-semester examination, assignments and viva voice in view of the students' inability to reach the campus to take the end semester examination because of the lockdown. "We have arrived at the decision for this semester only as it is getting late and difficult to conduct the exam in June considering travel restrictions with most of the students staying at home," an institute's spokesperson said. Universities and schools across the country have been closed since March 16 when the Centre announced a nationwide classroom shutdown as part of a slew of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Later, the government announced a nationwide lockdown, which began on March 25. The lockdown was initially imposed for a 21-day period till April 14. However, it was extended till May 31. The government had announced the phase-wise easing of restrictions while the lockdown will continue in containment zones till June 30.

Lockdown: From early graduation to flexible grading - IITs chalk out plan for graduating students

Around 6.3 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

On Tuesday, the cases stood at &nbsp;6,274,136, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 375,711 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world.

The United States has recorded the most deaths of any country, with 105,160, ahead of Britain with 39,045, Italy with 33,475, Brazil with 29,937 and France at 28,833.

China is reporting five new cases of the coronavirus, all brought by Chinese citizens from outside the country. No new deaths were reported on Tuesday while 73 people remain in treatment for COVID-19 and 373 are under monitoring and isolation for showing signs of the virus or having tested positive for it without showing symptoms. China has recorded a total of 4,634 deaths among 83,022 cases of the disease. 
 
(With inputs from Agencies)

Around 6.3 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Around 6.3 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University. On Tuesday, the cases stood at 6,274,136, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 375,711 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world. The United States has recorded the most deaths of any country, with 105,160, ahead of Britain with 39,045, Italy with 33,475, Brazil with 29,937 and France at 28,833. China is reporting five new cases of the coronavirus, all brought by Chinese citizens from outside the country. No new deaths were reported on Tuesday while 73 people remain in treatment for COVID-19 and 373 are under monitoring and isolation for showing signs of the virus or having tested positive for it without showing symptoms. China has recorded a total of 4,634 deaths among 83,022 cases of the disease. (With inputs from Agencies)

Covid-19 cases worldwide cross 6.3 million mark; death toll at 3,77,404

Spain has reported no deaths due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since the beginning of March, as per senior health ministry spokesman's statement on Monday. The European country started reporting new deaths everyday since March 3.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-reports-fresh-ebola-outbreak-three-weeks-before-plans-to-proclaim-the-country-disease-free-302415" hreflang="en">Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free</a>

Fernando Simon, head of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies told reporters, "Today we have received no deaths with the date of death from yesterday." He also added that the number of new cases in the country has seen a steep decline.&nbsp;

Spain is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus pandemic. According to ministry figures, the country recorded 27,127 deaths from 239,638 cases.

Fernando Simon said that the country was fast in detecting cases, but he still warned that the pandemic has not ended. Any failure to respect the existing restrictions on mass gatherings, still in force despite a gradual relaxation of what was one of the world's strictest lockdowns.

The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday).

Spain has reported no deaths due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since the beginning of March, as per senior health ministry spokesman's statement on Monday.

Spain has reported no deaths due to coronavirus in the past 24 hours. This has happened for the first time since the beginning of March, as per senior health ministry spokesman's statement on Monday. The European country started reporting new deaths everyday since March 3. Also read: Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free Fernando Simon, head of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies told reporters, "Today we have received no deaths with the date of death from yesterday." He also added that the number of new cases in the country has seen a steep decline. Spain is one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus pandemic. According to ministry figures, the country recorded 27,127 deaths from 239,638 cases. Fernando Simon said that the country was fast in detecting cases, but he still warned that the pandemic has not ended. Any failure to respect the existing restrictions on mass gatherings, still in force despite a gradual relaxation of what was one of the world's strictest lockdowns. The country worst-hit from novel coronavirus, the United States recorded 598 new deaths on Sunday, taking the overall toll to 104,356, according to Johns Hopkins University's tally. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 1,788,762, far more than any other country. as per the tally at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Monday).

Spain reports no new deaths due to coronavirus in past 24 hours; first time since March

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday announced that he will seek for parliament's approval to extend the lockdown before a nation-wide emergency is lifted. The final extension will last for two weeks, which means Spain could be until June 21.&nbsp;

The European country is set to come out of lockdown on June 7, but during a press conference, Sanchez said that final extension of lockdown is required while welcoming that his hard-hit nation is "on the verge of arriving safely" out of confinement.

This will be the sixth time if the lockdown gets extended and will be ratified on Wednesday after being presented to the 350-seat parliament.&nbsp;

Sanchez's coalition is in a minority. But the Premier can count on Catalan independence party to abstain, as well as the support of Basque nationalists, under deals which he sealed on Saturday.

Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus, but as the number of new cases and deaths have shown a decline, the country has been easing their lockdown.&nbsp;

The measures are expected to be fully lifted in late June or early July, depending on the region.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday announced that he will seek for parliament's approval to extend the lockdown before a nation-wide emergency is lifted.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday announced that he will seek for parliament's approval to extend the lockdown before a nation-wide emergency is lifted. The final extension will last for two weeks, which means Spain could be until June 21. The European country is set to come out of lockdown on June 7, but during a press conference, Sanchez said that final extension of lockdown is required while welcoming that his hard-hit nation is "on the verge of arriving safely" out of confinement. This will be the sixth time if the lockdown gets extended and will be ratified on Wednesday after being presented to the 350-seat parliament. Sanchez's coalition is in a minority. But the Premier can count on Catalan independence party to abstain, as well as the support of Basque nationalists, under deals which he sealed on Saturday. Spain has been one of the worst-hit countries in terms of coronavirus, but as the number of new cases and deaths have shown a decline, the country has been easing their lockdown. The measures are expected to be fully lifted in late June or early July, depending on the region.

Spanish Prime Minister to seek final two-week lockdown extension in parliament

Brazil's death toll due to novel coronavirus jumped to 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of fatalities.

Brazil's death toll due to novel coronavirus jumped to 27,878, surpassing the toll of hard-hit Spain and making it the country with the fifth-highest number of fatalities. According to the country's health ministry, the epicentre of the South American coronavirus outbreak, Brazil saw 1,124 deaths in 24 hours, the Ministry of Health said. It also had a record number of new cases -- 26,928 in one day -- bringing the total number of infections to 465,166. The United States, Britain, Italy and France lead the world in coronavirus deaths. As of Friday Spain had recorded 27,121 deaths, with virus fatalities there rapidly slowing. Brazil could soon surpass France, which has seen 28,714 deaths. Brazil is second in the number of confirmed cases, though trailing far behind the United States which has 1.7 million infections. Brazil has seen 131.2 coronavirus deaths per one million people -- compared to more than 300 in the United States and 580 in Spain -- but the pandemic has yet to peak in the South American country. "There is no way to foresee" when the outbreak will peak, the Ministry of Health said, and experts say the number of cases in Brazil could be 15 times higher than the confirmed figure because there has been no widespread testing.

Brazil COVID-19 death toll jumps to 27,878, surpasses hard-hit Spain

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain.

The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday.

Spanish media said the party broke a number of lockdown rules.

Joachim travelled to Spain from Belgium on May 24 for an internship and was still there.

El Pais newspaper said the prince, who is tenth in line to the Belgian throne, attended the party along with 26 other people -- even though in the province of Cordoba, the maximum number of people permitted to meet is currently 15.

All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine.

Spanish police has launched an investigation into the incident and those who breached restrictions could face fines of between 600 and 10,000 euros.

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain. The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday.

A nephew of Belgium's King Philippe, Prince Joachim, has tested positive for coronavirus after attending a gathering in Spain. The 28-year-old prince tested positive after attending the party in the southern city of Cordoba on May 26, a spokesperson for the Belgian Royal Palace said on Saturday. Spanish media said the party broke a number of lockdown rules. Joachim travelled to Spain from Belgium on May 24 for an internship and was still there. El Pais newspaper said the prince, who is tenth in line to the Belgian throne, attended the party along with 26 other people -- even though in the province of Cordoba, the maximum number of people permitted to meet is currently 15. All 27 people who attended the party are now in quarantine. Spanish police has launched an investigation into the incident and those who breached restrictions could face fines of between 600 and 10,000 euros.

Belgian prince tests positive for coronavirus after attending gathering in Spain

One in ten hospitalised COVID-19 patients, who also have diabetes, may die within seven days of admission, and one in five may need to be intubated and mechanically ventilated by this point, according to a study.

Researchers, including those from the University of Nantes in France, analysed data from 1,317 COVID-19 patients admitted to 53 French hospitals between 10 and 31 March 2020.

They said a majority of these patients, nearly 90 per cent, had type 2 diabetes, while only 3 per cent had type 1 diabetes, with other types of diabetes in the remaining cases.

According to the research, published in the journal Diabetologia, two-thirds of the COVID-19 patients with diabetes admitted to the hospitals were men, and the average age of all patients was 70 years.

The researchers noted that bad blood sugar control did not directly seem to impact a patient''s outcome, but the presence of diabetic complications and old age increased the risk of death.

They said an increased BMI, which is a measure of the weight of a person with respect to their height, is associated with both increased risk of needing mechanical ventilation, and with increased risk of death.

Complications were also noted in the eye, kidney, and nerves in 47 per cent of the subjects, while small blood vessel-related microvascular problems of the heart, brain, and legs were present in 41 per cent of the patients, the study noted.

Across all patients in this study, the researchers said, one in five had been intubated by day seven, and placed on a ventilator in intensive care.

By this time, they said about one in 10 had died, and a further 18 per cent had been discharged home.

According to the researchers, microvascular complications more than doubled the risk of death at day seven.

They said advanced age also substantially increased the risk of death, with the group of patients aged 75 years more than 14 times likely to die than younger patients aged under 55 years.

Patients 65-74 years old were three times more likely to die than those under 55 years, the study noted.

The scientists said the presence of the respiratory conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, and symptoms like shortness of breath almost tripled the risk of death within a week.

"Elderly populations with long-term diabetes with advanced diabetic complications and/or treated obstructive sleep apnoea were particularly at risk of early death and might require specific management to avoid infection with the novel coronavirus," the scientists wrote in the study.

The study also confirmed previous research that insulin, and other treatments for modifying blood sugar, are not a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19 and can be continued in patients with diabetes.

According to the study, there were no deaths in patients under 65 years old with type 1 diabetes.

However, the authors said there were only 39 patients with type 1 diabetes in the current study, adding that further research is needed to establish the effect of COVID-19 in this specific population.

Among other findings, the scientists said men were not statistically more likely to die at day seven than women.

The researchers noted that BMI may also be an independent factor for COVID-19 severity in the population living with diabetes and requiring hospital admission.

"The link between obesity and COVID-19 requires further study," they said.

One in ten hospitalised COVID-19 patients, who also have diabetes, may die within seven days of admission, and one in five may need to be intubated and mechanically ventilated by this point, according to a study.

One in ten hospitalised COVID-19 patients, who also have diabetes, may die within seven days of admission, and one in five may need to be intubated and mechanically ventilated by this point, according to a study. Researchers, including those from the University of Nantes in France, analysed data from 1,317 COVID-19 patients admitted to 53 French hospitals between 10 and 31 March 2020. They said a majority of these patients, nearly 90 per cent, had type 2 diabetes, while only 3 per cent had type 1 diabetes, with other types of diabetes in the remaining cases. According to the research, published in the journal Diabetologia, two-thirds of the COVID-19 patients with diabetes admitted to the hospitals were men, and the average age of all patients was 70 years. The researchers noted that bad blood sugar control did not directly seem to impact a patient''s outcome, but the presence of diabetic complications and old age increased the risk of death. They said an increased BMI, which is a measure of the weight of a person with respect to their height, is associated with both increased risk of needing mechanical ventilation, and with increased risk of death. Complications were also noted in the eye, kidney, and nerves in 47 per cent of the subjects, while small blood vessel-related microvascular problems of the heart, brain, and legs were present in 41 per cent of the patients, the study noted. Across all patients in this study, the researchers said, one in five had been intubated by day seven, and placed on a ventilator in intensive care. By this time, they said about one in 10 had died, and a further 18 per cent had been discharged home. According to the researchers, microvascular complications more than doubled the risk of death at day seven. They said advanced age also substantially increased the risk of death, with the group of patients aged 75 years more than 14 times likely to die than younger patients aged under 55 years. Patients 65-74 years old were three times more likely to die than those under 55 years, the study noted. The scientists said the presence of the respiratory conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea, and symptoms like shortness of breath almost tripled the risk of death within a week. "Elderly populations with long-term diabetes with advanced diabetic complications and/or treated obstructive sleep apnoea were particularly at risk of early death and might require specific management to avoid infection with the novel coronavirus," the scientists wrote in the study. The study also confirmed previous research that insulin, and other treatments for modifying blood sugar, are not a risk factor for severe forms of COVID-19 and can be continued in patients with diabetes. According to the study, there were no deaths in patients under 65 years old with type 1 diabetes. However, the authors said there were only 39 patients with type 1 diabetes in the current study, adding that further research is needed to establish the effect of COVID-19 in this specific population. Among other findings, the scientists said men were not statistically more likely to die at day seven than women. The researchers noted that BMI may also be an independent factor for COVID-19 severity in the population living with diabetes and requiring hospital admission. "The link between obesity and COVID-19 requires further study," they said.

1 in 10 hospitalised Covid-19 patients with diabetes dies: Study

With countries all over the world affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the US has emerged as a global hotspot.&nbsp;

The US currently leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The United States of America recorded 1,297 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing its total to 101,573 since the global pandemic began

It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures.

On Thursday, the US surpassed the "sad milestone" of over one lakh coronavirus-linked deaths, the highest in the world. 
 
<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/100000-deaths-very-sad-milestone-says-trump-on-coronavirus-fatalities-301661">Also read: 100,000 deaths very sad milestone, says Trump on coronavirus fatalities</a> 
 
"We have just reached a very sad milestone with the coronavirus pandemic deaths reaching 100,000," Trump tweeted, hours after the country registered the grim figure in an election year.&nbsp;

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We have just reached a very sad milestone with the coronavirus pandemic deaths reaching 100,000. To all of the families &amp; friends of those who have passed, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy &amp; love for everything that these great people stood for &amp; represent. God be with you!
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The Trump administration has been criticized for being slower to act than other countries.&nbsp;

Four months after the first novel coronavirus infection was confirmed in the United States, the virus has killed people in every state. It has found victims in dense cities and rural towns. Some of the victims were well-known; many were unsung.

(With inputs from agencies)

With countries all over the world affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the US has emerged as a global hotspot. The US currently leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths.

With countries all over the world affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the US has emerged as a global hotspot. The US currently leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The United States of America recorded 1,297 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing its total to 101,573 since the global pandemic began It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures. On Thursday, the US surpassed the "sad milestone" of over one lakh coronavirus-linked deaths, the highest in the world. Also read: 100,000 deaths very sad milestone, says Trump on coronavirus fatalities "We have just reached a very sad milestone with the coronavirus pandemic deaths reaching 100,000," Trump tweeted, hours after the country registered the grim figure in an election year. We have just reached a very sad milestone with the coronavirus pandemic deaths reaching 100,000. To all of the families & friends of those who have passed, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy & love for everything that these great people stood for & represent. God be with you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2020 × The Trump administration has been criticized for being slower to act than other countries. Four months after the first novel coronavirus infection was confirmed in the United States, the virus has killed people in every state. It has found victims in dense cities and rural towns. Some of the victims were well-known; many were unsung. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 1,200 coronavirus deaths in the US in the last 24 hours: Report 

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians. Remember Gurudwaras in countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, the US have been helping out the stranded Indian nationals. Ambassador Tomar also talked about how the mission reached to stranded Indian nationals via online means.

WION: Maam, if you can tell us about the repatriation efforts? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: So we have first 2 flights from Germany under the Vande Bharat mission. The first one today is to Delhi, the second one tomorrow is to Bengaluru. The flight will take back Indian nationals stranded in Germany for the past several months. People on the flight are elderly people, stranded people. Visitors who came on short term visas, expected mothers and students who have finished the studies. The Vande Bharat mission, as you know is a massive effort launched by govt of India. You are aware external affairs minister had a coordination meeting a few days ago. In the first phase, 100,000 Indian nationals who were bright back to India from 30 plus countries. In the second phase, they are going to bring back people from more than 60 countries who are being brought back to India. The effort has been really to cover the whole world to make sure that Indian nationals stranded all over the world to bring them back and we are all working towards that. These are our first 2 flights. But I want to assure all stranded Indians in Germany that don't worry, there are going to be more flights. Next week we have 2 more flights, we will increase our efforts to get people back to India.

Sidhant Sibal: How has been the situation of Indian nationals and how both countries have been in touch with each other? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: Indian nationals stranded in Germany have shown tremendous patience amidst many difficulties people have had. I like to thank them for patience while the situation comes under control. As you know in Germany, 180,000 people impacted but the deaths have been comparatively lower than many countries around 8000. The situation is slowly coming back under control. German health care system has worked well, and India and Germany have been working together and contact has been at the highest level. PM Modi and Chancellor Merkel, our Foreign ministers have also had contact. Our commerce and Industry Minister has also been in touch with his counterpart in federal chancellory. We are not only talking about how we can support each other in such difficult times of pandemic but also see how we can cooperate in research. These are times when all of you need to come together and that is the effort.

Sidhant Sibal: How have german authorities been helping Indian mission's efforts? 
 
Mukta Dutta Tomar: German authorities have been very forthcoming in resolving the problems of Indian nationals stranded in Germany. In Germany, the Indian community and student associations have played a wonderful role in supporting Indian nationals in times of needs and they have really been the family of the nationals away from home. They have supported them materially and morally, provided them encouragement in difficult times. I must also mention, for us, the many Gurudwaras in Germany have played an important role in supporting food and other support people needed. The embassy and the consulates have been at the forefront of lending support to Indian nationals in these difficult and stressful times, via helplines, webinars, emails, we have worked non-stop since the beginning of the pandemic.&nbsp;

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians.

India has started repatriation flights from Germany with 2 flights this week, and more coming in future. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Frankfurt airport, India's envoy to Germany Mukta Dutta Tomar highlighted the key role played by Gurudwaras in the country in providing food and support to stranded in Indians. Remember Gurudwaras in countries like Australia, Portugal, Canada, the US have been helping out the stranded Indian nationals. Ambassador Tomar also talked about how the mission reached to stranded Indian nationals via online means. WION: Maam, if you can tell us about the repatriation efforts? Mukta Dutta Tomar: So we have first 2 flights from Germany under the Vande Bharat mission. The first one today is to Delhi, the second one tomorrow is to Bengaluru. The flight will take back Indian nationals stranded in Germany for the past several months. People on the flight are elderly people, stranded people. Visitors who came on short term visas, expected mothers and students who have finished the studies. The Vande Bharat mission, as you know is a massive effort launched by govt of India. You are aware external affairs minister had a coordination meeting a few days ago. In the first phase, 100,000 Indian nationals who were bright back to India from 30 plus countries. In the second phase, they are going to bring back people from more than 60 countries who are being brought back to India. The effort has been really to cover the whole world to make sure that Indian nationals stranded all over the world to bring them back and we are all working towards that. These are our first 2 flights. But I want to assure all stranded Indians in Germany that don't worry, there are going to be more flights. Next week we have 2 more flights, we will increase our efforts to get people back to India. Sidhant Sibal: How has been the situation of Indian nationals and how both countries have been in touch with each other? Mukta Dutta Tomar: Indian nationals stranded in Germany have shown tremendous patience amidst many difficulties people have had. I like to thank them for patience while the situation comes under control. As you know in Germany, 180,000 people impacted but the deaths have been comparatively lower than many countries around 8000. The situation is slowly coming back under control. German health care system has worked well, and India and Germany have been working together and contact has been at the highest level. PM Modi and Chancellor Merkel, our Foreign ministers have also had contact. Our commerce and Industry Minister has also been in touch with his counterpart in federal chancellory. We are not only talking about how we can support each other in such difficult times of pandemic but also see how we can cooperate in research. These are times when all of you need to come together and that is the effort. Sidhant Sibal: How have german authorities been helping Indian mission's efforts? Mukta Dutta Tomar: German authorities have been very forthcoming in resolving the problems of Indian nationals stranded in Germany. In Germany, the Indian community and student associations have played a wonderful role in supporting Indian nationals in times of needs and they have really been the family of the nationals away from home. They have supported them materially and morally, provided them encouragement in difficult times. I must also mention, for us, the many Gurudwaras in Germany have played an important role in supporting food and other support people needed. The embassy and the consulates have been at the forefront of lending support to Indian nationals in these difficult and stressful times, via helplines, webinars, emails, we have worked non-stop since the beginning of the pandemic.

Gurudwaras again help stranded Indians, this time in Germany

Around 5.8 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

On Friday, the cases stood at &nbsp;5,814,885, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 360,412 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world.

United States, Spain, Russia, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day.

The US currently leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The United States of America recorded 1,297 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing its total to 101,573 since the global pandemic began.

It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures.

The number of declared cases in the world has doubled in a month, and more than one million new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the last 10 days.

The number of diagnosed cases, however, reflects only a fraction of the actual number of infections as many countries test only serious cases or lack testing capacity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 5.8 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Around 5.8 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University. On Friday, the cases stood at 5,814,885, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 360,412 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world. United States, Spain, Russia, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day. The US currently leads the world in both confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths. The United States of America recorded 1,297 coronavirus deaths on Thursday, bringing its total to 101,573 since the global pandemic began. It’s important to point out that the actual death toll is believed to be far higher than the tally compiled from government figures. The number of declared cases in the world has doubled in a month, and more than one million new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the last 10 days. The number of diagnosed cases, however, reflects only a fraction of the actual number of infections as many countries test only serious cases or lack testing capacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases near 5.8 million, death toll rises to  360,412

After staunchly denying the US allegations of coronavirus originating from a bio-lab in its first epicentre Wuhan, Chinese researchers have debunked widely reported view that the deadly virus emanated from a wet market in the city selling live animals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/border-closures-pre-travel-tests-largely-ineffective-against-covid-19-spread-eu-health-agency-301331">Also read — Border closures, pre-travel tests largely ineffective against COVID-19 spread: EU health agency</a> 
 
A leading Chinese virologist, whose mysterious disappearance sparked speculation about the novel coronavirus emanating from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), was for the first time interviewed on Tuesday on China's state television where she warned that such viruses are just the "tip of the iceberg" and expressed regret over science being "politicised".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whistleblower-accuses-un-human-rights-office-of-helping-china-keep-an-eye-on-dissidents-301414">Also read: Whistleblower accuses UN human rights office of helping China keep an eye on dissidents</a> 
 
Shi Zhengli, known as the "Bat Woman" for her passionate research about bats and the viruses associated with them, had early this month refuted "rumours" of her defection to the West on her Chinese social media WeChat account. She also posted nine photos of her recent life.

On Wednesday, Chinese scientists dismissed the reports that the deadly virus which struck Wuhan and later turned into a pandemic paralysing the world originated in the seafood market in Wuhan.

Recent Shanghai-based research targeting locally confirmed cases of coronavirus once again proved the attacks on a seafood market in central China's Hubei province for originating the virus are nonsense, state-run Global Times daily reported.

The results of the study, being published on the website of top academic journal Nature on May 20, implied the Huanan Seafood Market in Hubei's capital Wuhan may not be the birthplace of COVID-19, although the virus outbreak emerged in Wuhan had a strong link to contacts with the market.

Based on the analysis of 112 quality samples from 326 confirmed cases reported in Shanghai between January 20 and February 25, researchers found two major lineages (clade I and clade II) with differential exposure history during the early phase of the outbreak in Wuhan, it said.

There has been no direct evidence that the cross-species COVID-19 transmission originally occurred in the Huanan market in Wuhan, although it was a probable place for human-to-human transmission of the virus because of its relatively high crowd density, a researcher of the team, who preferred to be anonymous, told state-run Global Times.

"The origin of the virus remains unknown based on current published data," she told the daily. "It still needs scientists' continuous effort in determining the intermediate host of coronavirus, and carrying out comprehensive and detailed virus-tracing studies."

The research team consisted of members from Shanghai''s scientific research and medical institutions including the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the Shanghai Institute of Haematology.

China is resisting mounting pressure from the US and the leaders of many countries for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, which was initially stated to have emerged from the wet market in Wuhan. 
Besides US President Donald Trump, who stepped up demand for an investigation into the origin of the virus and whether it escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Britain, Australia and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for more transparency from Beijing on COVID-19 origins.

China's new narrative followed as the World Health Assembly, a decision-making body of the Geneva-based World Health Organisation, recently passed a unanimous resolution to probe the origin of the virus.

China, which also backed the resolution, called for a comprehensive evaluation of the global COVID-19 response, to sum up, experiences and address shortcomings after the pandemic is brought under control.

After staunchly denying the US allegations of coronavirus originating from a bio-lab in its first epicentre Wuhan, Chinese researchers have debunked widely reported view that the deadly virus emanated from a wet market in the city selling live animals.

After staunchly denying the US allegations of coronavirus originating from a bio-lab in its first epicentre Wuhan, Chinese researchers have debunked widely reported view that the deadly virus emanated from a wet market in the city selling live animals. Also read — Border closures, pre-travel tests largely ineffective against COVID-19 spread: EU health agency A leading Chinese virologist, whose mysterious disappearance sparked speculation about the novel coronavirus emanating from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), was for the first time interviewed on Tuesday on China's state television where she warned that such viruses are just the "tip of the iceberg" and expressed regret over science being "politicised". Also read: Whistleblower accuses UN human rights office of helping China keep an eye on dissidents Shi Zhengli, known as the "Bat Woman" for her passionate research about bats and the viruses associated with them, had early this month refuted "rumours" of her defection to the West on her Chinese social media WeChat account. She also posted nine photos of her recent life. On Wednesday, Chinese scientists dismissed the reports that the deadly virus which struck Wuhan and later turned into a pandemic paralysing the world originated in the seafood market in Wuhan. Recent Shanghai-based research targeting locally confirmed cases of coronavirus once again proved the attacks on a seafood market in central China's Hubei province for originating the virus are nonsense, state-run Global Times daily reported. The results of the study, being published on the website of top academic journal Nature on May 20, implied the Huanan Seafood Market in Hubei's capital Wuhan may not be the birthplace of COVID-19, although the virus outbreak emerged in Wuhan had a strong link to contacts with the market. Based on the analysis of 112 quality samples from 326 confirmed cases reported in Shanghai between January 20 and February 25, researchers found two major lineages (clade I and clade II) with differential exposure history during the early phase of the outbreak in Wuhan, it said. There has been no direct evidence that the cross-species COVID-19 transmission originally occurred in the Huanan market in Wuhan, although it was a probable place for human-to-human transmission of the virus because of its relatively high crowd density, a researcher of the team, who preferred to be anonymous, told state-run Global Times. "The origin of the virus remains unknown based on current published data," she told the daily. "It still needs scientists' continuous effort in determining the intermediate host of coronavirus, and carrying out comprehensive and detailed virus-tracing studies." The research team consisted of members from Shanghai''s scientific research and medical institutions including the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the Shanghai Institute of Haematology. China is resisting mounting pressure from the US and the leaders of many countries for an inquiry into the origin of the virus, which was initially stated to have emerged from the wet market in Wuhan. Besides US President Donald Trump, who stepped up demand for an investigation into the origin of the virus and whether it escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Britain, Australia and German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for more transparency from Beijing on COVID-19 origins. China's new narrative followed as the World Health Assembly, a decision-making body of the Geneva-based World Health Organisation, recently passed a unanimous resolution to probe the origin of the virus. China, which also backed the resolution, called for a comprehensive evaluation of the global COVID-19 response, to sum up, experiences and address shortcomings after the pandemic is brought under control.

Covid-19 did not originate from Wuhan wet market, claim Chinese scientists

Spain has said it sees no reason to stop the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat COVID-19 patients even as European governments moved on Wednesday to halt the use of the anti-malaria drug.

Several European nations, including France, Italy and Belgium, followed a World Health Organisation decision on Monday to pause a large trial of hydroxychloroquine due to safety concerns.

A UK regulator said on Wednesday that a separate trial was also being put on hold, less than a week after it started. The study, being led by the University of Oxford and partly funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was expected to involve as many as 40,000 healthcare workers.

After early reports that it might help some patients, regulators in several countries had allowed hydroxychloroquine to be used as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

US President Donald Trump was a particularly strong supporter, describing the drug as a "gamechanger." He later announced he was taking it to prevent infection.

However, more recent studies have raised serious safety issues. British medical journal The Lancet has reported coronavirus patients receiving hydroxychloroquine were more likely to die and experience dangerous irregular heartbeats. A Lancet study found a higher mortality rate among COVID-19 patients who had received HCQ.

Spanish health watchdog, AEMPS, said the paper published by&nbsp;Lancet&nbsp;was not conclusive enough to stop testing it at Spanish hospitals.

On the contrary, on Wednesday, France's health ministry had cancelled a decree in place for nearly two months that had allowed hospital doctors to dispense it in specific situations for COVID-19.

Medicines agencies in France and Italy said the drug should not be used for COVID-19 outside clinical trials. Belgium's regulator said trials aiming to evaluate the drug should also take potential risks into consideration.

Germany is looking at The Lancet study and the WHO's decision but has not made any decision about new guidance on hydroxychloroquine.

The US Food and Drug Administration has allowed healthcare providers to use hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 through an emergency-use authorisation, but has not approved them to treat it.

(with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Spain has said it sees no reason to stop the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat COVID-19 patients even as European governments moved on Wednesday to halt the use of the anti-malaria drug.

Spain has said it sees no reason to stop the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to treat COVID-19 patients even as European governments moved on Wednesday to halt the use of the anti-malaria drug. Several European nations, including France, Italy and Belgium, followed a World Health Organisation decision on Monday to pause a large trial of hydroxychloroquine due to safety concerns. A UK regulator said on Wednesday that a separate trial was also being put on hold, less than a week after it started. The study, being led by the University of Oxford and partly funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was expected to involve as many as 40,000 healthcare workers. After early reports that it might help some patients, regulators in several countries had allowed hydroxychloroquine to be used as a potential COVID-19 treatment. US President Donald Trump was a particularly strong supporter, describing the drug as a "gamechanger." He later announced he was taking it to prevent infection. However, more recent studies have raised serious safety issues. British medical journal The Lancet has reported coronavirus patients receiving hydroxychloroquine were more likely to die and experience dangerous irregular heartbeats. A Lancet study found a higher mortality rate among COVID-19 patients who had received HCQ. Spanish health watchdog, AEMPS, said the paper published by Lancet was not conclusive enough to stop testing it at Spanish hospitals. On the contrary, on Wednesday, France's health ministry had cancelled a decree in place for nearly two months that had allowed hospital doctors to dispense it in specific situations for COVID-19. Medicines agencies in France and Italy said the drug should not be used for COVID-19 outside clinical trials. Belgium's regulator said trials aiming to evaluate the drug should also take potential risks into consideration. Germany is looking at The Lancet study and the WHO's decision but has not made any decision about new guidance on hydroxychloroquine. The US Food and Drug Administration has allowed healthcare providers to use hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 through an emergency-use authorisation, but has not approved them to treat it. (with inputs from Reuters)

Spain will not stop use of HCQ to treat COVID-19 patients, unlike other European nations

Around 5.6 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

On Wednesday, the cases stood at &nbsp;5,593,148, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed &nbsp;350,509 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world.

United States, Spain, Russia, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day.

The number of declared cases in the world has doubled in a month, and more than one million new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the last 11 days.

The number of diagnosed cases, however, reflects only a fraction of the actual number of infections as many countries test only serious cases or lack testing capacity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 5.6 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Around 5.6 million cases of the new coronavirus have been officially declared in the world, more than two-thirds of them in Europe and the United States, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University. On Wednesday, the cases stood at 5,593,148, according to Johns Hopkins University. So far, the virus has killed 350,509 people worldwide. Coronavirus cases, first reported in China in December last year, peaked in mid-March. The virus is currently affecting more than 200 countries around the world. United States, Spain, Russia, UK, Germany, Brazil, Italy, France are among the worst-hit countries having maximum cases of coronavirus and the numbers are increasing every day. The number of declared cases in the world has doubled in a month, and more than one million new cases of COVID-19 have been registered in the last 11 days. The number of diagnosed cases, however, reflects only a fraction of the actual number of infections as many countries test only serious cases or lack testing capacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Global coronavirus cases near 5.6 million, death toll rises to 350,509

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

India like many other nations in the world has imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus which has created havoc around the world by infecting 5,543,439 and killing 347,836 people.

These 176 Pakistanis were stranded in different Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Delhi due to the extended lockdown and closure of Attari-Wagah border following the outbreak of coronavirus, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

In line with the Prime Minister's directions, for safe and smooth repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi remained in close contact with the Indian side and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Pakistan, the FO added.

It said the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also facilitated and coordinated logistics for transfer of these Pakistanis to Attari from more than twenty different Indian cities, amid the lockdown.

More than 400 stranded Pakistanis have been repatriated from India through Attari-Wagah border since March 20, 2020.

The ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue till the repatriation of all remaining stranded Pakistanis, the FO said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that more than 110,000 Pakistani stranded in various parts of the world wanted to come back.

Pakistan has till now witnessed 57,705 cases of coronavirus, with 1,197 deaths.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. India like many other nations in the world has imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus which has created havoc around the world by infecting 5,543,439 and killing 347,836 people. These 176 Pakistanis were stranded in different Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Delhi due to the extended lockdown and closure of Attari-Wagah border following the outbreak of coronavirus, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. In line with the Prime Minister's directions, for safe and smooth repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi remained in close contact with the Indian side and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Pakistan, the FO added. It said the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also facilitated and coordinated logistics for transfer of these Pakistanis to Attari from more than twenty different Indian cities, amid the lockdown. More than 400 stranded Pakistanis have been repatriated from India through Attari-Wagah border since March 20, 2020. The ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue till the repatriation of all remaining stranded Pakistanis, the FO said. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that more than 110,000 Pakistani stranded in various parts of the world wanted to come back. Pakistan has till now witnessed 57,705 cases of coronavirus, with 1,197 deaths.

Pakistan to bring back 176 citizens stranded in India through Attari-Wagah border

Malaga's Picasso Museum opened its doors to visitors on Tuesday (May 26) for the first time since Spain's government announced a lockdown on March 14 to battle the spread of coronavirus.

Malaga's Picasso Museum re-opens after over weeks of lockdown

Sydney beaches have closed after surgical face masks, plastic takeaway containers and air-conditioning ducts washed ashore from dozens of shipping containers which were lost at sea.

Sydney beaches have closed after surgical face masks, plastic takeaway containers and air-conditioning ducts washed ashore from dozens of shipping containers which were lost at sea. The materials came from the Singaporean-flagged APL England, a cargo ship that lost 40 containers on Sunday in rough seas off the NSW coast. Large swell caused the ship to roll and stacks of containers destabilised and fell into 2km-deep water, forcing the vessel to turn around and head towards Brisbane. A Randwick Council spokesperson confirmed that it is highly likely the beaches will be closed if debris continues to wash ashore. Debris from a container ship has washed up on many of our beaches, including Malabar (pictured). Our crews are out now, cleaning up. There may be submerged items in the water, so please don’t swim. Don’t pick up rubbish, let us know about it, it may not be safe for you. pic.twitter.com/REYnlObbcr — Randwick Council (@RandwickCouncil) May 27, 2020 × Waverley councillor Sally Betts noted that members of the community were collecting face masks and silver packages off the beach and placing them in bins. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: Face masks wash up on Sydney beaches after cargo ship lost containers

People with a faulty gene linked to a greater risk of dementia may also have increased chances of developing severe COVID-19, according to a large-scale study which may lead to new ideas for treatments against the deadly infectious disease.

The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology, Medical Sciences, found a high risk of severe COVID-19 infection among those who carried two faulty copies of the APOE gene termed e4e4.

Researchers, including those from the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK, assessed data from the UK Biobank -- a large long-term study investigating the respective contributions of genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to the development of disease in over 5,00,000 people.

The scientists found that one in 36 people of European ancestry have two faulty copies of the APOE gene, which they said can increase risks of Alzheimer's disease up to 14-fold, and also increase risks of heart disease.

In the current study, the scientists found that carrying these gene mutations doubles the risks of COVID-19 -- even in people who had not developed these diseases.

Previously, they had found that people with dementia are three times more likely to get severe COVID-19.

However, the researchers said dementia patients are not one of the groups advertised to shield -- or shelter in place -- on health grounds.

The scientists speculated that part of the increased risk effect may have been exposed to the high prevalence of the virus in care homes.

But based on the current study's findings, they said a genetic component may also be at play.

According to the researchers, people with the APOE e4e4 genotype were at double the risk of developing severe COVID-19, compared to those with the common e3e3 form of the gene.

They said a majority of people in the population, and in the sample size, have not yet been exposed to the virus.

From the analysis, the scientists said 2.36 per cent of participants with European ancestries had the ApoE e4e4 faulty gene.

But 5.13 per cent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 had this gene variant, indicating that the risk is doubled compared to e3e3.

"This is an exciting result because we might now be able to pinpoint how this faulty gene causes vulnerability to COVID-19. This could lead to new ideas for treatments," said Chia-Ling Kuo, study co-author from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in the US.

The researchers believe that increasing disease risks that appear inevitable with ageing might actually be due to specific biological differences.

They said this could help scientists understand why some people stay active to age 100 and beyond, while others become disabled and die in their sixties.

While several studies have shown that people with dementia are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, the authors of the current research believe that this may not simply be due to the effects of dementia, advancing age or frailty, or exposure to the virus in care homes.

The effect, according to study co-author David Melzer, could be partly due to this underlying genetic change, which puts people at risk for both COVID-19 and dementia.

"Further investigation is needed to understand the biological mechanisms linking ApoE genotypes to COVID-19 severity," the scientists concluded in the study.

People with a faulty gene linked to a greater risk of dementia may also have increased chances of developing severe COVID-19, according to a large-scale study which may lead to new ideas for treatments against the deadly infectious disease.

People with a faulty gene linked to a greater risk of dementia may also have increased chances of developing severe COVID-19, according to a large-scale study which may lead to new ideas for treatments against the deadly infectious disease. The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology, Medical Sciences, found a high risk of severe COVID-19 infection among those who carried two faulty copies of the APOE gene termed e4e4. Researchers, including those from the University of Exeter Medical School in the UK, assessed data from the UK Biobank -- a large long-term study investigating the respective contributions of genetic predisposition and environmental exposure to the development of disease in over 5,00,000 people. The scientists found that one in 36 people of European ancestry have two faulty copies of the APOE gene, which they said can increase risks of Alzheimer's disease up to 14-fold, and also increase risks of heart disease. In the current study, the scientists found that carrying these gene mutations doubles the risks of COVID-19 -- even in people who had not developed these diseases. Previously, they had found that people with dementia are three times more likely to get severe COVID-19. However, the researchers said dementia patients are not one of the groups advertised to shield -- or shelter in place -- on health grounds. The scientists speculated that part of the increased risk effect may have been exposed to the high prevalence of the virus in care homes. But based on the current study's findings, they said a genetic component may also be at play. According to the researchers, people with the APOE e4e4 genotype were at double the risk of developing severe COVID-19, compared to those with the common e3e3 form of the gene. They said a majority of people in the population, and in the sample size, have not yet been exposed to the virus. From the analysis, the scientists said 2.36 per cent of participants with European ancestries had the ApoE e4e4 faulty gene. But 5.13 per cent of those who tested positive for COVID-19 had this gene variant, indicating that the risk is doubled compared to e3e3. "This is an exciting result because we might now be able to pinpoint how this faulty gene causes vulnerability to COVID-19. This could lead to new ideas for treatments," said Chia-Ling Kuo, study co-author from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in the US. The researchers believe that increasing disease risks that appear inevitable with ageing might actually be due to specific biological differences. They said this could help scientists understand why some people stay active to age 100 and beyond, while others become disabled and die in their sixties. While several studies have shown that people with dementia are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19, the authors of the current research believe that this may not simply be due to the effects of dementia, advancing age or frailty, or exposure to the virus in care homes. The effect, according to study co-author David Melzer, could be partly due to this underlying genetic change, which puts people at risk for both COVID-19 and dementia. "Further investigation is needed to understand the biological mechanisms linking ApoE genotypes to COVID-19 severity," the scientists concluded in the study.

Gene linked to dementia also associated with severe COVID-19 risk: Study

The number of Covid-19 cases worldwide was nearing the 5.5 million mark on Tuesday, while the deaths have increased to more than 346,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-temporarily-suspends-trial-of-hydroxychloroquine-as-covid-19-treatment-301021">Also read: WHO temporarily suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment</a> 
 
According to the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) as of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 5,497,532, while the death toll increased to 346,269.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-nearly-5550000-infected-worldwide-301038/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said that countries, where coronavirus infections are declining, could still face an "immediate second peak" if they let up too soon on measures to halt the outbreak.

The world is still in the middle of the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak, WHO emergencies head Dr Mike Ryan told an online briefing, noting that while cases are declining in many countries they are still increasing in Central and South America, South Asia and Africa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-fumes-at-media-over-golf-outing-amid-covid-19-crisis-301027" hreflang="en">Trump fumes at media over golf outing amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

Brazil has officially surpassed the United States in terms of the daily death toll. Bolsonaro's Brazil recorded 807 deaths over the last 24 hours, whereas, 620 casualties were witnessed in the United States.

Total death tally in Brazil has reached 23,473, whereas the United States nears 100,000 with 97,971 deaths.&nbsp;

Brazil is second to the United States in terms of worst outbreaks of the coronavirus. According to the Baltimore-based university, the United State's cases of infection stands at 1,662,375, whereas, Brazil comes second with 374,898 cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of Covid-19 cases worldwide was nearing the 5.5 million mark on Tuesday, while the deaths have increased to more than 346,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University.

The number of Covid-19 cases worldwide was nearing the 5.5 million mark on Tuesday, while the deaths have increased to more than 346,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Also read: WHO temporarily suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment According to the University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) as of Tuesday morning, the total number of cases stood at 5,497,532, while the death toll increased to 346,269. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said that countries, where coronavirus infections are declining, could still face an "immediate second peak" if they let up too soon on measures to halt the outbreak. The world is still in the middle of the first wave of the coronavirus outbreak, WHO emergencies head Dr Mike Ryan told an online briefing, noting that while cases are declining in many countries they are still increasing in Central and South America, South Asia and Africa. Also read: Trump fumes at media over golf outing amid COVID-19 crisis Brazil has officially surpassed the United States in terms of the daily death toll. Bolsonaro's Brazil recorded 807 deaths over the last 24 hours, whereas, 620 casualties were witnessed in the United States. Total death tally in Brazil has reached 23,473, whereas the United States nears 100,000 with 97,971 deaths. Brazil is second to the United States in terms of worst outbreaks of the coronavirus. According to the Baltimore-based university, the United State's cases of infection stands at 1,662,375, whereas, Brazil comes second with 374,898 cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of coronavirus cases worldwide reaches 5.5 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh

Spain’s health ministry revised the country’s coronavirus death toll down by nearly 2,000 to 26,834 on Monday after checking data provided by regions.

Spain revises COVID-19 death toll after cross checking data

Spain has revised its coronavirus death toll taking it down by nearly 2000. The number of COVID-19 cases is now 26,834. Watch report.

Spain asks tourists to come back from July | Revises coronavirus death count

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 5.4 million mark, while the deaths increased to 345,064. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-bars-travel-from-brazil-a-new-pandemic-hotspot-white-house-300817">Also read: Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot — White House</a>

The total number of cases stood at 5,408,301, the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/how-the-world-is-celebrating-eid-in-covid-19-era-300829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Currently, the US has the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 1,643,098 and 97,711, respectively.

In terms of cases, Brazil accounted for the second-highest number of infections at 363,211.

This was followed by Russia (344,481), the UK (260,916), Spain (235,772), Italy (229,858), France (182,709), Germany (180,328), Turkey (156,827), India (156,827), Iran (135,701), and Peru (119,959), the CSSE figures showed.

Meanwhile, China has reported 51 new coronavirus cases including 40 asymptomatic infections, majority of them in the contagion's first epicentre Wuhan, where over six million tests have been conducted in the last 10 days, health officials said on Monday. 
&nbsp; 
The country's National Health Commission (NHC) said that 11 new imported cases were reported on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 5.4 million mark, while the deaths increased to 345,064. Also read: Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot — White House The total number of cases stood at 5,408,301, the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update.

The overall number of global coronavirus cases has surpassed the 5.4 million mark, while the deaths increased to 345,064. Also read: Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot — White House The total number of cases stood at 5,408,301, the Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) revealed in its latest update. Currently, the US has the world's highest number of cases and deaths at 1,643,098 and 97,711, respectively. In terms of cases, Brazil accounted for the second-highest number of infections at 363,211. This was followed by Russia (344,481), the UK (260,916), Spain (235,772), Italy (229,858), France (182,709), Germany (180,328), Turkey (156,827), India (156,827), Iran (135,701), and Peru (119,959), the CSSE figures showed. Meanwhile, China has reported 51 new coronavirus cases including 40 asymptomatic infections, majority of them in the contagion's first epicentre Wuhan, where over six million tests have been conducted in the last 10 days, health officials said on Monday. The country's National Health Commission (NHC) said that 11 new imported cases were reported on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Global covid-19 cases surge past 5.4 million, death toll over 3.4 lakh

President Donald Trump on Sunday suspended travel from Brazil, which has emerged as a major new hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-proposed-security-law-for-hong-kong-could-lead-to-us-sanctions-says-white-house-300793">Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House</a> 
 
Non-Americans who have been in Brazil in the 14 days before when they seek admittance to the US cannot come to America, said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. Trade is not affected by the new rule. 
 
"Today's action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country," she said in a statement.

With nearly 350,000 confirmed cases, Brazil now has the second-biggest caseload in the world, after the United States. It has registered more than 22,000 deaths.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is a political ally of Trump and with his brash, not politically correct way of speaking, he has been dubbed the "Tropical Trump."

And, like Trump, Bolsonaro has downplayed the health crisis, famously comparing the virus to a "little flu" and arguing that stay-at-home measures are unnecessarily hurting Latin America's largest economy.

President Donald Trump on Sunday suspended travel from Brazil, which has emerged as a major new hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said. Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House Non-Americans who have been in Brazil in the 14 days before when they seek admittance to the US cannot come to America, said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany.

President Donald Trump on Sunday suspended travel from Brazil, which has emerged as a major new hotspot in the coronavirus pandemic, the White House said. Also read: China's proposed security law for Hong Kong could lead to US sanctions, says White House Non-Americans who have been in Brazil in the 14 days before when they seek admittance to the US cannot come to America, said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany. Trade is not affected by the new rule. "Today's action will help ensure foreign nationals who have been in Brazil do not become a source of additional infections in our country," she said in a statement. With nearly 350,000 confirmed cases, Brazil now has the second-biggest caseload in the world, after the United States. It has registered more than 22,000 deaths. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is a political ally of Trump and with his brash, not politically correct way of speaking, he has been dubbed the "Tropical Trump." And, like Trump, Bolsonaro has downplayed the health crisis, famously comparing the virus to a "little flu" and arguing that stay-at-home measures are unnecessarily hurting Latin America's largest economy.

Trump bars travel from Brazil, a new pandemic hotspot: White House

The United States on Sunday announced a $6 million contribution to aid Pakistan’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Paul Jones, United States Ambassador in Pakistan, announced in a video message released to wish the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

“As you prepare special Eid dishes for your families in your kitchens like my favourite desserts, Kher, I would like to congratulate Pakistanis on the completion of Ramazan on behalf of all of us at the US Mission to Pakistan,” he said in a video message.

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“I would like to congratulate all Pakistanis on the completion of Ramazan,” said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmbJones?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmbJones</a> in his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EidUlFitr?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EidUlFitr</a> video. The Ambassador also announced a new U.S. contribution of $6 million to strengthen Pakistan’s response to coronavirus. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EidMubarak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EidMubarak</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyEid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyEid</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Partners4Prosperity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Partners4Prosperity</a> <a href="https://t.co/8C6F3YG6AF">pic.twitter.com/8C6F3YG6AF</a>
— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) <a href="https://twitter.com/usembislamabad/status/1264445770935218177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Jones also thanked Islamabad for its recent delivery of medical supplies as a gesture of friendship and partnership between the two countries. &nbsp;The embassy said that the US government has now committed a total of USD 21 million since it declared Pakistan a priority country for coronavirus response’. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

The United States on Sunday announced a $6 million contribution to aid Pakistan’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Paul Jones, United States Ambassador in Pakistan, announced in a video message released to wish the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

The United States on Sunday announced a $6 million contribution to aid Pakistan’s fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Paul Jones, United States Ambassador in Pakistan, announced in a video message released to wish the people of Pakistan on the occasion of Eidul Fitr. “As you prepare special Eid dishes for your families in your kitchens like my favourite desserts, Kher, I would like to congratulate Pakistanis on the completion of Ramazan on behalf of all of us at the US Mission to Pakistan,” he said in a video message. “I would like to congratulate all Pakistanis on the completion of Ramazan,” said #AmbJones in his #EidUlFitr video. The Ambassador also announced a new U.S. contribution of $6 million to strengthen Pakistan’s response to coronavirus. #EidMubarak #HappyEid #Partners4Prosperity pic.twitter.com/8C6F3YG6AF — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) May 24, 2020 × Jones also thanked Islamabad for its recent delivery of medical supplies as a gesture of friendship and partnership between the two countries. The embassy said that the US government has now committed a total of USD 21 million since it declared Pakistan a priority country for coronavirus response’. (With inputs from PTI)

COVID-19: US to provide USD 6 million to Pakistan to fight coronavirus

With 40 asymptomatic infection cases, China has reported 51 new coronaviruses and the majority of them in the contagion's first epicentre Wuhan, where over six million tests have been conducted in the last 10 days, health officials said on Monday.

Chinese health authority had conducted 11,46,156 nucleic acid tests on May 23 in the epicentre Wuhan.&nbsp;

The novel coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and then spread to the entire world.&nbsp;

According to data provided by the health authorities, more than 14 lakh nucleic acid tests were conducted in Wuhan a day earlier.

The nucleic acid test is a technique used to detect a virus or bacteria that acts as a pathogen in blood, tissue, or urine.&nbsp;

While no new domestically-transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported in China on Sunday, 11 imported cases including 10 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and one in Sichuan province were reported, the NHC said in its daily report.

Out of the 40 new asymptomatic cases, 38 were reported in Wuhan, which is currently undergoing mass testing of its over 11.2 million people after a spike in the asymptomatic cases. Currently, 396 people with asymptomatic symptoms are under medical observation in China, including 326 in Wuhan, according to the health authority.

Asymptomatic cases refer to the patients who have tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With 40 asymptomatic infection cases, China has reported 51 new coronaviruses and the majority of them in the contagion's first epicentre Wuhan, where over six million tests have been conducted in the last 10 days, health officials said on Monday.

With 40 asymptomatic infection cases, China has reported 51 new coronaviruses and the majority of them in the contagion's first epicentre Wuhan, where over six million tests have been conducted in the last 10 days, health officials said on Monday. Chinese health authority had conducted 11,46,156 nucleic acid tests on May 23 in the epicentre Wuhan. The novel coronavirus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and then spread to the entire world. According to data provided by the health authorities, more than 14 lakh nucleic acid tests were conducted in Wuhan a day earlier. The nucleic acid test is a technique used to detect a virus or bacteria that acts as a pathogen in blood, tissue, or urine. While no new domestically-transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported in China on Sunday, 11 imported cases including 10 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and one in Sichuan province were reported, the NHC said in its daily report. Out of the 40 new asymptomatic cases, 38 were reported in Wuhan, which is currently undergoing mass testing of its over 11.2 million people after a spike in the asymptomatic cases. Currently, 396 people with asymptomatic symptoms are under medical observation in China, including 326 in Wuhan, according to the health authority. Asymptomatic cases refer to the patients who have tested COVID-19 positive but develop no symptoms such as fever, cough or sore throat. (With inputs from agencies)

Wuhan still combating coronavirus; China reports 51 new cases

Privacy concerns over Qatar's coronavirus contact tracing app, a tool that is mandatory on pain of prison, have prompted a rare backlash and forced officials to offer reassurance and concessions.

Like other governments around the world, Qatar has turned to mobile phones to trace people's movements and track who they come into contact with, allowing officials to monitor coronavirus infections and alert people at risk of contagion.

The apps use Bluetooth radio signals to "ping" nearby devices, which can be contacted subsequently if a user they have been near developing symptoms or tests positive, but the resultant unprecedented access to users' location data has prompted fears about state surveillance.

Qatar's version goes considerably further -- it forces Android users to permit access to their picture and video galleries, while also allowing the app to make unprompted calls.

"I can't understand why it needs all these permissions," wrote Ala'a on a Facebook group popular with Doha's large expat community -- one of several such forums peppered with concerns over the app.&nbsp;

Justin Martin, a journalism professor based in Qatar, warned authorities in a tweet not to "erode" trust by enforcing "an app with such alarming permissions".

The government launched the "Ehteraz" app, meaning "precaution", in April and on Friday it became mandatory for all citizens and legal residents to install it on their phones.

Non-compliance is punishable by up to three years in jail -- the same term as for failing to wear a mask in public -- in a state battling one of the world's highest per capita infection rates.

'Highly invasive'

Almost 44,000 of Qatar's 2.75 million people have tested positive for the respiratory disease -- 1.6 per cent of the population -- and 23 people have died.

Security forces manned checkpoints across Qatar on Sunday to ensure the use of the app, local media reported, alongside checking for use of masks.

Criticism of the government is rare in Qatar and laws to prohibit disrespect towards officials.

However, officials have said that the law on the app will be enforced with "understanding".

The app's simple interface displays coloured bar-codes containing the user's ID number -- green for healthy, red for COVID-19 positive and yellow for quarantined cases. Grey indicates suspected cases or those who have come into contact with infected individuals.

Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani, a director at Qatar's health ministry, said that data gathered is "completely confidential".

"There will be an update for the Ehteraz app to address the issues of concern and further improve its efficiency," he added in an interview on state television on Thursday.

A new version of the software was duly released for Apple and Android on Sunday, promising "minor bug fixes", but without indicating that the invasive aspects had been removed.

The app was introduced just as authorities across the Muslim world warned that gatherings during Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the holy fasting month could lead to a surge of infections.

'Burner' phones

"There are two key concerns... with the app," said Human Rights Watch researcher Hiba Zayadin.

It "is highly invasive, with a range of permissions allowing the government access to things that are not needed for the purpose of contact tracing, permissions that are unnecessary and present a concerning invasion of privacy."

But also "many migrant workers in the country don't have compatible phones that would allow them to download the app and comply".&nbsp;

Online reviews have also complained that the app drains battery power and cannot be installed on older iPhone handsets.&nbsp;

Some have looked for ways around the policy.

"People are spending money and waiting in queues just to get burner phones to protect their privacy," wrote expat engineer Janko on one forum, referring to cheap handsets that could subsequently be disposed of.

There have been reports of a few users being wrongly classified as "quarantined" or "suspected cases".

"There's no need for photo access and other things. But it could be a good tool. It is a good way to prioritise whom to test," technology lawyer Rahul Matthan told AFP.

But "to work, they need a large number of people to use it. If people are dissuaded because of the app's overreach, then that would be a worry."

Privacy concerns over Qatar's coronavirus contact tracing app, a tool that is mandatory on pain of prison, have prompted a rare backlash and forced officials to offer reassurance and concessions.

Privacy concerns over Qatar's coronavirus contact tracing app, a tool that is mandatory on pain of prison, have prompted a rare backlash and forced officials to offer reassurance and concessions. Like other governments around the world, Qatar has turned to mobile phones to trace people's movements and track who they come into contact with, allowing officials to monitor coronavirus infections and alert people at risk of contagion. The apps use Bluetooth radio signals to "ping" nearby devices, which can be contacted subsequently if a user they have been near developing symptoms or tests positive, but the resultant unprecedented access to users' location data has prompted fears about state surveillance. Qatar's version goes considerably further -- it forces Android users to permit access to their picture and video galleries, while also allowing the app to make unprompted calls. "I can't understand why it needs all these permissions," wrote Ala'a on a Facebook group popular with Doha's large expat community -- one of several such forums peppered with concerns over the app. Justin Martin, a journalism professor based in Qatar, warned authorities in a tweet not to "erode" trust by enforcing "an app with such alarming permissions". The government launched the "Ehteraz" app, meaning "precaution", in April and on Friday it became mandatory for all citizens and legal residents to install it on their phones. Non-compliance is punishable by up to three years in jail -- the same term as for failing to wear a mask in public -- in a state battling one of the world's highest per capita infection rates. 'Highly invasive' Almost 44,000 of Qatar's 2.75 million people have tested positive for the respiratory disease -- 1.6 per cent of the population -- and 23 people have died. Security forces manned checkpoints across Qatar on Sunday to ensure the use of the app, local media reported, alongside checking for use of masks. Criticism of the government is rare in Qatar and laws to prohibit disrespect towards officials. However, officials have said that the law on the app will be enforced with "understanding". The app's simple interface displays coloured bar-codes containing the user's ID number -- green for healthy, red for COVID-19 positive and yellow for quarantined cases. Grey indicates suspected cases or those who have come into contact with infected individuals. Mohamed bin Hamad Al-Thani, a director at Qatar's health ministry, said that data gathered is "completely confidential". "There will be an update for the Ehteraz app to address the issues of concern and further improve its efficiency," he added in an interview on state television on Thursday. A new version of the software was duly released for Apple and Android on Sunday, promising "minor bug fixes", but without indicating that the invasive aspects had been removed. The app was introduced just as authorities across the Muslim world warned that gatherings during Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the holy fasting month could lead to a surge of infections. 'Burner' phones "There are two key concerns... with the app," said Human Rights Watch researcher Hiba Zayadin. It "is highly invasive, with a range of permissions allowing the government access to things that are not needed for the purpose of contact tracing, permissions that are unnecessary and present a concerning invasion of privacy." But also "many migrant workers in the country don't have compatible phones that would allow them to download the app and comply". Online reviews have also complained that the app drains battery power and cannot be installed on older iPhone handsets. Some have looked for ways around the policy. "People are spending money and waiting in queues just to get burner phones to protect their privacy," wrote expat engineer Janko on one forum, referring to cheap handsets that could subsequently be disposed of. There have been reports of a few users being wrongly classified as "quarantined" or "suspected cases". "There's no need for photo access and other things. But it could be a good tool. It is a good way to prioritise whom to test," technology lawyer Rahul Matthan told AFP. But "to work, they need a large number of people to use it. If people are dissuaded because of the app's overreach, then that would be a worry."

Qatar coronavirus contact tracing app 'Ehteraz' stirs rare privacy backlash

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now.&nbsp;

Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

"From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/honking-cars-and-motorbikes-take-over-spanish-streets-protesting-against-the-government-300623#protestors-gathered-in-cars-and-motorbikes-300606">Have a look:&nbsp;Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government</a>

The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses.

Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-jumps-to-no-2-in-worldwide-coronavirus-cases-behind-the-us-300497">Also read:&nbsp;Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US</a>

The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8.&nbsp;

The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July.

Spain, one of the worst hit countries by coronavirus, saw one of the strictest lockdowns. However, now Spain is easing the lockdown now. Considering the same, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on Saturday announced that Spain will be resuming tourism from July. "From July, foreign tourism will resume in safe conditions. We will guarantee tourists will not take any risks and will not bring us any risks," Sanchez said in a video news conference. He did not provide any further details on this, though. Have a look: Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government The tourism industry contributes a huge chunk to the country's revenue. The closure of the beaches and tourism has affected the economy in a negative way, and has also crippled the tourism businesses. Bank of Spain predicted that almost a million people have lost their jobs in the past few months during the lockdown, and have also predicted that the economy will contract by up to 12 per cent this year. Also read: Brazil jumps to No. 2 in worldwide coronavirus cases, behind the US The Spanish PM Sanchez also announced that another national money-spinner, top flight La Liga soccer, will be resuming on June 8. The announcement has come at a critical point in Spanish political scenario, as the opposition far-right part, Vox, staged a protest against the government's handling of coronavirus outbreak. The protestors accused the government of poor crisis management and blamed the government of bringing the economy to a major downfall. The protestors demanded government's resignation.

COVID 19: Spain plans to open tourism from July to save economy

Honking cars and motorbikes take over Spanish streets protesting against the government

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain has said India and France have increased cooperation at the current times of COVID crisis with both "actively working" to come out with a vaccine.

The French envoy to India Emmanuel Lenain has said India and France have increased cooperation at the current times of COVID crisis with both "actively working" to come out with a vaccine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, ambassador Emmanuel Lenain said, French development agency AFD is working to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes in India. Meanwhile, the Indian side has helped in the repatriation of over 2000 French nationals back home amidst the COVID crisis. WION: How does France see the post-COVID partnership with India? Emmanuel Lenain: I must say during these challenging times, the cooperation has been exemplary. The partnership between France and India is not merely a catchword. During a challenging time, you can see the value of friendship. We are friends in happy times, and also friends in rough times. All along we have been supporting each other. India has been exemplary in providing drugs, medical equipment when needed. French companies in India have also been exemplary. There are 350,000 Indian workers employed by 550 French companies operating in India. We tender work first, they did not cut salaries but also provided money for social responsibility that was created by the govt or by the authorities and provided the equivalent of 6 million euros and some companies have taken the remarkable initiative. A company called Lactalis has provided milk and some products and has been giving for free its products to nurses, to health care workers. We take care of those who work for us. Renault providing trucks and cars in India has turned some of its assembly lines to produce ventilators, and we produce up to 10,000 ventilators which is significant. A lot has been done both ways during this crisis and this is remarkable. WION: How has been collaboration on Indo Pacific? Emmanuel Lenain: Indo Pacific is a key dimension of our partnership. All along, during the crisis, we have been working together. At the end of March, we had joint patrolling and in coming months we will be launching some new concrete projects in the region. The crisis is not over, and I am very proud to announce the French development agency, AFD is going to provide a special loan of 200 million euro to finance and support some health programmes for the most vulnerable population in India WION: How has been the current situation in France Emmanuel Lenain: Luckily in France, the situation is improving. The figures are better, less people contaminated and less pressure on our intensive care unit. As in India, the result of a very strong policy of lockdown and people have been very disciplined, very law-abiding which is good. Progressively in an orderly manner, people getting back to normal lives, get back to work. I am confident that soon they will be able to greet again, some friends, some tourist and students from India. WION: How is France and India coming on COVID partnership, vaccine and repatriation Emmanuel Lenain: Cooperation on repatriation has been excellent and must warmly thank the Indian authorities at all level for the cooperation they have extended to us to bring back the stranded citizens in the last few weeks. Thanks to them we have been able to repatriate in very good conditions, more than 2000 tourist and French people who were visiting India and they have to go back to the country. Now new phase open which seeks repatriation of Indians tourist from France, from Europe and all over places and you can be rest assured to be very helpful. In terms of vaccine and medical research that has been a strong area of my country, we have excellent institutions. We have been working for vaccines for years, or centuries almost. We have very good cooperation with Indian counterparts and I know, we are actively working to find a solution. WION: The key outcome of the COVID crisis for the world? Emmanuel Lenain: If there is one outcome, drawn from the crisis, is that we need more international cooperation, rather than less. To deal with global health issues we have WHO and we must work together, and we must reinforce it. France and India have supported the resolution, the proposal put forward by the EU to request for a comprehensive, independent, transparent investigation on the international response to the crisis.

Friends in happy times, friends in rough times says French envoy Lenain as Paris-Delhi cooperate during COVID-19 crisis

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