World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that the "worst" of the novel coronavirus has yet to come.

"Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us," Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing. "Let's prevent this tragedy. It's a virus that many people still don't understand."

WHO chief also said there were no secrets at the UN agency after being blasted by the United States for allegedly downplaying the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
"We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," Tedros told a virtual briefing in Geneva. 
&nbsp; 
The virus, which emerged late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has so far infected more than 2.4 million people globally and killed more than 165,000, according to an AFP tally. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
The United States has by far the highest death toll of any country, at more than 40,000 fatalities, and President Donald Trump has faced criticism over his handling of the pandemic. 
 
(With inputs from AFP)

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that the "worst" of the novel coronavirus has yet to come. "Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us," Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Monday that the "worst" of the novel coronavirus has yet to come. "Trust us. The worst is yet ahead of us," Ghebreyesus said during a news briefing. "Let's prevent this tragedy. It's a virus that many people still don't understand." WHO chief also said there were no secrets at the UN agency after being blasted by the United States for allegedly downplaying the initial COVID-19 outbreak in China. "We have been warning from day one that this is a devil that everyone should fight," Tedros told a virtual briefing in Geneva. The virus, which emerged late last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has so far infected more than 2.4 million people globally and killed more than 165,000, according to an AFP tally. The United States has by far the highest death toll of any country, at more than 40,000 fatalities, and President Donald Trump has faced criticism over his handling of the pandemic. (With inputs from AFP)

'Worst' of the coronavirus is still to come, says WHO chief

The government has issued a fresh list of services that will be allowed in areas from April 20. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shared the list of what will remain open across the country effective April 20.

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Have a look at the list of Public Utilities that will remain functional with effect from 20th April. 
 
Restrictions of containment zones will apply. 
 
Together we all can fight against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/mkLH3J5tt9">pic.twitter.com/mkLH3J5tt9</a>
— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) <a href="https://twitter.com/rsprasad/status/1252466814140813312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Here is a list of what will be open in the country after April 20:

<ul>
	<li>All health services (including AYUSH) to remain functional</li>
	<li>All agricultural and horticultural activities to remain fully functional</li>
	<li>Operations of the fishing (marine or inland) aquaculture industry to remain functional</li>
	<li>Plantation activities such as tea, coffee and rubber plantations to remain functional with a maximum of 50 per cent workers</li>
	<li>Animal husbandry activities to remain fully functional</li>
	<li>The financial sector to remain functional</li>
	<li>The social sector to remain functional</li>
	<li>MNREGA works are allowed with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask</li>
	<li>Public utilities to remain functional</li>
	<li>Movement of loading and unloading of goods or cargo (inter and intra) state is allowed</li>
	<li>Online teaching or distance learning to be encouraged</li>
	<li>Supply of essential goods is allowed</li>
	<li>Commercial and private establishments will be allowed to operate</li>
	<li>Industries or industrial establishments (both government and private) will be allowed to operate</li>
	<li>Construction activities will be allowed to operate</li>
	<li>Private vehicles for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care and for procuring essential commodities and all personnel travelling to the place of work in exempted categories as per the instructions of State/UT local authority are allowed</li>
	<li>Offices of the government of India and offices of the state and UT governments will remain open</li>
</ul>

These relaxations will not be applicable in the containment zones in the country, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad clarified.

The government has issued a fresh list of services that will be allowed in areas from April 20. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shared the list of what will remain open across the country effective April 20.

The government has issued a fresh list of services that will be allowed in areas from April 20. Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad shared the list of what will remain open across the country effective April 20. Have a look at the list of Public Utilities that will remain functional with effect from 20th April. Restrictions of containment zones will apply. Together we all can fight against #COVID19#IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/mkLH3J5tt9 — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 21, 2020 × Here is a list of what will be open in the country after April 20: All health services (including AYUSH) to remain functional All agricultural and horticultural activities to remain fully functional Operations of the fishing (marine or inland) aquaculture industry to remain functional Plantation activities such as tea, coffee and rubber plantations to remain functional with a maximum of 50 per cent workers Animal husbandry activities to remain fully functional The financial sector to remain functional The social sector to remain functional MNREGA works are allowed with strict implementation of social distancing and face mask Public utilities to remain functional Movement of loading and unloading of goods or cargo (inter and intra) state is allowed Online teaching or distance learning to be encouraged Supply of essential goods is allowed Commercial and private establishments will be allowed to operate Industries or industrial establishments (both government and private) will be allowed to operate Construction activities will be allowed to operate Private vehicles for emergency services, including medical and veterinary care and for procuring essential commodities and all personnel travelling to the place of work in exempted categories as per the instructions of State/UT local authority are allowed Offices of the government of India and offices of the state and UT governments will remain open These relaxations will not be applicable in the containment zones in the country, union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad clarified.

Coronavirus lockdown restrictions: A complete list of activities permitted after April 20

A Dhanbad court on Sunday sent ten nationals of Indonesia, who were caught hiding in a mosque here on return from Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month, to jail after they completed the mandatory 14 days of quarantine, the police said.

The Gobindpur police produced them before the court of Judicial Magistrate, Ritwika Singh, which sent them in 14 days judicial custody, officer-in-charge of the police station Surendra Prasad Singh said. They were charged with violation of Foreign Visa Act and Disaster Management Act, 2005, he said.

The Indonesians, who had come to attend Tablighi Jamaat function in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, were caught hiding in a mosque on return from the national capital in Dhanbads Govindpur block, about 20 km from the coal city, on March 30 last, the police officer said.

The Jamaat meet has emerged as a major source of spread of the virus in different parts of the country. Their passports were seized and all of them were sent to Patliputra Medical College Hospital in quarantine. After the end of the isolation period, they were produced in the court during the day.

Their samples have tested negative for coronavirus, he said. The Indonesian had not informed the police about their 
visit on a tourist visa.

A Dhanbad court on Sunday sent ten nationals of Indonesia, who were caught hiding in a mosque here on return from Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month, to jail after they completed the mandatory 14 days of quarantine, the police said.

A Dhanbad court on Sunday sent ten nationals of Indonesia, who were caught hiding in a mosque here on return from Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month, to jail after they completed the mandatory 14 days of quarantine, the police said. The Gobindpur police produced them before the court of Judicial Magistrate, Ritwika Singh, which sent them in 14 days judicial custody, officer-in-charge of the police station Surendra Prasad Singh said. They were charged with violation of Foreign Visa Act and Disaster Management Act, 2005, he said. The Indonesians, who had come to attend Tablighi Jamaat function in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, were caught hiding in a mosque on return from the national capital in Dhanbads Govindpur block, about 20 km from the coal city, on March 30 last, the police officer said. The Jamaat meet has emerged as a major source of spread of the virus in different parts of the country. Their passports were seized and all of them were sent to Patliputra Medical College Hospital in quarantine. After the end of the isolation period, they were produced in the court during the day. Their samples have tested negative for coronavirus, he said. The Indonesian had not informed the police about their visit on a tourist visa.

10 Tablighis from Indonesia sent to jail for flouting Visa & Disaster Management Acts

The coronavirus pandemic swept across Europe and now it seems that the infection rate is now showing some signs of slowing down. Watch report.

Spain: Lowest death toll in a month, Infection rate falls to 2.4 %

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached &nbsp;2,404,071 worldwide on Monday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-81000-people-across-the-world-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-24-hours-293437">Also read: Over 81,000 people across the world test positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours</a>

The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-cases-rise-in-us-hot-spots-governors-tell-trump-its-too-soon-to-reopen-america-293430">Also read |&nbsp;As coronavirus cases rise in US hot spots, governors tell Trump it's too soon to reopen America</a>

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;2,404,071 people worldwide and 165,229 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 625,199 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 40,682 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

More than &nbsp;759,687 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past week.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,404,071 worldwide on Monday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,404,071 worldwide on Monday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. Also read: Over 81,000 people across the world test positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. Also read | As coronavirus cases rise in US hot spots, governors tell Trump it's too soon to reopen America COVID-19 has now infected 2,404,071 people worldwide and 165,229 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 625,199 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to the United States. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 40,682 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 759,687 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past week.

Over 2.4 million corona cases registered worldwide, death toll reaches 165,073

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

1553 new cases and 36 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data.

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1553 new cases and 36 deaths reported in last 24 hours. India's total number of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> positive cases rises to 17265 (including 14175 active cases, 2546 cured/discharged/migrated and 543 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare <a href="https://t.co/zbcB5Fy5iR">pic.twitter.com/zbcB5Fy5iR</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1252079080008110080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,651, followed by Delhi at 1,893 cases, Madhya Pradesh at 1,407 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,372 cases and Rajasthan at 1,351 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. 
 
According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide stands at 2.38 million.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 543 and the number of cases to 17265 in the country on Monday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 14175 as many as 2546 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. 1553 new cases and 36 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data. 1553 new cases and 36 deaths reported in last 24 hours. India's total number of #Coronavirus positive cases rises to 17265 (including 14175 active cases, 2546 cured/discharged/migrated and 543 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/zbcB5Fy5iR — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020 × Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,651, followed by Delhi at 1,893 cases, Madhya Pradesh at 1,407 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,372 cases and Rajasthan at 1,351 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of COVID-19 cases worldwide stands at 2.38 million.

COVID-19 cases climb to 17265 in India, the death toll stands at 543

Ambulance technicians Itxaso Garcia Giaconi and Marisa Arguello de Paula work the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic in Spain, one of the countries worst hit by the disease.

A day in the life of frontline ambulance staff in coronavirus hit Spain

The coronavirus has created havoc across Europe and now it has seemed that the infection rate is showing some signs of slow down. Several countries including Italy, Spain, and France are mulling a step-by-step repeal of their nationwide lockdown. Watch report.

France death toll closer to 20,000: Europe plans lockdown exit strategy

Authorities in Bangladesh have shut down seven villages to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus after 100,000 people defied government restrictions to attend the funeral of a religious leader in eastern Bangladesh on Saturday. 
 
The funeral for Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari, an Islamic teacher, broke the country's ban of no more than five people attending prayers at one time, sparking fears of a new coronavirus outbreak emerging from the event. Maulana Jubaer Ahmed Ansari was a leader of Islamic organisation Khilafat Majlish.

The estimated size of the crowd was confirmed by the local authorities and PM's special assistant, Shah Ali Farhad.

"We wanted to make a small arrangement for the funeral following the government's guideline on maintaining health safety. But people gathered out of their respect without our knowledge. We have no idea how it happened," said Mufti Mubarrok Ullah, Principal of Jamia Rahmania Madrasa.

Bangladesh has reported seven new deaths caused by the new coronavirus outbreak, bringing the country's total to 91 deaths.

The country's number of infections rose by 312, taking the total to 2,456.

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has criticised the administration for struggling to enforce a ban on large gatherings after the government failed to stop a massive funeral prayer on Saturday attended by thousands of people.

Authorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh and even India have struggled to persuade conservative religious groups to maintain social distancing to curb the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh has tightened a clampdown on seven villages to control the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.

The massive gathering in Brahmanbaria district, about 60 km east of the capital Dhaka, has raised concerns about the potential for a spike in infections in a country of 160 million people with poor medical infrastructure.

"We've strictly ordered all residents of the seven villages to stay at home at all times at least for the next 14 days so we can identify if anyone contracted the virus following Saturday's gathering," a local police officer said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Authorities in Bangladesh have shut down seven villages to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus after 100,000 people defied government restrictions to attend the funeral of a religious leader in eastern Bangladesh on Saturday.

Authorities in Bangladesh have shut down seven villages to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus after 100,000 people defied government restrictions to attend the funeral of a religious leader in eastern Bangladesh on Saturday. The funeral for Maulana Zubayer Ahmad Ansari, an Islamic teacher, broke the country's ban of no more than five people attending prayers at one time, sparking fears of a new coronavirus outbreak emerging from the event. Maulana Jubaer Ahmed Ansari was a leader of Islamic organisation Khilafat Majlish. The estimated size of the crowd was confirmed by the local authorities and PM's special assistant, Shah Ali Farhad. "We wanted to make a small arrangement for the funeral following the government's guideline on maintaining health safety. But people gathered out of their respect without our knowledge. We have no idea how it happened," said Mufti Mubarrok Ullah, Principal of Jamia Rahmania Madrasa. Bangladesh has reported seven new deaths caused by the new coronavirus outbreak, bringing the country's total to 91 deaths. The country's number of infections rose by 312, taking the total to 2,456. Health Minister Zahid Maleque has criticised the administration for struggling to enforce a ban on large gatherings after the government failed to stop a massive funeral prayer on Saturday attended by thousands of people. Authorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh and even India have struggled to persuade conservative religious groups to maintain social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has tightened a clampdown on seven villages to control the spread of the coronavirus, officials said. The massive gathering in Brahmanbaria district, about 60 km east of the capital Dhaka, has raised concerns about the potential for a spike in infections in a country of 160 million people with poor medical infrastructure. "We've strictly ordered all residents of the seven villages to stay at home at all times at least for the next 14 days so we can identify if anyone contracted the virus following Saturday's gathering," a local police officer said. (With inputs from Reuters)

Bangladesh shuts down seven villages after 100,000 people gather at cleric's funeral

After the death toll in the country crossed 20,000, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday extended the nationwide lockdown by two weeks to May 9.&nbsp;

"We have done the hardest part through responsibility and social discipline... we are putting the most extreme moments behind us," the PM said, warning that the country should not take "hasty decisions" to put "fragile gains" made so far in danger.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-225-million-coronavirus-cases-registered-worldwide-death-toll-tops-154000-293313">Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000</a>

However, the restrictions gave some relaxation to children who are allowed to go outside from April 27.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-orders-daily-coronavirus-projections-as-russias-tally-nears-37000-293323">Putin orders daily coronavirus projections as Russia's tally nears 37,000</a>

Until now only adults were allowed to go outside only for reasons such as working, shopping for food and medicine, medical checkups or walking the dog.&nbsp;

But, there were rising calls on letting the children go outside.&nbsp;

Spain is behind Italy and the United States in terms of the highest number of deaths due to coronavirus with 20,043 fatalities.&nbsp;

However, health officials claim that Spain has passed the peak of the virus, which on April 2 killed 950 people.&nbsp;

As per the latest figures released on Friday, the country recorded another 565 deaths from the virus and the infections rose nearly to 200,000. About 75,000 people have also cured of the virus in Spain. &nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

After the death toll in the country crossed 20,000, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday extended the nationwide lockdown by two weeks to May 9. "We have done the hardest part through responsibility and social discipline.

After the death toll in the country crossed 20,000, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday extended the nationwide lockdown by two weeks to May 9. "We have done the hardest part through responsibility and social discipline... we are putting the most extreme moments behind us," the PM said, warning that the country should not take "hasty decisions" to put "fragile gains" made so far in danger. Also read | Over 2.25 million coronavirus cases registered worldwide; death toll tops 154,000 However, the restrictions gave some relaxation to children who are allowed to go outside from April 27. Also read | Putin orders daily coronavirus projections as Russia's tally nears 37,000 Until now only adults were allowed to go outside only for reasons such as working, shopping for food and medicine, medical checkups or walking the dog. But, there were rising calls on letting the children go outside. Spain is behind Italy and the United States in terms of the highest number of deaths due to coronavirus with 20,043 fatalities. However, health officials claim that Spain has passed the peak of the virus, which on April 2 killed 950 people. As per the latest figures released on Friday, the country recorded another 565 deaths from the virus and the infections rose nearly to 200,000. About 75,000 people have also cured of the virus in Spain. (With AFP inputs)

Coronavirus: Spain extends lockdown by two weeks as death toll tops 20,000

Spain's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 410 on Sunday, down from 565 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said.

It is the lowest daily increase since March 22 in one of the world's hardest-hit countries.

The total number of deaths in Spain has reached 20,453.

Sunday's death toll is far below the highest daily increase - 950 deaths reported on April 2 - in a sign of a slowdown of the spread of the virus after Spain imposed a strict lockdown in mid-March.

The overall number of coronavirus cases rose to 195,944 on Sunday from 191,726 on Saturday, the Health Ministry added.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday he would ask parliament for a 15-day extension of the lockdown until May 9, but said the restrictions would be more flexible, such as allowing children to leave their homes for short periods of time.

Earlier. health staff from Spanish hospital of La Paz clapped after taking a minute of silence on Sunday (April 19) to remember the hospital's chief of surgery who died of coronavirus.

Dr. Joaquín Díaz Domínguez was 64 and died on Saturday (April 18) after getting infected from the virus at his own hospital in Madrid.

Spain's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 410 on Sunday, down from 565 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. It is the lowest daily increase since March 22 in one of the world's hardest-hit countries.

Spain's death toll from the new coronavirus outbreak rose by 410 on Sunday, down from 565 on Saturday, the Health Ministry said. It is the lowest daily increase since March 22 in one of the world's hardest-hit countries. The total number of deaths in Spain has reached 20,453. Sunday's death toll is far below the highest daily increase - 950 deaths reported on April 2 - in a sign of a slowdown of the spread of the virus after Spain imposed a strict lockdown in mid-March. The overall number of coronavirus cases rose to 195,944 on Sunday from 191,726 on Saturday, the Health Ministry added. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Saturday he would ask parliament for a 15-day extension of the lockdown until May 9, but said the restrictions would be more flexible, such as allowing children to leave their homes for short periods of time. Earlier. health staff from Spanish hospital of La Paz clapped after taking a minute of silence on Sunday (April 19) to remember the hospital's chief of surgery who died of coronavirus. Dr. Joaquín Díaz Domínguez was 64 and died on Saturday (April 18) after getting infected from the virus at his own hospital in Madrid.

Coronavirus death toll in Spain slows, with lowest increase in about a month

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths.&nbsp;

The latest data revealed that European countries and the US continue to suffer the most from the pandemic, and a sharp rise in the virus's infections in Africa.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-infections-surpass-700000-in-us-over-36000-dead-293247">Coronavirus infections surpass 700,000 in US, over 36,000 dead</a>

More than half of humanity, 4.5 billion people are under lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-lockdown-extension-uks-coronavirus-death-toll-surges-past-14500-293200">Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500</a>

More than 8,800 died globally of the coornavirus in the latest 24-hour period. Out of over 150,000 deaths, the US has confirmed 36,773, followed by Italy with 22,745. Spain, France reported 19,478 and 18,681 deaths respectively.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China updated its coronavirus death toll to 4,636 on Friday after the country's epicentre Wuhan increased the toll by 50 per cent to 3,969.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when the pressure was mounting on China by the US and several countries over the credibility of coronavirus figures.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump said that Beijing continues to cover up the death toll.&nbsp;

"It is far higher than that and far higher than the U.S., not even close!" the US president tweeted.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths.

The global death toll of novel coronavirus crossed 150,000 on Friday as the United States continued to remain worst-affected both in terms of number of cases and deaths. The latest data revealed that European countries and the US continue to suffer the most from the pandemic, and a sharp rise in the virus's infections in Africa. Also read | Coronavirus infections surpass 700,000 in US, over 36,000 dead More than half of humanity, 4.5 billion people are under lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Amid lockdown extension, UK's coronavirus death toll surges past 14,500 More than 8,800 died globally of the coornavirus in the latest 24-hour period. Out of over 150,000 deaths, the US has confirmed 36,773, followed by Italy with 22,745. Spain, France reported 19,478 and 18,681 deaths respectively. Meanwhile, China updated its coronavirus death toll to 4,636 on Friday after the country's epicentre Wuhan increased the toll by 50 per cent to 3,969. This comes at a time when the pressure was mounting on China by the US and several countries over the credibility of coronavirus figures. US President Donald Trump said that Beijing continues to cover up the death toll. "It is far higher than that and far higher than the U.S., not even close!" the US president tweeted. (With AFP inputs)

Coronavirus pandemic: Global death toll surpasses 150,000

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data.

The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far.

"A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said.

Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data.

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said.

The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 437 and the number of cases to 13387 in the country on Friday, according to the Union Health Ministry. While the number of active COVID-19 cases is 11201 as many as 1749 people have been cured and discharged and one had migrated, it said. 1007 new cases and twenty-three deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, the ministry said in its updated data. The Health Ministry said in its daily update that Maharastra has the highest death toll -- 194 -- in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, where 53 deaths have been reported so far. "A total of 1,748 patients have been cured and discharged," the Health Ministry said. Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state with a total number of positive cases rising to 3,205, followed by Delhi at 1,640 cases, Tamil Nadu at 1,267 cases and Rajasthan at 1,131 cases, according to the Health Ministry data. (With inputs from agencies)

India reports 1007 new coronavirus cases, 23 deaths in 24 hours

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached &nbsp;2,157,108&nbsp;worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-covid-19-toll-passes-32000-probable-virus-deaths-included-293016">Also read: US COVID-19 toll passes 32,000; 'probable' virus deaths included</a> 
 
The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-under-mounting-pressure-over-virus-origins-293011">Also read: China under mounting pressure over virus origins</a> 
 
COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;2,157,108 people worldwide and 144,047 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 547,295 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 32,917 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

More than 667,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past two days.

The death toll marked an increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, by far the highest daily toll in the pandemic so far. But this figure includes the "probable" deaths related to COVID-19, which were not previously included.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,157,108 worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus have reached 2,157,108 worldwide on Friday as a new study of containment measures in China suggests that countries preparing to ease their lockdowns will have to continuously monitor potential new cases to prevent a second deadly outbreak. Also read: US COVID-19 toll passes 32,000; 'probable' virus deaths included The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. Also read: China under mounting pressure over virus origins COVID-19 has now infected 2,157,108 people worldwide and 144,047 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 547,295 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The confirmed coronavirus death toll has reached 32,917 in the United States, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University. More than 667,800 coronavirus cases have been recorded in the United States, which has seen a record number of deaths over the past two days. The death toll marked an increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, by far the highest daily toll in the pandemic so far. But this figure includes the "probable" deaths related to COVID-19, which were not previously included.

Deadly coronavirus death toll closing in on 1.5 lakh globally, cases reach 2.18 million

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.1 million people actually originated in a Wuhan laboratory. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-governor-cuomo-extends-lockdown-as-covid-19-deaths-continue-to-rise-292986" hreflang="en">New York governor Cuomo extends lockdown as COVID-19 deaths continue to rise</a>

The new focus on China's role came as the world wrestles with a crisis that has killed more than 140,000 people and created historic jobless numbers, with Britain, Japan and New York extending lockdown measures. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-fails-to-cope-as-covid-19-pandemic-takes-heavy-toll-292987" hreflang="en">Trump administration fails to cope as COVID-19 pandemic takes heavy toll</a>

President Donald Trump, who initially downplayed the illness whose US death toll has shot past 30,000, has been attacking China for weeks and appeared to gain support after a videoconference among leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters there could be no "business as usual" with China.

"We'll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn't have been stopped earlier," said Raab, filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is recovering from the virus.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned not to be "naive" in believing China has handled the outbreak well.

"There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about," he said in an interview with the Financial Times.

COVID-19 first emerged late last year in Wuhan, with China saying it was suspected to have been transmitted to humans at a meat market that butchered exotic animals.

The Washington Post and Fox News reported there were growing suspicions the virus in fact slipped out of a sensitive laboratory in Wuhan that studied bats, blamed for the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003.

Neither outlet suggested the virus was spread deliberately.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China should have been more transparent about the laboratory.

"We're doing a full investigation of everything we can to learn how it is the case that this virus got away, got out into the world and now has created so much tragedy — so much death," Pompeo told Fox News.

Bid to 'smear China'

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone and called efforts to blame Beijing counterproductive.

Xi called attempts to politicize the pandemic "detrimental to international cooperation" and Putin denounced "attempts by some people to smear China," according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian — who previously outraged the United States by spreading an unfounded theory that US troops introduced the coronavirus in Wuhan — quoted the World Health Organization as saying there was no evidence the virus was produced in a lab.

"Many well-known medical experts in the world also believe that the so-called laboratory leak hypothesis has no scientific basis," Zhao said.

Trump has also gone on the attack against the WHO, saying he will cut US funding for the UN body because it did not press China harder on initial statements that the virus could not be spread among people.

That Trump offensive has drawn little international support. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose aggressive response is credited with limiting deaths in Europe's largest economy, voiced "full support" for the WHO in the Group of Seven talks.

Merkel "emphasized that the pandemic can only be defeated with a strong and coordinated international response," said her spokesman, Steffen Seibert.

Europe still 'in eye of storm'

The WHO has been in the forefront of international efforts to fight the virus and is seen as especially vital for developing nations with creaky health systems.

In an assessment Thursday for Europe, the WHO said positive signs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland were overshadowed by sustained or increased levels of infections in other countries such as Britain, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia.

"We remain in the eye of the storm," said Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe.

"It is imperative that we do not let down our guard."

Britain, whose daily death toll spiked to 861 on Thursday, will extend its lockdown for "at least the next few weeks," Raab said.

Trump has voiced growing impatience to reopen the United States. He faces re-election in November and had hoped to campaign on a booming economy.

New data showed the United States shedding an incredible 22 million jobs in the last month, with 5.2 million workers seeking unemployment benefits last week.

But Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, the US epicenter of the virus, said he was extending the shutdown until May 15 despite signs of progress.

"I would like to see that infection rate get down even more," Cuomo said, reporting that 606 people had died in the last day, the lowest number in 10 days.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded his state of emergency until May 6, allowing local leaders to urge people to stay at home but with no legal force.

Japan has seen a relatively small outbreak, with 136 deaths, and Abe is also worried about the impact on the world's third-largest economy which was already on the brink of recession.

Slow return to normal

After weeks on strict lockdowns, hard-hit Spain and Italy have begun to ease restrictions.

In Venice, residents in mandatory face masks enjoyed quiet streets and canals that once thronged with selfie-stick wielding tourists.

"I bought many books," Venetian Catrina said after visiting one of the city's bookshops, which were allowed to reopen this week.

"I needed them. Like an addict — for something of substance."

Switzerland announced that some shops and services — including beauty salons — will be allowed to resume business from April 27.

Germany also announced steps to reopen some shops and gradually restart schools, Denmark began reopening schools for younger children after a month-long closure and Finland lifted a blockade of Helsinki.

But Russia postponed its May 9 celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, an extravaganza to which Putin has hoped to draw leaders including Trump.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said only a "safe and effective vaccine" can return the world to normal and hoped it would be available by year-end.

He also issued an appeal to protect the world's youngest, warning that a staggering 310 million children relied on schools — many now closed — for daily nutrition.

"With the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths in 2020," Guterres warned.

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.

China on Thursday came under mounting pressure over the coronavirus pandemic from Western powers led by the United States, which said it was probing whether the virus that has infected more than 2.1 million people actually originated in a Wuhan laboratory. Also read: New York governor Cuomo extends lockdown as COVID-19 deaths continue to rise The new focus on China's role came as the world wrestles with a crisis that has killed more than 140,000 people and created historic jobless numbers, with Britain, Japan and New York extending lockdown measures. Also read: Trump administration fails to cope as COVID-19 pandemic takes heavy toll President Donald Trump, who initially downplayed the illness whose US death toll has shot past 30,000, has been attacking China for weeks and appeared to gain support after a videoconference among leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized democracies. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told reporters there could be no "business as usual" with China. "We'll have to ask the hard questions about how it came about and how it couldn't have been stopped earlier," said Raab, filling in for Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is recovering from the virus. French President Emmanuel Macron warned not to be "naive" in believing China has handled the outbreak well. "There are clearly things that have happened that we don't know about," he said in an interview with the Financial Times. COVID-19 first emerged late last year in Wuhan, with China saying it was suspected to have been transmitted to humans at a meat market that butchered exotic animals. The Washington Post and Fox News reported there were growing suspicions the virus in fact slipped out of a sensitive laboratory in Wuhan that studied bats, blamed for the SARS coronavirus outbreak in 2003. Neither outlet suggested the virus was spread deliberately. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China should have been more transparent about the laboratory. "We're doing a full investigation of everything we can to learn how it is the case that this virus got away, got out into the world and now has created so much tragedy — so much death," Pompeo told Fox News. Bid to 'smear China' Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone and called efforts to blame Beijing counterproductive. Xi called attempts to politicize the pandemic "detrimental to international cooperation" and Putin denounced "attempts by some people to smear China," according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian — who previously outraged the United States by spreading an unfounded theory that US troops introduced the coronavirus in Wuhan — quoted the World Health Organization as saying there was no evidence the virus was produced in a lab. "Many well-known medical experts in the world also believe that the so-called laboratory leak hypothesis has no scientific basis," Zhao said. Trump has also gone on the attack against the WHO, saying he will cut US funding for the UN body because it did not press China harder on initial statements that the virus could not be spread among people. That Trump offensive has drawn little international support. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose aggressive response is credited with limiting deaths in Europe's largest economy, voiced "full support" for the WHO in the Group of Seven talks. Merkel "emphasized that the pandemic can only be defeated with a strong and coordinated international response," said her spokesman, Steffen Seibert. Europe still 'in eye of storm' The WHO has been in the forefront of international efforts to fight the virus and is seen as especially vital for developing nations with creaky health systems. In an assessment Thursday for Europe, the WHO said positive signs in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland were overshadowed by sustained or increased levels of infections in other countries such as Britain, Turkey, Ukraine and Russia. "We remain in the eye of the storm," said Hans Kluge, the WHO's regional director for Europe. "It is imperative that we do not let down our guard." Britain, whose daily death toll spiked to 861 on Thursday, will extend its lockdown for "at least the next few weeks," Raab said. Trump has voiced growing impatience to reopen the United States. He faces re-election in November and had hoped to campaign on a booming economy. New data showed the United States shedding an incredible 22 million jobs in the last month, with 5.2 million workers seeking unemployment benefits last week. But Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, the US epicenter of the virus, said he was extending the shutdown until May 15 despite signs of progress. "I would like to see that infection rate get down even more," Cuomo said, reporting that 606 people had died in the last day, the lowest number in 10 days. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded his state of emergency until May 6, allowing local leaders to urge people to stay at home but with no legal force. Japan has seen a relatively small outbreak, with 136 deaths, and Abe is also worried about the impact on the world's third-largest economy which was already on the brink of recession. Slow return to normal After weeks on strict lockdowns, hard-hit Spain and Italy have begun to ease restrictions. In Venice, residents in mandatory face masks enjoyed quiet streets and canals that once thronged with selfie-stick wielding tourists. "I bought many books," Venetian Catrina said after visiting one of the city's bookshops, which were allowed to reopen this week. "I needed them. Like an addict — for something of substance." Switzerland announced that some shops and services — including beauty salons — will be allowed to resume business from April 27. Germany also announced steps to reopen some shops and gradually restart schools, Denmark began reopening schools for younger children after a month-long closure and Finland lifted a blockade of Helsinki. But Russia postponed its May 9 celebrations for the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II, an extravaganza to which Putin has hoped to draw leaders including Trump. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said only a "safe and effective vaccine" can return the world to normal and hoped it would be available by year-end. He also issued an appeal to protect the world's youngest, warning that a staggering 310 million children relied on schools — many now closed — for daily nutrition. "With the global recession gathering pace, there could be hundreds of thousands of additional child deaths in 2020," Guterres warned.

China under mounting pressure over virus origins

Joselito lived through animal-related influenzas like SARS and H1N1, so the Spanish ham producer was one step ahead of the sanitary measures imposed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

E-commerce: How an Iberian ham producer reinvented itself amid the coronavirus pandemic

After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday.&nbsp;

Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478. The figure is the third highest in the world after the United States and Italy.

The government has issued revised guidelines overnight for reporting deaths to homogenise data from the country's 17 autonomous regions in an apparent move to eliminate any deaths where the patient had not been tested for COVID-19.

But this methodology has stirred controversies between Madrid and Catalonia, which is also the worst-hit regions, they insist that there are thousands of more victims than the official counts.

"It must be recognised that that number of dead is much higher," Ignacio Aguado, vice-president of Madrid's regional government, told Spain's RNE radio.&nbsp;

"We're only talking about those who have died in hospital after testing positive, but people are also dying in old people's residences and at home without having being tested, so we will never know the real number (of deaths) in this tragedy."&nbsp;

After a downward spiral of the death rates, Friday's toll was the highest since Sunday's 619 death-mark.&nbsp;

A total of 72,963 have recovered from the deadly coronavirus in the country.&nbsp;

Spain reported 5,252 new cases for the coronavirus bringing the overall total to 188,068.

After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday. Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478.

After 585 deaths in the last 24 hours, Spain's death toll has increased to nearly 19,500 according to government figures showed on Friday. Spain has revised it's counting mechanism which has made it difficult to compare the previous tolls and the total number of deaths now stands at 19,478. The figure is the third highest in the world after the United States and Italy. The government has issued revised guidelines overnight for reporting deaths to homogenise data from the country's 17 autonomous regions in an apparent move to eliminate any deaths where the patient had not been tested for COVID-19. But this methodology has stirred controversies between Madrid and Catalonia, which is also the worst-hit regions, they insist that there are thousands of more victims than the official counts. "It must be recognised that that number of dead is much higher," Ignacio Aguado, vice-president of Madrid's regional government, told Spain's RNE radio. "We're only talking about those who have died in hospital after testing positive, but people are also dying in old people's residences and at home without having being tested, so we will never know the real number (of deaths) in this tragedy." After a downward spiral of the death rates, Friday's toll was the highest since Sunday's 619 death-mark. A total of 72,963 have recovered from the deadly coronavirus in the country. Spain reported 5,252 new cases for the coronavirus bringing the overall total to 188,068.

Spain nears 19,500 coronavirus deaths making it third highest in the world

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-another-grim-milestone-records-over-2500-coronavirus-deaths-in-24-hours-292767">Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours</a> 
 
The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-situation-is-grim-us-decision-on-who-will-undermine-cooperation-china-292648">Also Read:&nbsp;Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China</a>

COVID-19 has now infected &nbsp;2,062,485 &nbsp;people worldwide and &nbsp;136,908 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 510,336 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to America.

Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment.

The United States on Wednesday recorded a little over 2,500 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily toll of any country.

The country overall has witnessed 28,326 and more than 6.3 lakh Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, more than any other country so far.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 20 lacs worldwide on Thursday as COVID-19 spreads across Europe, North America and South Asia. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours The total number climbed from 1 million to 2 million confirmed cases in less than two weeks, and more than 600,000 cases have been recorded in the US alone. Also Read: Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China COVID-19 has now infected 2,062,485 people worldwide and 136,908 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 510,336 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe. The epicentre of the pandemic has shifted twice, first from China to Europe, and then from Europe to America. Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University have reported in its map that the United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. The United States on Wednesday recorded a little over 2,500 additional deaths from the novel coronavirus in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily toll of any country. The country overall has witnessed 28,326 and more than 6.3 lakh Americans have tested positive for COVID-19 so far, more than any other country so far.

Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to  136,908

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers.

China's "wet markets" have been slammed internationally as the coronavirus roils the world, with the disease having seemingly emerged from stalls selling live game in Wuhan late last year. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-pass-2-million-death-toll-rises-to-136908-292768">Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908</a> 
 
The government has since banned the sale of wildlife for food, but the reopening of markets has drawn criticism from around the world as the death toll from the pandemic continues to mount. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sets-another-grim-milestone-records-over-2500-coronavirus-deaths-in-24-hours-292767">Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours</a>

Shut down during the lengthy quarantine that sealed off Wuhan until April 8, the city's markets are now fighting for survival as customers have not been rushing back. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-situation-is-grim-us-decision-on-who-will-undermine-cooperation-china-292648">Also Read:&nbsp;Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China</a>

"There's no question, we're doomed this year," spice seller Yang, who runs a stall at the massive Baishazhou wholesale market, told AFP. "There have never been so few people at our market."

Yang, whose sales have fallen by a third from before the lockdown, dismissed criticism of markets as virus hotbeds as "unnecessary panic".

One market remains closed: The Huanan Seafood Market that sold a range of exotic wildlife and is suspected to be the cradle of the virus that jumped from animals to humans.

Wet markets are popular venues to buy fresh meat, vegetables and fish across Asia -- most selling common, everyday produce to locals at affordable prices.

Most don't sell live animals, although some do.&nbsp;

During visits to three Wuhan markets this week, AFP saw live turtles, frogs, fish and crustaceans for sale, but no fowl or mammals blamed for past diseases.

Workers at Baishazhou said they were now required to disinfect their stalls several times a day. Yang keeps multiple bottles of disinfectant in her small office, alongside a box of masks.

Nevertheless, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week the decision to reopen wet markets was "unfathomable".

"We need to protect the world against potential sources of outbreaks of these types of viruses," he told Australian TV.

The top medical specialist for the US government, Anthony Fauci, told Fox News earlier this month that wet markets should be shut down "right away."

'Doomed'&nbsp;

The nationalistic state-run Global Times launched a strident defence of China's wet markets on Tuesday, attacking "preconceived ideas" and "ridiculous requests" to close them.

While the World Health Organization has said governments must ban the sale of exotic wildlife and enforce food safety regulations, it has not called for any wet markets to be closed.

Vendors at Wuhan's markets say unaffordable rents and the lingering effects of the citywide shutdown are more immediate concerns than the threat of contagion.

"Business is very bad," said Zhang Zhizhen, a duck meat seller at Lanling market. "It's because of the epidemic -- there are still very few people on the streets."

Most Wuhan market sellers who spoke to AFP said they never sold wild animals.

But at the city's Tiansheng market, two freshwater produce sellers who declined to give their names said they had to stop selling certain types of frogs and turtles because of the new rules.

"This definitely affects our income, but we have to overcome this. It can't be helped," one seller said.

Low foot traffic at the market, which has locked all but one entrance and only allows customers in after a temperature check, remains their main concern.

"We don't know if we can survive," the other seller said. "Do you see anyone here?"

Supermarket competition&nbsp;

Shoppers on the streets of Wuhan appeared unperturbed by criticisms of the city's wet markets as dirty and dangerous, instead citing convenience as the reason for choosing supermarkets instead.

One 40-year-old supermarket shopper surnamed Chen told AFP that she thinks the food at wet markets is "good and cheap."

She rejected criticism that China's markets are unhygienic, saying it "just isn't true."

"Their stuff is always fresh," she said.

People in China traditionally prefer buying fresh food -- as opposed to frozen or packaged food -- although supermarkets have been vying to steal away consumers in recent years.

In 2019, the majority of Chinese people said they preferred to shop at supermarkets compared to other types of food shops, according to Chinese research firm iiMedia.

"There are just more things at supermarkets," Jiang Yonghui, a 20-year-old Wuhan resident, told AFP. "I don't think there's any hygiene difference."

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers.

At a large food market in the Chinese city of Wuhan, signs forbid the selling of wild animals and live fowl, while announcements calling for "victory" over COVID-19 play on a loop from speakers. China's "wet markets" have been slammed internationally as the coronavirus roils the world, with the disease having seemingly emerged from stalls selling live game in Wuhan late last year. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The government has since banned the sale of wildlife for food, but the reopening of markets has drawn criticism from around the world as the death toll from the pandemic continues to mount. Also read: US sets another grim milestone, records over 2,500 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours Shut down during the lengthy quarantine that sealed off Wuhan until April 8, the city's markets are now fighting for survival as customers have not been rushing back. Also Read: Global situation is grim, US decision on WHO will undermine cooperation, says China "There's no question, we're doomed this year," spice seller Yang, who runs a stall at the massive Baishazhou wholesale market, told AFP. "There have never been so few people at our market." Yang, whose sales have fallen by a third from before the lockdown, dismissed criticism of markets as virus hotbeds as "unnecessary panic". One market remains closed: The Huanan Seafood Market that sold a range of exotic wildlife and is suspected to be the cradle of the virus that jumped from animals to humans. Wet markets are popular venues to buy fresh meat, vegetables and fish across Asia -- most selling common, everyday produce to locals at affordable prices. Most don't sell live animals, although some do. During visits to three Wuhan markets this week, AFP saw live turtles, frogs, fish and crustaceans for sale, but no fowl or mammals blamed for past diseases. Workers at Baishazhou said they were now required to disinfect their stalls several times a day. Yang keeps multiple bottles of disinfectant in her small office, alongside a box of masks. Nevertheless, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week the decision to reopen wet markets was "unfathomable". "We need to protect the world against potential sources of outbreaks of these types of viruses," he told Australian TV. The top medical specialist for the US government, Anthony Fauci, told Fox News earlier this month that wet markets should be shut down "right away." 'Doomed' The nationalistic state-run Global Times launched a strident defence of China's wet markets on Tuesday, attacking "preconceived ideas" and "ridiculous requests" to close them. While the World Health Organization has said governments must ban the sale of exotic wildlife and enforce food safety regulations, it has not called for any wet markets to be closed. Vendors at Wuhan's markets say unaffordable rents and the lingering effects of the citywide shutdown are more immediate concerns than the threat of contagion. "Business is very bad," said Zhang Zhizhen, a duck meat seller at Lanling market. "It's because of the epidemic -- there are still very few people on the streets." Most Wuhan market sellers who spoke to AFP said they never sold wild animals. But at the city's Tiansheng market, two freshwater produce sellers who declined to give their names said they had to stop selling certain types of frogs and turtles because of the new rules. "This definitely affects our income, but we have to overcome this. It can't be helped," one seller said. Low foot traffic at the market, which has locked all but one entrance and only allows customers in after a temperature check, remains their main concern. "We don't know if we can survive," the other seller said. "Do you see anyone here?" Supermarket competition Shoppers on the streets of Wuhan appeared unperturbed by criticisms of the city's wet markets as dirty and dangerous, instead citing convenience as the reason for choosing supermarkets instead. One 40-year-old supermarket shopper surnamed Chen told AFP that she thinks the food at wet markets is "good and cheap." She rejected criticism that China's markets are unhygienic, saying it "just isn't true." "Their stuff is always fresh," she said. People in China traditionally prefer buying fresh food -- as opposed to frozen or packaged food -- although supermarkets have been vying to steal away consumers in recent years. In 2019, the majority of Chinese people said they preferred to shop at supermarkets compared to other types of food shops, according to Chinese research firm iiMedia. "There are just more things at supermarkets," Jiang Yonghui, a 20-year-old Wuhan resident, told AFP. "I don't think there's any hygiene difference."

'No question, we're doomed this year': China's wet markets amid pandemic

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals.

“All the five persons who died after contracting COVID-19 here were victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy,” the official said. The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), a dedicated facility for the treatment of gas mishap survivors, was recently turned into a medical facility for coronavirus patients, causing hardship to these people, Rachna Dhingra, member of the NGO Bhopal Group for Information and Action, told PTI.

The first coronavirus victim from Bhopal, a 55-year-old man, died at a city hospital on April 5 due to negligence of authorities, she alleged. Another 80-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was a retired employee of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), was also not given due medical care. He died on April 8 and his sample came out positive for coronavirus on April 11, Dhingra said.

Besides, a 40-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was suffering from oral cancer for more than a year, died on April 12 and his sample test report later came out positive for coronavirus, she said. Another 52-year-old gas mishap survivor, who suffered from a permanent injury, had history of tuberculosis and could not get prompt care for his respiratory problems. He recently tested positive for coronavirus and died on his way to the COVID-19 ward at Hamidia hospital, she said. Also, a 75-year-old senior journalist, who survived the gas tragedy, died on April 11 and his sample test report came out positive for coronairus on Tuesday, she said.

On March 21, some organisations working for the welfare of gas tragedy survivors wrote to the state and central authorities concerned, saying an overwhelming number of gas victims suffer from respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney problems and cancer as a result of exposure to the toxic gas that leaked at the Union Carbide factory here in 1984. They claimed that these survivors were at least five times more vulnerable to COVID-19 than other people. Instead of paying special attention to the needs of Bhopal gas victims, the state government took over BMHRCand turned it into a medical facility for COVID-19 patients, Dhingra said. For last 22 days, no gas victim was even allowed to avail emergency services there, she said.

Dhingra said before BMHRC was converted into a dedicated facility for coronavirus patients, 86 gas tragedy survivors were admitted there. After it was made a hospital for COVID-19 patients, all except five were discharged. Out of these five, a 68-year-old woman died at the hospital due to ailments related to the gas mishap, she said.

Besides, out of the gas tragedy survivors discharged from BMHRC, two persons, both aged around 70, died at their homes while another one died at a city hospital due to the gas leak mishap related illnesses, she said. In a letter to gas relief hospital’s monitoring committee chairman, retd Justice V K Agrawal, the NGOs pointed out all these aspects and urged him to re-start the medical facility for gas victims considering their vulnerability. The NGOs have also filed a writ petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding that gas victims be provided a dedicated medical facility for their treatment, as was the practice earlier.

Meanwhile, taking note of the death of five gas tragedy victims due to coronavirus, the state government has decided to categorise BMHRC as a ‘COVID Health Centre’ where gas mishap survivors can continue to avail treatment for their ailments. An order to this effect was issued late Tuesday evening, a health department official said. “Now, gas victims can continue to get treatment as usual in BMHRC, he said. Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Kalpana Shrivastava said the earlier decision to make BMHRC a dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients was taken at the “government level”.

Dhingra said the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in other government hospitals of Bhopal continue to remain open for gas incident survivors. Arif Aqueel, the former state minister of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said the earlier decision to close BMHRC for gas victims was not in the interest of these people, and they should be given treatment at this facility on priority, especially in the OPD.

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals.

All five persons who died due to coronavirus in Bhopal were victims of the 1984 gas tragedy in the Madhya Pradesh capital, an official said on Wednesday. On March 21, some organisations working for the survivors of Bhopal gas tragedy wrote to the authorities concerned, saying such people were more vulnerable to the coronavirus infection than normal individuals. “All the five persons who died after contracting COVID-19 here were victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy,” the official said. The Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Center (BMHRC), a dedicated facility for the treatment of gas mishap survivors, was recently turned into a medical facility for coronavirus patients, causing hardship to these people, Rachna Dhingra, member of the NGO Bhopal Group for Information and Action, told PTI. The first coronavirus victim from Bhopal, a 55-year-old man, died at a city hospital on April 5 due to negligence of authorities, she alleged. Another 80-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was a retired employee of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), was also not given due medical care. He died on April 8 and his sample came out positive for coronavirus on April 11, Dhingra said. Besides, a 40-year-old gas tragedy victim, who was suffering from oral cancer for more than a year, died on April 12 and his sample test report later came out positive for coronavirus, she said. Another 52-year-old gas mishap survivor, who suffered from a permanent injury, had history of tuberculosis and could not get prompt care for his respiratory problems. He recently tested positive for coronavirus and died on his way to the COVID-19 ward at Hamidia hospital, she said. Also, a 75-year-old senior journalist, who survived the gas tragedy, died on April 11 and his sample test report came out positive for coronairus on Tuesday, she said. On March 21, some organisations working for the welfare of gas tragedy survivors wrote to the state and central authorities concerned, saying an overwhelming number of gas victims suffer from respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney problems and cancer as a result of exposure to the toxic gas that leaked at the Union Carbide factory here in 1984. They claimed that these survivors were at least five times more vulnerable to COVID-19 than other people. Instead of paying special attention to the needs of Bhopal gas victims, the state government took over BMHRCand turned it into a medical facility for COVID-19 patients, Dhingra said. For last 22 days, no gas victim was even allowed to avail emergency services there, she said. Dhingra said before BMHRC was converted into a dedicated facility for coronavirus patients, 86 gas tragedy survivors were admitted there. After it was made a hospital for COVID-19 patients, all except five were discharged. Out of these five, a 68-year-old woman died at the hospital due to ailments related to the gas mishap, she said. Besides, out of the gas tragedy survivors discharged from BMHRC, two persons, both aged around 70, died at their homes while another one died at a city hospital due to the gas leak mishap related illnesses, she said. In a letter to gas relief hospital’s monitoring committee chairman, retd Justice V K Agrawal, the NGOs pointed out all these aspects and urged him to re-start the medical facility for gas victims considering their vulnerability. The NGOs have also filed a writ petition in the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding that gas victims be provided a dedicated medical facility for their treatment, as was the practice earlier. Meanwhile, taking note of the death of five gas tragedy victims due to coronavirus, the state government has decided to categorise BMHRC as a ‘COVID Health Centre’ where gas mishap survivors can continue to avail treatment for their ailments. An order to this effect was issued late Tuesday evening, a health department official said. “Now, gas victims can continue to get treatment as usual in BMHRC, he said. Bhopal Divisional Commissioner Kalpana Shrivastava said the earlier decision to make BMHRC a dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients was taken at the “government level”. Dhingra said the Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in other government hospitals of Bhopal continue to remain open for gas incident survivors. Arif Aqueel, the former state minister of Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department, said the earlier decision to close BMHRC for gas victims was not in the interest of these people, and they should be given treatment at this facility on priority, especially in the OPD.

All 5 who died of COVID-19 in Bhopal were 1984 gas tragedy victims

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus.

Denmark was among the first countries in Europe to impose mass restrictions. Stringent social isolation policies, public healthcare facilities, work from home guidelines and disinfection efforts have helped Denmark restrict virus spread.&nbsp;

However, critics of the government are sceptical of easing restrictions. Medical practitioners and parents of school-going children have also raised concerns over the decision to relax restrictions. The government of Denmark is yet to completely draw up guidelines for schools.

However, basic guidelines are being followed---where children maintain a distance of 1meter, wash hands at regular intervals, maintain hygiene and also attend most classes outdoor. While some parents have welcomed the move, others have appealed to not make their children guinea pigs for COVID-19. Month-long lockdowns in Denmark and across Europe has taken a massive toll on the economy and people's jobs.&nbsp;

While the prime minister has announced the easing of restrictions and has reopened schools, many businesses would remain closed till May. Hotels, restaurants, cargo movement and any non-essential shopping place will continue to remain closed until the virus spread drops significantly.

Until now, Denmark has had a total of 6,681 positive cases of the novel coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the Nordic Country reported just 10 deaths--one of its lowest ever since the pandemic. The total death toll of Denmark has also reached 309

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus.

Denmark has started opening schools and daycare centres for younger children after lockdown which extended close to a month. The decision comes as the first step in gradual relaxing a long lockdown which was imposed in early March to fight the novel coronavirus. Denmark was among the first countries in Europe to impose mass restrictions. Stringent social isolation policies, public healthcare facilities, work from home guidelines and disinfection efforts have helped Denmark restrict virus spread. However, critics of the government are sceptical of easing restrictions. Medical practitioners and parents of school-going children have also raised concerns over the decision to relax restrictions. The government of Denmark is yet to completely draw up guidelines for schools. However, basic guidelines are being followed---where children maintain a distance of 1meter, wash hands at regular intervals, maintain hygiene and also attend most classes outdoor. While some parents have welcomed the move, others have appealed to not make their children guinea pigs for COVID-19. Month-long lockdowns in Denmark and across Europe has taken a massive toll on the economy and people's jobs. While the prime minister has announced the easing of restrictions and has reopened schools, many businesses would remain closed till May. Hotels, restaurants, cargo movement and any non-essential shopping place will continue to remain closed until the virus spread drops significantly. Until now, Denmark has had a total of 6,681 positive cases of the novel coronavirus. In the last 24 hours, the Nordic Country reported just 10 deaths--one of its lowest ever since the pandemic. The total death toll of Denmark has also reached 309

Denmark eases lockdown restrictions, opens schools and daycare centres

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

With two-thirds of test results in, 668 sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle and escort vessels in its battle group are confirmed to have the virus, it said.

Thirty-one were being treated in hospital, and one was in intensive care, a ministry statement said.

Last week, it was decided to bring the Charles-de-Gaulle home 10 days early from a deployment in the Atlantic after some crew members showed coronavirus symptoms.

The carrier which had helicopters and fighter jets on board, was accompanied by two frigates -- one for aerial defence and the other an anti-submarine vessel.

Sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle, one of the frigates and the pilots who returned the aircraft to their respective bases, are all placed in isolation for 14 days, the ministry said.

There had been no virus outbreak on the other frigate.

So far, 1,767 sailors from the battle group have been tested for the virus, the vast majority from the aircraft carrier itself, said the ministry statement.

Some thirty percent of results are still outstanding, meaning more than half of those tested so far have come back positive.

The Charles-de-Gaulle, which can transport about 2,000 sailors, had been deployed in the Atlantic as part of a NATO exercise after taking part in Operation Chammal that seeks to contain the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

The vessels in the battle group are being disinfected, the ministry said.

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday.

A third of the nearly 2,000 sailors who were aboard France's aircraft carrier and support craft when a coronavirus outbreak occurred at sea have tested positive for the virus, the defence ministry said Wednesday. With two-thirds of test results in, 668 sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle and escort vessels in its battle group are confirmed to have the virus, it said. Thirty-one were being treated in hospital, and one was in intensive care, a ministry statement said. Last week, it was decided to bring the Charles-de-Gaulle home 10 days early from a deployment in the Atlantic after some crew members showed coronavirus symptoms. The carrier which had helicopters and fighter jets on board, was accompanied by two frigates -- one for aerial defence and the other an anti-submarine vessel. Sailors from the Charles-de-Gaulle, one of the frigates and the pilots who returned the aircraft to their respective bases, are all placed in isolation for 14 days, the ministry said. There had been no virus outbreak on the other frigate. So far, 1,767 sailors from the battle group have been tested for the virus, the vast majority from the aircraft carrier itself, said the ministry statement. Some thirty percent of results are still outstanding, meaning more than half of those tested so far have come back positive. The Charles-de-Gaulle, which can transport about 2,000 sailors, had been deployed in the Atlantic as part of a NATO exercise after taking part in Operation Chammal that seeks to contain the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria. The vessels in the battle group are being disinfected, the ministry said.

Hundreds test positive to COVID-19 on French aircraft carrier

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May.

German chancellor Angela Merkel held meetings with cabinet ministers and announced the easing of social restriction measures that Germany had adopted since March 20.

Shops sized 800 square meters and less will be allowed to reopen from next week. However, stringent social distancing rules will continue to remain in place.

A month-long lockdown in Germany has forced children to remain indoors and miss their classes. After a long discussion with governors of all 16 states, Merkel also announced that schools are scheduled to reopen on May 3. But, only as per specific guidelines laid out by the German government.

The Merkel government has also managed to pacify sceptics and several medical Experts on deciding to relax restrictive measures. Merkel has mandated.

That all religious gatherings, cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, music venues and other big malls are banned until August 31. Health authorities have also assured to Increase medical staffing to test close to 650,000 people in a week in Germany.

The worst affected European country--Italy which surpassed a milestone of 20,000 Deaths due to coronavirus has decided to resurrect itself and revive its economy.

Just a few days after a sombre Easter day, Italy has finally eased restrictions and allowed some small shops to reopen across the country.

With the COVID-19 curve flattening each day, experts and officials from the Italian Government believe that reopening small shops will kick-start the economy immediately. But, reopened shops selling books, stationery and essentials are still mandated to follow safety protocols and social distancing guidelines as ordered by the government.

Despite the Italian government taking a strong decision to reopen shops, some Provinces in Italy exercised their partial autonomy power and continued to keep the Shops closed. Claims of COVID-19 curve flattening was also not well received among the local Italians as cases of infection went above 165,000 and death toll surpassed 21,000. Most Italians also expressed fear of second wave infections as the lockdown was being eased across the country.

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May.

A host of European countries are starting to relax restrictions and lift lockdowns amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two of the worst-hit countries—Germany and Italy, who have a total of 299,000 and more cases combined, have also announced to reopen small shops and schools from May. German chancellor Angela Merkel held meetings with cabinet ministers and announced the easing of social restriction measures that Germany had adopted since March 20. Shops sized 800 square meters and less will be allowed to reopen from next week. However, stringent social distancing rules will continue to remain in place. A month-long lockdown in Germany has forced children to remain indoors and miss their classes. After a long discussion with governors of all 16 states, Merkel also announced that schools are scheduled to reopen on May 3. But, only as per specific guidelines laid out by the German government. The Merkel government has also managed to pacify sceptics and several medical Experts on deciding to relax restrictive measures. Merkel has mandated. That all religious gatherings, cafes, hotels, restaurants, bars, music venues and other big malls are banned until August 31. Health authorities have also assured to Increase medical staffing to test close to 650,000 people in a week in Germany. The worst affected European country--Italy which surpassed a milestone of 20,000 Deaths due to coronavirus has decided to resurrect itself and revive its economy. Just a few days after a sombre Easter day, Italy has finally eased restrictions and allowed some small shops to reopen across the country. With the COVID-19 curve flattening each day, experts and officials from the Italian Government believe that reopening small shops will kick-start the economy immediately. But, reopened shops selling books, stationery and essentials are still mandated to follow safety protocols and social distancing guidelines as ordered by the government. Despite the Italian government taking a strong decision to reopen shops, some Provinces in Italy exercised their partial autonomy power and continued to keep the Shops closed. Claims of COVID-19 curve flattening was also not well received among the local Italians as cases of infection went above 165,000 and death toll surpassed 21,000. Most Italians also expressed fear of second wave infections as the lockdown was being eased across the country.

Germany and Italy begin to ease coronavirus lockdown rules, but move warily

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-case-in-india-cross-11000-death-toll-reaches-377-292560">Also read: Coronavirus case in India cross 11,000; death toll reaches 377</a>

This makes it the fastest App to exceed 50 million installs on the platform, at just 13 days after launching in India on April 2.

Before Aarogya Setu Niantic’s smash hit Pokémon GO had passed this milestone in just 19 days in 2016. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-extends-lockdown-till-may-3-as-coronavirus-cases-cross-10000-292393">Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000</a> 
 
The Aarogya Setu (health bridge) mobile app was launched by the government of India to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus.

Yesterday, PM Modi appealed to every citizen to download and use the Aarogya Setu App. This app has been developed especially to track coronavirus cases.

This app is designed to help control the spread of coronavirus and make its information accessible to the common people. This special app also helps in finding out corona positive people present nearby.

After downloading, this app asks if you have cough, fever or trouble breathing etc. If you do not have any such problem, you will be in the Green Zone.

This app tells the user to keep the mobile phone's Bluetooth and location devices on. Whenever the user visits a crowded place, this app keeps sending messages from nearby mobile phones through the Bluetooth. When the user stands near someone who is also a normal it shows green zone. But if that person becomes corona positive after 10 days, this app will alert you immediately.

In such a situation, the user can get himself or herself checked also. This app also tells about hotspots, so that the user can change the route.

This app has launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development is associated with Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users.

Government of India's newly launched app Aarogya Setu (health bridge) has become an instant hit among smartphone user. It is the world's fastest-growing mobile app with more than 50 million users. Also read: Coronavirus case in India cross 11,000; death toll reaches 377 This makes it the fastest App to exceed 50 million installs on the platform, at just 13 days after launching in India on April 2. Before Aarogya Setu Niantic’s smash hit Pokémon GO had passed this milestone in just 19 days in 2016. Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000 The Aarogya Setu (health bridge) mobile app was launched by the government of India to help people assess themselves the risk of catching coronavirus infection and alert authorities if they have come in close contact with a person infected with the deadly virus. Yesterday, PM Modi appealed to every citizen to download and use the Aarogya Setu App. This app has been developed especially to track coronavirus cases. This app is designed to help control the spread of coronavirus and make its information accessible to the common people. This special app also helps in finding out corona positive people present nearby. After downloading, this app asks if you have cough, fever or trouble breathing etc. If you do not have any such problem, you will be in the Green Zone. This app tells the user to keep the mobile phone's Bluetooth and location devices on. Whenever the user visits a crowded place, this app keeps sending messages from nearby mobile phones through the Bluetooth. When the user stands near someone who is also a normal it shows green zone. But if that person becomes corona positive after 10 days, this app will alert you immediately. In such a situation, the user can get himself or herself checked also. This app also tells about hotspots, so that the user can change the route. This app has launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development is associated with Digital India for the health and well-being of every Indian. (With inputs from agencies)

Aarogya Setu beats 'Pokémon GO' record, crosses 50 million downloads in 13 Days

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations.

One of the biggest myths about COVID-19 is that the virus is heat sensitive and hence won’t spread much in areas that are not typically cold.

But the fact is, the spread of COVID-19 is not necessarily hampered by either cold or hot weather.&nbsp;

Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather."

WHO's official website claims, &nbsp;"You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. "

The experts said COVID-19 spreads through human contact. The mass gathering has to be avoided and people need to take precautions like washing hands.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations.

The coronavirus pandemic has created an atmosphere of fear and misinformation. From homemade cure to temperature and weather-related myths have made it to the list of misinformations. One of the biggest myths about COVID-19 is that the virus is heat sensitive and hence won’t spread much in areas that are not typically cold. But the fact is, the spread of COVID-19 is not necessarily hampered by either cold or hot weather. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months. The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather." WHO's official website claims, "You can catch COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is. Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19. To protect yourself, make sure you clean your hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. " The experts said COVID-19 spreads through human contact. The mass gathering has to be avoided and people need to take precautions like washing hands.

Myth buster: No correlation between temperature variations and coronavirus spread

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-pm-modi-extends-indias-lockdown-till-may-3-economic-activities-to-resume-partially-292346">As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation&nbsp;</a>

PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world.

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Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> addresses the nation<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronavirusIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronavirusIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NarendraModi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NarendraModi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lockdown2?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lockdown2</a> <a href="https://t.co/AJYpM3VhBB">pic.twitter.com/AJYpM3VhBB</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1249920544163545088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India's fight against coronavirus is moving ahead very strongly and the country has been able to avert considerable damage due to sacrifice of the countrymen.

"India's fight against corona global epidemic is moving ahead very strongly. Because of your sacrifice so far, India has been able to avert considerable damage from coronavirus. I know how many problems you had to face. Somebody has trouble getting food, somebody has trouble commuting and someone is away from home," Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the nation. 
 
Meanwhile, a&nbsp;total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3. As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in his address to the nation announced a further extension of the nationwide lockdown till May 3. As it happened: PM Modi's address to the nation PM said that India gained from timely measures of social distancing and lockdown and is in a much stable position in comparison to several powerful countries of the world. Prime Minister @narendramodi addresses the nation#CoronavirusIndia #COVID19 #NarendraModi #Lockdown2 pic.twitter.com/AJYpM3VhBB — WION (@WIONews) April 14, 2020 × India's fight against coronavirus is moving ahead very strongly and the country has been able to avert considerable damage due to sacrifice of the countrymen. "India's fight against corona global epidemic is moving ahead very strongly. Because of your sacrifice so far, India has been able to avert considerable damage from coronavirus. I know how many problems you had to face. Somebody has trouble getting food, somebody has trouble commuting and someone is away from home," Prime Minister Modi said in his address to the nation. Meanwhile, a total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his address by asking people to be very vigilant in following the coronavirus lockdown, which has now extended till 3 May. He wished everyone good health against this coronavirus menace.

PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health.&nbsp;

A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

&nbsp;As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. 
&nbsp; 
The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations.

(With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health. A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India.

Coronavirus cases in India have risen to 10,363 and the death toll to 339, according to data released by the Ministry of health. A total number of 10,363 cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. So far, 339 people have succumbed to the infection in the country, while 1,035 patients have been cured. There are 8,988 active cases in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The ministry also said that 1211 new cases and 31 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. As India is fighting the COVID-19 crisis with nationwide lockdown, doctors and healthcare workers are working day and night to minimise the damage due to the pandemic with constant checks on the patients, either through phone or video conferencing. The threat of them catching the coronavirus and infecting their own families also looms large, due to which most of the doctors have given up going homes and have shifted to solitary accommodations. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus: India sees 1,211 cases in 24 hours; total tally at 10,363

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. &nbsp;WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis.

USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control.

India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations.&nbsp;

The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday.&nbsp;

During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources.

If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders.

With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown.

It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances.

As COVID crisis creates havoc in America, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will help Indians worried about visa issue and may extend their stay depending on the circumstances. WION learnt that the body may provide special consideration or expedited processing for those who may need it on a case-by-case basis. USCIS takes care of issues like visas, citizenship, work visas etc and is expected to provide special support for individuals who may be affected by circumstances beyond their control. India last week had requested the US government to extend the validity of H-1B and other visas for Indian nationals stranded in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The request was conveyed from the US state department to the US Department of Homeland Security, under which USCIS comes. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services have taken steps to help immigration-related problems of individuals, employers which they facing due to the ongoing COVID crisis in the US. The body is currently analyzing issues and other possible steps the agency may take to further address some of these challenges and will consider the public’s recommendations. The matter was taken up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan, who shared the concerns with US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen E. Biegun on Wednesday. During the talks between the Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State, both discussed ways to enhance cooperation to counter and control the pandemic, including measures "through the development of novel therapies and prophylactics against COVID-19 and ensuring the availability of essential medicines, diagnostic and medical equipment, and sharing of best practices and information", say sources. If the employer terminates the contract of an H-1B holder, the employee needs to find new employment within 60 days to retain their H-1B status. But until now there has been no order as such from the US Government asking employers to terminate services of H-1B visa holders. With fears of unemployment in the US, news has been going around that Indians with an H-1B visa might be impacted. Almost 10 million Americans have filed for unemployment allowance which has been the larger trend and not specific to Indians. In addition to this, visa renewal is being delayed due to the lockdown. It is to be noted that Indians constitute the largest percentage of H-1B visa holders in the US. US and India have been having a high-level mutual engagement ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on April 4 regarding steps to counter the crisis arising out of the situation. Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had also spoken with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on April 6.

COVID-19 crisis visa extension issue: US to extend stay depending on ground situation 

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion.

The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent&nbsp;of European olive oil production.

The&nbsp;study has been published&nbsp;in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cold-war-bombs-help-scientists-discover-whale-sharks-can-live-up-to-a-century-291112" hreflang="en">Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century!</a>

According to the study,&nbsp;it can cause damages worth&nbsp;€17 billion alone in Spain in the next 50 years.

<img alt="Olive trees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e4172b07-9ed9-4194-ab64-9463c4cda0d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/_111724705_4.png" />

(The impact of infection with Xylella - the trees on the right have not yet been exposed to the bacterium)

A similar scenario in Italy would amount to over five billion, while in Greece, the losses would be under two billion.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranus-wasnt-always-tilted-find-out-what-actually-happened-291104" hreflang="en">Uranus wasn't always tilted: Find out what actually happened!</a>

Also known as Xylella fastidiosa&nbsp;pathogen is&nbsp;transmitted&nbsp;by sap-sucking insects such as spittlebugs.

The bacterium which has killed swathes of trees in Italy, now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece.

Researchers have&nbsp;analysed&nbsp;the future adverse&nbsp;impacts of the disease which can&nbsp;increase the costs of olive oil for consumers.

Xylella is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathogens for plants anywhere in the world.

It can infect cherry, almond and plum trees as well as olives and&nbsp;has been&nbsp;associated with olives after a strain was discovered in trees in Puglia in Italy in 2013.

At present there is no cure for the infection which&nbsp;limits the tree's ability to move water and nutrients and over time it withers and dies.

Other then&nbsp;Italy, the Xylella bacterium has now been found in Spain, France and Portugal.

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion. The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent of European olive oil production.

The economic cost of the deadly pathogens affecting olive trees in Europe has been estimated to over €20 billion. The team of researchers made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95 per cent of European olive oil production. The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also read: Cold war bombs help scientists discover whale sharks can live up to a century! According to the study, it can cause damages worth €17 billion alone in Spain in the next 50 years. (The impact of infection with Xylella - the trees on the right have not yet been exposed to the bacterium) A similar scenario in Italy would amount to over five billion, while in Greece, the losses would be under two billion. Also read: Uranus wasn't always tilted: Find out what actually happened! Also known as Xylella fastidiosa pathogen is transmitted by sap-sucking insects such as spittlebugs. The bacterium which has killed swathes of trees in Italy, now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece. Researchers have analysed the future adverse impacts of the disease which can increase the costs of olive oil for consumers. Xylella is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathogens for plants anywhere in the world. It can infect cherry, almond and plum trees as well as olives and has been associated with olives after a strain was discovered in trees in Puglia in Italy in 2013. At present there is no cure for the infection which limits the tree's ability to move water and nutrients and over time it withers and dies. Other then Italy, the Xylella bacterium has now been found in Spain, France and Portugal.

Lethal olive tree disease across Europe is costing billions

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday.

Kabul registered 18 new cases, maximum highest in the country, leaving behind Kandahar with 15 cases, Balkh 6 cases, Herat and Ghazni 4 new cases each, and Nangarhar 2 cases, according to the health ministry's data cited by Tolo News.

At least 40 people have recovered from the virus in the country while 23 have succumbed to the highly contagious infection, the Health Ministry spokesman said.

In the meantime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board approved immediate debt relief for 25 countries--including Afghanistan--in order to help these countries focus on COVID-19 response.

"Today, I am pleased to say that our Executive Board approved immediate debt service relief to 25 of the IMF's member countries under the IMF's revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) as part of the Fund's response to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, said in a statement.

"This provides grants to our poorest and most vulnerable members to cover their IMF debt obligations for an initial phase over the next six months and will help them channel more of their scarce financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts," she added.

The IMF noted that the CCRT can currently provide about USD 500 million in grant-based debt service relief, including the recent USD 185 million pledge by Britain and USD 100 million provided by Japan as immediately available resources. While others, including China and the Netherlands, are also stepping forward with important contributions.

"I urge other donors to help us replenish the Trust's resources and boost further our ability to provide additional debt service relief for a full two years to our poorest member countries," Georgieva said further.

The countries receiving relief include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, D.R., The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo, and Yemen.

The number of victims of the COVID-19 disease globally has reached more than 119,686, and nearly 1.9 million more have been infected with the virus, according to the compilations of US-based Johns Hopkins University.

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday.

The Afghan Health Ministry said that 49 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in the country in the past 24 hours, which led the total cases surge to 714 on Tuesday. Kabul registered 18 new cases, maximum highest in the country, leaving behind Kandahar with 15 cases, Balkh 6 cases, Herat and Ghazni 4 new cases each, and Nangarhar 2 cases, according to the health ministry's data cited by Tolo News. At least 40 people have recovered from the virus in the country while 23 have succumbed to the highly contagious infection, the Health Ministry spokesman said. In the meantime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board approved immediate debt relief for 25 countries--including Afghanistan--in order to help these countries focus on COVID-19 response. "Today, I am pleased to say that our Executive Board approved immediate debt service relief to 25 of the IMF's member countries under the IMF's revamped Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust (CCRT) as part of the Fund's response to help address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, said in a statement. "This provides grants to our poorest and most vulnerable members to cover their IMF debt obligations for an initial phase over the next six months and will help them channel more of their scarce financial resources towards vital emergency medical and other relief efforts," she added. The IMF noted that the CCRT can currently provide about USD 500 million in grant-based debt service relief, including the recent USD 185 million pledge by Britain and USD 100 million provided by Japan as immediately available resources. While others, including China and the Netherlands, are also stepping forward with important contributions. "I urge other donors to help us replenish the Trust's resources and boost further our ability to provide additional debt service relief for a full two years to our poorest member countries," Georgieva said further. The countries receiving relief include Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, D.R., The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo, and Yemen. The number of victims of the COVID-19 disease globally has reached more than 119,686, and nearly 1.9 million more have been infected with the virus, according to the compilations of US-based Johns Hopkins University.

Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-extends-lockdown-till-may-3-as-coronavirus-cases-cross-10000-292393" hreflang="en">PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000</a>

The overall death toll is now 20,465.

Meanwhile, neighbouring France has extended lockdown to May 11. This as President Emmanuel Macron warned, that the pandemic was not yet under control. This comes as the death toll in the country nears 15,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/angry-trump-denies-plan-to-axe-coronavirus-doctor-but-signals-new-fights-292340">Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights</a>

Rafale jets which were aboard a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier have returned to their base in northwest France.

Personnel who operated the jets were tested before being quarantined in a military facility

In Spain, labourers went back to work as the country started to ease tough lockdown restrictions, that have kept people confined to their homes for over a month.

Dozens of health workers in Madrid paid tribute to a colleague who passed away from coronavirus.

The 57-year old nurse became the third medic to succumb to COVID-19 in the Spanish capital.

Spain has confirmed over 17-thousand coronavirus deaths.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day.

The number of new coronavirus cases in Italy has declined but the death toll continues to rise. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Italy rose to 566, up from 431 the previous day. Also read: PM Narendra Modi extends lockdown till May 3 as coronavirus cases cross 10,000 The overall death toll is now 20,465. Meanwhile, neighbouring France has extended lockdown to May 11. This as President Emmanuel Macron warned, that the pandemic was not yet under control. This comes as the death toll in the country nears 15,000. Also read: Angry Trump denies plan to axe coronavirus doctor but signals new fights Rafale jets which were aboard a coronavirus-stricken aircraft carrier have returned to their base in northwest France. Personnel who operated the jets were tested before being quarantined in a military facility In Spain, labourers went back to work as the country started to ease tough lockdown restrictions, that have kept people confined to their homes for over a month. Dozens of health workers in Madrid paid tribute to a colleague who passed away from coronavirus. The 57-year old nurse became the third medic to succumb to COVID-19 in the Spanish capital. Spain has confirmed over 17-thousand coronavirus deaths.

Coronavirus pandemic in Europe not yet under control!

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